The Honda Element is available in three models. All come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission ($800). All come standard with front-wheel drive, but the LX and EX models are available with all-wheel drive.

The LX ($18,900) and LX 4WD ($20,300) come with air conditioning with micron filtration, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, an adjustable steering column and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. This is the only Element that still sports the unique gray vinyl fenders and lower body cladding. For 2007, the LX comes standard with remote keyless entry.

The EX ($20,910) and EX 4WD ($22,310) add aluminum wheels, a passenger-side armrest and a 270-watt, seven speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with subwoofer, XM Satellite Radio hardware and redundant controls on the steering wheel. EX models have fenders and cladding painted to match the rest of the body.

The SC ($22,695) is equipped comparably with the Element EX model, including the upgrade 270-watt stereo.

Safety features include curtain-style head protection airbags for front and rear passengers with rollover sensors, as well as Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist anti-skid electronics and a tire pressure monitoring system. That's in addition to side-impact airbags for front-seat passengers for torso protection and the mandated dual front airbags with dual-stage deployment. Also standard are LATCH child-seat anchors, three-point seat belts for all seats with automatic tensioners on the front seats. Be sure and wear your seat belts because they're your first line of defense in an accident. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist come standard.