By the way, dark gray is the only interior color while Eternity Blue Pearl, Flamenco Black, Galapagos Green Metallic, Satin Silver Metallic and the Sunset Orange Pearl of my test car are the exterior color choices. Five hues might not seem like a lot to choose from, but a few are at least distinct to this model.

Standard safety features include dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, halogen headlamps and ignition disable.

The only option on the base Element is a $1,000 4-speed automatic transmission, so if you want more goodies you'll need to step up to the $25,600 Element Y. It adds remote keyless entry, cruise control, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), alloy wheels and an upgraded 6 speaker 270-watt audio system with a subwoofer and auxiliary output for an MP3 player, but still only a single CD.

The top-line $28,900 Element Y 4WD adds a removable rear glass panel sunroof, a standard automatic transmission and of course, four-wheel drive. But still, the lack of a multi-disc dash-mounted CD changer is disconcerting, especially when considering the Element's primary target market, the young and restless college age and starter family buyer.

Its price however, even when fully loaded, is well within reach of this slightly less affluent crowd. In this range it has only one direct competitor, the Chrysler PT Cruiser. While packaged similarly though, its ultra-modern boxed styling is the antithesis of the swooping retro people hauler, making the Honda about as distinct as vehicles come.