BYE-BYE TO THE BOX.(News)(Honda)

Byline: MAC MORRISON Judged by the relatively low 18,377 miles we logged in our long-term Honda Element, the boxy mini ute never achieved staff-favorite status. (Our long-term Chevy TrailBlazer covered 35,777 miles.) Blame the Element's lack of popularity on its icebox-inspired exterior and plastic-laden interior, two oft-repeated editor criticisms. But while staffers in search of driving fun fought over stints in our long-term Nissan 350Z and Mini Cooper S, we never hesitated to snag the Element's key when utilitarian chores beckoned. Our fwd EX model easily handled a variety ...