Marketing Mistakes Killed the Honda Element
Poor one out for a beloved SUV that bit the dust too early. No, I’m not talking about the Nissan X’terra, but that’s a good guess. But today, I’m focused on the Honda element and how marketing mistakes sent it to the grave.
Why was the Honda Element discontinued?
R.I.P. to the Honda Element, which lived from 2003 to 2011. It started off as a great success with about 67,000 sales during its first year.
But ultimately, it was discontinued due to becoming outdated, facing fierce competition, and a decline in sales.
I suspect that Honda’s marketing for the Element pushed it toward its grave a little too early. For example, it was marketed toward young men as an adventure vehicle for dogs, and camping, but it was priced for middle-class families.
Middle-class families were being drawn to bigger options like the Honda CR-V and rivals with more passenger space and family-friendly features.
However, the Element was the best SUV for dogs with a built-in water bowl and a space for a dog bed in the rear. Dogs are important members of the family in my opinion.
Another thing that owners love is the fact that the Element is easy to clean. Getting rid of stains, crumbs, and fur is very easy.
Marketing also focuses on aspects of the Element that families didn’t really need. For example, the suicide doors allow you to see the most landscape possible from inside the cabin. But seatbelts were attached to the doors, making it difficult to exit the vehicle sometimes.
The rear seats fold up against the sides of the interior to create a space for sleeping and activities. The Element can hold a full-size mattress and the front seats recline flat.
Families that could afford its price were more focused on practical family options with comfort and convenience.
But notice how there are still Honda Element models on the road today, including manual ones. That’s because the Element is a classic vehicle with the ability to adventure almost anywhere.
It’s an entry-level overlanding vehicle that will last forever. Seriously, I’ve seen examples with over 600,000 miles on the odometer. Honda is trying to make up for the missing Element with TrailSport models, but they aren’t hitting the same.
