The 2008 Honda Element rolls into showrooms virtually unchanged from the previous year. However, it remains one of the most functional and adaptable vehicles on the road today. Thanks to a large cargo area and seats that not only fold flat but also fold up and out of the way in the rear, drivers can haul just about anything within reason, including all sorts of sports and adventuring gear.

Offering drivers even more options, the versatile Element comes in a wide variety of trim packages for 2008, in both front-wheel and four-wheel-drive models. Under the hood of all models resides a 2.4-liter, double-overhead-cam i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower. Equipped with variable valve timing and other technologies that help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, the engine also provides a towing capacity of 15,000 pounds.

As in previous years, the Element has side cargo doors that are hinged at the rear and open at the front (also known as suicide doors), and a clamshell tailgate that opens wide to admit all types of cargo.

Standard features for the Element include black, stain-resistant flooring, water-resistant seat fabrics, four-wheel antilock brakes with Brake Assist, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and an AM/FM stereo system with an MP3 input jack.