2008 Honda Element

If you've shopped for an SUV recently, you've seen that there's a truck for practically every taste and application. In the 'lifestyle vehicle' category, there are a bunch of very unique offerings. But none are quite as versatile as Honda's little Element.

Designed for young people that lead 'active lives', the Honda Element's slab-sided body conceals a ton of useful features that even a 30-something couch potato can appreciate. For instance; the seats are covered in a waterproof fabric. This can be particularly useful when young Johnny, or one of his friends spill their beer while attending that kegger at the beach. Just wipe it up and mom and dad will never know.

The floor is covered by a rubberized material for easy cleanup. This is great when Johnny loads his dirty mountain bike, muddy hiking boots, or his buddy Sam throws up during the afore mentioned kegger. Then there's the seating configurations. The rear bench easily swings up and out of the way (or it can be removed), revealing an impressing 74 cubic feet of space. Once Johnny's done moving all his stuff into the dorm room, four of his friends can pile in using the trick side-rear doors (just like the access doors on an extended cab pickup, they can't be opened independently of the front doors) and it's off to that kegger on the beach. After a long night of partying, Johnny decides not to chance a DUI and just crash on the beach. Lucky for him, the seats in his Element will fold flat to make a bed. While it's not exactly an Orthopedic pillow-top, the Element's bed is big enough to comfortably sleep two 6 footers. Since Sam passed out over by the trash cans, Johnny has the truck all to himself and he can enjoy watching the panoramic sunroof spin over the cargo area.

The Honda Element shares its underpinnings and 4-cyl engine with the Honda CR-V. Since it's based on such a good platform, it's no surprise the Element handles and drives so well. Even with its tall, boxy design, it feels sure footed and the ride is acceptably firm. Other than the expected wind buffeting, the Element never feels out of its...uhm, Element.

This truck wont win any races, but its 4-cyl has adequate power, even when equipped with the automatic transmission. Add AWD and gas mileage suffers from the extra weight, but the engine just keeps on trucking.

There's a lot to like about this little truck, regardless of your age. Element's tend to be mostly trouble-free. Plus, it's a Honda, so you know it'll run forever.