Debuting in the 2003 model year, the Element adjusts for 2004 by adding bungee cord front and front passenger seatback stow zones as well as the addition of a passenger seat armrest and keyless entry on the EX – the top-of-the-line Element. This nifty sport utility vehicle looks and acts like a box on wheels. With no B pillars (the front and rear doors swing open from the center), the vehicle is an empty nest waiting for passengers and/or cargo. Enjoy a tailgate party by sitting on the clamshell rear tailgate bottom. Recline the front seats to a flat position – meaning level with rear seat cushions – and create a sleeping pad. Or remove the rear seats to reveal a very open pod. Element presents great sight lines. The vehicle’s power – from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower and 161 of peak torque – is adequate, and the government safety rating is superb at five stars for front passengers. The five-speed manual transmission gearbox is located at center dash, but it’s pretty easy to adjust to this locale versus a floor-mounted shifter. Rear seat passengers during this one-week test drive especially liked the back-of-vehicle overhead sunroof as well as the ample legroom and seemingly endless headroom The vehicle is also a bit of an audio marvel; the sound system really reaches all interior points. Mile per gallon fuel estimates are 21 city/25 highway. MSRP for the 4WD Element with 5-speed manual transmission is $20,300.