All 2005 EX Elements will feature anti-lock brakes and front side airbags as standard equipment. EX models will also benefit from MP3 and Windows Media(TM) Audio (WMA) playback capability as well as standard XM(R) Satellite Radio.

Honda's 2.4-liter, i-VTEC, 4-cylinder engine with 160-horsepower and 161 lb.-ft. of torque is coupled to either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission and provides good acceleration while maintaining fuel economy in the low- to mid-twenties. The i-VTEC system (the "i" stands for "intelligent") combines Honda's patented VTEC system with Variable Timing Control (VTC) to enhance low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower. Honda's Real Time 4WD(TM) system is available on all models and 16-inch wheels are standard. Its chassis features a Toe Control Link MacPherson strut suspension in front and a compact double-wishbone suspension in the rear

The 2005 Honda Element comes in two trim levels, LX and EX. The LX ($17,450) comes with air conditioning with micron filtration, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, cruise control, an adjustable steering column, and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo. (The base DX model has been dropped for 2005.)

EX adds side-impact airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS); aluminum wheels; remote keyless entry; a passenger-side armrest; and a seven-speaker, 270-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with XM Satellite Radio capability plus an auxiliary input for MP3, WMA, or other digital media. Blue cladding and trim accent Silver EX models, while Red and Magnesium EX models feature black trim.

Honda Element provides the most versatile package for any vehicle in its price range. It has a hard flat floor like a pickup, an enclosed rear area like an SUV, fuel economy and maneuverability similar to a car, side cargo doors, and available 4-wheel-drive.

The Element earned a five-star rating for both driver and front-seat passenger in the federal (NHTSA) frontal crash test. The 2005 EX models include ABS and front-seat side-impact airbags; the latter designed to protect driver and front-passenger's torsos. Curtain airbags, designed for head protection in a side impact or rollover, are not available.

Featuring more powerful and fuel efficient engines, innovative assistance systems, a wide range of safety features, as well as a superior standard of equipment, the new Honda Element of today need no less than superior Honda replacement parts when the need arises.

This is where Parts Train comes in. Having a vast array of well crafted Honda Replacement Parts, Performance Parts, Aftermarket Parts to choose from its online store at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDA available 24 hours a day to serve your most demanding Honda auto parts needs.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.