The Element is powered by Honda's i-VTEC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It comes with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission ($800). All models are available with front-wheel drive (2WD) or Honda's Real Time 4-Wheel Drive (4WD). The 4WD models feature a large rear skylight that tilts open or removes completely and stores inside the vehicle. The 2006 Honda Element comes in three trim levels, LX, EX and EX-P.

The LX ($17,750) and LX 4WD ($19,150) come 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 EX ($19,625) and EX 4WD ($21,025) add 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. Silver EX models are accented by blue cladding and trim, while Red and Magnesium EX models feature black trim.

The new EX-P ($20,125) and EX-P 4WD ($21,525) feature all of the goodies of the EX, but are distinguished by body-colored fenders and door handles and some unique color options, including Tango Red Pearl and Tangerine Metallic.

Safety features on all Elements include front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters to reduce the chance of belt-related injuries. The Element earned a five-star rating for both driver and front-seat passenger in the federal (NHTSA) frontal crash test. EX models include ABS and front-seat side-impact airbags for torso protection. (Curtain airbags, designed for head protection in a side impact or rollover, are not available on the Element.)

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