Honda's dog-friendly Element (video)

by Antuan Goodwin

Live from the 2009 New York auto show, Honda has created a concept of its Element crossover that is "dog friendly," with features such as a rear-access ramp, a spill-proof water bowl, and safety netting.

Topics:: Car shows

Tags:: 2009 New York auto show,; Honda,; Element,; dog

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (18 Comments)

by MariettaMama April 10, 2009 6:15 AM PDT

What i want to know is if I can retro-fit my existing Element with new accessories.

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by newgun2000 November 19, 2009 5:58 PM PST: Yes I have just installed a kit in a new Element and it looks like it should fit in the older models as well; Like this

by bseam253 April 11, 2009 1:31 PM PDT

That ramp is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. If your dog needs a ramp to get into the back of an Element, odds are it's small enough to pick up and place in the vehicle!

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by gigabytez April 12, 2009 1:53 AM PDT: for older dogs or those with back problems, I won't judge; Like this


by tcr071 April 12, 2009 9:40 AM PDT: I have to agree. It would be more work pulling out the ramp and getting the dog to go up it than it would be to just pick the animal up. The ramp would only be useful for older dogs who had problems and whoever was driving couldn't physically pick them up. I've seen small dogs leap into cars higher than that, you would be surprised.

If it is there it is there. I couldn't imagine someone honestly paying extra FOR that ramp but if they really want a Honda Element (god knows why) and like to take their dog... why not?; Like this


by Kasuran April 12, 2009 12:25 PM PDT: Like above poster said, it's for older dogs. We have an 11 year old golden retriever that would be impossible to pick up, but she has problems getting into the cars now. We've been thinking of making our own ramp for a while, so it's good to see a company thinking in line with consumers.; Like this


by bsoslander April 13, 2009 3:33 PM PDT: Last year my beloved german shepherd died of cancer. In his prime he weighed 110 lbs, and was over 90 at his death. YOU try loading a dog into the back of an Explorer or other suv type vehicle with a tailgate. I threw out my shoulder, and had two bulging discs in my back. So think a little outside the box and recognize that all dogs are not created under 35 lbs.; Like this


by newgun2000 November 19, 2009 6:01 PM PST: The ramp is made of aluminum and is stowed below the kennel and folds out and does not weight much.; Like this


by kalel33 April 11, 2009 9:19 PM PDT: Could do without the ramp, until my dogs like 9 years old, but the rest I really want. I think they've hit a market that has been untapped.; Like this Reply to this comment

by denis9834 April 12, 2009 12:32 PM PDT

all dogs are stupid and people who have them are retarted

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by norcalrivercat April 12, 2009 6:01 PM PDT: Well I don't think you're an exception to your own labeling...; Like this

by GibsonSG April 12, 2009 3:50 PM PDT

People who spell retarded as "retarted" are retarded.

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by dogzQne April 14, 2009 1:31 AM PDT: LOL... no kidding... that's funny, GibsonSG~ LOL; Like this


by hafdozdogz April 29, 2009 11:35 PM PDT: Good point!; Like this


by bsoslander April 13, 2009 3:37 PM PDT: I think the ramp is fabulous. It would also be great if you have to load large, heavy items with a dolly. Women don't just load stuff, guys, we need a little help occasionally, and the ramp looks like a big help. Then we wouldn't need to interrupt your football watching!; Like this Reply to this comment


by hafdozdogz April 29, 2009 11:37 PM PDT: I love this car...could use a bigger version as I have a bunch of dogs! The ramp is excellent - my BIG dogs are getting older, my basset hound has short legs and it is just safer when they don't have to jump in & out. I think it is great that dogs are considered important enough to build a car around. Great job, Honda!; Like this Reply to this comment

by webbycookie2009 November 11, 2009 4:49 PM PST

I can't wait until this suv is on the market. I want one. Perfect for me and my 3 dogs.

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by newgun2000 November 19, 2009 5:59 PM PST: Its an add on to Elements and can be installed on older Elements; Like this

(18 Comments)

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