Porsche's pullme-pushyou.  Reviews of cars, trucks, and other
autos. June 18 2003 7:51 PM  Porsche's Pullme-Pushyou  Plus:
Honda's Element doesn't drive as cool as it looks. But it's
close!  (Continued from Page 1)  Essential contradiction: The
car looks like a rugged Panzer for Pavement-lovers. But it
drives like a loaded-down Civic.   It should be called: The
Honda Elephant. Slow, carries a lot, and will last a long time.
Slice of drive: Like an SUV, the Element is tall. Unlike on an
SUV, the load floor is very near the road. Result: a huge, room-
like interior space. The vast windshield is way up there in the
front--watching the road ahead is like looking at a movie.
Acceleration can tactfully be described as gradual. The brakes
are excellent, but there's the traditional  front-wheel-drive
mush up front when you rotate the wheel. (The 4WD version might
be better.) ... The Element doesn't make you feel fast, or
agile, or tough. It makes you feel efficient. You're not a
driver; you're a movement technician!