All Hondas work this way. The driver (and sometimes passenger) have a power
door like switch right by the handle, so I've never felt too burdened by
this.

I've noticed Fords seem to work the way you describe.


"AES" > wrote in message
...
> Just noticed that when the right-hand door of our Element is locked,
> pulling out on the door-opening latch doesn't pop the lock button up and
> allow you to open the door; you have to reach awkwardly behind your
> right shoulder and lift the lock button up (even when car is in Park,
> but ignition key is on).
>
> Seems to me in other cars we've owned pulling the latch does unlock any
> door, and it should work this way for safety reasons: there could be
> times when you want to get out in a hurry, including maybe in a
> stressful situation, or for an elderly or handicapped individual who
> can't reach back that far.
>
> Or is this a child-safety type provision? Or maybe a user-settable
> option?