2005 Honda Element Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.65/5 Average
302 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Side airbags are now standard on the EX, and all audio systems are equipped with MP3 and WMA playback capability. XM Satellite Radio is newly available. Power mirrors, cruise control and new wheel covers have been added to the LX. New features for the EX include a tailpipe finisher, black and blue plastic panels and a new side sill treatment for reduced chipping.

Pros:
  • Spacious, waterproof interior, optional all-wheel drive, smooth four-cylinder engine, balanced handling.
Cons:
  • Only seats four, clamshell doors hinder entry/exit for rear-seat passengers, ABS restricted to high-line EX.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 302.00
  • I love my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    I purchased an Element after seeing how the rear seats function. The best part for us was the fact they could be removed. I purchased this vehicle entirely for my dogs, because were constantly on the road with them for dog-related activities. The person who reviewed the Element poorly, who also purchased it for their dogs, obviously didnt tie anything down. I put a big dog bed right behind the front seats, can stow up to 6 folding kennels against one side of the vehicle (there are tons of places to use bungee straps in this SUV!), an ice chest, folding chairs, luggage, etc. More than enough room for 2 adults and 3 big dogs. You just have to use your head when it comes to maximizing space!

  • Want Another - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    I will buy another element this year. The thing that I like most is the headroom and the ease of regress and egress. I have a fused neck so I cannot bend it and with the Element I dont have to bend my neck to get in or out. The car is a little noisy from the lack of carpet but you get used to it. Many nooks and crannies that coins get wedged in but not that much of a problem. All around a great car. Replaced a passenger window motor, a battery and was serviced regularly. Still have it 50k miles.

  • Consumer Feedback Makes a Great Car! - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    This is one great car... iPod compatible, fun to drive, handles well in all road and weather conditions, nice stereo sound system, ROOMY.

  • My Element - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    This is my 4th Honda and my favorite......... looks and feels so cool...... love the xm satellite radio included...... so glad i bought it......

  • My Element - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    When my husband first suggested it I said, "you mean that ugly box looking thing?" But when I saw it and drove it, I started to change my mind. I guess my favorite feature is the vinyl floor. If anything spills, you can clean it up and it looks as good as new. I love the interior, gas mileage and believe it will be a reliable car since it is a Honda. You can take the head rests off the front seat and lower it to be a recliner/foot rest for the back seat rider. It is like a recliner for the back seat rider. Kids are grown now and it is Wonderful for traveling for us and also roomy when we have others in the car. We love it the most of any car weve owned. :)

  • 2005 Honda Element AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl) - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever purchased. I originally purchased it for myself till my wife drove it one day and its been hers ever since. We are getting 24-25 mpg out of it. Tire wear has been excellent and performance is within reason. (It is a small SUV with a 4cyl. that is shaped like a brick.) The only regrets she has is she wishes it was the new orange instead of Red. I would recommend this car for anyone, it has been a real blessing. I, like everyone else, would like to see a little more gas mileage but it is a box going down the road. Overall it is completely functional.

  • 2 months in - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    My first Honda after having a Blazer. Chevy was big, heavy, sucked fuel, like a nice lazy boy chair to sit in. Im 63. It had a bit better leg room. As far as utility goes, Elements better. Fuel economy decent. Easy to clean (no carpet to get musty). Roomy - no complaints from passengers - friends are won over after a road trip. Also, I dont tow so the engine is fine for me. And tested the AWD - works great - will get me out of the roughest putin Id find myself near - steep, gravel windy path. Can easily accelerate onto freeway, do 85+ mph with 3 kayaks on top, but is not supposed to be a sports car.

  • Love my baby - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    We got this car last week and I am totally in love with it. It is very comfortable with loads of room. As an older driver with older friends it was important to have easy access to rear seating and room to stretch out when in the rear. This car has it all including reclining seats front & rear. The only fault I have found so far is the "sun roof" in the rear which is really only a removeable rooftop window. (why??) I am told it should not be in the open position when driving as it might come off. The only use I see for this is more light in the rear section, so why have it removeable? Other than that almost insignificant fault, I think this is a great vehicle, both fun and utilitarian.

  • The perfect surf vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    While the element certainly is not for everyone, the decidedly non-SUV/minivan shape and the waterproof interior make it the perfect car to take to the beach with your surfboards strapped on. Not only is the floor made of rubber, but the seats are made of a waterproof material. Upon returning home, just open the doors, hose out the sand and let it drip dry.The 2WD EX 5-speed has excellent acceleration and plenty of power in all gears. Fuel consumption is OK.100s of satellite radio channels and a way-above-par radio for a honda product make choosing the EX trim line a no-brainer.In short, you certainly wont see (nor expect to) five kids in soccer uniforms come pouring out.

  • A true utility vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    My Element is now 4 years old with 60k miles and havent had one problem. I have shoved so much stuff inside of it 2x4s, bikes, cabinets, firewood etc. Its a great vehicle for my family of four, plenty of room and easy for the kids to get in and out of. I am an avid snowboarder/mt biker and the Element is perfect for my outings. It tracks really good in snow, no problem doing 55mph in five inches of fresh snow. I have talked two (and working on the third) friends to buy one and they all say the same thing "I cant believe I waited this long to buy one". So go buy one.

Honda Element Reviews By Year:
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