Overview & Reviews

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.

• Spacious, waterproof interior, optional all-wheel drive, smooth four-cylinder engine, balanced handling.

• Only seats four, clamshell doors hinder entry/exit for rear-seat passengers, ABS restricted to high-line EX.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 302.00

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  The Element is just OK - 2005 Honda Element
  By rubio1010 - June 16 - 7:35 am

  I bought this car for my dogs. I bought it for all of my activities. Its just OK. Driving is fine, not fun, just fine. Take every turn slowly as stuff slides back and forth over the entire plastic interior easily. This is not a "Dog Car." The rocking back and forth and sliding makes them car sick. Cleaning is not nearly as easy as it sounds. "Hosing it out" is not an option. Comfort? On short drives, less than 100 miles, its ok. Anything longer and the plastic seats get stiff and sticky. Ive had two windshields replaced from highway pebbles. Thats annoying. The two reverse doors are awkward for passengers in the rear, and getting in and out of the back seats is very awkward.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Element
  By Copywrites - May 7 - 10:05 pm

  If you are expecting perceived Honda quality, you will be very disappointed in the Element. It will start at about 3000 miles when your rear brakes will start grinding, Then at about 20,000 they will literally explode. Make sure you are always near a repair shop. At 45,000 miles you will need a new manual transmission because yours will pop out of gear at low speeds and require two hands to shift it into 1st or 2nd gear. Have no idea what to expect at 50K because Im dumping it at 48K. Goodbye to the worst built car I have ever owned. (I have owned more than 30 cars BTW)

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  Ugly Duckling - 2005 Honda Element
  By Bill Walsh - October 28 - 6:20 pm

  The only thing I can say is this vehicle is functional. It is ugly but practical. I am a woodworker and it does all I need it to do. It carries 4X8 sheets of plywood or dimensional lumber. I like the fact that it is not carpeted. It has no "gonads". You are not going to burn rubber with it. The good gas mileage is a tradeoff. When I first bought it, I was embarrased to be seen in it. (After being MR. PICKUP). Now I can live with it.

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  MPG Misrepresented - 2005 Honda Element
  By ronimac - December 16 - 8:00 pm

  I am very disappointed in the gas mileage. I drive an equal mix of city/ highway miles and I average approx 200 miles per tankful. I fell that Honda has misrepresented the stated MPG listed on the vehicle. I have over 25 years of driving experience and I know that the poor gas mileage is not due to my driving habits. According to Consumer Report Oct. 05, one writer stated that he gets 14 MPG with his Element. Ive driven Hondas since 92 and have seen the quality decline. I regret not purchasing a Rav4.

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  So-so vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Joe - September 8 - 8:14 am

  I wanted a CRV but it was over priced and under powered for the size. (After some research I see Honda 4 cylinder cars are woefully under powerses. Only logical reason for that its more profitable for the company then adding a V6) The 2005 Element was nearly $24,000 new, way over priced! - I bought used. The Element has been a like / dislike relationship. Its way too heavy for 150+ hp. A small V6 would of made it an enviously nice car. Had I done my homework and seen the maximum cargo, occupancy and fuel weight is a maximum of 675 pounds I wouldnt of bought it. That means 3 adults and some luggage youre already at or above maximum safe driving weight limit. When I first bought it I did my best to get the best mpg (22mpg), which meant from a dead stop to the speed limit (30 street-60mph Hwy) in about 60 - 120 seconds, that got old quick so I now get 13 city / 18 hwy. I was getting 28mpg in my V6 260 hp Maxima. Road noise is nearly unbearable, Im sure I have hearing lose driving my Element. Why do I still drive it? Laid off, making less income. I have no stomach to get into debt anytime soon. So Ill drive it till it dies.

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  honda element ex 5sp awd practical - 2005 Honda Element
  By viking - February 11 - 7:00 pm

  a practical auto with good ride and handling characteristics. Performance just ok but fine for a vehicle of this type. gas mileage not great but liveable. Concerned about high rpm. My saab at 70mph operated at 2700, the element at 3700. Should have a 6th gear which would also increase gas mileage.

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  Disappointed But Satisfied - 2005 Honda Element
  By JOSEPHPLAVIAK - September 9 - 12:20 pm

  The Element has fallen short in a few areas. The "AWD" is far from AWD. When I bought the Element, it was called REALTIME 4 WHEEL DRIVE. In essence FWD assisted by the rear wheels when the computer senses slippage. Granted, I have never been stuck. My next disappointment is the "A" post. The "A" posts cause serious blind spots when making 90 degree turns. Next, I go on to the tires. The 215/70/R16 is a unique tire size, which makes it expensive and hard to find in anything other than an all season radial. Lastly, the front end construction. DONT get in a fender bender, itll be expensive. There is literally no bumper to stop the radiator from being damaged in a minor collision.