4 Star Reviews for 2004 Honda Element

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.75/5 Average
443 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2004 Honda Element lineup gets an LX model to slot between the existing DX and EX models. New equipment on EX models includes keyless entry, a passenger-seat armrest as standard, and bungee-cord fasteners on the driver-side front and rear seat backs.

Pros:
  • Impressively versatile interior, optional all-wheel drive, smooth four-cylinder engine, styled as if out of a Japanese animation movie.
Cons:
  • Only seats four, clamshell doors hinder entry/exit for rear-seat passengers.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 443.00
  • I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    04 EX was my first SUV, first Honda. I hated the seat discomfort, the cheap-feeling floors, scratches in interior plastic, exterior plastic, worn bushings, rear differential, some other minor things and annoyances. Thats until i bought 2014 CRV LX. I love my Element now!!! I miss it and i want it back!!! My second honda is my last, thats for sure.

  • Quirky - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    I still cant say that I like the way the Element looks. Its ugly, and it hasnt really grown on me yet. However, it has more interior space than I expected. Rear seat passengers have tons of space and 2 cup holders, as well as 2 more for the front seat passengers. Great sound system. AWD is great in the snow! Acceleration isnt astounding, but it isnt slow. No carpeting means cleaning up spills is the best. Front pillars make big blind spots, and the "suicide doors" are a pain in a parking lot. The brakes took some getting used to for me, the pedal is a little soft and positioned strangely. Smooth and gentle steering and ride. AC began squeaking recently and cranks VERY slow in the cold.

  • Beautifully Used - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    This is the 7th Honda I have owned. I was curious about the Element when they first came out and was glad to finally purchase a used one with a manual "yeah!" and 100k on it. Of course it has been flawless since I have owned it. So many possible ways to use this vehicle. As a competitive triathlete I am looking forward to this summer and using it for fun weekends. I am going to keep up on the maintenance and do a big service here in the spring (plugs, fluids, etc.). As long as I take care of it, the E should go another 100k for me easy. The skylight is way cool! Stereo is more than adequate and iPod friendly. I might even go camping with my son and sleep on the seats that make beds!

  • Solid, uninspried alternative to SUVs - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    The looks arent for everyone, so be prepared to explain yourself. I think the consensus for why people buy the Element is universal, the combination of value, reliability, and versatility. The ride has no sporty intentions, so slow it down around turns. The 160 hp engine feels great, the Element never feels underpowered. Overall Im very happy with my Element. Here are some improvements that wouldnt fit below: 5) The gas tank holds 15.9 gallons, but the nanny fuel light comes on after using only 12 gallons. Abiding by the fuel light, youll be filling up after only 300 miles. 6) The recommended load capacity is something like only 680 lbs.

  • Not Your Average Compact SUV - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    Nice balance of performance, driveability and economy. Decent acceleration and fuel economy (22-23 mpg). Handles hills at Interstate speeds effortlessly. Funky shifter looks odd, but works well. Most controls are simple and straight forward. Seats are comfortable, handling precise and ride firm, but not jarring. Nice surprises: sunvisor extenders, storage everywhere. Quirks: high belt line makes reaching drive-up ATM a stretch, gauges hard to read on cloudy days, dashboard light adjustment is awkward, no glove box light, cargo slides on plastic floor as you drive. Cant get optional arm rest/storage bin with the stick shift (do it yourself).

  • Great Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    So far Ive enjoyed the Element immensely. It drives like a car and the roominess is great. I love the rubber flooring, too -- its nice to not worry about spills. The clamshell doors make it easy to load and unload, although theyre a bit of a pain when you just need to put something small in the back seat. You have to open the front doors to open and close the back. There are lots of nooks and the stereo isnt bad either, especially for a factory install. The only major complaint is the gas mileage. So far, Im getting about 16 mpg driving about 12-20 miles per day. Im hoping that will get better as the engine breaks in.

  • Reliable companion SUV - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    Own it for 10 months and so far love the way it handles the over all driving. Fun to drive and very practical. The sun visor,when down gets in the way of your driving site. The cup holders would prefer if they were a little higher reach.While driving it can be tricky to reach for the cup, you may need to take your eyes off the road momentarily. Mileage could be better for a 4 cyl. Manufacture claims 27 hgwy, I think 25 more likely. Igot mine loaded with options, under 24,000. For its price and performance I certainly would recommend it highly. The plastic side pannels that alot of readers are concerned about it, so far they holding on pretty good. Do hav

  • Very satisfied owner - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    I use mine as a high mileage "bail- bond" runner with my advertising on all four sides. Its a design icon so it gets a LOT of notice. Incredibly versatile, tremendous value, good gas mileage, reasonably comfortable. If I get too tired to drive, I jump in the back and sleep a couple of hours and then Im back to it. Ive enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Stadium seating is cool.

  • Ugly but love it - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    I am happy with my Element. Took some time getting use to fine styling :-( (much like an English taxi) But it is so useful, comfortable, cleans up really well, great for hauling stuff and mine is basic beige which really hides the dirt well. I plan to drive it for at least a full 200,000 miles and forgo car payments for sometime.

  • dangerous obstruction - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    I have enjoyed my Honda Element. Ease of cleaning is top of the list. The primary complaint I have is that there is a profound obstruction in the view of oncoming traffic due to the vertical supports on the sides of the front windshield. I have had more than two very near miss T-bones because I absolutely didnt see oncoming cars and pulled out in front of them. After I realized the problem I compensate for that now, but this is a serious safety issue.

Honda Element Reviews By Year:
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