4 Star Reviews for 2006 Honda Element

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.66/5 Average
123 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Honda has added an additional trim level to the 2006 Honda Element line, the EX-P. Based upon the EX, it adds body-color exterior panels. The EX receives new alloy wheels and steering wheel audio controls, while the LX gets the former EX-exclusive metallic exterior cladding and standard antilock brakes. Additionally, stated power for the engine is a bit lower this year due to Honda's adoption of new SAE engine testing procedures.

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

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 123.00
  • Toaster can GO! - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    This is my first car and we had it about 3 years prior to it becoming mine, and this is one of the most reliable cars you can get. A couple of years ago we were on a long trip when we were almost out of gas and this car kept going way past empty until we reached a gas station. The only problem is the exterior. I mean, come on, its a toaster.

  • Incredibly roomy, practical SUV - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    This is a great little SUV that was the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Its incredibly roomy and very practical for everything. The performance is adequate. It wont impress you with its acceleration but it never feels underpowered. Handling is good but there is a lot of lean. The suicide doors are interesting, but the door mounted front seat belts are a problem when you need to drop off rear seat passengers.

  • Saved my life - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    My brother had a 2003 Element and was rolled off the thruway--he walked away. Yesterday I was hit just about head on, on the right headlight, by a pickup going over 60 MPH. The car rolled, the airbags deployed and aside from a broken rib and a few contusions, I literally walked away. Kudos to safety features and thanks to you Honda! The high ceilings I believe are a factor in safety and comfort.

  • Great Ski Car - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    I purchased an 06 knowing that changes were going to made in the 07. I did not care for the new belt system and the front grill. Also, this was the 1st generation Element and I believe that all the issues are worked out with the last year of a generation change. (Front windshield, A/C, AWD, etc.) I have been correct. This car (SUV) is rock solid.

  • Great car - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    Have had this car for 3 yrs/60 k miles. Great car. Super cheap to own, amazingly reliable. Standard maintenance is really inexpensive, and only every 10k miles. This is not a luxury car. There is no wood trim/leather seats, etc. What you see is what you get. But its plenty peppy, drives very smooth, and fits in compact car parking spots. Excellent turning radius. Blind spots do take some getting used to though - my only complaint. Excellent in the snow. Excellent build quality. Excellent cargo capacity. Seats are easy to flip up or take out. Even comfortable to sleep in, which I have done many times at trail heads before climbs!

  • glad its gone - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    This was our first Honda and our last. Day one the steering went we had to wait for a new rack-pinion to be installed. A steel rod came through the drivers seat, both front seats had to be recovered. Bad tires, gas mileage, tail gate hinges, visibility, if you park next to another car its real fun to get the rear passengers out. Suicide doors need to go, also need to make this a 5 passenger vehicle, as their is plenty of room.

  • 2006 honda Element 5 speed 4wd - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    I really loved my 2006 Element until gas prices started to go up and the 2007 models came out with the seat belt attached to the seat instead of the back door. How ever I love the honeycomb grill on mine compared to the newer models and the ease of cleaning the interior.

  • Fun car to drive - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    I find the Element very reliable. The best car I have ever driven in snow. The only thing I find that I dont like is that the front seat become very uncomfortable on a long trip (anything over 50 miles). I would like to find out what the max. towing cap. is. I was told by a salesman (Salem, NH Honda) that the tongue weight can be no more than 1500 lbs. but I could tow over 2500 lbs. Is this true?

  • The doors are the deal breaker! - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    I love Hondas. This is our third. After a very positive experience with our second Honda (2004 CR-V) I thought this would fit my needs for fuel economy and versatility. While it is very versatile, has a great interior volume feel, and very solid reliability, I would not buy one of these if you routinely haul more than two people. The clamshell doors are a nightmare, especially with kids and especially in parking lots or your own garage.When parked on an incline, the front door wont stay open to allow the rear clamshell doors to open. The rear door has to close first, posing a strange sequence for getting in/out. Along with this, the lack of rear seat up/down windows is a drag.

  • Rolling Brick - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    Very fun vehicle to drive and I love the open interior space. Plenty of room for tall people. Great cargo hauling capacity and easy clean interior. Great sound system - 270 watt stereo. Ride in back seats can be bumpy, but nice moonroof for the rear people. 2007 model has 5 speed automatic and can get slight better highway mileage than this 4 speed automatic, but still decent mileage.

Honda Element Reviews By Year:
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