Overview & Reviews

Sold from 2003-'11, the Honda Element compact crossover SUV remains one of the most distinctive and practical vehicles on the road. Happy Element owners are often city dwellers who appreciate both its small size and generous 75-cubic-foot maximum cargo capacity. Another notable element about the Element is the ability of its access-style rear doors to pivot backward a full 90 degrees, providing unimpeded access to the roomy and creatively configurable rear seats.

A used Element of any vintage is easy to recommend thanks to its functional interior, smooth four-cylinder engine and carlike handling, not to mention Honda's reputation for reliability. That said, it's worthwhile to focus your search on 2007 and newer models, as they offer a bit more power and enhanced safety features.

User Reviews:

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  safety defect - 2003 Honda Element
  By big defect - February 26 - 4:26 pm

  Be forwarned the element has a safty defect. The front windshield breaks due to a design fault in the front pillers. Honda needs to recall these and fix this problem. Several web sites are now dedicated to this. Just search element windshield cracks or failures. this car deserves a zero rating until this is corrected. Our element has had 2 failures in less than 6 months. This appears to now be the norm with this car. Edmunds should tell it like it is and not allow cars with defects to be listed on thier site unless the problem is fixed. Honda wont own up to it and it is now time to trade this defect in.

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  Minor flaws - 2004 Honda Element
  By Q~top - February 23 - 6:53 pm

  Been driving my E for 5 month now, lovn it ever since the day i bought it. Not a high performance car but great for what i pay for. Suggest to get the EX model if your planning to buy a stick shift, where only EX come with a right armrest on the driver seat. Sunroof not recommended unless off road camping is your favorite activity. Its quite difficult to get any thing (including passengers) out the back seat in a tight parking lot (common problem with suicide doors). Large blind spot on driver side, suggest adding a smaller rear view mirror on the left side. Adding bigger and deeper trays in the middle, where things are not easily bump out to the back.

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  Its the Ugliest Car Ive ever Loved! - 2005 Honda Element
  By The Rat - February 20 - 3:00 pm

  I am a retired female age 63. I needed a vehicle to transport a lawn mower and after looking at various trucks, I decided for the $$ the Element was the best value. It had what I needed to haul large items and run the rough roads to my lake home. I am very pleased with the Elements preformance. The steering is a little looser than my car. ButI love the visibility it gives the driver and handles well. Still checking the gas mileage. Love the tan color! Would have liked a light enterio

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  ride - 2004 Honda Element
  By Chris - February 19 - 4:15 pm

  the only negatives I have found with this car is the choppy ride and it could be a little quieter.

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  Best vehicle I ever had! - 2005 Honda Element
  By PatB - February 17 - 4:33 am

  I have owned a Blazer, Explorer, Honda CRV and I have to say the Honda Element is the most outstanding SUV. No carpeting makes it easy to keep clean and is great for hauling. The back seats are completely removable or fold them up against the side windows.This SUV is small enough to be fuel efficient yet the interior space is physically roomy and great for cargo. Best of all it hugs the road and I feel safe inside. CD player & speakers are superb! Great buy for the money-I will do it again!!

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  inmyelement - 2004 Honda Element
  By lawrencebarthe - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Im disapointed with Honda. This vehicle gets about 16 MPG, even though the window sticker touted 22 city. There are rattles in the dash and the drivers seat is loose. There is no storage except for an upgraded armrest, a collapsible vinyl box, and an seatback cord which I purchased aftermarket. I bought a 7-year extended warranty - just in case.

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  My year of my Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Gary Koch - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Funky. Complete excellent performer in everyway. Tons of room inside. I use vehicle for myself and one other passenger sometimes ONLY. Not a sensible vehicle for two adults (unless real young and or spry) in the BACK seats. I have the right side passenger back seat permanently OUT. Have the automatic and best MPG driving over CHP suggested limits on long trips has been 26. Basically in all around driving get 21 MPG. Buying a drink cooler to plug in back aux and XM radio and leaving for South Dakota soon for trip.

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Element
  By Morad - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving it.it is a very diffent car.People look at you,and wondering what a 68 years old man is doing in an ELEment

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  I love my element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Catwoman - February 5 - 1:16 am

  I love my Element. I have had a lot of people stop me at the gas station, restaurant parking lots to admire it. It is comfortable, roomy and easy to keep clean if you spill a lot of coffee or soda. No worries about soiling carpet. It has a lot of room for moving furniture, boxes, etc. The only thing I am not thrilled with is the stereo. It is ok but nothing to write home about.

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  i love it - 2004 Honda Element
  By wickedhuff - February 3 - 8:07 pm

  i love my e. it handles like a dream in the snow, the first vehicle ive owned that does. the only regret that i have is that i didnt get a 2005