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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  Middle of the Road - 2003 Honda Element
  By Fitz007 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Not really an SUV, nor a highway cruiser, the Element seems to work best in speeds between 20 and 50. Drives at highway speed (70) show the weaknessess of box-like areodynamics (wind can push you around). Definitely not an off- roader, the element still manages to do well on worn terrain. Base model equipped like a box (no standard AC, stereo, ABS. The fuel efficiency is somewhat low considering the 4 cyl engine....

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  Only one problem - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mr. E - July 24 - 12:33 pm

  I hate the instrument cluster. When are automakers going to get a clue, and start mounting the instruments so we dont have to peer through a tiny hole in the steering wheel to see the gauges? Counterexamples: Scion xB and Mini Cooper, whose instrument visibility is unmatched. So, even though the Elements steering wheel can "adjust" (DOWN, helpful if youre 4 feet tall) and the drivers seat can "adjust" (UP, improves visibility using the generous headroom), the only way I can see the speedometer is with the seat DOWN and the steering wheel UP. So no adjustment is actually possible, if youre an average 58" guy like me! If youre taller, youll likely never see half the speedometer...

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  Best Baseball car ever! - 2003 Honda Element
  By bballmom - July 6 - 8:18 pm

  I wanted a vehicle without carpeting and the Honda Element was the only one I could find besides a truck and I did not want a full size truck. The Honda Element has been a wonderful vehicle to drive for the last 4 years. My son is an avid baseball player and, with dirt and mud and cleats and baseball bags, having this vehicle has been a real blessing. He can have his buds ride with us anywhere and we do not have to worry about dirty carpet or spills that may happen. Just wipe it down with cleaner and it is good as new. I love it! It drives so easy and is very comfortable on long trips. My son also loves the fact the seats recline so he can rest before games.

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  Great car except for the mileage - 2007 Honda Element
  By E55tech - June 27 - 2:39 pm

  We recently purchased our Element and have found it to be extremely useful. The interior is more spacious than you could imagine for such a small vehicle. It is very well designed. The only drawback so far is that we are getting about 18 MPG mixed City/HWY MPG. To claim 21/26 is a bold statement. Great little milk truck though.

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  The Green Shortbus - 2007 Honda Element
  By Shrt_Bus - June 14 - 5:29 pm

  I have really enjoyed this vehicle. Its fun to drive and I am averaging just under 21 mpg mostly city about 25 highway. Cargo space is great, smooth ride. Definitely recommend changing the tires to something more SUV style. I put BFG Long Trail and rides and handles much better. Truly recommend this vehicle to all.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jill - May 3 - 5:24 pm

  Highly recommend. Love the interior design and comfort. A little rough on the bumps, but overall, a nice ride. Have over 10K miles and have had no problems.

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  Element Lover! - 2004 Honda Element
  By CAS - May 1 - 1:06 pm

  I am in a wheelchair. I got the Element because the backseats would hang and the back door opened like a van. I could pop my 15 pound wheelchair behind the drivers seat and go.

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  Practical car with hidden benifits - 2005 Honda Element
  By dwillington - April 19 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this car b/c it was inexpensive and seemed practical. I have to admit I was attracted to its styling also. It looked cool. The car has been good to me. The biggest plus I have to say is space. Dont let it fool you, there is a lot of room inside. I was able to move between apartments in 3 trips with this car, fitting beds, desks, etc. It is not for long distance, and is loud at high speeds. It doesnt get too dirty, and has so much room to put stuff, wallets, keys, phone, anything. The mp3 audio port is a great feature. I need something faster and better looking though, so am trading it for Benz/BMW.

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  Better than expected :-) - 2007 Honda Element
  By Dave - April 4 - 5:52 pm

  Ive been a long time loyal Honda owner since I was 16. (Now 34 and 6 new Hondas later...) Initially I was a bit skeptical about buying this car. After months and months of research, asking questions, test drives I bit the bullet and bought one on 1/8/07. Ive had it for almost 4 months and 3800 miles later, I must say this SUV exceeded my initial expectations! Ive driven in several bad snow/ice storms and this SUV just keeps goin while the other cars and trucks are stranded on the side. (The real-time all wheel drive works wonders!) To make a long story short, if youre considering an Element, go out there and drive it, youll definitely be impressed!!!

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  The Review - 2004 Honda Element
  By davidrlyon - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Good Truck. Only seats four. Noisy Overall nice unit would suggest the auto to my friends. Would not suggest the dealership. One of the worst. Will never, yes I said never, get any of my business again.