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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  My "Poor Mans" Hummer.........Love it. - 2003 Honda Element
  By "jack" frost - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The only problem Ive had....a 6 month wait for the 5 speed model, but it was worth the wait.Love everything about it,smooth drive,great soundsystem,and head-turning looks.Im obviously into the "ugly factor"in a big way as my 2 Shar-Peis just love to cruise around town...especially with the back window in the raised position.Id like a dollar for every time Ive been asked "is that the new Hummer"....Hey,its the Midwest,what can I say.

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  Element of Love - 2003 Honda Element
  By Waldon - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I went from a "99" Beetle to the 2003 Element and love driving it. Both cars drive alike so it was easy to adjust to. My friends love riding in the back seat because it sits high up so they can see out the front.

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  great car to drive....... - 2003 Honda Element
  By djs227 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  fantastic car/truck handles lke a car very roomie interior and very comfortable ride. If i had a worry it would be the exterior plastic moulding seems to me like something that will get scratched or marred and not be repairable. It has not happenned to me but it gives me that impression. I also would have taken the plastic moulding and had it go on the bottom half of the doos so it wouldnt look so "patchy".. I guess i had to say something not so positive about a car i absolutely enjoy drivin when you sit in the car it is like an oasis it is so roomie and you wouldnt think that by looking at the outside of the vehicle. Very good car to drive.

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  Own it and love it - 2003 Honda Element
  By LadyInPink22 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased an Element a week ago and love to drive it. Ive overheard comments such as, "it grows on you" "is it a mini hummer" "it looks like an old woodie" "I didnt realize there was so much room"

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  Car Camping - 2003 Honda Element
  By Skip Jones - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be happier!!!!!!

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  Glorified Junk - 2008 Honda Element
  By WetMonkey - October 9 - 1:50 am

  This is my last Honda!!! For the last 25 years I have bought them all (Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Subaru, Caddy...etc) but never witnessed a vehicle in this size to only tow 600 pounds? This means weak Transmission and lack of suspension support. They sure made it big enough to stuff whole garage full of stuff. Plus the sheet sounds like it was make of coke cans. The car is noisy and cant decide to stay in 4th or 5th gear. From what I know, all Hondas have this problem. WEAK and noisy. AWD system does not do so well compared to my Suby. The front wheel always slips during rain or snow and engages the rear tad late...whats the point. Prone to roll over. Complete design flaw

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  Best vehicle purchase - 2008 Honda Element
  By sportbiker29 - October 4 - 3:29 am

  I bought my Element used with 21,000 miles on it and have since put 7,000 miles on it with only great news to report. My Element has given me a reliable and fun driving experience from day one. Ive used the Element to go camping and haul all my equipment to evenings at the Drive-In theater. The AWD makes driving in the rain a breeze and I love, love, love the ride height of the Element. The water resistant seats and flooring have worked out nicely for my trips down to the beach with my 90lb dog. I enjoy my Element more and more every day and I cant wait for snow season to take the Element to the slopes for some snowboarding!!!

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  Youre My Boy Blue - 2004 Honda Element
  By part16john - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Got my new fiji blue E last week and i love this car. i cant wait for warm weather and to go camping this summer. my first new car so i am pretty excited about it.

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  Not Your Average Compact SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Winsted Mike - October 4 - 2:00 am

  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).

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  element - 2004 Honda Element
  By lbiltz - October 4 - 2:00 am

  It is the perfect car for me. I have 2 large dogs, greyhounds, that fit perfectly with the seat backs folded down. Also, I am a horticulturist that sometimes need to carry plants, equipment and mulch. All of which fit very well in the back with the seats folded up along the sides. There are plenty of tie-downs so that things arent moving around, and everything cleans up very nicely. Its worked out just perfectly!!