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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  A true utility vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By roger - October 1 - 10:56 am

  My Element is now 4 years old with 60k miles and havent had one problem. I have shoved so much stuff inside of it 2x4s, bikes, cabinets, firewood etc. Its a great vehicle for my family of four, plenty of room and easy for the kids to get in and out of. I am an avid snowboarder/mt biker and the Element is perfect for my outings. It tracks really good in snow, no problem doing 55mph in five inches of fresh snow. I have talked two (and working on the third) friends to buy one and they all say the same thing "I cant believe I waited this long to buy one". So go buy one.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Honda Element
  By Len Ackerman - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This truck is unbelievabe in rain and snow. I was also supprised how much fun it is to drive.And boy is there alot of room inside.

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  2004 Honda element - 2004 Honda Element
  By bguil1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The Element is a very utilitarian vehicle.We are not gen Yers, but it appeals to us.We are mid 30s with one child and it suits us just right.Excellent fit and finish.Typical Honda quality and reliability.Ease of cleaning.One drawback is not knowing what to call it.Its not a car although rides like one.Its not a truck not too much towing capacity.Its not really an SUV either.Overall we love it.

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  Fun Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Joker jack - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Element over a Chevy Trailblazer. Glad I did. Its fun, peppy, and comfortable. I have (6) vehicles, and everyone in the famioly want to drive the Element. With the price you cannot go wrong!

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  element 2003 - 2004 Honda Element
  By LKM - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda Element! It is fun to drive, drives smoothly and I love the openness from the drivers seat. It is great for kids because you can wipe up anything spilled on the floors or seats. It is so roomy and spacious! I can drive it around as the family car, or use it to haul furniture (large items). I love it!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jade29 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  Does the job - 2008 Honda Element
  By upstatenewyorker - September 27 - 4:43 am

  My 2008 Element EX AWD with 5 spd manual does all I need it to. I replaced a 04 Jetta because I wanted 4WD for the winter road conditions and I needed space to haul stuff- but did not want a pickup truck. The Element along with a lightweight aluminum trailer when needed satisfies all needs. Upon delivery from dealer, I noticed a leak of clear fluid on my garage floor... turns out it was from the rear differential, and they promptly replaced it and Ive had no problems since. Feels stable in slippery conditions, and has good power. Ive consistently averaged 25 mpg summer, 22 in winter. Smoothest manual transmission Ive ever driven.

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  I LOVE My Element! : ) - 2009 Honda Element
  By VERY HAPPY : ) - September 25 - 11:10 pm

  Just traded in our 2008 Honda Accord EX for the Element. I have to say Im very happy with it. ITs very roomy and safe feeling. My children are 61" and 63" and they sit comfortable in the back seat. The seats have to be reclined some because my tallest sons head will touch the ceiling. The ride is smooth. You dont feel every bump in the road either like we felt in the Accord. The lights dont blink constantly like our Honda Accords did. My husband loves our new Element also. Its so much fun to drive. You wont feel claustrophobic. We have had a 2004 and a 2007 Suburban LT, a Chrysler 300 touring and even though they were more luxurious The Element is our favorite.

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  This car is a survivor!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By moondaisy_us - September 25 - 1:48 pm

  My husband recently totaled our Element. He swerved to miss a deer at 60MPH, spun out on the road berm, and the car rolled down the highway, landed on its wheels, then smashed into the ditch/hillside. The only part of the car that was not mutilated was the back hatch door. The car was smashed beyond recognition. My husband was uninjured except for a goose-egg on his forehead since the drivers airbag did not go off. This vehicle held together so well that even if it held 4 people, all would most likely have been unharmed, except from flying glass. ALL this and the engine would still run. I would totally buy another Element, and plan to as soon as possible! This car is amazing!

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  Very Pleased - 2009 Honda Element
  By Buy One! - September 24 - 5:35 am

  Looked at these when I bought my last new vehicle in 2006, finally bought one this summer. You will not be disappointed. Great utility, handling, looks. Comfortable unless you are in the back seat, although there is plenty of room there - just rough ride when sitting on the rear wheel well. Great stereo, fun to drive, good gas mileage. Wish Id bought one sooner and considering buying another one since my daughter has hijacked this one! GREAT value for the price.