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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  delicate curves and dangerous looks - 2003 Honda Element
  By justincontrol - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The interior is great for sloppy twenty year olds too who can throw peanut shells and slurpee cups down and clean the plastic floor up in a jippy.Every week I have at least one person that asks me about the car and if they can look inside. Every one seems to like the look of the car.

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  Earths New Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By terry babbitt - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This is exactly what I was looking for in a new vehicle to replace my big SUV gas guzzler. It has more room inside than my Trooper, it handles like an Accord, carries loads like a big pick- up, gets good mileage, and best of all, its a Honda quality product. I cant tell you how many times I have had to show the inside of the Element to strangers in the mall parking lot. I should get a commision from Honda!!

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  Elemental driving - 2003 Honda Element
  By ezkapp - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Comfort and flexibility are the hallmarks. Funky styling like an WWI French ambulance and a solid feel. Great interior room, especially rear seats if only two, and a decent sound system.

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  a real bummer - 2004 Honda Element
  By resyakk - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Hard riding, noisy, lucky to get 19 mpg. Poor visibility, huge pillars block sight, especially pedestrians on a left turn. Owners manual warns that vehicle is top-heavy and prone to roll over. Ability to pull seats up along sides is a nice feature except that it eliminates rear side visibility Maximum payload of 675 pounds is an absolute joke. Hard floor covering lets stuff slide all over the car; and is slippery when wet or snowy. Cargo carrying of large, light material is excellent. Poor build quality, rattle in dash, paint over dirt, vibration at freeway speeds. This is my first and (probably) last Honda.

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  theElement - 2004 Honda Element
  By 5dogs - December 19 - 2:00 am

  we love our element. fun to drive, handles well, unbelievable usefull interior, ran very well during our snowy winter. the front end is bulldog cute but I find the rest of the element delightfully different. typical honda build quality but could use a little more power. overall two thumbs up.

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  I love my "Ugly Truckling" - 2005 Honda Element
  By Gary - December 18 - 5:56 pm

  Though utilitarian in concept, it offers all the comfort imaginable. The interior is huge and easily maintained. Its extremely economical. And it holds it own on the freeway. Only deficit is the low clearance. Its been years since I had so much FUN with a vehicle.

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  Sport Utility Van - 2003 Honda Element
  By Rowzell - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This is with out a doubt the most practical vehicle I have ever owned. Add the great look and Hondas "Quality and Reliability" and the Element becomes the perfect vehicle for Gen. "Y" and anyone that does not need to haul a kid transport.

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  I feel good in my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By RobSeb - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I just heard from co-workers about the versatility of the interior, I was sold before I saw the vehicle. Ive been looking for a car that would combine the fun driving of my 93 Miata with the cargo space of my 90 Trooper,... I think Ive found it, now I can sell the other two. I carry musical instruments on the weekend and a black lab, I love the way the rear doors open when I carry 2 guitars and a bag. The leg room in the back is much much larger than average, the 2 guitars fit on the floor in front of the rear seats. I love it.

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  buy one, its a Honda - 2005 Honda Element
  By rick - December 1 - 6:16 am

  bar-none,the best vehicle i have ever owned.not one complaint. goes like a tank in the snow.and in the summer its fun and cool.

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  Love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mandy - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership to check out the Hybrid Civic (hated it!) and came home with an Element. With two 50- pound dogs, the interior is wonderful for my lifestyle! I have plenty of room for 2 large crates, or if its a short trip, I dont stress about the dog slobber or hair that gets all over the seats. It does take a while to get used to people looking at your car all the time. Ive gotten used to just waving at people when I notice them staring.