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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  An All Purpose Vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Tom Fulton - November 23 - 11:56 am

  Handles like a Civic, turning radius shorter than my Accord, great for hauling stuff and if you have kids they will love it. Floors and seats are made for use - no carpet and you can hose it out. Drove it in the snow and ice and it tracks like a dream. Gas mileage is not great but Ive only had it 3 weeks.

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  i knew id love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By DhectorG - November 18 - 10:00 am

  ive been waiting 3 months for my special ordered 5spd element ex and it was well worth the wait. i love it! Although its not perfect, it is a Honda which means it is a quality package. i think the element is the most functional and sturdy small suv available today. ive only just hit 2000 miles and i already know that ill have a long happy relationship with my element.

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  So far so good! - 2004 Honda Element
  By G. Luna - November 13 - 6:44 pm

  Ive logged less than 1,000 miles but will be driving it across the country in a few days so I should know more soon. My German Shepherd likes it a lot more than my last car a 2dr 1997 Jeep Wrangler. More comfortable and AC! The exterior has its share of scratches and dings but I live on the Navajo reservation so I can expect some exterior wear with no worries. Not a beast but it cruises at a decent speed. RPMs jump when climbing modest grades. Functional vehicle.

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  BEST CAR EVER - 2005 Honda Element
  By DESERT TRAVLER - November 13 - 9:33 am

  I am a baby boomer with on the go lifestyle; this car does it all, comfort very functional ez-driver great inside space. Good light use for off road. Gets the looks from others, makes a statement--last month used it like a truck hauling stone tools bricks sand. Ran like a champ even with load. Have also camped in it. Works well for a night or 2 enough room for all the gear and you can sleep in (but cramped) I have had cars that were twice the costs and they werent as good when comparing overall use. This car is a winner, and probably a classic in its own right, no disappointment here--

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  Most fun for under $30k - 2004 Honda Element
  By elementereee - October 31 - 10:00 am

  this is the most versatile vehicle i could have imagined. Whether its hauling the dogs or laundy or televisions, its all good. REal smooth transmission. Awesome sound system with the EX. It only seats four but a seat cushion over the cupholders make a 5th passenger possible. The only complaint i have is that I could only afford 1.

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  Funky Fun 4WD - 2003 Honda Element
  By Bear127 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Head room & leg room like very few others, resembles nothing else on the road, and best of all- the biggest bang for the Bucks. To borrow a catch phrase, sit back and enjoy the ride!

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  Innovationx10 - 2003 Honda Element
  By H. Johnson - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Im 68 and Im driving a thoroughly modern vehicle.My previous car was a 4-runner and I prefer this.The power is very adequate. No complaint

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  After the newness wears off... - 2003 Honda Element
  By kosheral - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After the newness wears off, you being to realize how many little features are lacking in this vehicle. I got the EX because I imagined it to be factory "loaded" like the other Honda models. Not having keyless entry is a big drawback with kids. Also, the lack of passenger lock/unlock is crazy! I like the look of the SUV, but there arent enough everyday conveniences to keep me happy. My Honda Civic was my favorite car ever, and I guess this just doesnt live up to the Civic.

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  Rattle box - 2003 Honda Element
  By Drduer - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Very appealing design, very spacious interior in spite of small exterior package. Noisy inside, persistant dash rattles. Seating position uncomfortable for smaller drivers. Owned the Element for six weeks - it was in the shop for three weeks for dash rattles - old rattles mostly fixed, not eliminated, and new rattles created. Traded in on an 03 CR-V, very happy with the CR-V. If youre interested in an Element, do yourself a favor and test drive both the Element and a CR-V before making a decision.

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  It does it all - 2003 Honda Element
  By JakeInTexas - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I HATE SUVs. With a passion. But I needed something to pull a jet ski and haul things. This car is amazing...it holds tons of stuff and pulls a 3-person WaveRunner without breaking a sweat. Its interior is terrific, and the exterior design really grows on you. The stereo on the EX is outstanding. Tint all the windows, it makes it look way better. The Element is in a class of its own...forget the Xterra and Escape. Theyre old school. The Element just makes sense.