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 2003 Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Marie Edwards - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I am a 60 year old woman and lOVE my Element! We drive it to our mountain home, 175 miles away, EVERY weekend. The only thing I hate about it is that there is no arm rest on the passenger side. What nimcoompe designed it that way?

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  Very Practical (but for 2 people) - 2005 Honda Element
  By sundeep - September 15 - 10:10 pm

  I have enjoyed driving this vehicle very much. Very comfortable for long drive. Rear doors can be little bit uncomfortable in the parking lot when you have passengers but it is great when you have bags, you can throw it at the back seat easily.

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  S - Big U - V - 2003 Honda Element
  By BlackElement - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Utility is the word. Its a station wagon. Its a van. Its a camper. Its a SUV. Its a music listening room. I like this vehicle. I have had people ride in the back seat who are well over 6 feet tall and their knees do not hit the back of the front seats. It is fun to drive and has adequate power.

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  STOP STARING AT ME!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lex13 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The c Element is great overall. The gas mileage is great for an SUV. The audio system is great in the EX, but it doesn come standard with remote entry. I love how u can turn all of the seats into a bed. The car rides great and doesnt tilt at all, but what was Honda thinking by putting only 160 hp into the car... come on you got to have at least 200 in an SUV. If you want attention, this is the car to buy. Everywhere i go people are just staring at the car, and within 3 weeks i have talked to about 30 people (that ive never met before) about the car and they have all said that they liked it.

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  club house on wheels - 2003 Honda Element
  By dam - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The day after I got my car it snowed 18" and I didnt know how the little Honda would do even though it is all wheel drive I thought it might get hung up in a drift somewhere but it did amazingly well. I was shocked at all the accidents I watched happen right in front of me as much more sophisticated trucks spun off the road and the little fearless Element rolled on through. and before my temp tags expired I went on a cross country trip from Wash. DC to Moab Utah for a week of outragious mtn. biking. the car gets great mialige, has enough power, piles of space and is just a kick in the pants to ride in. I love it

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  Unlike any other - 2003 Honda Element
  By palmetoboy - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive looked at everything over the past year. Decided to take a look at this "Ugly Littly SUV" just to ease my curiosity. I couldnt believe the interior room. Im 6, 250 lbs and felt right at home. I was concerned about the power of the 4cyl. Went back to the dealer the next day and drove one. Drives as good as my wifes Maxima. They had me in mind when they left out the carpet and used waterproof seats. Theres nothing to mess up on this vehicle and its so versitle. Had the dealer locate a 2wd EX in black and took delivery last week. Other than the ragging from my buddies, everyone seems to think its pretty cool.

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  This is my second one - 2008 Honda Element
  By Dave Perry - August 31 - 6:02 pm

  This is my second Element. My first one was a 2006, same equipment, different color and traded for an S2000 which was fun while it lasted. I use my 2008 Element as a daily driver and I also sell a high-end Swedish car in my day job which I know inside and out (this will explain some of my suggestions later on). I think the Element is the perfect vehicle for me for a lot of reasons. It gets reasonable gas mileage (27 highway, 24 overall), it has reasonable power, is a blast to drive (no S2000, but what is?), is reliable as motor vehicles get, and has great ergonomics and fun to drive.

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  Perfect for dog lovers! - 2008 Honda Element
  By MastiffMobile - August 30 - 3:12 pm

  If we had purchased any other vehicle, wed have ruined the interior by now! As an active, young military couple we are avid beach-goers, dog lovers, and spend lots of time traveling 13-15 hrs to see family when we get leave time. This vehicle is perfect for it all! We easily fit our two English mastiffs in the back with room to spare... The waterproof interior holds up great against all the sand, ocean water, and drool! Its comfortable to ride in for all of our long trips, and its been great for driving to and from dog shows! Weve actually had the discussion about "what will happen if Honda stops making the Element by the time we want another one," and we dont know what well do!

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  Dontcha Love The Box - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mellyssee - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car, or thing, whichever you like to call it, runs very smoothly and comfortably. You get a great sound system and there is lots of room for long distance driving. People love to ask why my husband and I bought it because it is so ugly, some call it a spaceship even. My husband and I love to rave about it to those people and tell them how fun it is to drive and we can laugh at the people who stare. They just dont know what theyre missing. Never judge anything by its cover, right?

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  Fun and economical - 2004 Honda Element
  By Julia King - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun SUV -from the styling to the performance. We call it our baby Hummer and laugh because it gets more than 5 miles to the gallon. Its amazing the pep this SUV has with a 4 clylinder motor.