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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  4- MY DOGS - 2006 Honda Element
  By jetfire6 - September 6 - 10:11 pm

  the best vehicle for the dog hauler. Great to clean and does not retain the pee pee smell if accidents happen

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  Get One! - 2006 Honda Element
  By ClrlyCnfsd - August 15 - 2:45 pm

  When I bought this car I figured Id only need the storage space every so often but now that I have it I am hauling stuff all the time with ease. I fit a large dining set with 6 chairs in this little guy. The interior is so well thought out. For a compact you have an amazing amount of space. Only thing I could gripe about is the gas milage. Im only getting 16 to 18 mpg. That being said, I am hauling stuff all the time so it isnt too bad. Fun to drive and everyone who checks it out just loves it. Its a little sluggish compared to past cars Ive owned but Id say it has enough get up and go for just about everyone.

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  Flying Toaster on Wheels - 2005 Honda Element
  By Flying Toaster - August 11 - 7:32 pm

  Make sure you test drive this car before you buy! If you haullots its perfect. If for sheer driving pleasure, dont! The stock Wranler tires do a GREAT disservice to the car. The plastic in the car scratches EASY. You have to pamper what you put in or it WILL tear up. Gas mileage with K&N air filter is 24- 25 hwy and 21-22 city. Highway noise comes thru the cabin and the Wrangler tires dont help. Near 90-degree windshield catches rocks, bug etc that would bounce of more streamlined windshield. Engine in very adequate. For lots of cabin space, there seems to be little of for actual driver accessible storage, unless you put stuff on segmented dash-tray. Oil filter crammed in.

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  New owner thoughts - 2006 Honda Element
  By dreamstogo2 - August 6 - 8:06 am

  Only filled it one time. Not too thrilled with gas mileage. Seems well thought out. Hauled 22 folding chairs, two folding tables, two folding canopies, and 4 lawn chairs and still had room for more!

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  Im In My Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By Sbinder - August 5 - 5:56 pm

  This car is great for everything its made for. It could use some upgrades like daytime running lights. 4 wheeling isnt really an option because of how low it is to the ground and if you look under it, the fuel tank is the lowest point. Gas mileage is not so great at all I have only averaged 20 miles per gallon in the city. It does have great power though and good acceleration.

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  elementally prepared - 2003 Honda Element
  By candj - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for 5k miles, 4 months. mainly got it cause it fits my mtn bikes without disassembly. also good for: hauling furniture (hauled a 6ft sideboard table), camping, commuting to work, parallel parking in the city, striking up conversations with bemused strangers. cant wait to see what kind of foul weather next winter brings us, cause the 4 wheel drive will come in handy. cant beat the utility this car provides for $20k.

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  Flawed But Fun - 2005 Honda Element
  By steve - July 30 - 4:43 am

  Overall concept is a winner but a few problems keep this from being a "10" for me. Visibility is sometimes tricky due to the thick pillars. Sun roof would be much better in the front than the back. Gas mileage should be higher for such a small vehicle. But these are minor complaints, this car is a ton of fun to drive--especially when you consider its boxy shape and weight. Acceleration is decent, handling for a four-wheeled box is reasonable and the amount of roominess inside is amazing. Its also very comfortable on a long road trip. On the whole, this is a lot of car for the money.

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  Not For Everyone, But Perfect for Me - 2005 Honda Element
  By Reid - July 23 - 12:15 pm

  This vehicle isnt a perfect fit for everyone, but you should consider it if you need lots of cargo room in a small package, you need a car thats easy to clean, you arent a speed demon (acceleration is only fair and RPMs run pretty high even at 65 mph), you have to deal with snowy roads on a regular basis, you want a vehicle with a plethora of interior storage compartments, and youre poor (or cheap) enough that youd rather sleep in your car than in a hotel room.

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  Great practical SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Edstock - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Space-hard floor-great sound system- easy handling

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  good choice - 2004 Honda Element
  By boothmck - July 21 - 2:00 am

  has lots of room, very usable cargo space. Easy to keep clean, fun to drive, solidly built.