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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  Rare manual transmission EX 4WD - 2004 Honda Element
  By Hiroshi - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Hard to find 4WD with manual transmission, Fiji Blue. Shopped around but no discount. Finding the actual vehicle was tough. Highly critisized rear access door is less of a concern as long as you recognize its not a four door vehicle (think of double cab pick up truck).

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  Outstanding - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jonathan Babiak - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Distinctively styled and impeccable Honda quality. The visibility is great, the mileage is great, the versatility is great, the handling is great, the whole car is great!

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  Element, not just for Gen Y! - 2003 Honda Element
  By 1manparty - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Element for month now, and have loved ever minute! I still get in and smile! This is a very practical vehicle for anyone who has an active lifestyle or lives out of their car! I would not say it is perfect for everyone but for me it works well.

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  Love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By California Tony - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Buy it, you wont regret it. My wife picked the car, I was a little skeptical, but was blown away after the test drive. We love everything about the car, the doors, the non carpeted plastic ( we have 2 dogs), and the rear seats (have a really tall friend over 6ft that was amazed by the leg room in the back).

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  first honda - 2003 Honda Element
  By larry ve - October 24 - 10:00 am

  sold my 98 expodatition 4x4 was looking for something easier for my wife to get in & out of and better gas milage she drove the element & loved it. its easy in & out comfortable good handling great view of the road. be careful of dealer mark-ups & add-ons and dont pay msrp

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  1100 miles in less than a month - 2003 Honda Element
  By krikkit - October 18 - 2:00 am

  While I have only had the E since the weekend before thanksgiving I have fallen in love with it. I have spent upwards of 4 hours diving in a day in it and still feel like dirving it more. It is amazingly versatile with the possible interior configurations, and feels very stable compared to other small SUVs and minivans I have driven.

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  Small Outside? XL Inside - 2005 Honda Element
  By Cool Ride - October 14 - 9:13 am

  Only had it for 1 week. Comfortable ride in front seats. Little bit chompy ride in back seats over bumps. Looks smaller than other SUV on outside, rides tall feels large inside, enough to accomadate 6-2 drivers. Gas mileage is average for this 4 cylinder SUV, only got 229 city miles on first full tank. Also some wind noise when driving on freeway at higher speeds.

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  Small Outside? XL Inside - 2005 Honda Element
  By Cool Ride - October 14 - 9:13 am

  Only had it for 1 week. Comfortable ride in front seats. Little bit chompy ride in back seats over bumps. Looks smaller than other SUV on outside, rides tall feels large inside, enough to accomadate 6-2 drivers. Gas mileage is average for this 4 cylinder SUV, only got 229 city miles on first full tank. Also some wind noise when driving on freeway at higher speeds.

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  WOOHOOO! - 2004 Honda Element
  By mattmanr1969 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Im so happy with my Element! I have 2 dogs, and like to go camping. As well, I own apartment rentals and need to haul lots of things from home depot. Fold down seats make car camping a breeze. No carpeting makes cleanup easy. I wish there were a drainhole so i could literally "hose it out".

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  First gas grizzlers from Honda? - 2003 Honda Element
  By RobertCollins - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Hey I have just bought the car, I love the space inside, it is like another little living room just for myself and my dog. But, wait, why does it consume so much gas???? I thought that Honda cars are better than others in terms of gas-mileage. Does anyone else has the same problem? I averaged only about 18 mpg in 90% city and 10% freeway of driving. My civic gives me 28 mpg in same driving manner.