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 FAVORITE ELEMENT - 2005 Honda Element
  By BIGDOG - August 17 - 4:23 am

  This car has solved so many of the reason why we needed a new car. Affordable, reliable and fuel efficient for an SUV. I am 62" and 250 and have long legs and this is the only SUV we found that had sufficient headroom and legroom. Plus with the seats in the cargo configuration, I was able to buy a washing machine and was able to take it home in the element. Awesome machine. Thanks Honda.

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  Great but not without flaws - 2009 Honda Element
  By jack31 - August 15 - 12:07 pm

  Overall great car have had no problems getting the kids in and out of the back (one in car seat), maneuvers nicely and has plenty of power though is no race car. Gas mileage is around 23.5mpg city. Functionality of the vehicle is nice. The interior room is fantastic even for tall people like me (63"). Here are the bad points for me as a passenger I am quite comfortable however driving is another story. I cant seem to get into a truly comfortable position drivers seat adjusted too low hurts hips, too high cant see traffic lights, telescoping steering wheel would help also. Im thin and seat could use more cushion. Wife loves car and its hers so its ok. Road noise can be LOUD.

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  Loved it except for windshield issue - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jan - August 13 - 10:28 pm

  Super for hauling 2 mountain bikes without disassembling any bike parts - both fit fine standing up in the back with seats out or seats hanging up on the side. Loved being able to sleep in it on road trips with all seats left in/just reclined (just put mesh fabric over windows with magnets to hold fabric in place.) Super dependable in the rain and snow. Excellent turning radius. Doors became problematic when I had two toddlers and had to park next to other cars at the grocery store and get them in and out. I had to replace 4 or 5 windshields because rocks caused cracks (I think it must be a design flaw.) Honda did cover the first one when we could not find a rock pock at the crack start.

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  Really Love This Car - 2009 Honda Element
  By Francois - August 12 - 5:39 pm

  Elements have long caught my eye, and with passing years Ive known more and more people who have and love them. We finally took the plunge and wish we hadnt waited so long. Its a great car for all our needs. We took it on a camping trip recently and got fantastic mileage. The doors feel and sound as solid as our old Volvo-- impressively heavy metal. Great handling, and we love those wide doors for packing and unloading.

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  Nice vehicle, but specialized intent - 2009 Honda Element
  By Mike - August 12 - 10:05 am

  Purchased my Element new as part of cash for clunkers program, after looking at it for several years. What attracted me to this car is that it has a very flexible interior that allows you to haul lots of different things. Both rear seats fold up or can be removed, leaving you with a totally flat load floor. Access to the interior is very good from both the back and side. The interior is very practical with rubber flooring and an excellent sound system. The EX now comes with XM satellite included, and also has a power port and aux jack in the dash that works great for an ipod. The exterior is a box. But I like it.

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  WOW - 2004 Honda Element
  By Billy82665 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  True SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By criticaliron - August 9 - 1:36 pm

  So many "want to be SUVs" dont hold a candle to the Element. With urethane floors, water/stain proof seats, huge storage capabilities, AWD and good low end torque this vehicle runs circles around the competition. There really is nothing like it. If you bike (we can get two road bikes with aero bars in the BACK), camp, scuba dive (just toss your gear in and hose out later) this is the winner hands down. Most SUVs are all image, but no substance (carpet and leather seats are not advantageous to an active lifestyle). The Element delivers with Honda reliability. After years of Jeeps and their mechanical issues I am hooked on this Hondas sewing machine perfect (and simple) four cylinder.

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Honda Element
  By SMC - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The Element has proved to be the most dependable, versatile and enjoyable car I have had the pleasure to drive. It performs well on the highway wth the feel of a much heavier vehicle while remaining peppy and enjoyable to drive. In the city it is nible and quick.

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  The best in a life full of great cars! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Richard B. - August 4 - 3:48 pm

  Ive been a mechanic all my life. I have worked on everything from fords to Ferraris. I was the team leader of the crew that built Jay Lenos Ariel Atom. I have to tell you that I have never had as great a car as my Element! It is an 04 EX AWD in Fiji Blue, and we call it Gimli, after the steadfast, squat, ugly companion to the hobbits. Now with 56K, it is quiet, sweet to drive and has had absolutely no problems requiring repair. We get 27+ on the highway, and 24 in town, which aint bad for a phone booth on wheels. we sleep in it when camping or skiing, and it hauls more than any vehicle Ive ever owned. The Real-Time AWD is amazing. Cant say enough about this vehicle!

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  Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By miataguy90 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the Element in time for the snow storm in Charlotte..had no problems getting around town. Excellant stereo system, nice interior. Spilled coffe the 2nd day in the floor, did not worry ..wiped right up, no stains..yeeha ..and I am not the targeted consumer, go figure Honda!