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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  Element Radiators - 2003 Honda Element
  By dandy4650 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Beware - there is no protection for the radiator! Mines already been bashed by road hazards!

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  The Element is just OK - 2005 Honda Element
  By rubio1010 - June 16 - 7:35 am

  I bought this car for my dogs. I bought it for all of my activities. Its just OK. Driving is fine, not fun, just fine. Take every turn slowly as stuff slides back and forth over the entire plastic interior easily. This is not a "Dog Car." The rocking back and forth and sliding makes them car sick. Cleaning is not nearly as easy as it sounds. "Hosing it out" is not an option. Comfort? On short drives, less than 100 miles, its ok. Anything longer and the plastic seats get stiff and sticky. Ive had two windshields replaced from highway pebbles. Thats annoying. The two reverse doors are awkward for passengers in the rear, and getting in and out of the back seats is very awkward.

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  The blue box - 2005 Honda Element
  By Cotal - June 12 - 4:07 pm

  I still have and love this blue box!

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  A Utilitarians Nirvana - 2003 Honda Element
  By CJ Menas - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the vehicle for all fathers with 2 or more children who also do work around the house. No hassle to clean; no hassle to drive; no headache when the kids want ice cream; no problem when you need to go to Home Depot. And if you put on the right accessories, no problem when you need to take clients out to dinner. In fact, with all that leg room in the back, my clients just love it even if they are wearing $3000 suits. I love this vehicle. And it looks cool to boot!

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  The Starter Home of SUVs - 2003 Honda Element
  By AmyK - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted my first independent car purchase to be something fun and a little flashy. After pricing the sport wagons from Toyota, I decided to take a look at the Element. I discovered that the pricing and options on the 4WD Auto made it a more than viable option. The fact that you can pratically hose the thing out was also a big draw. The test drive didnt disappoint-- a very smooth ride (not unlike a car) at a comfortable height above cars. Going from a Civic to this was simple. The only adjustments were on turn speed, but the Element corners well. Ive had it for 3 weeks now and I still get excited to drive it!

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  Nothing but impressive - 2009 Honda Element
  By Canadian Steve - June 6 - 8:12 am

  Wow!! Had our heart set on the base Element but the dealership had an SC they were trying to unload and we picked it up for less then the basic Element. Mileage is rated at 8.1L/100km and we have been consistently UNDER that number. We are getting about 30 MPG highway. This vehicle is so versatile. I was worried about it measuring up because I traded in my Acura. The ride is very comfortable, the seats are VERY comfortable, its easy to clean and really fun to drive. Turning radius is tiny, really easy to park. If the sideview mirrors are adjusted properly there are no blind spots. Havent come across anything that Im hauling that doesnt fit in it. Two thumbs up!! Excellent vehicle Honda!!

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By bill - June 6 - 1:56 am

  Needs smoother ride. It has high RPM when you drive in the 70s - could be geared better.

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  Practicality Rules--DO NOT IMPROVE - 2003 Honda Element
  By MrH - June 5 - 8:19 pm

  I love the design, the economical materials, the cool looks, the quick handling, the adequate power, the acceptable fuel mileage, the adequate acceleration, and the big windows . This is one heck of a vehicle--there is nothing else like it. It is (relatively) cheap, the design is way cool, the practicality is unmatched by anything short of a pickup, and it will haul four passengers.

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  SPACE CLOUD - 2004 Honda Element
  By CUPCAKE - May 29 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A DREAM ITS SACIOUS TURNS HEADS AND KIDS LOVE IT TOO. GET ONE OR AT LEAST RIDE IN ONE U WILL LOVE IT.ITS ECONOMICAL EASY TO KEEP CLEAN WHAT OTHER VEHICLE CAN U THOROOUGHLY CLEAN ABD SHINE IN 20 ITS GREAT.

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  A fun car. - 2005 Honda Element
  By WV owner - May 27 - 10:50 pm

  The Element was a great little car. I love the no carpet....great for hauling for my yard work, and great if you have a dog. The seats being water-proof is a plus. Took parents on vacation....plenty of room. Enormous head room....easy to drive. Great pick up on the highway.