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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  Larger than it looks - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jerra - December 24 - 10:43 pm

  Weve owned our Element for about a month. It is very roomy with plenty of headroom for my tall husband. Plenty of places to put things. My son loves the stadium seating in the back--now he can see out of the windows. Surprised at the good turning circle. Didnt realize how much fun XM radio could be. Looking forward to seeing how the uncarpeted flooring works during the winter.

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  I Love my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rick H - December 18 - 4:35 pm

  Cons of the Element are few but may be a killer for some. There is not a abundence of power. The 4 cyl gives enough power to survive, but not to thrive in high speed take offs in very busy traffic. Pick up & go is best when swiching off overdrive and running thru the gears(Auto version). This is an old school trick almost nobody uses any more. The plactic (just like out side panels) under the seat belts wears from the belt connector rubbing against it. There is no way to make it look new again or bring the color back to normal.

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  E is Excellent Everyday SUV - 2005 Honda Element
  By RAMZOHIO - December 10 - 2:03 am

  After 6000 miles in 5 months. I love it, but it is not sporty enough or fun to drive with the automatic transmission. The Element is an excellent work vehicle if you need cargo room and ease of use and loading/unloading for delivery. The Element is great if you have small children, or dogs, or get messy, because it is easy to clean...I recommend it, but not for everyone. I carried a 7-foot sofa without removing the rear seats, just folded them up. WOW! Hey, it is a HONDA!!!!

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  honda element 2004 - 2004 Honda Element
  By Pat Ogden - December 1 - 9:55 pm

  I love the versatility of the seat configuration. Especially like the washable floor, which is why I bought it. Hate the center console-it just doesnt work. I expected better gas mileage than it gets.

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  Do your research b4 buying it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By caveman - November 10 - 11:42 am

  I bought a used 2wd Ex with 31k on it. After 7 months I put in 17k. Here are my experiences with this car. WHATS HOT: Versatile (can carry large object like a truck when rear seats remove or flip up), great interior design, roomy, Honda reliability, high seats. WHATS NOT: Wind/road noise (way noiser than typical car), cheap plastic interior, too many rattles (trust me - it will be very annoying), hold your steering wheel tight in a windy way on a freeway, its ugly, seats are uncomfortable because its pretty flat, windshield prone to crack, rocking driver seat, tires wore quickly, over rated stereo (speakers are terrible), payload on 675 lbs, seats only for 4.

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  Great Versatile Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By kitrock - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This Suv is perhaps the most thought out and versatile vehicle I have own. The engine is a little weak and excelleration is moderate. Fuel economy is average for Honda, but excellent when compared to other SUVs. The drive takes a while to get used to because of the long space between the driver and A-Pillar, but it drives very nice and responsive. The turning radius of the element is excellent, turns on a dime. Alot more interior room than anything in its class, especially for rear passengers. I do hear alot of road noise, mostly from the wind, because of the square non- aerodynamic shape.

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  Fun - 2003 Honda Element
  By cb - October 15 - 12:17 pm

  The Honda Element is definitely a head- turner. 18,000 miles so far - only problem a defective/cracked windshield. Otherwise its been a great car. A little noisy but nothing terrible. Great for long trips, camping, shopping, etc. Gas milage is 19 mpg at best. Over-all very satisfied.

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  My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By RaveWitMeeh03 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  well for the most part I love my element, but I think there was some faulty wires in my car becasue the battery went dead after a week of not starting it, and the cd player they put in my car doesnt play cdrs but other than those problems which Im gonna get fixed the car is great

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  Great to be in my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Bonnie - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Even though this car is promoted for the young, it is very convenience for all ages. I have arthitis and found it difficult to enter a standard SUV but the design of the Element makes entering the car easy. Driving is fun again!

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  From Jeep to Honda.... - 2003 Honda Element
  By EVS - September 26 - 10:00 am

  First time Honda owner. I really enjoy the fun-to-drive, eye turning quality. Not as dependable as my Jeep in terms of comfort and pick-up. MPG performs poorly when the car is fully loaded (only got 250 miles on one tank with full car, 3 people, and luggage on roof). Otherwise, a fun ride. Great for soccer moms or people with pets. Ideal for local travel and short trips to the hardware store.