2005 Honda Element Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.65/5 Average
302 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Side airbags are now standard on the EX, and all audio systems are equipped with MP3 and WMA playback capability. XM Satellite Radio is newly available. Power mirrors, cruise control and new wheel covers have been added to the LX. New features for the EX include a tailpipe finisher, black and blue plastic panels and a new side sill treatment for reduced chipping.

Pros:
  • Spacious, waterproof interior, optional all-wheel drive, smooth four-cylinder engine, balanced handling.
Cons:
  • Only seats four, clamshell doors hinder entry/exit for rear-seat passengers, ABS restricted to high-line EX.

User Reviews:

Showing 171 through 180 of 302.00
  • Perfect for what it is designed to do - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    The vehicle is just about perfectly suited for our needs (2 adults, 2 teenagers, one large dog) both long and short drives. It cruises easily at 80/90. The vehicle corners well and is surprisingly quick. Some other reviewers wanted a larger engine – none is needed if you get the manual transmission and rev the engine a little while shifting – Honda has low rev shift points the auto transmission. The EX comes with a better suspension than the model below it. I have had several vans, various sedans, and several sports cars, so I have a reasonable idea of different vehicles – no one wants to use our much more expensive conversion van anymore, other than for camping trips.

  • Not your average SUV - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    Not your average SUV. The Element is EXACTLY what a SUV should be .... versital, functional, and of course fun to drive. What more could one ask ?? And of course it is a HONDA !! Seeing that my first Honda, a 1990 CRX is still on the road that is saying quite a bit.

  • Great car - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    I purchased the vehicle to carry college supplies on 5-6 hour trips. It has not disappointed us at all. The interior is spacious and holds a lot more than might appear from the outside. The front seats are very comfortable and it handles very well. Even on long drives, I do not feel tired and dont feel the need to stop to stretch etc. The back seats are easy to take out and then reinstall. Shortcomings include its seating capacity, which is only 4 people, and its donut spare time (the wheel well is not large enough to house a full size spare). I highly recommend this vehicle and would definitely consider purchasing another one.

  • E is Excellent Everyday SUV - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    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!!!!

  • Honda Reliability - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    The Element is definately misleading at first glance. Once you are inside the vehicle, you forget that you are driving this boxy, compact SUV. The ride is extremely comfortable and, being 8" shorter than a Civic, one can park anywhere with ease. The AWD has been perfect in the ice and snow of hilly Connecticut. The special material used for the seats and floor is easy to clean and doesnt absorb odors or spills. The one downside is that the fuel economy and could be a little better. It is still excellent with a 22.5 mpg, but, if Honda can get it up to 30, it would be perfect. On the flipside, Id like to see a model wit increased hp, even though 2006s is slightly decreased.

  • Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    Fun car - well thought-out. Great for outdoor activities. Interior made for bicycling, fishing, camping, etc. Far above average stereo. Very stable, brakes superbly. A life-style choice.

  • Japanese Hummer - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    This must have been one of the Ugliest truck when it first came out. However, for some reason, it was also the reason that I purchased it, its ugliness caught my attention. Best choice that i ever made, I must have went through 40 cars already and I love the element based on price, value, and reliability. I cant believe how useful this truck is hauling the weirdest stuff around. There are many things that i like about this truck and things that i think Honda can improve on. Things that I like about this truck is it hauls alot I mean alot of stuff. Its cheap from the dealer, its awd, good in the snow and comes pretty loaded for around $20k. cant complain at all!

  • Lovin my Element - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    This is the most practical vehicle Ive ever owned. Its a hoot to drive and its as rugged as it is dependable. Sometimes aerodynamics are overated. This little "box" gets 25+ MPG and keeps up with most vehicles on the Interstate. However, it could use a couple more inches of ground clearance.

  • Very Spacious Interior - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    Roomy versitile cargo space in a small package. Ease of entry and exiting car is superb. Free of rattles and noise level is accepable. Same engine as Accord so power is adequate. Finish is good but lots of composite parts. If you want a practical, economic SUV to haul things and carry four people in comfort its great. This is not plus inside,no carpeting and seats are comfortable but basic.I have not yet tested the 4WD feature in bad WX like snow. It works for me.

  • Very Spacious Interior - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    Roomy versatile cargo space in a small package. Ease of entry and exiting car is superb. Free of rattles and noise level is accepable. Same engine as Accord so power is adequate. Finish is good but lots of composite parts. If you want a practical, economic SUV to haul things and carry four people in comfort, its great. This is not plus inside, no carpeting and seats are comfortable but basic. I have not yet tested the 4WD feature in bad WX like snow. It works for me.

Honda Element Reviews By Year:
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