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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  03 Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By JH - May 24 - 8:40 pm

  Pretty much solid mechanically, although recently had a $900+ starter replacement. However, a squeaking suspension (even after new shocks), loose sun visors that wont stay tightened, a frozen passenger lock that Honda wont replace since it didnt begin to seize until over 60,000 miles (unlike the driver side, which was fixed for free), & map light lenses that keep falling out, are some 1st yr fit & finish issues with my 2003 Element.

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  2005 Honda element best vehicle ever.. - 2005 Honda Element
  By HondaBaxter - May 24 - 5:36 pm

  This vehicle drives so smooth for an SUV, it handles so well around turns. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is so good on gas to have all the room it has.

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  better than i "thought" - 2004 Honda Element
  By cardogie - May 24 - 10:00 am

  real fun to drive real comfortable i even enjoy the way it looks

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  A Truly Unique Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Clayman - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Honda is missing a bet by advertising the Element as car for youth. Im retired and pursuing art as a second career. The Element is great to haul sculptures and anything else you need to carry. It is incredibly fun to drive and is the most ulilitarian vehicle I have seen. My wife drives a Lexus, but I would rather drive my Element - its that much fun. Fantastic car in every way.

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  Happy choice - 2004 Honda Element
  By LParsons - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a car that could haul a lot, from furniture to pets, that I wouldnt have to worry about getting dirty inside when, voila, Honda created the Element. I love its simple interior, pracitcal interior styling, with no-frills flooring and upholstery (able to be hosed off and wiped down). The versatility of the seating and space arrangement is everything I could have asked for. I do wish the seats were a bit more comfortable and that the gas mileage was a bit higher. An Element hybrid, now that would be something!

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  Dont knock it till u try it.... - 2007 Honda Element
  By in love w/ a element - May 19 - 10:27 am

  I fell in love with the Element when the very first one came out, with the exception of the panel on the vehicle. In 07 when I saw the SC I fell in love all over again. This car may look like a toaster, but from the inside out it is an exceptional vehicle. I love the room it provides on the inside to how theres no panel on the outside. Ive had my SC since Nov. 06 and still have it today with over 37,000 miles on it and I havent had to this day any problems with my SC, except taking it in for regular maintenance. I feel its one of the best investments ull ever make and u wont regret it one bit. For everyone else whos had problems I think its the driver not the car!

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  Fun, but not what I expected of a Honda - 2008 Honda Element
  By Cruisedoggy - May 12 - 2:40 pm

  At 54, this was my very first new car...ever! Everyone said what great cars Hondas are, so I was excited to be buying one, and my beloved Element to boot. At 1000 miles it had been in the shop twice for fuel tank sensor issues. Now at just shy of a year and only 5700 miles I am truly disappointed. It IS fun to drive and I love its funny nerd cool look, but the quality really lacks....small irritations: defrosters are non- existent, radio speakers vibrated from the start, drivers side doors rattle. Im a single old guy, so its hardly been given rough treatment.

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  Finally somethings different. - 2003 Honda Element
  By NKGA - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car because its very practical and unique in many ways. Unlike V6, this car has only Inline-4 with 160 hps,which gives a decent fuel economy and proformance. One more thing, every where I go, I always get the attention from people, and all my friends love it when I drive it to school.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda Element
  By Copywrites - May 7 - 10:05 pm

  If you are expecting perceived Honda quality, you will be very disappointed in the Element. It will start at about 3000 miles when your rear brakes will start grinding, Then at about 20,000 they will literally explode. Make sure you are always near a repair shop. At 45,000 miles you will need a new manual transmission because yours will pop out of gear at low speeds and require two hands to shift it into 1st or 2nd gear. Have no idea what to expect at 50K because Im dumping it at 48K. Goodbye to the worst built car I have ever owned. (I have owned more than 30 cars BTW)

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  I love my Element. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Dave2003 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  After having a test drive in a Ford Escape, I ventured to the local Honda dealer and found, to my surprise, a truly exciting SUV by appearance and quality. Tons of room, eye-catching design, Honda quality, smooth ride and very fun to drive. My 6 year old son loves it. The "theatre" style rear seats allow him to see everything and he especially likes location of the sun roof (over the rear seats). Overall, Id buy it again. Great vehicle.