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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  H3- Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By BBs - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Lots of room, drives very good, MPG is ok,rides good in the wind.

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  my element - 2003 Honda Element
  By eyedoctor - September 26 - 10:00 am

  purchased an element 2 months ago and feel mixed about it. love the styling but my last 2 cars were a 6 cylinder 2000 sonata and a 2000 bmw 528 i. noise level is much higher and the pick up is less and whiney and with the 4 wd in the city only have marginally better mpg about 19. the ride is fairly rough in the city have been practicly knocked over on occasion. sound system and reliability have been fine but not sure i would do again. would look at a scion if had to do it again.

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  I love my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By bobznuff - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I am proud to say that I am one of the first with this great vehicle. I have had it for about a month now and I still love it as much as when I first saw it. It is funny how many comments I get every day about the Element, people love it or hate it. I have had no problems yet except poor gas mileage, the mechanic said that it will improve.

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  Elementary - 2005 Honda Element
  By sstein - August 13 - 6:36 pm

  The Element is not for the pretentious, or luxury driven, but if utility, reliabilty and flexibility in use mean anything to you, then the Element will give you much more than you expect. Handling is surprisingly good, as is acceleration. And, on the open road, the engine actually responds at high speeds. As far as the interior flexibility, awesome.

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  Quality wise-the best vehicle ever owned - 2003 Honda Element
  By Steve Bullard - August 11 - 7:36 pm

  Fun to drive, and,at 35,000 miles,not a single problem. Great build quality. When I first bought it I though the seat material would be hot (like leather). But even in the Houston summers the seats have been just like fabric seats. I do wish Honda would come up with a way to seat 3 in the back seat...offer a option of a full bench. Even if it could not be stowed within the vehicle and took 2 people to remove it. It really cant be useful for a family unless it seats 5. I would not hesitate to recommend an Element.

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  Beware of Blind Spot - 2003 Honda Element
  By Fran - August 11 - 1:19 pm

  I loved my Element until I was driving in the LA Convention Center Parking Lot, and hit a post. I had never done anything like this before. After going through weeks of repair, and self recrimination, I thought that because Im not tall, the blind spot was worse. Then my husband (tall) almost missed a pedestrian in turning left. Beware of the blind spot as you turn left. I am in the process of replacing this car.

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  We Love It - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element Owner - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We have a toddler and two large dogs. Thanks to our dogs and kid this car really gets dirty quick but thankfully it cleans up quick. A damp sponge works great on the interior. WE did have one problem with it this past summer when a full pump sensor failed and the car lost power and the engine light came on (the vehicle had to be towed)but that appears to be a fluke incident. The car has been running great since then. The car has nice pickup on the highway when passing other vehicles. A wonderful car at a reasonable price! We love it.

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  Fuel Capacity - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lori Slavich - July 19 - 1:40 am

  While driving this vehicle is really fun, and the space inside cant be beat, I am getting only 21 miles to the gallon and despite what the tank capacity is supposed to be, the gas guage reads EMPTY at 260 miles.

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  Not the perfect Mommies Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By Abril - April 13 - 12:21 pm

  I thought the E would be perfect for a newborn baby, it is in the sense that if you spill something it wipes right up. The ease of cleaning is my favorite feature. But I hate the suicide doors. If someone parks close to you, its a dance to get the carrier in the car and not hit the other car with your doors or trap yourself inside. Not that you should be messing with the baby while your driving but I cant even reach his car seat to pat him on the head when hes upset.

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  NJ Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By NJ Element - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Sealine Mist colored E 3 weeks ago. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. What more can I say. Practical and Affordable, and oh yeah, has the same engine as the Accord and CR-V... for 19,300.00 !!!