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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  My first SUV-easy to clean and reliable - 2008 Honda Element
  By Jersey Jeff - August 25 - 3:20 pm

  This was our first SUV and having a messy child and a dog in our family, the Element is a breeze to clean and to haul stuff, especially with the rear seats up. The interior is roomier than you think. Ride quality is rather spartan but not unexpected and the engine could use a little more hp. Gas mileage is lousy, Im hoping for a hybrid version. I am 62" and find the drivers seat belt to be very uncomfortable on my neck. We have owned this car for 2 years and it has been the most reliable car we have ever driven. Quality seems to be excellent on our Element!

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  Elementary SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By Marco Minardo - August 9 - 10:53 pm

  Bought used with 30K miles. This Honda is an extremely thirsty little SUV. In town I never got better than 20 mpg, 25 mpg on the interstate at 75/78 mph without AC was achievable with Super Unleaded Fuel, otherwise 23 mpg was more the norm for such an underpowered 4 cyl. engine that otherwise is very smooth and torquey at the bottom. The transmission gearing was poor as well, shifting hard and constantly between 4th and 5th back and forth at highway speeds. The no carpet floor would be a great idea if it were rubber and not that hard slippery plastic. Horrible with bugs and rocks on the windshield as well as wind noise. Worst Honda I ever owned in terms of poor performance and fuel economy.

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  One of my favorites! - 2007 Honda Element
  By jharris09 - July 23 - 2:05 pm

  The element lacks in features such as auto headlights, USB, power seats, sunroof, etc. The gas mileage is less than you would expect from a Honda. In all honesty I could care less about that. I absolutely love this car. Even those who give this thing lower ratings rarely cite any real material issues such as engine or transmission issues. The stereo is great for a factory set up. This is absolutely one of my favorite purchases.

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  I call my 2005 red Element "Flame" - 2005 Honda Element
  By Adrian in Dallas - July 22 - 11:43 am

  The only color I wanted when I saw it in the Honda Element palette selection was what they call "Rallye Red." Its a beautiful, clear, bright red thats a knockout. The drab orange and the even more drab olive color that you see all over are not for me. (This review is sounding like a "Click & Clack" radio show where the first question they ask those with car problems is "What color is it?") IN ANY EVENT: This car is the best thing Ive ever owned. I was born in Detroit and just turned 65, so thats saying something! Its solid as the brick it looks like, actually FUN to drive, has great head room and is E-Z to get in to and out of. I ordered it with every bell & whistle Honda offered.

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  Love the car except - 2010 Honda Element
  By MrMike - July 6 - 8:19 am

  This is a perfect sized vehicle for my needs. I totally removed the back seats and use it as a van. I have some disappointments like The stereo system is ok at best. The front seats shouldve been able to go all the way forward when in forward position. The rust proofing found under the fender wells shouldve been sprayed everywhere on the undercarriage. It deceives a buyer into thinking he has rustproofing there. In my opinion, even a weekend car painter knows that all the door jambs should be painted the same as the rest of the vehicle. My Element is like that n some parts of the jambs while the rest is the same as what you find under the hood. I cant believe this is standard for a car

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  Incredibly roomy, practical SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Matt - June 16 - 10:10 pm

  This is a great little SUV that was the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Its incredibly roomy and very practical for everything. The performance is adequate. It wont impress you with its acceleration but it never feels underpowered. Handling is good but there is a lot of lean. The suicide doors are interesting, but the door mounted front seat belts are a problem when you need to drop off rear seat passengers.

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  Lots of Maintanence Problems - 2003 Honda Element
  By John Dunford - June 1 - 11:10 am

  I have only 64,000 miles on my Honda Element and I still enjoy its utility. However with this low mileage I have already had a blown clutch, a blown compressor for the AC, and a persistent problem with the door locks in that the keys do not work. I have been a faithful Honda owner for many years and have always had a manual transmission. I am a careful driver. To have over 5000 dollars in maintenance already with this low mileage is a serious test to my brand loyalty.

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  2007 Element - 2007 Honda Element
  By James - April 27 - 1:32 am

  Fell in love with this vehicle at the showroom and still enjoy driving it but alot of the features may not be right for everyone so do your homework if you want to buy one.

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  Want Another - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mike - April 1 - 12:02 am

  I will buy another element this year. The thing that I like most is the headroom and the ease of regress and egress. I have a fused neck so I cannot bend it and with the Element I dont have to bend my neck to get in or out. The car is a little noisy from the lack of carpet but you get used to it. Many nooks and crannies that coins get wedged in but not that much of a problem. All around a great car. Replaced a passenger window motor, a battery and was serviced regularly. Still have it 50k miles.

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  Quirky - 2004 Honda Element
  By nc3e - February 11 - 4:16 pm

  I still cant say that I like the way the Element looks. Its ugly, and it hasnt really grown on me yet. However, it has more interior space than I expected. Rear seat passengers have tons of space and 2 cup holders, as well as 2 more for the front seat passengers. Great sound system. AWD is great in the snow! Acceleration isnt astounding, but it isnt slow. No carpeting means cleaning up spills is the best. Front pillars make big blind spots, and the "suicide doors" are a pain in a parking lot. The brakes took some getting used to for me, the pedal is a little soft and positioned strangely. Smooth and gentle steering and ride. AC began squeaking recently and cranks VERY slow in the cold.