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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  Saved my life - 2006 Honda Element
  By ricthechef - January 30 - 8:16 am

  My brother had a 2003 Element and was rolled off the thruway--he walked away. Yesterday I was hit just about head on, on the right headlight, by a pickup going over 60 MPH. The car rolled, the airbags deployed and aside from a broken rib and a few contusions, I literally walked away. Kudos to safety features and thanks to you Honda! The high ceilings I believe are a factor in safety and comfort.

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  Great Ski Car - 2006 Honda Element
  By Runmaster - January 28 - 8:52 pm

  I purchased an 06 knowing that changes were going to made in the 07. I did not care for the new belt system and the front grill. Also, this was the 1st generation Element and I believe that all the issues are worked out with the last year of a generation change. (Front windshield, A/C, AWD, etc.) I have been correct. This car (SUV) is rock solid.

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  Load It Up and Go! - 2003 Honda Element
  By kjfitzia - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. We loaded it to the hilt with gear for vacation (suitcases, cooler, and children. the surfboard and kayak fit nicely on top) and took off cross- country. It handled everything we asked it to. The excellent sound system made traveling a pleasure. Initial quality was great - Only time it been back to the dealership was for an oil change (current mileage 6,500) It still turns heads as we use for around town errands.

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  Take it to the lake! - 2008 Honda Element
  By gmartin - January 26 - 1:12 pm

  On our first trip north, I had two dogs, a kid, a 10 horse outboard motor, a plug in cooler and 260 miles to drive to our lake. 24 mpg on two lanes with hills. Great utility vehicle and have gotten 28 mpg on the two lanes. 24 on the freeway. We live in MN and it does a great job in the snow also. I may want a more aggressive snow tread though for the back roads.

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  Please give me a 6th gear!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Copywrites - January 23 - 11:45 am

  If you like the sound of a high-revving engine, you will love the Element. If you like good gas economy, you will hate the Element. After 3 years of ownership, it is a love-hate relationship. I love the versatility - I can carry almost anything from bicycles inside the cargo area, to washing machines. But the high pitch whining of the engine drives me crazy knowing that a 6th gear or revised gearing would probably deliver me an extra 4-5 MPG. It has been one of my most favorite vehicles to own, but I wont buy another unless it breaks the 30 mpg barrier. Next car will be a Nissan Cube - similar quirkiness and functionality, good gas mileage. That is the magic combination in my opinion

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  Average Joe - 2003 Honda Element
  By DepsHonda - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This Honda is fun to drive. The sound system is to of the line. When I first got it I took it up to the Blue Ridge to see how it would do in the snow. No problem. I was so impressed the following week I drove it to Florida to see how it would do on the beach. This SUV was made for the family who loves to vacation(MINE) and would rather spend money at the stores not at the pumps. My wife is so happy I talked her out of the Liberty. We did drive one for 4 weeks. Boy did I miss her ELEMENT.

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  Love my Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By jasonswifey - January 19 - 7:01 pm

  Ive had a lot of cars and I always get sick of them quick! But I am in love with my Element and when it comes time for me to get a new car it will be a newer version! The back seat is awesome! Very spacious for long road trips and comfortable enough for 3 people without feeling crowded! I love how the back seat can either be folded up or taken out with little to no effort! And the vinyl instead makes muddy shoes and drink spills no big deal! I keep windex and paper towels in the back and when I end up with a mess its gone quick! The front seat is also very comfortable and has lots of neat features!

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  Excellent, a car for everyone! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Silly boy - January 14 - 8:53 am

  I love this Element! I would buy this SUV again. The gas mileage is perfect and the price I was given was just awesome. This suv couldnt get any better! The comfort was superior. Anybody who thought this car was a poor decision to get, well, they thought wrong. I am really glad that Honda came out with an SUV that would put up to many customers standards.

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  The Ultimate Vehichle - 2004 Honda Element
  By JD - January 7 - 6:20 am

  I cant say enough about this car! Im stopped by people in parking lots asking about my Element. Im an advertisement on wheels for this car. We purchased the Element to replace one of our 2 Honda CRVs, still love our CRV but the Element suits my business needs better. I am an artist, I sell my work at arts and crafts shows. With the back seats out I can haul all my inventory, my entire display, tent/canopy, chairs, floor mats, rugs, EVERYTHING I need to do a show including my luggage and a friend and their stuff! If it rains and the field gets muddy I know that the 4WD will get me home. The kicking stereo keeps us going and I never have to worry about gas money!

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  Great car - 2006 Honda Element
  By Brian - December 30 - 1:19 pm

  Have had this car for 3 yrs/60 k miles. Great car. Super cheap to own, amazingly reliable. Standard maintenance is really inexpensive, and only every 10k miles. This is not a luxury car. There is no wood trim/leather seats, etc. What you see is what you get. But its plenty peppy, drives very smooth, and fits in compact car parking spots. Excellent turning radius. Blind spots do take some getting used to though - my only complaint. Excellent in the snow. Excellent build quality. Excellent cargo capacity. Seats are easy to flip up or take out. Even comfortable to sleep in, which I have done many times at trail heads before climbs!