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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  Needs a hybrid 6 - 2005 Honda Element
  By Needs a hybrid 6 - January 18 - 11:26 pm

  Great design - the folding seat, the suicide doors. It already seems to appeal to eco-friendly types. Listen to the other reviews and give it a 6 cyl engine for more HP, but make it a hybrid for better gas mileage.

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  So far so good! - 2004 Honda Element
  By G. Luna - November 13 - 6:44 pm

  Ive logged less than 1,000 miles but will be driving it across the country in a few days so I should know more soon. My German Shepherd likes it a lot more than my last car a 2dr 1997 Jeep Wrangler. More comfortable and AC! The exterior has its share of scratches and dings but I live on the Navajo reservation so I can expect some exterior wear with no worries. Not a beast but it cruises at a decent speed. RPMs jump when climbing modest grades. Functional vehicle.

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  After the newness wears off... - 2003 Honda Element
  By kosheral - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After the newness wears off, you being to realize how many little features are lacking in this vehicle. I got the EX because I imagined it to be factory "loaded" like the other Honda models. Not having keyless entry is a big drawback with kids. Also, the lack of passenger lock/unlock is crazy! I like the look of the SUV, but there arent enough everyday conveniences to keep me happy. My Honda Civic was my favorite car ever, and I guess this just doesnt live up to the Civic.

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  Rattle box - 2003 Honda Element
  By Drduer - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Very appealing design, very spacious interior in spite of small exterior package. Noisy inside, persistant dash rattles. Seating position uncomfortable for smaller drivers. Owned the Element for six weeks - it was in the shop for three weeks for dash rattles - old rattles mostly fixed, not eliminated, and new rattles created. Traded in on an 03 CR-V, very happy with the CR-V. If youre interested in an Element, do yourself a favor and test drive both the Element and a CR-V before making a decision.

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  It doesnt seem sluggish - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ragekit13 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Element because Im married now and have a dog and needed something more versatile and easy to clean on those weekend getaways or out camping. I gave up my 2002 WRX...it was hard, but someday...Sti? Anyway, Ive read reviews on the automatic being sluggish and am confused. Sure 0- 60 time is o.k., but off the line it has plenty of torque. I would have had to rev my WRX up to 6000 RPM and drop the clutch to beat this thing off the line. Its been a very fun vehicle and I highly recommend it for anyone with an active lifestyle--old, or young.

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  Good Suv - 2005 Honda Element
  By John - October 1 - 6:43 pm

  Overall very good SUV, sold an expedition and have been very happy with the honda. Great interior space and easy to keep clean.

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  honda turtle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Ed Bejsovec - August 15 - 7:20 pm

  my honda is the perfect vehicle for hauling...with the seats removed there is tons of room..as much as a pickup. the ride is a bit choppy becuase of the short wheelbase..the engine is good and if you need the power the engine reacts quick enough to get you in traffic..the seats and the interior is washable making it great for all kinds of loads.. the stereo in the ex is supurb great sounds with XM..the car sits up nicely and it is easy to see traffic. Ive been averaging 23mpg in mixed driveing. the only drawback is the silly moon roof which is lcated in the rear of the vehicle instead the front because the Element has alot of headroom.

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Phil - August 4 - 2:56 am

  This is a great little SUV. Cargo space comes in handy and is flexible. Its a great car for running errands. However, I find highway driving a challenge. Since there is no carpeting, car tends to be noisey. Due to the boxiness of the vehicle, I find it difficult to steer at higher speeds and find myself fighting the steering wheel to compensate for lane drifting. There is a terrible blind spot from the right side door post. The post is wide and hides vehicles from view. Very dangerous! Brake grinding noise is also a problem. I was told the noise would disappear after 100 miles. I now have 5,000 miles on the car and the grinding has not disappeared.

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  My Chubby Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By ALC - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car but I have one complaint about visibility. The driver and passenger side have a blind spot. The rather large window post can swallow a car whole and if you are not careful you could be unpleasantly surprised.

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  my husband loves it but its ugly - 2003 Honda Element
  By elliotnine - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the vehicle drives, but it is still a little strange looking to me! I had a Toyota 4-runner for the last 8 years, and when we had a baby a few months ago, it was aggravating to get the car seat in and out of it so we had to get something different. My husband really liked these and we went and test drove one, I love the roominess, and the fact that you can wash it out, and the car seat fits in it wonderfully. . The 2nd day we had it we tried to use a bootle warmer in the 12 volt accessory plug and it was way to tight and it tore up and they tried to charge us to fix it!