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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  So much fun! - 2003 Honda Element
  By NickyBlue - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4 Honda product weve owned. The make of the vehicle lives up to the standard of Honda and has been so much fun. We have two children and the doors and interior space are convenient. Everyone is looking to figure out what we are driving and we tell them its awesome.

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  Feeling like a kid again!!! - 2008 Honda Element
  By dqdave - November 6 - 8:36 am

  I bought it for the fun, but this is a practical car that I can use for my bikes, or camping, or the long winters in Wisconsin. And, I think its the most comfortable car Ive ever been in. MPG is fair, 24-26, mostly highway. MT is silky smooth, better than my S2000.

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  HONDA MISSED THEIR TARGET - 2003 Honda Element
  By hvm - November 3 - 10:00 am

  ALL OF THE "EXPERTS" AND HONDA SAY THIS CAR IS FOR THE 20-26 YEAR OLD. IM 51 AND MANY IF NOT MOST OF OTHER ELEMENT DRIVER I HAVE SEEN ARE OLD GEEZERS LIKE MYSELF. IM ALSO 67" AND 320LBS. I AM VERY COMFORTABLE AND HAVE PLEANTY OF ROOM. GREAT CAR!!!

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  Love my Green Toaster - 2008 Honda Element
  By Rob - October 30 - 5:12 pm

  I was looking for an all around vehicle for hauling stuff, commuting, and occasional 4wd needed when camping, but didn’t want a truck and this car fits perfect. Always loved the ‘funky’ looking unique design on the outside, but was surprised how big this small SUV is on the inside. More headroom and driver space than my wife’s Suburban. Great for moving furniture, trips to Home Depot, Costco, etc. Consistently get about 22 mpg (not bad for an AWD box), although I drive fairly conservative lately due to gas prices. Thought the rear moon roof was weird at first, but nice to see out of when using seats as a bed. AWD makes this a real blast to drive on dirt roads! 6 months and very pleased.

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  Good but ... - 2006 Honda Element
  By Rob - October 30 - 4:16 am

  Good car but not Honda quality nor design. Cheap plastics are easy to scratch. Car does best on smooth surfaces.

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  Ugly Duckling - 2005 Honda Element
  By Bill Walsh - October 28 - 6:20 pm

  The only thing I can say is this vehicle is functional. It is ugly but practical. I am a woodworker and it does all I need it to do. It carries 4X8 sheets of plywood or dimensional lumber. I like the fact that it is not carpeted. It has no "gonads". You are not going to burn rubber with it. The good gas mileage is a tradeoff. When I first bought it, I was embarrased to be seen in it. (After being MR. PICKUP). Now I can live with it.

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  Love My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By NurseKristi - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! If you want a car that gets the looks this is the one. Mine is green and I love its trendy look. It handles great, all except in a windy rainstorm. It tends to blow around on the interstate when the weather is bad. I would buy this car again in a heartbeat!

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  My Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By swatchnut - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Element. It is perfect for my life style. I use it for work with the seats out to carry plants and containers. I use it for fun to carry my kayaks and bicycles on top and inside. It drives like a car, but has the room of a truck. And it gets great gas mileage. I dont feel guilty that Im driving an SUV. I cant wait for it to snow to try out the 4 wheel drive. I live on a huge hill and last winter was brutal, leaving me to park at the bottom and walk home until the plows came thru.

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  Wow!! A fun car! - 2005 Honda Element
  By MARILYN - October 22 - 11:16 pm

  I just love this car!! I thought a long time about what to buy. I test drove it twice,and stopped everyone that i saw driving one and asked their oppinions....Nothing but rave reviews. Ive had my car for a few days now and i couldnt be happier. Its so comfortable to drive, plenty of sensible room and a great stereo. I love the way it looks....I chose a blue ex model and had roof racks and running boards put on. I was already a honda fan....I bought a 1990 accord new and had trouble parting with it. But it was time and im so happy that i chose the element. Im a 64 yr. Old female and i have no surf boards or off-road bikes to put in it but my friends are going to love the ride!

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  Wheres the beef? - 2008 Honda Element
  By tricat - October 20 - 9:15 pm

  I bought this vehicle after owning a Nissan Pickup for 6 years. I bought it to be able to haul my bikes inside instead of outside in the bed of the pickup. The interior is functional, perfect for my needs. The performance is terrible, bad hesitation upon acceleration. If you need to accelerate RIGHT now, forget it. The tires squeal on almost any sharp corner, in rain it feels unsteady, like it could hydroplane at any second. Terrible mileage (21 MPH for a 4 cylinder). I honestly think rollover is a problem or will be soon. The sunroof is unusable in that it is in the back and cannot be opened remotely.