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:

• 

  AWD extremely poor - 2004 Honda Element
  By Sugarfoot - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Love the vehbicle EXCEPT FOR an AWD system that doesnt cut it. With no locking differential, I find the vehicle has very poor traction on wet or snow covered surfaces that permit diagonal front & rear whels to lose traction. For me, this happened far to often. There is also an issue with windshield cracks that is not acknowledged or backed up by Honda. Ground clearance is also too low for off road use. Gas tank is vulnerable.

• 

  Love my - 2003 Honda Element
  By Blondman954 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had my "E" since January and have 5,000 miles on it so far. No problems so far. There are some very minor issues that happen with almost every new car made (squeaks, rattles, etc). I like the way it handles and despite the 4 cylinder engine, it moves along just fine.

• 

  Watch out for rocks - 2003 Honda Element
  By eric777 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  There is no front panel to gaurd the radiator. Watch out for rocks flying up. One went right throuh mine and insurance dosent cover road hazards. Could have been a freak accident, but I already noticed were more rocks have hit, just not gone through yet.

• 

  Mother of 3 Teenage Boys - 2003 Honda Element
  By Joyslee - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Love, love, love this car. Backing out of a steep gravel driveway, my friends SUV slipped and kicked gravel, and almost didnt make it. My Element just slipped a half second, kicked into 4WD, and I cruised out. I cant wait to drive it on snow. If you live where these cars are few and far between, be prepared to be stared at (and maybe laughed at) for driving such an unusual looking vehicle.

• 

  Practical, Cheap, Cool - 2003 Honda Element
  By DroolingBabyMarket - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought it last week. Love it. Paid 19.0k including destination charge. Was told that was 500 over invoice. Accessories are a rip-off, but the car is awesome. Great ride. Surprisingly good handling. If you buy a DX, you can have a sunroof installed. The car is mismarketed. Should be targeted at people like me, young professional couples with little families on a budget.

• 

  a great car - the plus & minus of it - 2004 Honda Element
  By Chris - July 14 - 5:23 pm

  Overall a great car.We own an 01 Accord and love it.Our family has owned many models and years with very little negative to say about Honda. The Element continues in this tradition. The combination of economy and utility is a great aspect of this car.The back seats cant be fully reclined to latch up inside unless the head rest is removed.This appears to be an oversight since the owners manual and website make no mention of removing head rest.The moonroof needs improvements- with the glass in- it opens a paltry 3-4 inches. When you remove the glass, the optional screen that I purchased isnt supposed to be used when the car is in motion.A power roof like we have on our accord would be great.

• 

  Great car looking for a few improvements - 2003 Honda Element
  By ckole - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with our purchase. Fun to drive with ample power for most people. Averaging 21.5 MPG on mixed driving. We love the "ugly" factor.

• 

  I am in my Element with this vehicle. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lululu - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The Element is fun and easy to drive. The only draw back is the visibility out the rear side windows seems obstructed. I love the vehicle and it suits my dogs, me, and my lifestyle.

• 

  Tough Little Work Horse - 2005 Honda Element
  By Drew - June 1 - 6:20 pm

  This is my first Honda,and I cant say enough about it. I drive to customers homes, and workplaces for my job and cover about 1000 miles per week. Great in the New England snow! Dont think twice about buying one. You wont regret it.

• 

  The best - 2005 Honda Element
  By ever - March 30 - 2:56 pm

  I love this "truck." If I could get another, I would. Whenever I go camping, mountain biking, or even just to drive around, it is an awesome piece of machinery.