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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  Bulletproof - 2006 Honda Element
  By Cperficio - September 6 - 4:06 pm

  Theres not a better value on the market folks. My 6-3 teenage son fits comfortably in the back seat and theres lots of room for his euphonium on the storage area. For the same money we considered a Pontiac Vibe which is a good car but claustrophobic when compared to an Element. Im 6-0 and the seating position for me is ideal, I could drive it ALL day. Oil change is a snap(I change my own) with no need for a jack. With the black panels it really stands out from the crowd after I wash is and treat them with Armor All. Something Ive noticed, you never see an Element on a used car lot.

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  Perfect Car for a Single Guy - 2008 Honda Element
  By Vaughn - September 5 - 12:13 pm

  I have owned two Mercedes and two Cadillac autos, all new cars, plus a Buick Riviera and I can honestly say that this is a far better car than any of them, and it costs 1/3 as much. This is due to the carefully thought out design, simplicity in all features, but most of all very low true cost to own with respect to both maintainability, repair costs, insurance, and related costs. I don’t care about resale value as I intend to keep this jewel for at least 10 years. The ride is great and the 166 bhp is more than adequate power. It also has very responsive steering, plus the electronics are all high quality and well conceived designs.

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  In My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By skinnerp - September 5 - 9:05 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. AWD only kicks in when front tires slip and works perfectly, tons of interior room, sporty handling, and averages 24 mpg on the highway. Only maintenance required is changing the oil and filter. Everything works! One warranty repair of a seat belt buckle sensor in 40K miles.

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  I Really Love This Car!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Donald - September 4 - 1:46 am

  I own a Lexus RX and Infiniti G20 but this vehicle is more fun and practical to drive than either of the them. My wife hated for me to buy the Element. She felt that this car was ugly and she did not want to be seen in it. I bought the car in November 2005. Now, she really loves that Ugly Duckling!! She prefers to drive it more than her Lexus. She loves the 270 watt stereo system. She cannot get enough of the XM Satellite Radio. She doesnt even mind being seen driving or riding in the car. Needless to say, I loved the car the first time I saw it. I am really proud to own this car. I am looking forward to years of fun and economical trouble- free driving experiences.

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  Japanese Land Rover - 2006 Honda Element
  By Steve Burgess - September 2 - 1:24 pm

  Having owned Honda Civics, Accords and a 99 CR-V (still going strong), I did not hesitate to buy another Honda. My experience with the dealership and all models has been excellent. Only two complaints with interior: no dead pedal for left foot and the seats do not breathe when wearing shorts -- sweaty legs. To quote an old R&R song: "She may not be pretty but she sure can cook." It can go anywhere and haul just about anything.

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  Mostly Utility, some sport - 2008 Honda Element
  By dc10920 - September 1 - 4:31 pm

  Very reliable, great ride and great for what I use it for. Best car in its class for a practical life. Easy to clean after the dogs have a dirty day in the park. Easy to get my mountain bikes in and out of. Outstanding for trips to Home Depot or Costco! Also, I am 6 ft 3in and this vehicle fits me better then much larger SUVs!

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  Excellent! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Tanya - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car thrills me, the styling, the handling, the interior space. I previously had a Saab 9-5 that completely fell apart before it reached 70,000 miles, starter, electronics display, rotor, turbo, head gasket. I had bought it to last. Never again. So much for German and American engineering.

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  love it - 2004 Honda Element
  By Meme - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I love it.. there never before was a car designed just for me. I sail, bike, kayak, windsurf and ski and this car lets me carry everything easily.

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  2005 Element EX Standard AWD - 2005 Honda Element
  By elementred - August 29 - 9:20 am

  I expected lower gas mileage with the lower gear ratio on the Standard. BUT, we received higher gas mileage 25- 27mpg. Very peppy engine, Great to take bikes in. Rear seat is more like sitting in a limo. Handles very well.

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  cute and functional - 2004 Honda Element
  By jrjr - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Element to replace a Jeep pickup truck. It has exceeded my expectations. I find it to be well built and functional inside and out. Since it has only a four cylinder I wish it got better gas mileage. I also wish it had a six cylinder. I would definitely buy it again. My wife does not like to drive it only because she says it lacks power. Please note that she drives a Buick Regal GS with a super charged engine. We have taken it on a 1,200 mile round vacation and it was extremely comfortable and enjoyable to drive.