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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  Only for the Lonely/Adventurist Person - 2003 Honda Element
  By kingkorvo - May 7 - 10:21 pm

  When I purchased my Honda Element, I was enchanted with the uniqueness of the ride: it was a truck, SUV, and small car mixed altogether and it can get you where you want to go. Its a great ride for someone who doesnt have kids and likes the great versalitity of a crossover vechile. To Pros: 1) Its a Honda its gonna retain value 2) Weather conditions/ off road- handles great 3) Plenty interior space could live out of it 4) Crosscountry trips made easy The Cons: 1) Its only a 4 seater 2) Arm rest only for driver seat 3) A/C control of cabin is hard because of size 4) Anything on the floor rolls up to the front because of stadium seating 5) Gas mileage runs 19/22 One mancar!

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  2004 Honda Element 225,00.00 miles - 2004 Honda Element
  By - May 4 - 5:04 pm

  Hi I drive 30,000 miles a year in the Boston areaI I have just changed my roaters @ 200,00.00 miles best car ever owned- Up to 100,00 just oil change tires etc nothing major a great work horse-- honda please bring back the element its a great work vehicle

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  LOVED MY ELEMENT - 2004 Honda Element
  By humphrey27 - March 31 - 7:23 pm

  I owned a 2004 Honda Element for 6 years and recently traded it in ONLY to get a car that got better gas mileage since we moved to the country and needed a gas miser. It had 78,000 mile on it when I traded it, and I have to say that I just loved that vehicle and I am so sorry I ever traded it. I never had a car with that many miles on it so I was worried that it would start requiring expensive repairs so I traded it and now I am so sorry. I LOVED THAT HONDA and it was perfect in the snow and drove well. It was so dependable and I only replaced brakes and battery and tires in the car the whole time I had it. I cannot say enough good about this vehicle. Should have kept it!! A+ rating

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  Never loved a car before in my life! - 2003 Honda Element
  By sarahkate - March 2 - 3:48 pm

  Cars were always simply a way to get places for me, until I bought my Element! I have 154000 miles on it. I have done basic maintenance brakes, struts and only just did my exhaust. I do have the original clutch, tho! It does not look 9 years old, either. I only have 1 complaint and that is that Honda has stopped making it!!! I was looking forward to a second Element when I need to replace this one. I am hoping that by that time Honda will have reissued it. I love my Element so much that I convinced both my sisters to get one!

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  best little car ever - 2004 Honda Element
  By cj62 - February 11 - 10:05 pm

  i have had my element for 8 years i have 173,000 miles on it and have had NO major repairs!!! Only normal wear and tear repairs,tires ,battery, starter and misc. It has been the best little car so handy and practical , i haul alot even my grass clippings and leaves, its a work horse !! I will hope to get 300,000 miles out of it ,im gonna try.

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  Ripped off from Honda Dealer - 2008 Honda Element
  By bproctor - January 3 - 11:11 pm

  Im sorry to say that I didnt do my homework with this car! So, shame on me. However, I was told by the Honda Service Dept that all Honda Heaters dont and wont shoot heat down on to your feet when you point the heater control to feet and defroster! Also, the brakes stick and that seems to be the norm! Anybody else have these issues! Thank you. Major blind spot because of the doors! I would love to return the car!

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  Best car ever - 2006 Honda Element
  By elementgal - December 20 - 9:48 pm

  I have owned 2 Elements and I have loved them both. Best cars ever. Great gas mileage and roomy! Can clean out easy so if you have 1-2 kids this car is perfect. Very roomy in the backseat for your passengers. This car goes anywhere! Snow, Ice, Grass, Water... You name it, it goes!

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  I simply love the reliability and low maintenance - 2004 Honda Element
  By djevanstn - November 16 - 3:05 pm

  I love to drive it Its extremely easy to maintain It has very low cost to maintain Brakes are great Its tow-able (behind an RV) and Ive towed it quite a bit with not even the slightest issue I dont think I mentioned reliable - it is! EXTREME head clearance easy to add towing package with lights (simply plug in for trailer lights)

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  My Element saved my life. - 2004 Honda Element
  By kariscolley - September 25 - 8:57 am

  Im writing this review in respect for Ellie, my Element. The accident wasnt my fault, I was hit by a man that ran a stop sign at a 2 way. I didnt have a sign, so we were both going around 40. My drivers side hit his passenger side. Both air bags were deployed. The whole front left side of Ellie was crushed. The part underneath the wheel that connects it to the dash was cracked in half. I had my little sister in the front seat, 14, im 16. Didnt feel a thing. Neither of us were injured. My Ellie stayed right where we had hit, though it was raining really hard and i turned ridiculoulsy fast when we hit. He was knocked into a neighbors house. Thank you Ellie, love you and miss you <3

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  Element has Gone to the Dogs - 2011 Honda Element
  By dano100 - July 10 - 10:00 pm

  My wife hounded (no pun intended) me until we bought a new Element. I am a Honda Sales Consultant and knew the one we had in stock would be one of the last new ones we would be getting so we traded our old 4Runner in on it. The Element is a blast to drive (I also own an S2000) and is the perfect vehicle for our 2 Boxers and a Bulldog to ride in. It is also a great car to take to Lowes or Home Depot.