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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  disapointment - 2004 Honda Element
  By yoda2 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  after owning the car for a year i have found that it has way too many rattles and squeeks. the dealership has a very hard time fixing them. i have never been rattle or squeek free!!! honda needs to go back to the drawing board and take a good hard look at the problems in the dash area

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  You get what you pay for - 2007 Honda Element
  By jas224 - April 15 - 3:44 pm

  I bought a 4WD LX model a little over a year ago. This is my fourth Honda and it is a disappointment compared to my previous Accords. I cannot see the tach or speedometer in bright sunlight even with the instrument lights on. This is just bad design. The drivers seat has a wear hole in it after 15K miles. The interior plastic is cheap and scratches easily. This is a vehicle built to a low price and it shows.

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  MPG Misrepresented - 2005 Honda Element
  By ronimac - December 16 - 8:00 pm

  I am very disappointed in the gas mileage. I drive an equal mix of city/ highway miles and I average approx 200 miles per tankful. I fell that Honda has misrepresented the stated MPG listed on the vehicle. I have over 25 years of driving experience and I know that the poor gas mileage is not due to my driving habits. According to Consumer Report Oct. 05, one writer stated that he gets 14 MPG with his Element. Ive driven Hondas since 92 and have seen the quality decline. I regret not purchasing a Rav4.

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  drinks gas - 2006 Honda Element
  By Ron James - October 3 - 8:16 am

  I like the way this car/truck/suv handles . It is roomy and useful. I like the easy care of the interior. I have owned several Hondas never a complaint. I also own a 2006 Accord and am very happy with it. The Element posts 22 miles in the city and 24 hwy I get 17 city and 19 highway if I drive conservative. It drinks gas like a full size suv and the gas tank is small there is only 12 gals before the reserve. So hwy range is 250 miles not good for long trips outside of town that you might want this for. If you are looking for a suv for trips to the country look for something else.

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  So-so vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By Joe - September 8 - 8:14 am

  I wanted a CRV but it was over priced and under powered for the size. (After some research I see Honda 4 cylinder cars are woefully under powerses. Only logical reason for that its more profitable for the company then adding a V6) The 2005 Element was nearly $24,000 new, way over priced! - I bought used. The Element has been a like / dislike relationship. Its way too heavy for 150+ hp. A small V6 would of made it an enviously nice car. Had I done my homework and seen the maximum cargo, occupancy and fuel weight is a maximum of 675 pounds I wouldnt of bought it. That means 3 adults and some luggage youre already at or above maximum safe driving weight limit. When I first bought it I did my best to get the best mpg (22mpg), which meant from a dead stop to the speed limit (30 street-60mph Hwy) in about 60 - 120 seconds, that got old quick so I now get 13 city / 18 hwy. I was getting 28mpg in my V6 260 hp Maxima. Road noise is nearly unbearable, Im sure I have hearing lose driving my Element. Why do I still drive it? Laid off, making less income. I have no stomach to get into debt anytime soon. So Ill drive it till it dies.

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  Beware the RUST!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By bryansail - May 17 - 9:35 am

  I bought a super clean low mileage Element in Detroit in late 2005. The vehicle has only 14K miles and still well under the 3yr/36K Honda warranty. The car had surface rust on fixtures and bracket, esp in the engine area. Honda refuses to take resp. and fix this obvious design flaw. So dont buy a Honda anywhere where there is road salt because you may well be sorry! Ive been slowly fixing the rust at my expense and time.

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  The Element needs restructoring - 2004 Honda Element
  By ROHONDA ARMONY - September 14 - 2:00 am

  stylish, but in the end i have found lousy brake system, poor gas mileage and the suspension system does not take bumps well. Tires on it are not responsive to the poor Pennysylvania roads. would not buy this car again or recommend it to be bought. Lousy performance for the money.

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  Rough Ride for passengers - 2003 Honda Element
  By Richard Russell - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but complaints from rear passengers. On windy days hard to handle steering. Only one arm rest for driver. Have to unbuckle to let out passengers in rear.

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  ELEMENTARY - 2003 Honda Element
  By vincesport - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Honda Element is the "Y" package model. I get about 22 miles to the Canadian(Imperial)gallon in the city. I am also disappointed that there is only one intermittent speed selection for the windshied wiper. The windshield washer is weak and aims too low to be effective while driving at speeds in excess of 30 mph. The ride is a bit rocky. The drivers arm rest is located much too low and is rendered pretty useless. The internal heaters and blowers are excellently impressive, provide plenty of heat at a very relatively quick response after starting in sub-zero weather of -30degrees. The Air conditioning is also very good (in the summer).

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  honda element ex 5sp awd practical - 2005 Honda Element
  By viking - February 11 - 7:00 pm

  a practical auto with good ride and handling characteristics. Performance just ok but fine for a vehicle of this type. gas mileage not great but liveable. Concerned about high rpm. My saab at 70mph operated at 2700, the element at 3700. Should have a 6th gear which would also increase gas mileage.