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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  Sweet Ride - 2004 Honda Element
  By sd brownie - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Got my new Ele last month and cant say enough good about it. As a prior Honda owner (98 Accord lx v6), and still have it, I knew the Ele would be a great car. I wanted an suv type vehicle, but with good gas milage and lower insurance costs. I have to say I get 23-25 mpg in the city and about 28-30 on the highway. Great job Honda, keep up the good work, Ill be a customer for life.

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  Elementary Perfection - 2008 Honda Element
  By Roadkill - August 24 - 9:00 am

  Overall, the Element is exactly what I have been needing for years. The quality of build is exceptional with the ride and handling as I expected. Before purchasing, I read numerous reviews and so far no surprises. It handles the winding backroads to work with ease and gas mileage is as advertised.

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  Form following function - 2005 Honda Element
  By Colorado Dave - August 22 - 10:26 am

  This is a great urban cruiser with the short front and back overhang. The design is functional as well. On Saturday, it fits my road bike, on Sunday, it fits a 9.5 foot Kayak on the inside! We are all looking forward to our first camping trip. The seats are firm and confortable on long trips- the 270 watt XM Radio makes the trip go by that much quicker. The initial milage has been good- nearly 24 MPG for a combination of city and highway. As with other cars that I have purchased- the Honda has great fit- what is different is the great finish. Great selection of materials go together well. Hope this Honda continues to exceeds our expectations at 100k miles

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  The Ultimate Schlepmobile - 2008 Honda Element
  By Rubbersoul - August 20 - 7:30 am

  First off, this is my 3rd Honda which says a lot. Customer loyalty I guess. I looked at the CR-V and it was a bit "fancy" for me. I want my little truck to be a truck. I am going to fill it up with all kinds of stuff ranging from Mulch to Christmas trees. The "wipe it clean" interior is awesome just for that. Looking at it you would think this is about as aerodynamic as a refrigerator with the door ope. The reality is, the thing is VERY well designed. Virtually no exterior noise when cruising along at 65. Gas consumption is not at all bad considering its a truckish vehicle. Over all this is a really fun SUV and worth every penny. We love it very much. And best of all, Its a Honda!!!!

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  Love my Milk Truck - 2003 Honda Element
  By patent777 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I have never paid full retail for a car before, but I did for this one. Too popular right now and dealers know it. It drives great and the stereo very good, I dont know why Im reading other reviews about bad speakers? Sounds good to me. I didnt buy the Teflon sealant for the paint, still wondering if I should? Any advice?

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  My - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sara98 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  When I first saw the Element I thought it looked like a mini Brinks armored truck. It drives like a car with smooth acceleration, a tight turning radius and lacks the tippy-feeling of most SUVs. The suicide doors make access to the childs car seat in the back easy except in tight parking stalls. Its got great head and leg room in the front, and the reclining seats in the back allow 64" people to ride comfortably. The stereo thumps, the rubber floors are easy to clean, and the rear privacy glass are all bonuses with the Element. I also like the fact that its quite short (I have extra room in the garage). I love my Element.

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  Love it - 2003 Honda Element
  By mmdaltx - August 20 - 2:00 am

  love the price and durable feel to the interior fabric and flooring.

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  I love my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By hppywife - August 14 - 7:36 pm

  My husband bought me my Element for our anniversary. I love it. I drove a Cavalier and I am more then happy with the trade. My kids have so much room and it is a fun family vehicle. It doesnt have the get up and go like I am use to but it has a lot more room and a lot more reliable. My kids love their sun roof. I just love this ride.

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  In my Element - 2008 Honda Element
  By Lauren - August 12 - 6:08 pm

  My Honda Element has exceeded expectations in nearly every category for affordable transportation. However, if you buy an Element draw on my experience & be sure to leave the windows slightly open during the heat of the day. Two of my windows have exploded due to heat build up in the cabin. Honda will not warrant this condition and frankly, its an expensive item to replace glass. I watched in horror yesterday as the glass literally popped and fell out of the car when the car was parked in my driveway. Sure my insurance carrier will pay, but I owe the deductible and risk higher premiums. I am disappointed that Honda isnt warranting the design flaw. I feel very let down by the warranty

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  Element does well. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Steve D. - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Well designed function over form vehicle which just happens to look great.