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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  Fun car to drive - 2006 Honda Element
  By Don - June 15 - 8:31 pm

  I find the Element very reliable. The best car I have ever driven in snow. The only thing I find that I dont like is that the front seat become very uncomfortable on a long trip (anything over 50 miles). I would like to find out what the max. towing cap. is. I was told by a salesman (Salem, NH Honda) that the tongue weight can be no more than 1500 lbs. but I could tow over 2500 lbs. Is this true?

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  The doors are the deal breaker! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Rocky - June 12 - 5:29 pm

  I love Hondas. This is our third. After a very positive experience with our second Honda (2004 CR-V) I thought this would fit my needs for fuel economy and versatility. While it is very versatile, has a great interior volume feel, and very solid reliability, I would not buy one of these if you routinely haul more than two people. The clamshell doors are a nightmare, especially with kids and especially in parking lots or your own garage.When parked on an incline, the front door wont stay open to allow the rear clamshell doors to open. The rear door has to close first, posing a strange sequence for getting in/out. Along with this, the lack of rear seat up/down windows is a drag.

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  Gr8t Little SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By Vincent - June 12 - 1:18 am

  We had the Element EX-FWD about 3 wks now. we had a Toyota RAV4 prior , and now we bought it because of the leg room in the back seats is huge + it had high view for the both front seats + fold-up rear seats to make the cargo room bigger + also love the suspension. I checked on my first 350 miles driving average local & Highway combine is = 28.40 miles per gallon. which is pretty good :) The bad thing we dont like is whenever we try to backup the vehicle is very hard to see if anything is behind us, because the rear seats are actually little higher than the front seats and it block the way of your rear view :(

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  Honda Element Satisfaction Survey - 2004 Honda Element
  By E. and N.Weber - June 10 - 2:00 am

  We love our Honda Element. My husband is a PIG!! Someone finally made a car for him. You can wash out the inside in a minute. You can put big, awkward, bulky things in the car with ease. Taking messy yard waste to the dump is easy now that we can clean the car so easily. He thinkshis car is really COOL and I think it is WONDERFUL and really CUTE. The backdoor business is a pain, but because of it you can get things in and out easily. It is a trade off. We dont ferry klds anymore so we dont care about it that much.It would not be convenient for dropping off kids. WE LOVE IT!!!! Thank you Honda for saving my marriage!!! N. Weber

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  Nice but Not for Sasquatch - 2004 Honda Element
  By QMSmitty - June 8 - 8:38 pm

  We bought ours as a 2 yr old model with 26K miles. I named it The Earl-ament. We bought in preparing to have a more baby friendly car, that has some ground clearance in case of high water. We are very pleased with the vehicle. We wish we could find a slightly larger vehicle with the rest of the features that would help accommodate the stuff two little boys.

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  Love at First Sight - 2007 Honda Element
  By Paula - June 7 - 11:33 pm

  I was in love with the element from day one, it took me until 2006 to finally take a look inside . I was hooked! In dec. 2006 my dealer found a 2007 kiwi lx manual I ordered and bought it on the spot, no test drive needed. I read different reviews for people wanting carpet, different shifter location etc. For them I say "get a normal car." the Element is not for everyone, but good for children, pets, hauling things and having fun.

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  My Toaster - 2008 Honda Element
  By Sue Keller - June 4 - 3:03 pm

  My sweet toaster is the best car I have ever owned and believe me I have owned a lot of cars (i.e. Acura, Toyota, Chevrolet). I have elderly parents that I have never been able to haul around but with the Element it is very easy for them to get in and out of, even in the back with a little step stool. During the winter months is is basically the rolling dog house with my two dogs who totally love riding in it as they can see out of all the windows with the two back seats down. They feel they are special as they are the ones with the sunroof.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By cwoodruff - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great fun car that is kid friendly. My wife and I were looking for a new traveling vehicle and we zeroed in on the Element. It is roomy with lots of room for a 63" guy like myself and also lots of room in the back for 2 boys and car seats. It has great pick up and the brakes were better than expected. Almost a perfect car for a family of 4.

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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By jpowens03 - June 1 - 6:50 am

  The only problem I have is the gas mileage. Other then that I LOVE this car!!!

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  The best vehicle I ever owned - 2004 Honda Element
  By roennex - May 30 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Element is versatile, reliable and fun to drive. The fuel economy is outstanding! I have a little import business, and all my goods from the warehouse can easily be in the Element. The back seats come in and out so easy, its a breeze! The sound system kicks, and my MP3 player connects via AUX at a click. My Orange Element gets a lot of attention on the street - in fact I daily answer questions from people who are considering buying an Element themselves. My advice is: Buy it! Ive had Dodge, Chrysler, Ford and various other Japanese cars. Never agagin. My only hope is that the Element will come in a 6-cylinder version. Then I will be one with the Element!