4 Star Reviews for Honda Element

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.68/5 Average
1,560 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 31 through 40 of 1,560.00
  • Great but not without flaws - 2009 Honda Element
    By -

    Overall great car have had no problems getting the kids in and out of the back (one in car seat), maneuvers nicely and has plenty of power though is no race car. Gas mileage is around 23.5mpg city. Functionality of the vehicle is nice. The interior room is fantastic even for tall people like me (63"). Here are the bad points for me as a passenger I am quite comfortable however driving is another story. I cant seem to get into a truly comfortable position drivers seat adjusted too low hurts hips, too high cant see traffic lights, telescoping steering wheel would help also. Im thin and seat could use more cushion. Wife loves car and its hers so its ok. Road noise can be LOUD.

  • Loved it except for windshield issue - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    Super for hauling 2 mountain bikes without disassembling any bike parts - both fit fine standing up in the back with seats out or seats hanging up on the side. Loved being able to sleep in it on road trips with all seats left in/just reclined (just put mesh fabric over windows with magnets to hold fabric in place.) Super dependable in the rain and snow. Excellent turning radius. Doors became problematic when I had two toddlers and had to park next to other cars at the grocery store and get them in and out. I had to replace 4 or 5 windshields because rocks caused cracks (I think it must be a design flaw.) Honda did cover the first one when we could not find a rock pock at the crack start.

  • Love it, but it fails for reliability - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    I have a 2005 well maintained and cared for Honda Element. Its my favorite all time car...that is until now. Its a manual transmission just over 50,000 mi and its popping out of gears. Im being told that I need a new transmission! Can this be? I bought this car new because after being a long time Volkswagon owner I decided I wanted a RELIABLE car. Its out of warranty, Im out of work, and a new transmission will put me under. Reliability=Bad

  • Great Car - 2009 Honda Element
    By -

    Ive always had Subarus but have found the maintenance costly in the last several years so Ive switched to a Honda Element LX. Ive only had it a day but love it already. The process of buying was very easy. There arent many used or new Es in my area of Concord, NH and Im looking forward to a long relationship. I thought the sunroof was impractical because it was in the rear where my Belgian Sheepdogs ride and it made the area too hot plus without the sunroof it was better insulated and quieter.

  • Element #2 - 2008 Honda Element
    By -

    This replaces my 04 Element LX and it is leaps and bounds better! The AWD was great in a hard great lakes winter even with the OEM tires. The colored body panels are a definite looks upgrade. The stereo in the EX sounds great and the steering wheel audio controls are something I wouldnt go without again. Fuel mileage is so-so and wind noise can be excessive on the highway. Overall, I love this car for the functionality and great winter handling.

  • Reliable companion SUV - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    Own it for 10 months and so far love the way it handles the over all driving. Fun to drive and very practical. The sun visor,when down gets in the way of your driving site. The cup holders would prefer if they were a little higher reach.While driving it can be tricky to reach for the cup, you may need to take your eyes off the road momentarily. Mileage could be better for a 4 cyl. Manufacture claims 27 hgwy, I think 25 more likely. Igot mine loaded with options, under 24,000. For its price and performance I certainly would recommend it highly. The plastic side pannels that alot of readers are concerned about it, so far they holding on pretty good. Do hav

  • The Perfect All Around Car for Me! - 2008 Honda Element
    By -

    I am a manufacturers rep and drive many miles - Ive logged 67K miles in 15 months. My Element is reliable, roomy, has plenty of power on the highway, tons of room for me to carry my samples headroom to accommodate the tallest of passengers - legroom to spare this cute little SUV has it all...plus, the lack of carpet makes it so easy to keep clean - after a visit to the beach sweeping out the sand is a breeze. The best part, for me, is that its ultra easy for my two 80 lb Labradors to jump in and out of - The rear seats come out and give them a huge area. Also, the seats are washable - this is a plus when you have dogs with muddy feet or when you spill your coffee... the Element has it all!

  • Too Expensive once you add what you want - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    I looked at buying an Element, I drove a CRV, a Rav4, and an Element. At first glance the Element looks to be a bargin. Its layout is very flexible, the rear opening is what all SUVs should have, not those stupid side opening doors the CRV or Rav4 have. When you start adding the option you want the price climbs quickly. Considering that most people are paying over MSRP for a Element it is no longer a bargin. Remote locks are extra, you got to be kidding, an arm rest for the passenger non existant.

  • Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
    By -

    Needs smoother ride. It has high RPM when you drive in the 70s - could be geared better.

  • Practicality Rules--DO NOT IMPROVE - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    I love the design, the economical materials, the cool looks, the quick handling, the adequate power, the acceptable fuel mileage, the adequate acceleration, and the big windows . This is one heck of a vehicle--there is nothing else like it. It is (relatively) cheap, the design is way cool, the practicality is unmatched by anything short of a pickup, and it will haul four passengers.

Honda Element Reviews By Year:
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