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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  A "do-it-all" four seater. - 2003 Honda Element
  By pfeffer - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Honda. The reputation for build quality is evident from the start. If you can live with a four passenger vehicle, this is probably the best bang for the buck out there. Highly practical and easy to use, converting to a mini-truck in seconds. I like it and would get another in an instant.

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  2003 Turbo Toaster - 2003 Honda Element
  By KGRoberts - December 27 - 2:41 pm

  I traded in a Toyo 4Runner for this Element. Theres a lot of room on the inside, especially in the back seat. Seats sit up high. Room for 4 people only. Zippy with the 5Manual trans. Plastic panels are utilitarian, easy care, no door dings. This engineer takes notes on every tank of fuel, 26MPG average. Honda replaced my A/C system 6k miles out of warranty (no charge to me). Happy Honda owner.

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  Things you should know - 2007 Honda Element
  By Honda lover - December 23 - 3:31 pm

  Its exactly what I expected. Only car I have ever owned in which I do not get a backache-amazing support on short or long trips. Split rear door is extremely efficient-infinitely better than most splits & better than all single doors. Very useful for utility, carrying big & lots of things. Great traction in snow. Only 3 negatives which I expected:rear seat is useful only in a pinch had to remove headrests from rear seats to see, but dont use them anywaychoppy ride. Otherwise turning radius is great,headlights great,lots of stg places,easy to clean. Got armrest stg option, and love it. Would not suggest for young kids with carseats. Great for dogs-leave backs of rear seats down always

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  HONDA ELEMENT EX - 2004 Honda Element
  By SONYA P. - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THE TRUCK, THE ONLY THING I WOULD CHANGE IS THE BACKDOORS. I WOULD PREFER THAT THEY OPEN WITHOUT HAVING TO OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR.

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  Ms. Elee - 2004 Honda Element
  By elee - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the functionality best of all!

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  Loving My Box! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Big Guy - December 20 - 1:26 pm

  I have been watching this vehicle since it was introduced. I absolutely love it. I am big guy 61" 300+ and find it difficult to feel comfortable in most cars-even bigger ones! So I was sold on it the first time I sat in it. Plus, it is different not the norm - and I like that too. This is a combination vehicle. Its a little bit of a little van, pickup truck, off- roader & station wagon. Since I keep my vehicles until the wheels fall off, I am expecting on having this one for a long, long time!

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  I love my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By JayRod - December 8 - 10:53 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 6 months now. The ride is stiff. It uses more gas than my accord 4 cylinder. But its considered a truck or compact SUV so Im not taking anything away for that. For the $21k sticker and fully loaded with premium wheels, AWD, and XM satellite radio, its a bargain for a SUV.

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  No, it really is a Honda. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Kent - December 1 - 9:30 pm

  It might look like a toaster, but inside it really is a Honda. Good build quality, though the materials seem plain or plastic, but that is what they are because the vehicle is all about being utilitarian. This vehicle really a swiss army knife that you can drive. The doors open wide (side loading). seats fold up and out of the way, and if you need to carry a 2X4 over 11 feet long, you open up the sun roof and stuff it in. Gas mileage at 24+ on the highway could be better. At first my wife hated my toy, however everywhere we go we seem to take it not because it rides the best it is OK, but a truck. We take it because you never know what kind or size of treasure she may find.

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  Love That Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Estie - November 30 - 10:10 pm

  I actually bought mine in July, 2003 but 2003 wasnt listed on this. I get asked frequently how I like driving it, and my answer is I love it. The price, look, functionality, design, performance, comfort are excellent. Every day we drive it, my husband & I are glad we bought it. Weve done so much with it - Id recommend it to anyone. This car seemed to be marketed for college kids but I see people of all ages driving them.

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  Now in my Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By rk in tampa bay - November 29 - 2:51 pm

  I love this vehicle. Just retired my 03 Aztek with 170k & wanted something just as unique with better reliability. Would have preferred the manual shift, but so far the automatic is fine. Lovin it.