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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  An offroad interlude - 2005 Honda Element
  By rob - November 28 - 9:51 pm

  I bought my E as a conscession to my then partner. I was pleasantly surprised at what it could do off the beaten path. I am also disappointed in what it lacks in power, towing ability and traction ""out of the box"".

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  Great Car-INSIDE & OUTSIDE THE BOX !! - 2008 Honda Element
  By rondor - November 24 - 6:43 pm

  Love this car. It is fun to drive and the gas mileage is way better than my Buick SUV. It feels bigger than it really is. The leg room in the rear is unreal. You have to really see and get inside this vehile to appreciate it. The composite black panels are easy to clean and cheap to replace. No dings or scratches.

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  First 90 Day Impression - 2005 Honda Element
  By Skip2r - November 23 - 1:16 am

  Bought it to haul my Great Dane and Lab mix dog. Works great, however the Dane likes to look out the front window and obscures my view to the right. Things I love: The massive amount of room. Quick clean up and multifuctional back section, rear seats are completely out in less than a minute or they can just be folded up and out of the way. After a week of hauling dogs, cleaning took 3 hrs in our 2004 Honda CR-V, the Element less than 15 minutes.

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  Love My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jamie - November 22 - 7:43 am

  This is definitley my favorite vehicle I have ever owned! Its so fun to drive, and extremely comfortable! My favorite is when someone says....EEEEWWWW You drive a BOX!?!? Hey, my "box" has character! (Plus I never lose it in a parking lot!!) It definitley shows you are an individual when you step out of the "norm".

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  Perfect All-Purpose Vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By J Mahon - November 21 - 10:00 am

  My experience with the Element has been fantastic. It is the only vehicle Ive ever owned that I really do like more every time I drive it. The versatility, ease of maintenance, fun factor go well beyond my expectations!

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  Its Elementary, my dear! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Pat - November 17 - 6:03 pm

  It is so ugly its cute! I wanted one from the first time I saw it & would buy it again in a heart beat. It is my trendy granny van. I am way past the minivan stage but missed the all- purpose function of one. I am always hauling people and things. The Element is a socially fun car and practical for most of those needs. I love the versatile clam shell doors until I have back seat passengers who need to exit while in a parking space between two other cars. You have to maneuver doors strategically to make it work or you end up trapped or square dancing... My gas mileage is a disappointing 19.9, under the suggested 22 mpg, but an improvement over most SUVs.

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  Element of Surprise - 2003 Honda Element
  By elementoffun - November 15 - 2:00 am

  It took me a while to warm up to the unique styling of the Element, but I must say I am very impressed! It is extremely roomy and comfortable; I would say moreso than many luxury full size sedans. I am so blown away with this Honda that I am replacing my other vehicle with an Accord. If you spill something , it cleans up easily. I strongly suggest getting the EX versus the DX. You get a lot more options for not much more money (awesome sound system, alloys, AC, waterproof seats).

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  Best MPG for the Cargo space - 2005 Honda Element
  By Michael S. - November 7 - 3:26 am

  My review has to do with your MPG vs. Cargo space... and I believe this car/SUV accomplishes the best in its class. Very happy with gas mileage. Solid construction. Good suspension. Fantastic brakes. Freezing AC. Very little to complain about.

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  GREAT VALUE - 2004 Honda Element
  By JELLYFILLED - November 4 - 10:00 am

  PURCHASED THE ELEMENT BECAUSE MY WIFE WOULDNT DRIVE A MINIVAN AND WAS EXPECTING OUR FIRST CHILD IN JULY. CARGO SPACE AND AWD WAS A PLUS. ALSO LIKE THE FACT THAT A CHILD WAS UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR OR WINDOW FROM REAR SEAT.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Honda Element
  By ColleenpWhitlow - November 3 - 2:40 am

  I really like this vehicle, but it cant pull my horse trailer. That is the only downside that Ive found so far.