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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  Take a Test Drive - 2008 Honda Element
  By Alien - October 16 - 3:20 am

  Took a test drive and was sold on the Element. Feels solid in all driving situations and comfortable. After 800 miles getting just over 26 mph in combined driving. Interior is a cavern. All the controls are the usual Honda quality and thoughtful placement.With the driving dynamics it feels bigger than its actual size and so car like. At 6-00 290 I am actually comfortable sitting and driving this vehicle.

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  Always wanted one. - 2008 Honda Element
  By FXD06 - October 15 - 1:52 pm

  Always wanted one. Got one for its safety and fun values. The engine does OK, does really well on the top end. Low end a little whiny. Like the interior, no blind spots. We have a car seat in the back that is a breeze to use with the room. Happy that I got one.

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  2003 Element EX 4WD - 2003 Honda Element
  By Redsoxfan - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car approximatley 1 month and have driven it for 2300 miles, mostly highway. I have only had 1 problem with the car that being a loose wire to the fuse box which caused both the ABS and brake warning lights to come on. This was a quick fix at the dealer. The fit and finish of the car is well made and the car handles much better than my last car a toyota 4runner. I have seen no signs any potential problems and would definitely recommend this car to a friend looking who is looking for an suv with good gas mileage and lots of storage space for its size.

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  I like it! - 2005 Honda Element
  By opppstopp - October 3 - 1:40 pm

  I find the element a very fun suv to drive. it handles nice & gets reasonable gas mileage. Interior is very roomy, plenty of shoulder & head room. The element feels like a much larger vehicle without the large mass.

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  Need Cheap? Need Reliable? Need AWD? - 2005 Honda Element
  By Van - October 3 - 10:10 am

  Ive not had this car for very long but I am already getting a feel for it. This car handles very well for being the shape of a brick: VERY restrained body lean, and it goes just where you point it. (You feel every road imperfection, though.) In my opinion this is the best car you can get if your needs are for a low-priced vehicle you can drive into the ground that can also help in bad weather. Its funky and unique and utilitarian. Stereo system is quite good, visibility is not. But for the price and level of equipment, especially as compared to its competitors (including the CR-V), this car is tough to beat.

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  This thing is AWESOME! - 2003 Honda Element
  By au-tiger - October 2 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have a one year old, so we needed something roomy with good gas mileage. I chose the Element over a Tacoma DoubleCab. I had my Element a week when my wife had me putting it to good use. I had to pick up 3 bales of hay for Halloween decor. All 3 fit in the Element with only stowing one seat out of the way. Also, I cleaned out the garage and only had to make one trip to Good Will because there is so much room in this thing! The only down side is that all my friends always want me to drive because they want to ride in my Element. I dont mind though, I just want to keep driving into the sunset every time I get behind the wheel.

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  El;ement EX awd - 2003 Honda Element
  By rabarak - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and economical. Good interior and exterior design, but I think it needs more power in proportion to its body size.Side impact colition is somewhat poor due to the inadequate side bars support.In general its just tantamount to its price.

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  An Old Guys SUV - 2003 Honda Element
  By Seagull - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this to haul things. Me, my dog, my wife and clients. Its fun, butt-ugly and originally designed for the younger folks. None of them Ive met have many good things to say, until they are in it. Then they say a lot.....all of it good. This vehicle is not only fun, its unbelievably practical (something the "Y-ers" probably dont like). And of course, its a Honda.

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  Great Box! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Gatorindy - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a blast with the Element. The versatility has been excellent. Ive never owned a vehicle that so many people have wanted to see the inside. Runs down the highway at 80mph without a problem. Handles great!

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  Initial Impressions - 2004 Honda Element
  By Braden - September 29 - 9:37 pm

  Just bought a used, but highly cared for 04 Element EX. Only driven it about 400 miles, but overall I love it. Only two things I wish it had 1) Computer with average MPH, MPG, and miles until out of gas. 2) Five speed automatic like the 07 & 08 models.