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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  Good Vehicle for Moms - 2003 Honda Element
  By MichelleR - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Great for moms of not more than 2 kids. Decide right away how you want things organized because theres no hiding places. If you leave things on the floor, theyll roll around. Just keep them handy in organizer bags hanging from the headrests, purchase a large heavy duty bin (black or grey to color coordinate to your interior) fitted to back cargo area for groceries, small bin for floor in backseat (but not directly behind front seats because the air vents are underneath the front seats); decent pickup (o/d off) to get into traffic on interstate. It looks like a gangster car/Brinks truck/looks like its from the Outback safari.

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  Cool and Cheap - 2005 Honda Element
  By Dave - September 2 - 4:00 am

  Love it, looks cool, has great floor and foldable seats. and it cheap. what more do you want

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  Great little box - 2006 Honda Element
  By Toaster Owner - August 29 - 1:47 pm

  My girlfriend is a car snob (drives an Infiniti and an Audi TT previously) ... she doesnt like it. But I love it! I could have bought something more expensive but very few vehicles offer the value and low-TCO of this thing. Ive taken the rear seats out several times to accommodate moving furniture, big screen TVs, etc. Its so versatile.

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  Go For it - 2003 Honda Element
  By Southpause - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I own two BMWs (740i and 325 Convertible) and I love driving this SUV. I traded a miserable Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Element is more spacious, handles better, rides better, is no doubt more reliable and was 10k less. My son and I are over 6 tall and the headroom is terrific. Is it noisy? Certainly but hey, its a box on wheels. Fuel economy could be better. but it still beats most SUVs.

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  Excellent little motor - 2004 Honda Element
  By English_Knave - August 27 - 1:23 pm

  I have had my E since new, it has never had a single thing go wrong with it. Its a bit noisy and gets a little breathless on the highway, but the mileage is good and the handling is excellent. Incredibly versatile, I have had bicycles, lawnmowers, snowblowers and even a mid-size motorcycle in it. If you want a fun to drive, utilitarian , pickup type vehicle with a good standard of creature comforts this is the vehicle you want. I am still on the original tires . Dont buy the multi player CD player...buy an Ipod instead. I am currently looking to replace it with another E.

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  nothing compares - 2005 Honda Element
  By Believe - August 21 - 4:00 am

  Bought our "E" Easter weekend. I cant remember another vehicle that was so unique. My wife traded in a 2003 Odyssey for this box of fun and I have to say that she really has fallen in love with how practical this vehicle is. Ive never seen here get excited about any car we have purchased until this one. Im not one for keeping cars very long but I think this will be a "keeper" for sometime. If you have not driven one ..you need to do so. It is one of the coolest and practical cars out there today. Just drive one.

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  My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Element - August 20 - 8:06 am

  Get past the ugly looks. Yes, we know. If the trunk was up front wed call it the elephant. Really, this little SUV (?) is the most practical vehicle Ive owned in 50 years. The only problem encountered is a little wind noise from the window gasket. Try it, youll like it!

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  My Little Deuce Coupe - 2007 Honda Element
  By FB-HOF Joe - August 16 - 6:57 pm

  I have 3,000 miles on my black 2007 SC and have not been dissappointed with its looks, performance, ride comfort, transporting capacity and its good looks inside & out. The XM radio performance is outstanding! Front seating is quite cmfortable and provides very good stability in turns. The disc brakes are super smooth and stop the vehicle quickly without any nose-diving or pitching. The factory Goodyear tires give a luxury-sedan ride and road grip with responsive handling. I added a rear spoiler to top off the good looks. I would have added fog lights but they are overpriced ($400.00 is a bit heavy on the wallet). You wont be disappointed at all getting an SC! Enjoy!

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  FUN and Practical - 2007 Honda Element
  By John - August 16 - 3:33 pm

  I chose the EX because I did not want carpeting,just vacuum and wipe down with a sponge. EX features are worth the extra cost over the LX, map light, arm rests, stereo, ect.In Florida rainstorms,the AWD is great.I carry lots of gear and you can configure the back end many different ways.I love the feel. A bit of road noise but the sound system in the EX drowns it out. I would like better mpg.I get 19cty and 24hwy. I recommend fog lights and the optional console for extra storage space. I HATE the sunroof! There should be a sliding cover to keep out the heat. In Florida, my backseat passengers are cooking! I plan on getting extra heavy tint for that. I recommend it and would buy it again.

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  Good Little SUV - 2007 Honda Element
  By John - August 15 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my 2007 Honda Element EX in May, 2007, and Ive put about 3,000 miles on it so far. Its run fine with no problems. The 166 HP engine is smooth and peppy, but it isnt going to win any drag races. Fuel economy around town is only about 18 mpg, but Ive been getting 29-30 mpg on the highway. This car is great for hauling my eight-year old son and his gear and is great for hauling my bicycle to rides. I dont have to take the front wheel off. I just fold one of the rear seats up on the side of the car and throw my bike in the back. The front seats are comfortable and firm. Plenty of head room (Im 62"). Plenty of leg room in the back seat, too.