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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  Saved my life - 2006 Honda Element
  By ricthechef - January 30 - 8:16 am

  My brother had a 2003 Element and was rolled off the thruway--he walked away. Yesterday I was hit just about head on, on the right headlight, by a pickup going over 60 MPH. The car rolled, the airbags deployed and aside from a broken rib and a few contusions, I literally walked away. Kudos to safety features and thanks to you Honda! The high ceilings I believe are a factor in safety and comfort.

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  Great Ski Car - 2006 Honda Element
  By Runmaster - January 28 - 8:52 pm

  I purchased an 06 knowing that changes were going to made in the 07. I did not care for the new belt system and the front grill. Also, this was the 1st generation Element and I believe that all the issues are worked out with the last year of a generation change. (Front windshield, A/C, AWD, etc.) I have been correct. This car (SUV) is rock solid.

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  Load It Up and Go! - 2003 Honda Element
  By kjfitzia - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. We loaded it to the hilt with gear for vacation (suitcases, cooler, and children. the surfboard and kayak fit nicely on top) and took off cross- country. It handled everything we asked it to. The excellent sound system made traveling a pleasure. Initial quality was great - Only time it been back to the dealership was for an oil change (current mileage 6,500) It still turns heads as we use for around town errands.

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  Please give me a 6th gear!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Copywrites - January 23 - 11:45 am

  If you like the sound of a high-revving engine, you will love the Element. If you like good gas economy, you will hate the Element. After 3 years of ownership, it is a love-hate relationship. I love the versatility - I can carry almost anything from bicycles inside the cargo area, to washing machines. But the high pitch whining of the engine drives me crazy knowing that a 6th gear or revised gearing would probably deliver me an extra 4-5 MPG. It has been one of my most favorite vehicles to own, but I wont buy another unless it breaks the 30 mpg barrier. Next car will be a Nissan Cube - similar quirkiness and functionality, good gas mileage. That is the magic combination in my opinion

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  Great car - 2006 Honda Element
  By Brian - December 30 - 1:19 pm

  Have had this car for 3 yrs/60 k miles. Great car. Super cheap to own, amazingly reliable. Standard maintenance is really inexpensive, and only every 10k miles. This is not a luxury car. There is no wood trim/leather seats, etc. What you see is what you get. But its plenty peppy, drives very smooth, and fits in compact car parking spots. Excellent turning radius. Blind spots do take some getting used to though - my only complaint. Excellent in the snow. Excellent build quality. Excellent cargo capacity. Seats are easy to flip up or take out. Even comfortable to sleep in, which I have done many times at trail heads before climbs!

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  In My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By over55 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I require a car to be more than a mode of transportation; it must be functional. As an over 55 male that purchased a new 1989 Dodge Grand Caravan and drove it 250000 miles until the mechanical problems overwhelmed it I appreciate versatility in carrying both people and objects. The Element has this flexibility: I can transport my non-driving relatives; I can carry furniture; I can carry paving stones; I can carry recyclables; I can carry building materials. The style of the car has intrigued many people: I have met numerous people while refueling; they ask if its one of those "hybrids" and then ask to look closer. Comments have been very positive.

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  glad its gone - 2006 Honda Element
  By 442 man - October 11 - 9:37 pm

  This was our first Honda and our last. Day one the steering went we had to wait for a new rack-pinion to be installed. A steel rod came through the drivers seat, both front seats had to be recovered. Bad tires, gas mileage, tail gate hinges, visibility, if you park next to another car its real fun to get the rear passengers out. Suicide doors need to go, also need to make this a 5 passenger vehicle, as their is plenty of room.

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  New to me but excellent so far - 2008 Honda Element
  By Brian - October 10 - 1:41 pm

  I picked up a 2008 Element and so far it has been great. The sales person was decent and with the incentives I think it is an excellent buy for anyone looking for a small SUV with good utility uses. Granted, it isnt going to pull a huge load but for normal use, grabbing a dresser, mattress or something like that it will work much better than most smaller SUVs. Any things I might "want" on this truck are minor.

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  Ugly but love it - 2004 Honda Element
  By cje - September 30 - 12:50 pm

  I am happy with my Element. Took some time getting use to fine styling :-( (much like an English taxi) But it is so useful, comfortable, cleans up really well, great for hauling stuff and mine is basic beige which really hides the dirt well. I plan to drive it for at least a full 200,000 miles and forgo car payments for sometime.

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  2006 honda Element 5 speed 4wd - 2006 Honda Element
  By Christina - September 17 - 10:34 am

  I really loved my 2006 Element until gas prices started to go up and the 2007 models came out with the seat belt attached to the seat instead of the back door. How ever I love the honeycomb grill on mine compared to the newer models and the ease of cleaning the interior.