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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  1 Yr Honda Element Ownership - 2006 Honda Element
  By lightcollector - January 8 - 12:44 pm

  I purchased a 2006 Element in Jan. 2006. I traded it in at the end of Dec. 2006. I bought it for big interior space and good fuel economy. How these folks can give this suv a 9-10 rating is beyond me. They must have great stereos. Engine: Fine on flat roads, uphill a struggle. Trans: Shifts smooth except uphill. Windnoise: Moderate. Roadnoise: High. Fuel Economy (Note: 2WD Auto): When I got the car average 24-25, City 23 Freeway 21. By the time I unloaded it 20-21 average, City 17-18, Hwy 19-20. Rattles: Lots. As I fixed 1 another one arrived. Body Panels: Horrible seam alignment. Ride Quality: Civic grade. Cheap. Body Sway: Enough to want to barf. Honda Service: Utter GARBAGE. Overpriced.

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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By KGas - January 7 - 1:10 pm

  My experience with my Element has been perfect. No problems whatsoever. The interior and exterior design is magnificent.

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  The Best Kept Secret is Out - 2004 Honda Element
  By tbdass - January 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. Its all-purpose functionality is excellent along with the wonderful drive and comfort.

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  Awesome!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By 04elementex - January 7 - 12:29 am

  I love my element. I traded my 00 nissan maxima for it. The maxima was a great car but it didnt go with my lifestyle. I do a lot of skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking and the element is perfect. I dont need to worry about getting the carpet dirty and it has room for all my gear. The rear doors are hard to get used to but they are cool and there is a ton of room in the back. As my friend said shaq could fit in the back seat. It has a great ride and great gas mileage for a awd truck. It handles like a car. The turning radius is awesome. It doesnt ride like a lexus but its not like youre driving an explorer. I wouldnt get rid of it for anything. I highly recommend the element!!!

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  Good Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By Rocky - January 5 - 3:42 am

  Ive enjoyed the vehicle. and would recommend it to anyone. this is my first Honda and I would buy again. US made does not come close. My other car is US and there is always something going wrong with it. Ive got 11,000 on the Honda and only one small A/C vent broke on me.

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  I love it! - 2007 Honda Element
  By DJA123 - January 2 - 5:20 pm

  I dont know why these arent more popular. The look is different but not ugly..it really grows on you. Its a comfortable, roomy and reliable multi- purpose vehicle that sells for about $22K with AWD. People are afraid of the quirky style but they are missing out on a fun and practical vehicle. It really makes you feel young at heart regardless of age. If you are on the fence because of the way it looks, believe me, the Element will win you over. Its really fun, practical and a great value!

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  Elemental! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Kim - January 2 - 2:43 pm

  This is a great little car - especially if you are outdoorsy, have animals, etc. FUN to drive, you can sit up and see things without the gas gobbling of a larger vehicle! Best car Ive had in a long time!

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  is the one! - 2007 Honda Element
  By jeffry Kotler - January 2 - 12:50 pm

  I was shocked when i drove my element. It drives exceedingly well, its fun to drive, and it does have a quiet ride. I was used to range rovers, (the high end ones), and this is so much fun. You have developed a great car.

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  Love this car - 2003 Honda Element
  By goldschmid - January 2 - 12:21 pm

  There is no better car if you, like I, need to haul furniture or just more than you intended to buy at Costco. I have had the car for four years and almost 60,000 miles, and there have been no major repairs needed. As a result, this Element has cost far less to own and maintain than I ever expected. Although some people dislike the way the back doors open, it is a real advantage when you are trying to reach items or move bulky furniture in or out. On occasion, I have removed the back seats and used the element as a small van when moving our adult children to college or a new apartment. There is almost as much room as a small UHaul. In short, I am very satisfied with this car.

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  Its a good fit! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Lisa - December 31 - 8:29 pm

  Traded in a 03 Accord EX V6 for the 07 Element SC. I really bought it for function and convenience (I have 3 dogs), but found theres a lot more I like about it. The SC model was much more stylish and handled a little better because of the bigger rims and tires and lowered base. Its fun to drive. You feel like youre in an SUV but driving a car. I was worried Id feel the change going from a V6 to a 4 cyl and not like the car as much, but it hasnt bothered me at all... its pretty good off the start and once you get going, no problem passing others or getting on the freeway. I like it more and more each day.