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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  In my element with the Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By ray - November 25 - 1:21 pm

  Recently retired and traded in a small pickup for an Element. Great vehicle! The plastic cladding on the exterior has protected me from a lot of rock hits. I have had it in a snow storm at Tahoe, camping at the coastal redwoods, hauling dogs and/or people and road tripping so this is a very adaptable auto. Added a trailer hitch for external bikes and a roof rack for a kayak. I will be keeping this Honda until Honda comes out with a diesel or hybrid 4 cylinder.

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  Coolest box ever!!! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Dagackster - November 25 - 11:28 am

  Never thought I would own one of these things, but when they became available with the body colored panels I just could not resist. Not only was I impressed with the look of the Element, but I was blown away by the amount of room in it. It is a great car to own if you have kids because not only can you wash the floors, but the back seats are far enough back that they cant kick the front seats. If you are skeptical about this car please go look at one at your local dealership and you will fall in love. My wife even fell in love with it after she cursed me out all the way to the dealership.

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  Love my Element!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sarah - November 25 - 7:55 am

  I am 47 years old and have always seen cars as simply a way to get places. I have never actually "loved" a car before. I love my Element!! I love the outdoors and lugging my kayak around is never a problem for me now. The seats are so versatile: I moved my daughter to and from college 3 years running by removing the back seats and loading it up- and you know how much girls bring to college! It is easy to get my elderly parents (both are 81) in and out. It is fun to drive I have the 5 speed and love the location of the stick. I had one of the first ones in my area and was stopped on the street many times to tell people about my car. It is easy to clean as no carpets! I love my Element!!!

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  MY ELEMENT - 2006 Honda Element
  By XM subscriber - November 17 - 3:41 pm

  Its been 13 years since my last new car..also a Honda..which I am still driving with over 200k.. The Element is very eye appealing, and quite fun to drive, and it always gets very nice comments and stares (atomic blue). I like the all painted body.. The clam shell is great to load kids in and out of and the flexibility of moving seats up is great for large items..however, have not tried removing yet..edge of front tires seem to wearing out..dont know if hard driving or not..also the sunroof is tricky to close once you open it..it should have been designed like the rear side flip outs..

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  Greatest Vehicle Ever - 2004 Honda Element
  By jtkrotz - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Maybe I am biased b/c I have wanted to own an Element since it was the Honda Model X...but let me say, now that i have one it is all I thought it would be and more. It handles well, AWD takes it offroad easy (although low clearance limits the possibilities), tons of room to cram stuff, people (I have gotten up to 7 cramemd in), anything into it. The fold down/up/removable seats/beds are great for camping or hauling wood and tools. The Element is by far the most fun vehicle I have ever driven, and if you tack on a few accessories (I have almost all of them) it gets even better.

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  Love the Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By EXP - November 5 - 10:28 pm

  This was my first new car. What convinced me to buy this car was the interior. I love the fact that the floors are a rubber material that can be wiped up. The seats are stain resistant and the interior is supposed to be scratch resistant. I went for the top model that has real time 4 wheel drive. The car drives very smoothly and it can make really tight turns. Everyone who has seen it is shocked at the amount of room inside the car. There is plenty of let room and head room for even the tall people. There is ample trunk space, and the 90 degree opening of all door makes loading anything easier. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who has kid or who transports a lot of stuff

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  Element #3 - 2007 Honda Element
  By Tony - October 31 - 1:21 pm

  We bought an 03 Element EX when they first came out and loved it so much so, we upgraded to a Rally Red 05 EX (w/side curtain airbags) in March of 2005. In Sept 06, my wife and two young children (1 & 3 year olds) were involved in a head on collision at 50 mph with an inattentive Ford F150. All three walked away from the accident with only minor bruises and burns (from the airbag). There was no doubt we would buy another. We decided on a silver SC and we ABSOLUTELY love the new styling inside and out. Great car for the kids, dog & all of your stuff. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Truely versatile relieable MPV - 2006 Honda Element
  By GeorgeTS - October 20 - 7:35 pm

  Kudos to Honda,for designing and refining a true multi purpose vehicle.No silly electronic gadits, but all the essentials (pwr win, pwr mirs, 4 wheel disc ABS, great stereo w/XM sat, IPOD ready).The lack of a B pillar between the doors makes this a great vehicle for wheelchair users.The painted fenders makes the Element easier on the eye. This 4 cyl is peppy and economical to drive. Handles great and has very good visibility.

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  Buy one, theyre fun! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Diana Abel - October 14 - 10:07 pm

  I LOVE my Element. Not only is it fun to drive, but there is not a time I go out when someone doesnt go nuts over it! We even got the tent. COOL! It has been the funnest vehicle Ive ever had and Im 45!

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  Kiwi Metallic - 2007 Honda Element
  By theElemenT - October 11 - 3:05 pm

  I love my new Element. It drives and handles so much better than the 2004 Element I traded in. I love the new black utility floor and it is so much easier to get people in the back seats with the seat belts intergrated into the front seats. Im glad Honda gave the Element VSA and side curtain air bags for safety reasons. I can haul my two Saint Bernards with little problems now. The 166-hp is a nice improvement along with the 5-speed auto. I get about 28 on the highway on average and about 25 in the city. Cant wait to see if it handles even better in the snow than my last Element.