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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  Hard worker - 2003 Honda Element
  By Raye - July 7 - 2:50 pm

  My 2003 has 200100 miles on it. Still has the same rotors on the front, shock and struts, muffler system, and surprisingly the same spark plugs that have been checked frequently if they need replacement. Yeah, i have the frozen door lock syndrome and the drivers seat is ripped and uncomfortable, and noisy ride, but this little baby has been good to me. I will be replacing struts and brake pads etc. soon to be on the safe side. Best reliable vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Great Car--Good Cross Country Driver - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rodster - July 6 - 1:04 pm

  The Honda Element, while not considered the most stylish box by some, makes up for its styling faults in practicality, ease of operation, space, fuel economy, reliability, etc. The only problem Ive had was with the ABS braking system. If the module fails, you run on standard brakes and to turn off the indicator light it will cost $1300 for a module. Nonsense. Run without it. Otherwise Id buy another Element in a minute. It grows on you and others who get a chance to drive it on extended trips. The floor cleans up easily, the sound system works well, all controls can be read without problems and air conditioning and heating respond well in all weather.

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  Love the car except - 2010 Honda Element
  By MrMike - July 6 - 8:19 am

  This is a perfect sized vehicle for my needs. I totally removed the back seats and use it as a van. I have some disappointments like The stereo system is ok at best. The front seats shouldve been able to go all the way forward when in forward position. The rust proofing found under the fender wells shouldve been sprayed everywhere on the undercarriage. It deceives a buyer into thinking he has rustproofing there. In my opinion, even a weekend car painter knows that all the door jambs should be painted the same as the rest of the vehicle. My Element is like that n some parts of the jambs while the rest is the same as what you find under the hood. I cant believe this is standard for a car

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  One of the best cars (trucks?) ever! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Ullanta - July 6 - 4:49 am

  Honda has a talent for making unique niche vehicles. The CRX, the del Sol, and now the Element have provided great combination of ability, quirkiness, and practicality that could not be matched. Even though there are many imitators today, none match the utility, configurability, comfort, and handling of the Element. I can roll (with a ramp!) a 5-foot long, 3-foot tall, almost four-foot wide cart right into the back of the Element. Or carry three passengers in style and comfort. Or sleep in the back comfortably. More headroom and legroom (in front AND back) than anything else Ive been in. All kinds of nifty little storage areas. Handles much more nimbly and stably than seems possible.

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  Honda Element Love - 2003 Honda Element
  By Honda No. 5 - July 2 - 3:41 pm

  Have always loved Honda cars. The element is a great vehicle for me whether its getting to work on a snowy day, hauling home landscaping supplies or baby furniture, its got the space and its so easy to clean up. Which I also appreciate when my son make a mess in the back seat.

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  Incredibly roomy, practical SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Matt - June 16 - 10:10 pm

  This is a great little SUV that was the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Its incredibly roomy and very practical for everything. The performance is adequate. It wont impress you with its acceleration but it never feels underpowered. Handling is good but there is a lot of lean. The suicide doors are interesting, but the door mounted front seat belts are a problem when you need to drop off rear seat passengers.

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  Lots of Maintanence Problems - 2003 Honda Element
  By John Dunford - June 1 - 11:10 am

  I have only 64,000 miles on my Honda Element and I still enjoy its utility. However with this low mileage I have already had a blown clutch, a blown compressor for the AC, and a persistent problem with the door locks in that the keys do not work. I have been a faithful Honda owner for many years and have always had a manual transmission. I am a careful driver. To have over 5000 dollars in maintenance already with this low mileage is a serious test to my brand loyalty.

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  Love the Toaster! - 2008 Honda Element
  By run_jon_run - May 29 - 6:26 pm

  This was my wife and Is first new car. Got it initially because we have 2 great Danes and they grew out of our 88 civic. Was drawn to the safety features and the 2.4 L 4 cyl, since it has a timing chain and not a belt. We use Hondas synthetic oil and put a k&n air filter in it and have gotten 29 mpg (doing 65 mph) before. Most trips we average 23-26 doing 75 though. The 4 cyl. is punchy and I most always have plenty of power.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Lacey - May 27 - 3:20 pm

  I went to Honda to buy an accord. Some how the sales dude got me to test drive the Element and from then on I was hooked. So many cars make you feel cramped, not with this car. More than enough head room (my husband is 64"), great stereo. Love the iPod hookup. Fun to drive. A little more hp would be nice but its not slow. The amount of stuff that you can fit in this thing is absolutely amazing. 900 sq ft of wood floors. Baseboards. 2 bikes. Patio table (not taken apart) the list goes on and on. Its like having a truck with the stuff I have crammed in there. Very cold a/c. Ive had it now for 2 years and besides oil changes, new tire and brakes, it has been a dream car.

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  2007 Element - 2007 Honda Element
  By James - April 27 - 1:32 am

  Fell in love with this vehicle at the showroom and still enjoy driving it but alot of the features may not be right for everyone so do your homework if you want to buy one.