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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  Great for the Price - 2006 Honda Element
  By Dante - May 26 - 8:50 am

  This car is great. Once you get used to the large space and the height (I used to drive a hatchback) it feels like you have a lot of power. You have a great all-around view and lots of space. For 20K it is a great value and since it has a Japanese made transmission, you know that part is at least reliable.

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  2005 Rallye Red EX - 2005 Honda Element
  By beaker - May 20 - 1:30 am

  I really like the Element. It drives well,and has excellent acceleration. I would suggest if you are considering any color that is paired with the blue or black composite panels to reconsider. The black composite panels are difficult to keep clean. I had owned my car for about 5 days when a thunderstorm came through. I drove on all paved roads, yet the dirt and mud that accumulated on the panels was unreal. I had to wash the panels at least 3x to get rid of the dirt. Water spots are also a problem. The regular gray panels would be much easier to clean. The red and black look sharp together but it takes a lot of time to clean the panels.

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  Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jfont - May 19 - 9:32 pm

  Car is so versatile we use it for everything. Floor and durable plastic make it ideal for home projects and pets (dogs especially).

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  Beware the RUST!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By bryansail - May 17 - 9:35 am

  I bought a super clean low mileage Element in Detroit in late 2005. The vehicle has only 14K miles and still well under the 3yr/36K Honda warranty. The car had surface rust on fixtures and bracket, esp in the engine area. Honda refuses to take resp. and fix this obvious design flaw. So dont buy a Honda anywhere where there is road salt because you may well be sorry! Ive been slowly fixing the rust at my expense and time.

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  Honda Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By Tim Olson - May 17 - 12:19 am

  From the beginning I was attracted to the Element. The functionality of this vehicle is amazing. I have transported two bikes along with camping equipment. I have slept in the Element and have been very comfortable. Driving extended periods are a dream. I have logged 8 hours of continuous driving and have had no fatigue or stiffness.

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  I Am Impressed - 2006 Honda Element
  By DOLICA3 - May 16 - 11:18 am

  I own a 2003 Element FWD manual and have recently purchased a 2006 AWD 5 speed manual. I love them both. I gave the 2003 to my husband as he fell in love with the darned thing too for hunting and taking the dogs. With the high gas prices, I wish the mileage were a bit better. I am getting between 26-28 mpg. I was used to 40 mpg on my manual Civic. Nevertheless, it is by far, the best vehicle I have ever owned. 2003 Element shows rust already. Actually did within months of purchase.

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  The funnest - 2004 Honda Element
  By Cathy Schlecht - May 14 - 10:40 pm

  The E is excellent for handling, interior room, an absolute blast to drive. Love the look it keeps me differant from everyone else. My son loves the ipod jack. Easy to clean. People are always asking to see the inside and they are so suprised at the amount of room. I would purchase another in a heart beat.

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  Best of the best in this catagory - 2005 Honda Element
  By paul - May 13 - 11:26 pm

  Fun to drive, for 4 cyl. goes like hell, great in snow, easy to park, turns on a dime - can not say enough good about it.

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  This element rocks - 2005 Honda Element
  By mac - May 12 - 9:44 pm

  Ive driven this car hard for 25 k in year with not a single part to break or malfunction. Ive hauled a 16 foot touring kayak inside the car to and from the beach. Interior is awesome for space. Great stereo with xm satellite radio. My ten year old son loves it "because I get a lot of fun out of it." He likes to fold the seats back all the way flat.

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  yesssssssss - 2005 Honda Element
  By chris - May 9 - 4:33 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for almost a year now and cant believe ive driven it 32000 miles already. From eastern long island and my car has been everywhere from richmond va to rhode island. I use it for work everyday and can really pile the stuff in there, just the other day, I had 3 new air conditioners plus a sleeve and it fit, no other words but WOW thanks honda. ps getting around 26 on 87 octane after 20000 was on it