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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  Practical - 2003 Honda Element
  By Kendo - May 9 - 9:24 am

  This car has been perfect for me. I am an outdoorsman and it has been with me through the mountains and to the sea.

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  Luv my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By J.T.Wallace - May 6 - 8:39 am

  I like this vehicle better than any I have ever owned (I am age 62 and have driven or owned many vehicles). Fun to drive, loads of room and very practical... it is just me! Just as comfortable on long trips as running down to get a few groceries, click on cruise control and gas mileage is even better. Climbs mountains with ease and handles curves on switchback roads well. I have recommended it to others many times.

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  my element - 2006 Honda Element
  By cheryle K. Fisher - May 5 - 10:33 pm

  I am very pleased with my Element. I have two grandchildren and the room in the backseat is great. No more feet pushing on the back of the front seats. Also the system for the safety chairs is fantastic, so much easier then my old car. I also enjoy all the people that come up and ask my how I like my Element. It may look like something a young person would buy, but it sure serves this grandma just fine. Only one thing seems a little off and that is the mileage I am getting. I get 16 MPH in the city and 21 MPH on the highway. Although this is much better mileage that I was getting with my old SUV, which was not a Honda. My son has a Civic but loves to drive my car for fun.

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  Honda Element EX is GREAT! - 2005 Honda Element
  By seattle_driver - May 4 - 5:13 am

  Wow! I just bought a Honda Element EX and it is so cool! Youre likely to get funny looks from people, but this is a really great car and quite versatile. It has great pickup, cool features, a lot of flexibility for carrying gear or up to 4 adventurers (extra cargo space required if traveling with 4--use the roof rack). Also, you gotta love the suicide doors.

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  I love the element - 2006 Honda Element
  By gb - May 3 - 11:44 am

  I normally hate SUVs but the element is unlike an SUV because of its light weight and very good Gas mileage. Also the options that Honda put into the element show it was the result of cunsumer marketing response, Honda listened to what buyers want in a specific vehicle.

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  Fun with flair - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sus - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great utility vehicle with good ride and easy options for hauling. Retro dash is an eye catcher and the different look of the vehicle always attracts attention. People have aksed me if they could take pictures of my car. This is a fun car with a design flair and solid design.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Gerald H. - April 29 - 9:28 pm

  This is the first SUV my wife and I have brought together and the first Japanese nameplate that either one of us has brought. Before we have owned sedans and making the change to the Element has been nothing but enjoyable. The ride is smooth and quiet. For being a small SUV, you sit up as high on the road as the largest SUV so your field of view is not comprise. The Element is just fun to drive!

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  Honda makes smart vehicles - 2004 Honda Element
  By tallman - April 29 - 7:26 pm

  Handles well for a SUV. Gas mileage is among the best for a small 4wd SUV. No reliability problems at all. Im 68" tall and fit well in the vehicle. I would definitely buy this vehicle again.

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  Love my black-on-black Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By E-Chick - April 29 - 5:48 pm

  I got a great deal on a great car-truck-SUV-thingee after loads of research on other vehicles....started off wanting an Xterra or Rav4, then tested a Liberty. Hadnt even thought of an Element because to be honest and shallow? I hated the grey panel thing...then I found the black-paneled black EX and couldnt believe how awesome it looked and performed and got decent mileage too. Plus I bought carpet with mine - very cool! Inside and out Im pleased and believe my Honda will be at least as reliable as my Toyota. Highly recommend the E...the EX-P models really make it more attractive to more people.

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  Rate it? Rave about it!!! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Jim in NE - April 29 - 1:06 pm

  I bought the Element for a particular reason... fishing. I haul 2 other guys and three float tubes full of air that are wet and dirty between farm ponds here in Nebraska. No carpet to worry about, one or both back seats fold up and out of the way. Then I found out I can haul loads of furniture, antiques, trash barrels, tree branches, just like a small pickup with nothing blowing out. And it wipes out with a damp towel. Mileage? I continually beat the highway estimated 25mpg, getting 26 going 23 miles of country road to work each day. Did I mention the sound system? Awsome! Looking for a utilitarian AWD SUV that gets good mileage? Element!!! I am a happy owner!