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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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By jpowens03 - June 1 - 6:50 am

  The only problem I have is the gas mileage. Other then that I LOVE this car!!!

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  its ok - 2004 Honda Element
  By wood - April 28 - 2:00 am

  The only small suv I could fit in. I am 65. Good Honda quality, fairly cheap utility vehicle. Can carry lots of tools. Fairly harsh bumpy ride on back roads. Disappointing gas mileage for a 4 cyl. My old audi A6 got about the same 22mpg. I know 5 people that bought one and they are all over 50, so much for the youth appeal. Overall good transportation for New England winter roads. Probably not a family car.

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  Mixed feelings about the Element.... - 2004 Honda Element
  By Element_Owner - April 27 - 5:19 pm

  The Element handles nicely through curvy mountain roads. The AWD performs well in Winter conditions, but the undercarriage is low-slung, allowing little clearance. Predictable braking. Minimalist interior is quite functional, nicely ergodynamic, and easy to care for. Seats are firm, yet comfortable. At 22-24mpg, fuel economy is average at best. My girlfriends Element shifts smoothly - mine does not- her Element brakes responsively -mine does not. Loud, squeaky rear suspension. DRL headlights remain "on" during engine starts, making cold weather starts a challenge - or even impossible. Reliability has been abysmal. Radiator self-destruction. Heater trouble. Charging system problem.

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  2003 Honda Element EX AWD 2W (2.4L - 2003 Honda Element
  By Cris - April 24 - 2:58 am

  I was the 1st person to have this kind of car in Texas, people looked me at as if I was from outer space or some kinda stupid to have a bread toaster looking car. But I dont mind that negative image because I was more concerned about the space and style versatility of the car. After driving this for 5 years now, I realized that I hate this car at all. I drove Nissan, Toyota, Porsche, Dodge, Chevy, Mazda and I realized the difference. There are far more better cars out there than Honda. I give credit to the reliability of this company but because of this prestige they had, they were too overconfident about their market and they made less effort of better design and worth your money to buy their car.

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  I love it "but" - 2008 Honda Element
  By dds4 - April 22 - 9:26 am

  When I saw my black SC in the show room I loved it. Unfortunately, I drove a regular EX and then bought the SC. The SC is very harsh riding on long trips, punishing actually. It is at the dealer now replacing a defective rear tailgate hinge. For around town it is great and fun to drive. If you travel on weekends, I would select something else if you like some level of comfort.

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  Element Toaster - 2003 Honda Element
  By Charles Gilbert - April 18 - 9:47 am

  Great handling and economy for an SUV. Parking is never a problem and the Element turns on a dime. Performance is adequate and it runs as smooth as a sewing machine. We can haul our two dogs with ease and the cargo area is very versatile.

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  Rolling Brick - 2006 Honda Element
  By sweeks1360 - April 17 - 10:04 pm

  Very fun vehicle to drive and I love the open interior space. Plenty of room for tall people. Great cargo hauling capacity and easy clean interior. Great sound system - 270 watt stereo. Ride in back seats can be bumpy, but nice moonroof for the rear people. 2007 model has 5 speed automatic and can get slight better highway mileage than this 4 speed automatic, but still decent mileage.

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  Good reliable car - 2005 Honda Element
  By Ross - April 13 - 8:28 pm

  I bought this car initially b/c of its roominess. I am 64 and I dont think there is any other small SUV with this much room. I would also put it to the test even with the large SUVs. Easy to get in and out of. Gas mileage is better than most SUVs. Easy to keep clean. And, its the perfect car for city driving and parking. Just enough performance on the road to keep up with everyone. I will own this car likely until it dies. 40,000+ miles in two years and no problems whatsoever (except for chipped windshield).

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  pretty good deal - 2005 Honda Element
  By kathy - April 3 - 9:37 pm

  I purchased my Element brand new. It has really been good to me overall. the only problem I have is with gas mileage. I love my Element except for the mileage. It handles well and does very well in the snow.

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  Not Bad But Awful Shift Points - 2008 Honda Element
  By Peter - March 28 - 9:32 pm

  Bought it for work use. Love the rubber interior features and space. Unfortunately was delivered with defective right rear hub, but was replaced quickly. More horsepower needed. Extremely disappointed with shift points of auto trans.. Cant seem to get 4th and 5th gear to shift in order to lower RPMs and maybe improve mediocre gas mileage - currently have 5300 miles on it and cant get better than 20 highway. Windshield size and angle makes it very difficult to see traffic lights. If I had realized transmission problem I might have considered the manual trans.