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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  i love it!!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By zuzus - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I first saw Element back in January.I fell in love with its quirky look that reminded me of all the funny little cars in Italy.Got mine last week after doing tons of research.Every person (even the "cool" friends)that has chuckled or razzed us quickly changed their minds once we showed them the inside. It was supposed to be for me, but now we are fighting who gets to drive our funny little family mobile. (He likes bragging about what a "bang for our buck" deal we got).It reminds me of the 1971 VW Van I grew up in. How could I resist a car that puts a smile on my face? My 3rd Honda-wont buy another brand again-especially Mitsubishi!

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  different - 2006 Honda Element
  By neal b - March 25 - 7:26 am

  Great car to drive with plenty of peppiness. Car seem it can last forever this will be the perfect 4 person family.

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  My Element Experirence - 2004 Honda Element
  By Francis - March 24 - 10:02 pm

  I wanted to buy a versatile vehicle like the CRV but instead drove out of the dealership with an Element.This is a very poorly thought out vehicle. Example, when you fold up the rear seats to make more room it actually blocks your side window access when you are backing up.This vehicle weighs almost 3,500 lbs and the standard "Accord" powerplant strains to pull it around. My AWD gas mileage city/hwy average 21-22 per gallon.The weight distribution of the "AWD" v.s. the "2 wheel" drive is noticeably different and the vehicles drive differently( I have driven both versions).

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  Practical, Reliable & Fuel Efficient - 2005 Honda Element
  By hElement - March 24 - 7:48 pm

  This has to be one of the strangest automobile purchases Ive ever made. It took me 2 years to get used to the funky looks to even give one a look through and upon that I bought it on impluse (my Mazda was having a lot of problems and warranty was about to expire at 36k). This mini/suv drives just like a car and can be tossed into turns for fun, but can go off road and get through some real 4x4 trails (nothing extreme) without getting stuck.

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  Love it - 2005 Honda Element
  By bronco - March 24 - 4:56 am

  We got the magnesium loaded EX AWD with fog lights because having those bulbous orbits empty seems silly. The rear is great for moving baby in and out in the car seat and being able to move to the back to calm baby without having to get out like when we had a Civic. We love the interior -everyone we know think its awesome even those who think it looks ugly are sold when the check out the inside.

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  So far - so good. - 2005 Honda Element
  By Glen - March 23 - 3:33 pm

  No problems and seems to have plenty of power compared to the Toyota 4 Runner I traded in, plus it gets better mileage. It would be nice if it would get 30 MPG but it wont. Rear sunroof is a waste.

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  Great for Dogs - 2005 Honda Element
  By Tara Harden - March 22 - 7:48 am

  My husband commutes to work and we have dogs, so we needed a vehicle that could handle all our requirements. The Honda Element is perfect. It gets great gas mileage, but is tough enough to handle having our two weimaraners in the back. Theres plenty of room for all of our "stuff" and the dogs when we go on long trips. Hondas been a great service and maintenance provider and the quality of their product is outstanding. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone--not just commuters and dog people.

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  Great value - 2004 Honda Element
  By fsmith - March 16 - 12:58 pm

  Provides excellent interior room for storage and passengers. The variety of seating choices comes in handy when moving bulky items. The large back and side entry allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo, especially large and bulky items. It is very reliable with only regularly scheduled maintenance being performed. For the price, it is an exceptional value and puts higher priced SUVs to shame.

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  This one deserves MORE accolades.... - 2005 Honda Element
  By jockstarla - March 15 - 11:36 pm

  I was afraid after owning an Audi TT and a Mini Cooper S just prior to the Element that I was going to be very disappointed. Initially, I missed changing gears and zipping around my fellow Angelinos... but, man, the trade-off in terms of being able to lug things around easily, getting to see over all those cars in front of me, having 3 REAL cupholders instead of 1 (kinda) cupholder.... the creature comforts add up to satisfaction.

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  Suits my needs just fine - 2005 Honda Element
  By knitwit - March 15 - 10:00 pm

  I am pretty rough on cars & when i first looked at the elment i knew right away that its utilitarian style would definitely suit my needs. Im sort of short, so theres a LOT of headroom anywhere in the car for me...so im 99% sure a giant could fit. the only bummer is the gas mileage isnt ideal, its not HORRIBLE but still i feel slightly guilty about driving a car that gets under 30mpg.