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 my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rick H - December 18 - 4:35 pm

  Cons of the Element are few but may be a killer for some. There is not a abundence of power. The 4 cyl gives enough power to survive, but not to thrive in high speed take offs in very busy traffic. Pick up & go is best when swiching off overdrive and running thru the gears(Auto version). This is an old school trick almost nobody uses any more. The plactic (just like out side panels) under the seat belts wears from the belt connector rubbing against it. There is no way to make it look new again or bring the color back to normal.

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  Dons review - 2003 Honda Element
  By Don - December 14 - 3:03 pm

  We purchased the Element AWD as a replacement for an Explorer. We have had no regrets, as we can now carry far more cargo, as we have more room. We were pleased with the interior as we have dogs that travel with us and it is very easy to clean. The fuel mileage is as advertised, and not blown out of proportion. Most of our driving is highway/interstate speeds between our homes in Fla. and the mountians of N. Georgia, and have never had a problem maintaining speed in the mountains, even while towing a small trailer with ATV.

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  Versatile and functional - 2005 Honda Element
  By mthorn - December 13 - 10:14 pm

  The Element is the most adaptible vehicle I have ever owned. It allows me to use it for any task. It also allows me to have access to the rear seat comparment with having to move. This was critical to me because I use a wheelchair. For this reason alone the EX was the vehicle for me. Since my prior vehicle was a MB I have certain standards for quality and finish and I found the element offered these at a reasonable price.

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  Perfect for what it is designed to do - 2005 Honda Element
  By Larry - December 12 - 11:52 pm

  The vehicle is just about perfectly suited for our needs (2 adults, 2 teenagers, one large dog) both long and short drives. It cruises easily at 80/90. The vehicle corners well and is surprisingly quick. Some other reviewers wanted a larger engine – none is needed if you get the manual transmission and rev the engine a little while shifting – Honda has low rev shift points the auto transmission. The EX comes with a better suspension than the model below it. I have had several vans, various sedans, and several sports cars, so I have a reasonable idea of different vehicles – no one wants to use our much more expensive conversion van anymore, other than for camping trips.

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  Not your average SUV - 2005 Honda Element
  By Thomas - December 10 - 1:50 pm

  Not your average SUV. The Element is EXACTLY what a SUV should be .... versital, functional, and of course fun to drive. What more could one ask ?? And of course it is a HONDA !! Seeing that my first Honda, a 1990 CRX is still on the road that is saying quite a bit.

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Element
  By F Smith - December 10 - 11:33 am

  I purchased the vehicle to carry college supplies on 5-6 hour trips. It has not disappointed us at all. The interior is spacious and holds a lot more than might appear from the outside. The front seats are very comfortable and it handles very well. Even on long drives, I do not feel tired and dont feel the need to stop to stretch etc. The back seats are easy to take out and then reinstall. Shortcomings include its seating capacity, which is only 4 people, and its donut spare time (the wheel well is not large enough to house a full size spare). I highly recommend this vehicle and would definitely consider purchasing another one.

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  E is Excellent Everyday SUV - 2005 Honda Element
  By RAMZOHIO - December 10 - 2:03 am

  After 6000 miles in 5 months. I love it, but it is not sporty enough or fun to drive with the automatic transmission. The Element is an excellent work vehicle if you need cargo room and ease of use and loading/unloading for delivery. The Element is great if you have small children, or dogs, or get messy, because it is easy to clean...I recommend it, but not for everyone. I carried a 7-foot sofa without removing the rear seats, just folded them up. WOW! Hey, it is a HONDA!!!!

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  Never believe how amazing this box is!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By TheCar - December 8 - 11:44 pm

  Most amazing car ever. I’m 5’0” and I fit perfectly. Best Friend is 6’6” and drives his in comfort, too! Im a mountain biker and I just throw my bike in the back, covered in mud, dripping with slime. Let the mud dry, sweep it out, and wipe with damp rage. Voila, like new. I can fit 2 mtn. bikes in the back by just folding up the seats, without removing any tires! I have a German Shepherd and the fur monster loves it, and I love sweeping out the dog fur. No more hours with an upholstery brush to get fur out. Perfect moonroof-Fold down the seats and gaze up at the stars while you doze off in full length comfort. It’s ugly, but I get envious looks when I fit a queen set in the back, no sweat.

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  Honda Reliability - 2005 Honda Element
  By mascolt - December 5 - 10:38 am

  The Element is definately misleading at first glance. Once you are inside the vehicle, you forget that you are driving this boxy, compact SUV. The ride is extremely comfortable and, being 8" shorter than a Civic, one can park anywhere with ease. The AWD has been perfect in the ice and snow of hilly Connecticut. The special material used for the seats and floor is easy to clean and doesnt absorb odors or spills. The one downside is that the fuel economy and could be a little better. It is still excellent with a 22.5 mpg, but, if Honda can get it up to 30, it would be perfect. On the flipside, Id like to see a model wit increased hp, even though 2006s is slightly decreased.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jim - December 5 - 12:05 am

  Fun car - well thought-out. Great for outdoor activities. Interior made for bicycling, fishing, camping, etc. Far above average stereo. Very stable, brakes superbly. A life-style choice.