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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  Very Spacious Interior - 2005 Honda Element
  By Carl - November 15 - 4:10 pm

  Roomy versitile cargo space in a small package. Ease of entry and exiting car is superb. Free of rattles and noise level is accepable. Same engine as Accord so power is adequate. Finish is good but lots of composite parts. If you want a practical, economic SUV to haul things and carry four people in comfort its great. This is not plus inside,no carpeting and seats are comfortable but basic.I have not yet tested the 4WD feature in bad WX like snow. It works for me.

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  Very Spacious Interior - 2005 Honda Element
  By Carl - November 15 - 3:36 pm

  Roomy versatile cargo space in a small package. Ease of entry and exiting car is superb. Free of rattles and noise level is accepable. Same engine as Accord so power is adequate. Finish is good but lots of composite parts. If you want a practical, economic SUV to haul things and carry four people in comfort, its great. This is not plus inside, no carpeting and seats are comfortable but basic. I have not yet tested the 4WD feature in bad WX like snow. It works for me.

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  Do your research b4 buying it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By caveman - November 10 - 11:42 am

  I bought a used 2wd Ex with 31k on it. After 7 months I put in 17k. Here are my experiences with this car. WHATS HOT: Versatile (can carry large object like a truck when rear seats remove or flip up), great interior design, roomy, Honda reliability, high seats. WHATS NOT: Wind/road noise (way noiser than typical car), cheap plastic interior, too many rattles (trust me - it will be very annoying), hold your steering wheel tight in a windy way on a freeway, its ugly, seats are uncomfortable because its pretty flat, windshield prone to crack, rocking driver seat, tires wore quickly, over rated stereo (speakers are terrible), payload on 675 lbs, seats only for 4.

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  A Perfect Vehicle? - 2003 Honda Element
  By Vincent Joyce - November 10 - 12:50 am

  I was very impressed by just sitting in the Element at an auto show. After purchasing, my admiration for this little vehicle only grows each day. The room inside is beyond anything Ive ever been in, and although the ride is a little harsh, I wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  Excellent vehicle for mothers. - 2005 Honda Element
  By honda element - November 9 - 10:36 pm

  Who knew someone thought about mothers and their babies. I love the water proof seats and floor and ready made bed for those long days at the park and the mall. Thank you Honda for thinking of us. Now I do not have to worry about my car smelling like Similac or trying to scrub those juice stains.

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  Salesmans Dream - 2005 Honda Element
  By beerman19841 - November 8 - 11:51 pm

  As a sales rep for a map company, I use my Element to haul my product to service my route. I love the amount of cargo space and headroom (Im 65") and it is just plain fun to drive. I have plenty of power and the gas mileage (22- 25 mpg) is a major plus.

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  True MPV Not SUV - 2005 Honda Element
  By 4fun - November 8 - 1:37 pm

  Very unique vehicle. Youll get the stare. Its an MPV not an SUV. Small but great for big people. Gets tossy not tippy on high speed. Not a racer but a pacer. Front passenger seat is too low and cannot be adjusted like the driver seat. Fun to drive with great sound system. Good low center gravity well grounded. Fits my lifestyle and certainly not for everyone. I prefer the EX-P Tangerine model with matching body color panel.

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  In My Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Daisy - November 7 - 9:07 am

  The Element is so much fun to drive that for the first time ever I dont care if Im driving the ugliest car on the road. I rather enjoy the looks! Also, the car feels solid. When you close the rear doors, it sounds like a heavy, well-made vehicle, not a hunk of metal just put together cheaply. Im looking forward to the AWD in the snow this winter.

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  Nice Alternative - 2005 Honda Element
  By Chewdoggie - November 6 - 2:26 am

  I actually just bought my second Honda Element this last August. I was a little leery of its initial looks, but once I sat in the car I was sold. Have not regretted it since. Sure its boxy, but there is so much room and versatility. Mileage is good considering the shape - 22/26. Enough power and the AWD does just fine in the dunes/beaches of Pismo, CA. Plus its a Honda... great reliability.

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  Fun and Functional - 2005 Honda Element
  By Glenn - November 5 - 12:14 pm

  The Element has been the most fun and functional vehicle I have ever owned. I can use it to haul most anything I need, including passengers comfortably. The fit and finish have been incredible: not a single trip to the dealer for anything other than oil changes in 18 mos. What I like most is its funky looks. Stands out from the crowd, and is easy to find in the parking lot.