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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  An SUV without the guilt! - 2003 Honda Element
  By happy joe - July 8 - 10:00 am

  It drives more like a car than a truck but like a really FUN car. Its small outside belies its roomy inside. Even though ive always driven a large car i still felt cramped. Well no more! And when we double up everyone chooses my little element because they love the back seats. And with a simple twitch of the nose my 4 passenger vehicle turns into a 2 passenger truck ... perfect for my wifes unplanned bargains or my little handyman jobs. And, being in the snow belt, were looking forward to a winter without fear now that were armed with AWD and ABS :-)

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  2 Honda Elements - 2005 Honda Element
  By William Grenoble - July 8 - 5:06 am

  My wife bought a Honda Element AWD EX in July 2004. We pull a 4 Kayak trailer with it, and have a roof rack to haul one additional kayak up top if needed. We have two Golden Retrievers, and a Border Collie . The Element is ideal for boating and hauling dogs. With the plastic floor, clean up is easy. With both doors open on one side, it is simple to stand up on the floor and tie down the boat on top. I was driving an Chevy van, and was due to trade. I liked my wifes Element so much, I went out and bought one for myself. My other hobby is radio control sailplanes, and with the rear seats out, it is simple for me to haul planes and my wife , for a week of flying. 2 Elements are great !

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  Perfect car for kids and dogs!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Sabrina1347 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!! I have a toddler and two dogs and with this car - no worries!! When my son was younger there was plenty of room (and dark enough tint) that I could hop in the back and breastfeed. Now, no worries if he spills his milk or water, it all wipes up easily! He also gets a kick out of all the room he has to play before getting in the dreaded car seat! I love my ELEMENT!!!

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  Buy an Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By aquaswimmer - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The Element is fantastic for what it is. Hauls lots of cargo or 4 people in comfort ( but not really both at the same time). Get the stickshift. The 5spd is surprisingly fast. 0-60 in low 8s. Handles very well also. Its the mini cooper of SUVs. Low cost, great performance, high utility, and fresh styling.

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  Awesome Orange - 2003 Honda Element
  By Charlotte Holt - June 27 - 9:26 pm

  I love it.. when I first saw them I thought they were so ugly they were cute. Now I just think its so cute. It drives nice, rides nice, and cleans up so easy.. We race and get alot of mud and it washes right out. Grandkids are no longer reason for panic.. If they spill it cleans right up..I loved my CRV but carpet and cloth seats were a problem, especially at the track.. Love the theater seating when they stick me in the back.. Thats when I let them drive it..Wouldnt trade it..

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  Very very versatile vehicle - 2003 Honda Element
  By Mike - June 20 - 4:22 am

  Powerfull enough, great fuel economy, lots of leg room front and back, rear seats easily removable, lots and lots of cargo space for a vehicle this size, excellent sound system (EX), plastic bumper covers are easily replaceable, whoever thought of replaceable bumper covers should be given an award. excellent on snowy roads (with AWD), very very practical car

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  So ugly it was cool ! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Gagnon - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Came time to trade in the 94 Accord and being a young active couple we needed something we could really get some use out of.We test drove the automatic and love it! The usability was great and the layout was fun. The only thing we were a little dissapointed with was the power,but we wanted the manual and they didnt have one to test drive at the time. When we did get to drive it,well we signed the papers.Just wanted to thank Vic and all the people at Manchester Honda in CT. that helped us. Theres nothing like getting in to your vehicle every day and it makes you smile,by the way ours is green and friends and family have already nickname it SHREK !

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  No regrets. - 2004 Honda Element
  By Terry in Alaska - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Combines the best features of a Honda Civic (reliable, economical to buy and own), a minivan (roomy, flexible interior for people or cargo), and a Jeep Wrangler(4 wheel drive, easy care interior). I originally went in to buy a Pilot, but after driving the Element, I changed my mind. I was initially put off by the exterior styling, but it grew on me. Now I like the fact that it doesnt look like everything else on the road.

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  Element- great car - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jessamyn - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Well thought out design- very useful with kid and dog!

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  Very original! - 2003 Honda Element
  By TheOne777 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  The most versatile vehicle on the market!