2006 Honda Element Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.66/5 Average
123 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Honda has added an additional trim level to the 2006 Honda Element line, the EX-P. Based upon the EX, it adds body-color exterior panels. The EX receives new alloy wheels and steering wheel audio controls, while the LX gets the former EX-exclusive metallic exterior cladding and standard antilock brakes. Additionally, stated power for the engine is a bit lower this year due to Honda's adoption of new SAE engine testing procedures.

Pros:
  • Spacious, waterproof interior, optional all-wheel drive, smooth four-cylinder engine, balanced handling, standard ABS.
Cons:
  • Only seats four, clamshell doors hinder entry/exit for rear-seat passengers.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 123.00
  • Love my Element! - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    I have been searching for a car that would be fun to drive, functional, and kid friendly-the Element is it! My eight year-old loves the back seat, and there is plenty of room for our two dogs, too. I can go grocery shopping and everything will fit in the back. The car also handles well on the road, and makes turns easily.

  • What took me so long? - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    It took me two years to finally decide to buy the element, and have not been sorry since. Have two dogs that spend all their time with me, in office, out seeing customers and so we spend at least half the day in and out of the car, we love it. It turns on a dime and if you know how to use the transmission I have left 8 cylinder cars eating my dust when climbing hills. Its been in the snow at 11000 feet in Utah and didnt even need snow tires. Gas mileage improved once I took off the good years and put on tiger paws and keep inflated at 42lbs which the tire specifies. Have been off roading with it too, although a little low there are ways to work around that. Next trip New Mexico the whole state.

  • Honda Price, not Honda Quality - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    Although this cars handles very well in winter weather, the brake pads, rotors, and calipers dont hold up. Do not buy this car if you live in the northern US or Canada. All components of the brakes have rusted out, warped, seized, within 32k. Thats not Honda quality. In addition, the dealership labels all of these design flaws as normal. If you have the extra money, but a Toyota. If you dont, buy something else.

  • Elephant Moves Anything - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    Friends always want to bowwor the "elephant" when they move stuff - My wife has an 03 Element with 103000 - never been down for maintenance except routine stuff Daughter has one, Niece has one and mine is an 06 - pretty much perfect - Honda could -for about 100 bucks more make this the perfect vehicle 1 - a little more sound deadening 2 - slightly more aerodynamic would get 1-2 more mpg 3 - slightly larger fuel tank 4 - one more intermittent position on the wipers. 5 - put a gizmo in that would allow for pax - p.s. Honda,this seems like the perfect platform for an all electric or hybrid - what gives??

  • Expectations Fulfilled - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    After 3 years and over 70,000 miles I remain delighted. It has met all of my expectations and more. Other than a windshield replacement due to its vertical orientation and replacement of the original tires at 70,000 miles, I have only changed the oil/filter and had the major service done. Consistently get 24-25 MPG find it to be comfortable but a somewhat bumpy ride on longer trips and love the functionality for hauling gear and bulky items. Great value for the price and low cost of operation.

  • 2006 Element EX-P - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    After shopping around for a reliable SUV I set my sights on the new Element EX-P Model. I liked the vehicle before, but the composite sides kept me away. The new model not only looks fantastic but drives fantastic. As far as gas mileage it gets the listed 26 hwy and 22 city with the automatic. Handles great and cuts through the air at high speeds on the highway. I havent noticed too much swaying from the wind. Seems like they should offer a more powerful engine in the EX models, perhaps a modified V6 Accord engine.

  • I love our honda elements - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    This is our second Honda Element. This time we tried the awd lx. Our first Element is a 2003 dx. We love them both and I dont think we will ever have a different vehicle as long as they still make the Element. Both cars are manuals and they drive like a dream in all conditions. I would recommend the Element to anyone interested in a find product at an affordable price.

  • Saved my life - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    My brother had a 2003 Element and was rolled off the thruway--he walked away. Yesterday I was hit just about head on, on the right headlight, by a pickup going over 60 MPH. The car rolled, the airbags deployed and aside from a broken rib and a few contusions, I literally walked away. Kudos to safety features and thanks to you Honda! The high ceilings I believe are a factor in safety and comfort.

  • Great Ski Car - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    I purchased an 06 knowing that changes were going to made in the 07. I did not care for the new belt system and the front grill. Also, this was the 1st generation Element and I believe that all the issues are worked out with the last year of a generation change. (Front windshield, A/C, AWD, etc.) I have been correct. This car (SUV) is rock solid.

  • Great car - 2006 Honda Element
    By -

    Have had this car for 3 yrs/60 k miles. Great car. Super cheap to own, amazingly reliable. Standard maintenance is really inexpensive, and only every 10k miles. This is not a luxury car. There is no wood trim/leather seats, etc. What you see is what you get. But its plenty peppy, drives very smooth, and fits in compact car parking spots. Excellent turning radius. Blind spots do take some getting used to though - my only complaint. Excellent in the snow. Excellent build quality. Excellent cargo capacity. Seats are easy to flip up or take out. Even comfortable to sleep in, which I have done many times at trail heads before climbs!

Honda Element Reviews By Year:
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