2003 Honda Element Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.69/5 Average
502 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2003 Honda Element is a completely new vehicle for Honda. It's also the most adventurous Honda vehicle in quite a long time. Its blend of features, such as barn-style doors and waterproof seats, make it a good choice for those with active lifestyles.

Pros:
  • Impressively versatile interior, optional four-wheel drive, trick audio system, styled as if out of a Japanese animation movie.
Cons:
  • Only seats four, Elements with automatic transmissions and 4WD can seem sluggish.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 502.00
  • This car feels like home now - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    When i first saw this car I thought it was the ugliest thing I had ever seen. Upon further driving and testing, it was PERFECT! The roominess has spoiled me. I cant even tell you how many times Ive hauled things inside the car with the seats up and peoples jaws drop because they "had no idea". Countless times I have used the suicide doors to get the kids out and people come up to my car to check it out. Its a 2003!!! Dont act like youve never seen one. With two kids under 10 the rubber floors have been a Godsend! I cant tell you how many ice creams and food disasters have been avoided. Not to mention that after beach trips I just take my leaf blower and blow ALL the sand out of the car

  • Only for the Lonely/Adventurist Person - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    When I purchased my Honda Element, I was enchanted with the uniqueness of the ride: it was a truck, SUV, and small car mixed altogether and it can get you where you want to go. Its a great ride for someone who doesnt have kids and likes the great versalitity of a crossover vechile. To Pros: 1) Its a Honda its gonna retain value 2) Weather conditions/ off road- handles great 3) Plenty interior space could live out of it 4) Crosscountry trips made easy The Cons: 1) Its only a 4 seater 2) Arm rest only for driver seat 3) A/C control of cabin is hard because of size 4) Anything on the floor rolls up to the front because of stadium seating 5) Gas mileage runs 19/22 One mancar!

  • Never loved a car before in my life! - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    Cars were always simply a way to get places for me, until I bought my Element! I have 154000 miles on it. I have done basic maintenance brakes, struts and only just did my exhaust. I do have the original clutch, tho! It does not look 9 years old, either. I only have 1 complaint and that is that Honda has stopped making it!!! I was looking forward to a second Element when I need to replace this one. I am hoping that by that time Honda will have reissued it. I love my Element so much that I convinced both my sisters to get one!

  • great car - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    great utility car! this thing can do it all without any worries. not the geatest looking car but can fill any need. the element is honestly the best snow handling car ive ever driven

  • Utili-toaster - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    At its heart, the Element is exactly what a small SUV should be- practical, reliable, and easy to drive. What sets the car apart is simply how over-the-top utilitarian it really is. The interior is nearly indestructible. The rubberized floors are easy to clean, the seats are waterproof, and the folding rear seats open up a cavernous cargo area that will easily accommodate mountain bikes with the wheels still attached. For a giant rolling box, it handles surprisingly well- though not a sports car, the car feels stable and relatively nimble on mountain roads. An excellent buy for dog owners, college students, or anybody with an active lifestyle.

  • In my Element - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    I purchased the Element new in 2003. It was easily the ugliest vehicle I had ever seen, but after one test drive (on a dare) I bought it. Best car Ive ever owned.

  • Hard worker - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    My 2003 has 200100 miles on it. Still has the same rotors on the front, shock and struts, muffler system, and surprisingly the same spark plugs that have been checked frequently if they need replacement. Yeah, i have the frozen door lock syndrome and the drivers seat is ripped and uncomfortable, and noisy ride, but this little baby has been good to me. I will be replacing struts and brake pads etc. soon to be on the safe side. Best reliable vehicle Ive ever owned.

  • One of the best cars (trucks?) ever! - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    Honda has a talent for making unique niche vehicles. The CRX, the del Sol, and now the Element have provided great combination of ability, quirkiness, and practicality that could not be matched. Even though there are many imitators today, none match the utility, configurability, comfort, and handling of the Element. I can roll (with a ramp!) a 5-foot long, 3-foot tall, almost four-foot wide cart right into the back of the Element. Or carry three passengers in style and comfort. Or sleep in the back comfortably. More headroom and legroom (in front AND back) than anything else Ive been in. All kinds of nifty little storage areas. Handles much more nimbly and stably than seems possible.

  • Honda Element Love - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    Have always loved Honda cars. The element is a great vehicle for me whether its getting to work on a snowy day, hauling home landscaping supplies or baby furniture, its got the space and its so easy to clean up. Which I also appreciate when my son make a mess in the back seat.

  • Lots of Maintanence Problems - 2003 Honda Element
    By -

    I have only 64,000 miles on my Honda Element and I still enjoy its utility. However with this low mileage I have already had a blown clutch, a blown compressor for the AC, and a persistent problem with the door locks in that the keys do not work. I have been a faithful Honda owner for many years and have always had a manual transmission. I am a careful driver. To have over 5000 dollars in maintenance already with this low mileage is a serious test to my brand loyalty.

Honda Element Reviews By Year:
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