2003 Honda Element Consumer Reviews

2003 Turbo Toaster

Written by: KGRoberts on 12/27/2007

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I traded in a Toyo 4Runner for this Element. There's a lot of room on the inside, especially in the back seat. Seats sit up high. Room for 4 people only. Zippy with the 5Manual trans. Plastic panels are utilitarian, easy care, no door dings. This engineer takes notes on every tank of fuel, 26MPG average. Honda replaced my A/C system 6k miles out of warranty (no charge to me). Happy Honda owner.

Favorite Features

Maneuverability and fuel economy are great for a utilitarian vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Design the rear doors as "barn door sliders", rather than "suicide" doors. Disembarking the vehicle with rear seat passengers requires and advanced math degree.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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About the Windshield

Written by: Eilleen on 10/27/2007

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Love the Element. Best car I have ever owned. Bought it because it was so roomy and dog friendly. Dog hair just blow out the interior. Muddy feet just get a hose.

Favorite Features

All the room. The versatility of the interior.

Suggested Improvements

Have had issues with the windshield. Once I found out the windshields for 2003 and 2004 are under recall. There is a tech service bulletin on what to do to fix the issue. It was fixed. There was also a class action lawsuit to cover the windshields.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Nice Little Green Machine

Written by: DG on 08/12/2007

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Versatility and reliable powertrain are biggest attributes of this EX model AWD vehicle. Removing the rear seats turns it into a cargo van. No carpeting a plus, cleans up easily with vacuum and a wet sponge. Won't win races, but it wasn't designed for that purpose. A few defects, but were covered under warranty. 21 mpg mixed highway and city miles not great, but no surprise due to curb weight, AWD, and lack of aerodynamics. Tight turning radius is impressive. Stress on front "A" pillars may have resulted in windshield cracking. Hard to believe this vehicle is shorter bumper- to-bumper than the Civic in the same model year.

Favorite Features

Hauls everything from bags of mulch to furniture. Handles well on highway, city, and in mild off road conditions. Stereo is great. Green color is hard to miss in a parking lot. Price point decent for the EX model.

Suggested Improvements

Reinforce front pillars and improve dashboard padding/insulation to prevent windshield cracking. Cupholder positions should be reconsidered.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best Baseball car ever!

Written by: bballmom on 07/06/2007

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I wanted a vehicle without carpeting and the Honda Element was the only one I could find besides a truck and I did not want a full size truck. The Honda Element has been a wonderful vehicle to drive for the last 4 years. My son is an avid baseball player and, with dirt and mud and cleats and baseball bags, having this vehicle has been a real blessing. He can have his buds ride with us anywhere and we do not have to worry about dirty carpet or spills that may happen. Just wipe it down with cleaner and it is good as new. I love it! It drives so easy and is very comfortable on long trips. My son also loves the fact the seats recline so he can rest before games.

Favorite Features

No carpet, easy clean up, cool look and very comfortable ride. Seats can be taken out for an open back to transport big items.

Suggested Improvements

Other than better gas mileage this vehicle has been perfect for me. I plan to drive it for 3 more years and then give it to my son to drive.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Excellent alternative to an all-out-SUV

Written by: Lawrance on 02/12/2007

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've had my E for about 2.5 years now and haven't had any problems worth taking to the dealer for. The drivers seat needs new bushings to keep it from shifting, and every 10 minutes or so, the headlights go dim for a second before returning to normal. Both of these items are inherent to the 2003 model. The cabin does have some wind noise, and the suspension is rather jarring. Otherwise, this vehicle has been 100% reliable. It has a very tight turning circle, and is very fun to drive. The lack of carpeting makes for easy cleaning and the seat configurations make it one of the most versatile vehicles on the road. I usually get 21 MPG on average. Wish Honda made an upscale version.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive. Versatile interior is great for dirty projects. Clamshell tailgate is ideal for loading. Decent MPG next to traditional SUV's.

Suggested Improvements

Need an upscale version with: Vanity mirrors, indoor/outdoor temperature gauge. Power/Leather/ Heated seats. Carpeting. V6. Compass. Mileage computer. Higher load than 750 pounds. Loose the suicide doors. Move the sunroof to the front. Less plastic. Less grey color.

3 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Love this car

Written by: goldschmid on 01/02/2007

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

There is no better car if you, like I, need to haul furniture or just more than you intended to buy at Costco. I have had the car for four years and almost 60,000 miles, and there have been no major repairs needed. As a result, this Element has cost far less to own and maintain than I ever expected. Although some people dislike the way the back doors open, it is a real advantage when you are trying to reach items or move bulky furniture in or out. On occasion, I have removed the back seats and used the element as a small van when moving our adult children to college or a new apartment. There is almost as much room as a small UHaul. In short, I am very satisfied with this car.

Favorite Features

Boxy shape that maximizes hauling capacity.

Suggested Improvements

Better suspension. Sometimes the ride in the back seat can be a bumpy. The front-seat ride is fine.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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GinLaguna

Written by: G. Miles on 12/17/2006

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Love my Honda Element and would buy another one but am waiting for them to do another design so it doesn't look just like the one I am driving now which is a 2003. I like the green of the 2003 but not the 2007 green.

Favorite Features

Carry my dog all around town so like to have the one back seat up so he can walk around

Suggested Improvements

Get better sun shades for the front and sides to block out sun.Better lighting for the control panel so you can see the gas left and the mileage better.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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It doesn't get better

Written by: Paul Nerenberg on 12/06/2006

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

With my very high mileage driving at mostly high speeds on all sorts of road conditions, I can truthfully say that the Element is the most pleasurable vehicle of the more than 20 I have owned. At close to 100,000 miles, I am not pleased that the struts must be replaced at extremely high cost. Other than that, I recommend this vehicle to family, friends, neighbors and strangers every chance I get.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

The driver's side front door needs electric switches to open and close the rear side windows. That's all she needs.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I am in my Element

Written by: Sue on 11/25/2006

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought someone's deal gone bad so I got some toys I might not have added to the vehicle, but I am glad I have them now. It is fun to drive. The manual shift lever is very handy (short throw)- positioned like a sports car. I love being high off the road and everyone is AMAZED at the room inside it. I use it for moving around displays and large boxes in my business.

Favorite Features

No carpet, lots of room and the stock CD player is not bad.

Suggested Improvements

have the sun roof available in all models.

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2003 Honda Element

Written by: Bob Berry on 11/25/2006

Vehicle

2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Love My Element!!! I Knew Honda would Ultimately offer painted fenders. Mine were added in 2003!!

Favorite Features

Turn Radius. Roominess. Loadability.

Suggested Improvements

More legroom for driver over 6 ft. Lighter (lbs.) rear seats.

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