2003 Honda Element Review

Name: 2003 Honda Element Review
Brand: Honda
Price: 8000 USD
Rating: 4.8 (512 reviews)

+85

Used Element for sale

$8,000

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Honda Element model years

2004
2003

Honda Element for Sale

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

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.

What’s new

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.

Edmunds says

A specialized Honda that is great as along as you need something so specialized.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$206/mo

$184/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Honda Element.

5 (86%)

4 (10%)

3 (2%)

2 (1%)

1 (1%)

4.8

512 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 512 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Utili-toaster

jlawton, 10/19/2010

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

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 …

This car feels like home now

chasitye, 07/13/2014

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

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 can't even tell you how many times I've 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 …

Hard worker

Raye , 07/07/2010

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

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 …

In my Element

In my Element, 08/15/2010

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

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 I've ever owned.

See all 512 reviews of the Honda Element

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2003 Element Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$16,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$206/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Poor
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Poor

2003 Honda Element Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Honda Element.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Utili-toaster

This car feels like home now

Hard worker

In my Element

2003 Element Highlights

Safety

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2003 Honda Element Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Utili-toaster

This car feels like home now

Hard worker

In my Element

2003 Element Highlights

Safety

Related Used 2003 Honda Element info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Honda

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}