2004 Honda Element Consumer Reviews

Ugly but love it

Written by: cje on 09/30/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I am happy with my Element. Took some time getting use to fine styling :-( (much like an English taxi) But it is so useful, comfortable, cleans up really well, great for hauling stuff and mine is basic beige which really hides the dirt well. I plan to drive it for at least a full 200,000 miles and forgo car payments for sometime.

Favorite Features

Configuration of seats, easily changed around.

Suggested Improvements

Windshield builds up ice on the outside edges really fast in bad weather. Blind spot is hard until you get use to it.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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dangerous obstruction

Written by: amylou on 09/09/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have enjoyed my Honda Element. Ease of cleaning is top of the list. The primary complaint I have is that there is a profound obstruction in the view of oncoming traffic due to the vertical supports on the sides of the front windshield. I have had more than two very near miss T-bones because I absolutely didn't see oncoming cars and pulled out in front of them. After I realized the problem I compensate for that now, but this is a serious safety issue.

Favorite Features

Ease of cleaning, roominess, convertibility.

Suggested Improvements

Change structure of roof supports.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love This Thing!

Written by: kminimax on 09/08/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We just purchased this vehicle as our primary vehicle. We love it. My husband is 6'3" and has more than adequate room for him and our growing son without kicking the backs of the seats anymore. Now neither of them are eating their knees anymore like in our old sedan. I certainly would like to buy another one!

Favorite Features

Easy to clean, fun to drive, great amounts of room!

Suggested Improvements

The suicide doors could be a little easier to access but they are still fun

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Nice but Not for Sasquatch

Written by: QMSmitty on 06/08/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We bought ours as a 2 yr old model with 26K miles. I named it The Earl-ament. We bought in preparing to have a more baby friendly car, that has some ground clearance in case of high water. We are very pleased with the vehicle. We wish we could find a slightly larger vehicle with the rest of the features that would help accommodate the stuff two little boys.

Favorite Features

Easy to clean interior. Fold up/lay down seats for more cargo space.

Suggested Improvements

Steering wheel won't allow my over 6 ft frame (Sasquatch) to read the speedometer unless I peek under the steering wheel. Rear doors that could swing around closer to 180 degrees, instead of 90. Small parking spaces are difficult to load baby in the back. Center Console (Like the SC)

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Satisfaction Guaranteed

Written by: Mehgan on 05/29/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

When I saw it I hated the color and thought it was the ugliest vehicle ever, then I drove it! It has so much room, it handles so smoothly, it drives so nicely! I love the way the seats fold up, the wipe-down surfaces, everything! I haven't ever loved a vehicle until I bought my Element, it's incredible!

Favorite Features

Unique design (interior and exterior), interior room and comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe an extra a/c outlet and moving the aux outlet in the middle console for easier access for the driver!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Does Everything I Want!

Written by: Kat.K. on 04/28/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Don't care that it's a "box on wheels". This vehicle has been entirely functional and reliable since the day I bought it new. Honda's maintenance schedule is spartan. Get your oil changed and keep on truckin'. I use it for my odd jobs around the village (painter, interior decorating, etc, with ladder!). The interior is virtually indestructable. I can't count how many times I've had the back seats either layed flat, flipped up against the side walls, or completely taken out. Many a bag of mulch, dirt, or flats of flowers have made their way home in this fashion. Very well made, very decent gas mileage. Turns and parks on a dime. You oughta see the cool cabana tent accessory also.

Favorite Features

Super-easy cargo loading and unloading with the clamshell doors. Versatile back seat configurations. Rugged but comfortable interior. Stable road feel and handling. Quality components and accessories. Reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Sun roof in front instead of in rear.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Mixed feelings about the Element....

Written by: Element_Owner on 04/27/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The Element handles nicely through curvy mountain roads. The AWD performs well in Winter conditions, but the undercarriage is low-slung, allowing little clearance. Predictable braking. Minimalist interior is quite functional, nicely ergodynamic, and easy to care for. Seats are firm, yet comfortable. At 22-24mpg, fuel economy is average at best. My girlfriend's Element shifts smoothly - mine does not- her Element brakes responsively -mine does not. Loud, squeaky rear suspension. DRL headlights remain "on" during engine starts, making cold weather starts a challenge - or even impossible. Reliability has been abysmal. Radiator self-destruction. Heater trouble. Charging system problem.

Favorite Features

The boxy form of the Element enables it to accomodate an amazing array of stuff. Mountain bikes stand upright. Two people can sleep lengthwise on it's flat vinyl floor. Firewood one day, four skiers and gear the next.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel tank needs skid plate. Do not buy an Element with DRL. Interior needs tie-down hooks on ceiling, floor walls and tailgate. Tailgate needs an inside door latch lever. (Must exit through driver/pax door.) If you buy a new Element, watch out for Honda's very short vehicle warranty.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love my E - Great Dog Car

Written by: DogAddict on 04/01/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I LOVE my Element and am actually about to trade it in on a 2008! I have removed the back two seats and have turned into a "dog car" with crates for my 4 dogs, my Quik Shade tent, chairs and everything else I need for our weekend outings at agility trials or disc dog competitions. Its versatility is phenomenal and a friend and I kid that "Everything can fit in the E!". It drives great, has been 100% reliable. Gas mileage has been good for an SUV. I looked around a little before deciding on another E but couldn't find anything that suits my needs like the E does.

Favorite Features

Space, versatility and reliability

Suggested Improvements

Center console for the LX and EX models.

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4 Years & Still Love It

Written by: John McQ on 03/26/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

If you like a practical vehicle, not showy, but tough, durable and fun to drive - The Element is for you. I have gone through 4 bad Michigan winters and was very impressed with the dependability and the way it handles in adverse weather conditions. This is a great little truck I plan on driving it until it falls apart and just can't be driven anymore.

Favorite Features

Easy cleanup interior & exterior. Roomy, tough door panels, good ride and travels well. I can't believe how much space it has if you need to haul something and fold the seats up. Minimum amount of upkeep. Absolutely no problems.

Suggested Improvements

Minor Issues: Stock tires were horrible, gas mileage could be tweaked a little, avg about 19 mile per gallon.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Lovin' it!

Written by: Kevin on 03/18/2008

Vehicle

2004 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My dad has fun with his '04 Element, especially since it stands out with its Fiji Blue color. He mainly uses it to deliver restaurant supplies to his restaurant in LA. I'll occasionally take his car to school once in a while. I can't complain about those handy fold-up rear seats. Although they are a bit heavy, once folded up, you have plenty of cargo room. The floor is so easy to clean off as well - just spray it off with a garden hose. Handling is sharp; sure doesn't feel clumsy on turns. I love this box!

Favorite Features

Folding rear seats, the 'box' design, easy-to-clean floor, fuel economy, shared engine with the Accord, tight turn-circle

Suggested Improvements

Ugly steel wheels, better plastic fenders, bumpers, etc., stereo lacks bass punch unless if you get the EX, lack telescoping steering wheel, poor visibility due to thickness of A-pillar and B-pillar, clam-shell doors sort of hinder entrance/exit, a 5-speed automatic transmission would be nice

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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