Used 2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
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Most versatile car I've owned
Mark, Newtown, PA, 06/22/2019
updated 06/27/2022
Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought my 2005 Element in 2007 with 11k mi. As of 6/2022 I have 200k miles on it and hope to drive it to 300K, or find another Element because I love it so much! Potential negatives first: not as quiet, soft-riding or luxurious as other passenger-oriented/"people-mover" SUV's like the Honda CRV. Has a noticeable amount of wind noise compared to more car-oriented SUV's. The boxy shape doesn't lend itself to good mpg; usually 20-22mpg for me with a 26mi commute on & off highway. If you frequently travel with 3-4 people you may dislike the reverse-hinge style rear doors for letting rear passengers in and out, especially in tight spaces. Positives: perhaps one of the most versatile and reliable cars ever made. For powertrain, the 2.4l engine uses a long-lasting metal timing chain vs a rubber timing belt, which if not replaced at regular intervals can cause costly and catastrophic engine damage, and definitely something to research if buying a used car with 90k miles or more. In it's life I've only had to replace the CV joints at 131k, and the starter at 165k. Everything else has been normal oil, filter, tire and brake maintenance. I find this to be the ultimate utilitarian vehicle for anyone who loves to camp, haul oversized items or carry pets in an easy-maintenance interior. It's short enough to parallel-park in any tight spot in the city, big enough to squeeze a motorcycle inside(!). no joke, I've bought and individually transported home 3 different motorcycles in this thing. The longest being an old BMW R100 road bike, and the tallest being a Suzuki DR650 dual-sport dirt bike lowered down with ratchet-straps. For cyclists you can fit two bikes upright with both wheels installed and still have room for 1 rear passenger if needed, or cram 6 bikes in there with both seats removed and still have all of your valuables protected from weather and prying eyes. The space can also hold any array of furniture. The interior layout is great for endless passenger and cargo opportunities. For passengers, the car has great head and leg-room for 6"+ passengers front & rear. The 2 rear seats can be folded up flat against the interior walls, or individually taken out if there's need to carry 3 people and oversized cargo. With both seats out I have camped inside the car, with just enough room for a 6' & 5'6" couple and a 75lb dog to lay down on the rear floor on a camping trip. You can also lay both the front and rear seats down flat to have an oddly comfortable bed. The rear has both a hatch and a tailgate, so you can have just the hatch open to haul long items like lumber if needed. Also has a great-sounding stereo. If you want a car that is easy-driving, stone reliable, but also handle any kind of road-trip or cargo needs it's hard to think of another alternative. All that versatility gives you a ride quality that is half Honda Accord and half delivery van, but I've found it to be irreplaceable.
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Love my E
Zach, 04/19/2010
Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought my Element from an old man with 17,000 on the odometer. Love the styling, the interior, everything about it. My only complaints are the performance ( no worries, e fans, you can find superchargers just for the element. How does 230 hp sound?) and the blind spots. If you're a careful driver, the blind spots won't be a problem.
Honda Element
William Rohrey, 07/19/2005
Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful
So far it has been very good ,as much or more than I expected. I like this for its room & easy 0y entry from both sides & rear. The bad part is having to open the front doors to be able to open the other doors.I think Honda builds a good product in all their cars. Bill
Element
John, 02/12/2005
Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very good suv, fun to drive and has the honda reliablity. Very good interior space and easy to drive. I am very happy with my purchase, sold a ford expedition and like the honda better.
Want Another
Mike, 04/01/2010
Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I will buy another element this year. The thing that I like most is the headroom and the ease of regress and egress. I have a fused neck so I cannot bend it and with the Element I don't have to bend my neck to get in or out. The car is a little noisy from the lack of carpet but you get used to it. Many nooks and crannies that coins get wedged in but not that much of a problem. All around a great car. Replaced a passenger window motor, a battery and was serviced regularly. Still have it 50k miles.
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