Used 2003 Honda Element Consumer Reviews
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just right SUV
Michael K Hagan, 01/27/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far so good. I have owned my green Element EX 4 wheel drive automatic for two weeks, and am very pleased. My other car is a Mustang GT convertible. The Element is not underpowered (for my uses, mostly intown commuting and hauling stuff), as some reviewers [including Edmunds.com] had suggested. Everything inside seems spacious and sensibly designed. I looked at SUV's and cross-overs, and this Element suited my needs best; not too formal or faux luxurious and not cheap looking either. I am really taken with the design.
The Element is Excellent
Biff, 07/11/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a Honda, it's cool, and it turns heads. I can't tell you how many people have asked me how I like my Element. Highway ride is nice - and there is no "drum" sound that many of the critics talk about. I am 6'7" tall, and I have plenty of head and leg room. MP3 jack and excellent stereo system enhance the sweet ride of the Element! If you are looking for a versatile SUV - this is the one.
2003 Honda Element for sale near you
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- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,999150 mi away
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MORE VROOOM PLZ!
HAZMAT, 07/11/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Element shined on a recent surf trip to Mexico. The gas milage and utility features made the trip a pleasure for me. I didn't have to worry about my bros spilling beer on the seats or getting sand all over the inside!
Luv my Element
MikeT, 07/12/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A fun and versatile little SUV.
Element - Long Overdue
OOX-MAN, 01/29/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I tried to choose other vehicles over the Element, due to the styling. But, as soon as I test-drove it....I overlooked the styling. I compared the Xterra, CR-V, Escape, 4-Runner, etc. You can't beat the value, safety, standard options, reliability, and security all in one SUV for this price.
Revolutionary Vehicle
William Ruffin, 07/14/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The perfect answer to owning a mini-van without acutally having to! The same features and comfort that you would expect from a mini-van plus the added bonus of being a truck makes the Honda Element a truly revolutionary vehicle. This car is the benchmark for things to come.
Just what my wife and I needed.
nshafer, 07/16/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is so will designed and offers so much for its cost. We are 60 years old and need a single vehicle to do every thing. The Element is perfect. I took trash to the dump after hanging the rear seats up on the wall. Works greate.
Everything I need but I would have liked
Buzzbomb, 01/30/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Element is a great vehicle with everything I want but I would have liked..... a. the sunroof in the back to be electric sliding. b. the sunroof to be able to be popped out with bike attachment on. it does not. c. a fifth seat would be nice. i do not need it but i am sure some people do.
WOW!
John Doe, 07/17/2003
2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only have 2K miles but WOW! what a vehicle - great!
Virtually Perfection
E4me, 07/27/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The manual transmission makes driving around town as much or more fun as in my 2-seater 320 HP beast. The 5 speed makes the E peppy and responsive, and in close traffic you can't go fast anyway! It really surprised me as a spunky and responsive little car which is fun to drive - as well as perfect for loading and unloading for shows (trade shows and art shows). The diminutive size makes it perfect for getting in and out for loading and unloading at shows. A 10 on all counts!
Love It? Love It!
Mike in KC, 02/02/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's either you really love it or you really hate it. It's design is a bit compared to other small SUV's in it's class, but overall the Element stands up to competition very well. The price of the Element came as a shock, I was expecting another $30,000.00 SUV, but this one barely reaches over $21,000, not bad! The prototype Honda orginally designed was named Type X. It had round headlamps, and side marker blinkers. After some tweaking of ideas, we have the current Element. Smart, Practical, and made for everyone.
Earth's New Element
terry babbitt, 07/29/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is exactly what I was looking for in a new vehicle to replace my big SUV gas guzzler. It has more room inside than my Trooper, it handles like an Accord, carries loads like a big pick- up, gets good mileage, and best of all, it's a Honda quality product. I can't tell you how many times I have had to show the inside of the Element to strangers in the mall parking lot. I should get a commision from Honda!!
Elemental driving
ezkapp, 07/29/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Comfort and flexibility are the hallmarks. Funky styling like an WWI French ambulance and a solid feel. Great interior room, especially rear seats if only two, and a decent sound system.
Very original!
TheOne777, 12/30/2002
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The most versatile vehicle on the market!
New Element EX automatic 4wd
sam25, 02/02/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had tried out the Nissan Extera and toyota Highlander prior to buying the Element. I am very pleased with the vehicle. Handles and steers very well. Easy and fun to drive. Love the practical and elegant simplicity of the interior. Very comfortable driver seat.
My Element
RaveWitMeeh03, 07/30/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
well for the most part I love my element, but I think there was some faulty wires in my car becasue the battery went dead after a week of not starting it, and the cd player they put in my car doesn't play cdr's but other than those problems which I'm gonna get fixed the car is great
MINI HUMMER!
flowerchic, 07/31/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've seen a few Elements out there but not many and thought they kinda looked weird but after test driving one, i fell in love with it. With a 5-speed it has more torque than an automatic, which i test drove there, and it's a 4- cylinder. You'd be surprise how much power it has with the manual. After purchasing the E, i went through the forums and have seen pictures that people have added other features to it and it's awesome. People who are thinking of it look at the Honda Element Forums and this will make your decision making. I JUST LOVE MY MINI HUMMER, especially with all the attention you get!
Bought it despite the advertising.
ted , 09/04/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drives and handles well. Good view of the road. Excellent utility. Great storage space. I use it for my antique buisness and it will hold 1 english draw leaf table and 4 chairs. About $1500 over priced. I am suprised that non of the other makers have countered with there own model. I am insulted by Hondas marketing atitude. I have liked the element since the introduction but almost didn't get it when I saw the terrible commercials. I guess in the end Honda thought my money was green enough even though I am over 40.
Hard to believe this cost me 20 G's
Dirk Felowski, 02/01/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The honda element really surprised me, I go up to the mountain feeling safe because of its awesome handling. The power is right on the mark, the should increase it by a little. Over all, This is like a dream car. For 20 grand, you won't beleive how much of an off-road and everywhere car the element is. I give Honda my best regards.
element
LUIS, 07/31/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great confort/ utility , very nice look a/c works great, music is loud and clear very nice, easy to clean , we yust simply love these car
Awesome car for the money
bluesky55, 07/31/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had my element, only 5 months and already put 7000 miles on it with no problems, very versitle. Honda should make keyless entry standard as well as passenger armrest. Also plastic does scratch very easy. Otherwise great little car.
Neat Little SUV
EllementDave, 02/02/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a neat little SUV that gets 26 to the gallon and its 2.4 four has enough power to make it fun to drive. Slightly more small truck than car. Nice and roomy. The look takes a bit getting used to. Some say it looks like a Hummer on a diet. One guy asked me if the windows were bullet prove because it looks like a small Brinks Truck. It also reminds you of a Jeep. It is quite roomy yet quite small and if fact it is shorter than a Civic. The Ex has a great sterio with SubWoofer between the seats.
X-gens move over...this one's an adult!
EdCT-NY, 08/01/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I do 600 miles weekly. We own a 2003 Odessey and love it, so I gave Hondas a look. The Element or CRV was an imediate consideration for my needs: AWD for northeast driving, flexibility, utility, and comfort. The Element came up convincing and for a change, a Honda with competative pricing due initial soft sales! I bought the EX AWD for $300 over invoice. At 7000 miles and everyday variable use, the car is working out really well! Gas mileage is right on the estimates.
one week impression so far
kanata, 02/14/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have this for about a week already and we're getting lots of stares and questions. Pretty hard to stay low profile in this car. Great design, great interior concept. It feels really solid and tight. Very good road feel and turing radius. Drives great! Don't know why people are complaining about 20mpg. Don't they ever read the brochure before they buy? It's advertised at 21mpg!!! Too bad I noticed some excessive/poor glue/weld spots in some areas (where's the QC?) Oh wait, it's built in the USA instead! Get it back to Japan and I'll gladly pay the extra bucks.
The Baby Hummer
M. Black, 01/22/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Element handles well and the various configurations make the SUV very user friendly. The exterior and interior design are cool, not like your everyday grocery getter. Honda's Realtime 4WD is great in the snow.
Love it!
Mandy, 07/18/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went to the dealership to check out the Hybrid Civic (hated it!) and came home with an Element. With two 50- pound dogs, the interior is wonderful for my lifestyle! I have plenty of room for 2 large crates, or if it's a short trip, I don't stress about the dog slobber or hair that gets all over the seats. It does take a while to get used to people looking at your car all the time. I've gotten used to just waving at people when I notice them staring.
Honda Element
miataguy90, 02/17/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought the Element in time for the snow storm in Charlotte..had no problems getting around town. Excellant stereo system, nice interior. Spilled coffe the 2nd day in the floor, did not worry ..wiped right up, no stains..yeeha ..and I am not the targeted consumer, go figure Honda!
Fun Fun FUN
wonderwoma, 08/03/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a vehicle that makes driving anywhere fun. It can haul and get very dirty but cleans up nicely. My guests think the back seat is comfortable especially in rides two hours or less.
Great to be in my Element
Bonnie, 07/30/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Even though this car is promoted for the young, it is very convenience for all ages. I have arthitis and found it difficult to enter a standard SUV but the design of the Element makes entering the car easy. Driving is fun again!
"Ugly" But SHARP
Cherbox, 02/22/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove the Honda Element today and I was impressed. I know it is not the best the thing to look at, but when you drive this vehicle, looks are not important. If you want to look like everyone else, then purchase a pretty car. If you want to be your own person and get a nice dependable vehicle, the Honda Element is the way to go.
S - Big U - V
BlackElement, 02/28/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Utility is the word. It's a station wagon. It's a van. It's a camper. It's a SUV. It's a music listening room. I like this vehicle. I have had people ride in the back seat who are well over 6 feet tall and their knees do not hit the back of the front seats. It is fun to drive and has adequate power.
Awesomeness in Mini Hummer
Dan289, 01/25/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love my Element. I had a Toyota Tundra limited and traded it in for this baby. My expierience has been great. Comfort, roominess and convenience. Fits all my needs. I got it green and I think it's the best color. I have not enjoyed driving until the Element came along, but now. I just can't seem to get out of my Element!
Element Rocks!
donga22, 08/06/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm a 22-year old male college student and that's the target buyer that Honda wanted for the Element. I traded in my 2002 Civic EX for the Element. I absolutely love this car! I get a lot of attention on the road, seeing people turn their heads.
4wd Element EX
jcrichie, 02/22/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Element is awesome. It is the perfect vehicle if you have a baby or if you are into outdoor activities. I don't worry about the inside getting trashed because the polyurethane floorboard wipes out in minutes. It is so easy to get a baby in a carseat because the backseats are located further behind the front seats than normal. It drives like a sportscar and is great in the snow and muck. I dare you to find a better utility vehicle for the money.
ELEMENT IS GREAT
JERAME, 02/04/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I AM IN THE 18-25 AGE BRACKET THIS CAR IS TARGETED TO AND I LOVE IT. ITS FUN TO DRIVE, HANDLES WELL AND HAS A GREAT SOUND SYSTEM. ITS DEFINATELY IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN RIGHT NOW
The Starter Home of SUVs
AmyK, 08/04/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I wanted my first independent car purchase to be something fun and a little flashy. After pricing the sport wagons from Toyota, I decided to take a look at the Element. I discovered that the pricing and options on the 4WD Auto made it a more than viable option. The fact that you can pratically hose the thing out was also a big draw. The test drive didn't disappoint-- a very smooth ride (not unlike a car) at a comfortable height above cars. Going from a Civic to this was simple. The only adjustments were on turn speed, but the Element corners well. I've had it for 3 weeks now and I still get excited to drive it!
Tailgated
Tailgated, 07/30/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Like the car, you have to get over the boxiness, then it is all gravy. Awesome room inside, tall guys fit well, I am 6'3" and have a TON of room in the drivers seat and am comfortable in the back. Not tons of power, but with a manual it is more fun. Fuel economy around town has been 20+ which is not bad. IF you order the rear spoiler, it DOES NOT match the color of the vehicle. This is NOT indicated in the picture and is quite decieving. Honda will not pay for it to be painted. Taking out the rear seats is not really easy, but putting them up to the side is a snap. 2 mtn bikes (sans front wheel) fit in the back with seats up.
Its Elementary!
ItsElementary, 02/25/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always owned Subaru's and Hondas it's just been my "bag". I looked into buying an Outback to go with my WRX "weekender", but the price was high and style was low. The element really fit the bill, unbelievable to drive and super practical. It is like nothing else out there. Windows down 270watt system pumping, great stuff! Guess what the Element is now my "weekender"!!!
Element does well.
Steve D., 08/11/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well designed function over form vehicle which just happens to look great.
Honda Element
Macker, 01/28/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only have about 400 miles on the car so this may be premature but I have to say I'm very happy with the perfomance and handling at this early stage. Drove it 300 miles on a busy interstate in midatlantic winter. Lots of trucks and heavy crosswinds...no problems at 65+. Very comfortable..great sound system. Gets lots of attention-- what with the "unusual" styling. Somebody told me its looks like a "little Hummer". Advertized as a gen "Y" car, but this 55 year old likes it a lot!
ELEMENT'ary, my dear reader
RDobson, 08/12/2003
2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Honda Element is a great SUV with excellent features. Honda did their homework getting it right. The seats are comfortable and visibility is great. I can put my bicycle in the back without having to remove the wheels or change the seat height.
Sand? No problem
kddavidson, 07/15/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Perfect for driving on the beach. No problems in some pretty thick sand.
The auto for dog owners
Tiber, 02/27/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is perfect for dog owners. The back area with tie clips and the flip up seats are just what the doctor ordered for two medium sized dogs and muddy paws are no problem, just wipe it off.
Fun Car !
shanman, 02/04/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Brought the EX with a bunch of add-ons last week after 6 weeks of research. Paid MSRP of $19900. Attracts a lot of attention were ever it goes. Deceptivly quite on the road- just a whisper of road noise- engine performs well on acceleration. My first tank of gas averaged 24.2 mpg on mostly highway driving--not bad considering it has the areodynamics of a box of crackers! Comfortable -high seating position, although I'm not a big fan of the seats- could use a bit more of thigh support. Overall, a fun car with an extremly verstile interior....Glad I got it!!
A Utilitarian's Nirvana
CJ Menas, 08/04/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the vehicle for all fathers with 2 or more children who also do work around the house. No hassle to clean; no hassle to drive; no headache when the kids want ice cream; no problem when you need to go to Home Depot. And if you put on the right accessories, no problem when you need to take clients out to dinner. In fact, with all that leg room in the back, my clients just love it even if they are wearing $3000 suits. I love this vehicle. And it looks cool to boot!
Very Versatile
steve123, 08/05/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Element is very functional and can transport a lot of stuff. You will love it when you visit Home Depot and Sam's Club.
great at first glance
2kids, 02/05/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I couldn't wait for this car to come out,Anything that quirky looking is a must have. Unfortunatly it doesn't live up to the most versital vehicle claim. 1.In order to open the back door the front must be open. not very convienient for grabbing something from the back seat or loading kids, 2. The back windows don't roll down, 3.The sun roof is over the cargo area, and 4. When the rear seats are folded up they cover the side windows.. not to mention 21 mpg( I had a 1977 honda wagon that got 36 mpg ). On the plus side ,there is tons of leg room and it is every bit Honda quality.
Driving is Fun Again
Joka, 08/06/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning Large four wheel drive vehicles the Element or "Ute" as we call it is a pleasure to drive. Handling, roominess, and open feeling just makes us want to go for a "RIDE" Driving is a pleasure again...
Whoo Hooo!
suberbanpest, 02/04/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yup! Pretty cool. This is what the underpowered plasticky PT Cruiser has been posing as all along. Horray for the HONDA transmisions.
great buy for the money
jrave, 08/17/2003
2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is most the best car yet. I bought it because I was having a baby and it looked to be a good car to load the baby seat and the stroller. I have found that I was right. I also recently bought a washer and a dryer adn I placed them BOTH standing upright into the honda element without a problem. This is not just a teen market that the element gears towards, it is geared towards a family adn all the car loads that goes with it....A MUST BUY!