Used 2003 Honda Element Consumer Reviews
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Element, not just for Gen Y!
I have had my Element for month now, and have loved ever minute! I still get in and smile! This is a very practical vehicle for anyone who has an active lifestyle or lives out of their car! I would not say it is perfect for everyone but for me it works well.
wonderful ride
great car fun for a get away on the weekend on the mountains or to go ski . very easy to clean because th efloor can be clean with a water hose (there is no carpet)
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,999150 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/Side AirbagsMSRP: $3,700159 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,500165 mi away
Fun with flair
Great utility vehicle with good ride and easy options for hauling. Retro dash is an eye catcher and the different look of the vehicle always attracts attention. People have aksed me if they could take pictures of my car. This is a fun car with a design flair and solid design.
in love with it !!!!
i bought the ex model in orange, and added the 8-cd changer and running boards. i love the quiet and extremely comfortable ride,the spaciousness, the visabiliy, the maneuverability, the sound system, the ease of interior cleaning and maintainence.... and the great reaction from the general public! only complaints so far - no passenger left arm rest and the fm and am radio reception is poor.
Great Car for under $20K
I have the EX AWD 5 speed model. This is a very fun, high "utility" SUV. It accomplishes everything I need. It has plenty of room for cargo, gives me AWD when the bad weather comes, has kid friendly floors and seats, and is very affordable. This unique car fits my needs better than any other car on the road. The automatic is under-whelming, however the 5 speed makes a world of difference. This car is not as plush as my girlfriend's Lexus RX300, but then again the price is 1/2 that of the Lexus and these 2 cars are not really comparable to each other, but you really cannot find another car even close to the price range that will do what the Element does.
Mini Hummer but reliable
Great ride and handling. Last tank on the road I got 25mpg. Looks like a refrigerator on wheels but lots of storage space -- great for my dog. Reliability to date outstanding.
first honda
sold my 98 expodatition 4x4 was looking for something easier for my wife to get in & out of and better gas milage she drove the element & loved it. its easy in & out comfortable good handling great view of the road. be careful of dealer mark-ups & add-ons and don't pay msrp
just right SUV
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.
It doesn't seem sluggish
I bought the Element because I'm married now and have a dog and needed something more versatile and easy to clean on those weekend getaways or out camping. I gave up my 2002 WRX...it was hard, but someday...Sti? Anyway, I've read reviews on the automatic being sluggish and am confused. Sure 0- 60 time is o.k., but off the line it has plenty of torque. I would have had to rev my WRX up to 6000 RPM and drop the clutch to beat this thing off the line. It's been a very fun vehicle and I highly recommend it for anyone with an active lifestyle--old, or young.
MORE VROOOM PLZ!
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!
A Honda for Mom's with Kids!
Great for kids. They can make a mess, spill stuff and it just wipes up in a snap. No worries going to the beach or eating in the car. Seating lets them have a great view from back seat. Wonderful and FUN.
The new Turtle in the Family
We call our New Element the Turtle. We purchased the Green Element and just love the Little guy. We are headed back home to Hawaii and think it will make the perfect auto (truck) for us there. We haul more with it and use it for more things than our Ford Ranger. The features are all Honda told us they would be. We owned Honda Gold Wings for many years and look forward to many years of service from our Element.
Happy with Element
We purchased the Element two weeks ago. Went to Tahoe this past weekend and it took the mountain roads with no problem. We were passing V8's on the way up Hwy 88. The interior is roomy, and easy to clean. We have two dogs and it is easy for them to get in and out of the car. There really isn't anything I do not like about the Element except the fact that almost everything on it is optional.
Element - Long Overdue
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.
This vehicle was made for ME!
Two kids, love for the beach, water and outdoors - two dogs with same. Canoe or kayak on top, four bikes on the Thule rack in the 1 1/4" hitch on back, camping gear in the $40 Pep Boys softpack, not a stitch of carpeting to get fouled or mildewed, AWD traction with a good 7" of clearance - great ventilation with the sunroof and pivot windows.
Just what my wife and I needed.
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.
The Starter Home of SUVs
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!
Great
One of the BEST SUV's I ebver owned Sorry Toyota!!!!
Honda Element
Am very happy with the way it handles. Did great on my trip to Colorado. Great power going through the mountains.Nice ride. Comfortable.Couldn't even feel the gears shift while climbing or going downhill. The cruise control did very good. Breaking was smooth, even on hard breaks.It's very roomy for not looking that big on the outside.Big view through the windsheild.DC and MP3 plugins. Easy to park.I have a bad back and the height to sit and get out is very comfortable,......My wife and i have gotten a lot of nice compliments from total strangers.
Virtually Perfection
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!
Mandy's Review
I absolutely am in love with this car! The versatility and space is amazing, and all I have to say is stain-proof seats and floors!!!
Love It? Love It!
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.
Honda Element
This is an excellent car for working parents that need to easily reach their children as they drive from place to place. The care is very confortable and drives easily. Stable when turning a corner and on the highway. It has a unique exterior design and all the practical details were considered for the interior.
Elemental driving
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.
Not just for young people
Our first Honda. The Element was purchased to replace our wrecked 90 Dodge Turbo Caravan. The upright windshield provides a commanding view. Comfortable adjustable seats, big easy to operate radio and ventilation controls. Two rear seats completely adjustable and comfortable with plenty of headroom and easy to put child seats in. Very very easy. The Element runs quietly on the highway at 58-62mph (my max speed). The Cruise is the best I have ever used. The Element is a joy to drive. It reeks of quality construction. Everything works just like its suppose to. At 250 miles this is a first impressions report.
Very original!
The most versatile vehicle on the market!
Great vehicle
Everyone stops and comments on the car. They really like it. People are always looking and pointing. I believe I would but another one after this gets old.
MINI HUMMER!
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!
Perfect college SUV
The Element was the best SUV I ever test drove. Thats why my parents ended up buying it for me for my birthday. I love getting looks from passers by. Expecially from all the hot guys :)
Hard to believe this cost me 20 G's
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.
From Jeep to Honda....
First time Honda owner. I really enjoy the fun-to-drive, eye turning quality. Not as dependable as my Jeep in terms of comfort and pick-up. MPG performs poorly when the car is fully loaded (only got 250 miles on one tank with full car, 3 people, and luggage on roof). Otherwise, a fun ride. Great for soccer moms or people with pets. Ideal for local travel and short trips to the hardware store.
VERY GOOD
I THOUGHT I WAS THE A JOKE WHEN IF FIRST SAW AN ELEMEMT. I BOUGHT ONE 4 MONTHS LATER. I LOVE IT. I HAVE ORDERED AN 04. I UNDERSTAND THE TARGET MARKET AGE WAS 20, I AM 55. I FIND IT VERY USEFUL IN ALMOST ALL SISUATIONS.
Fun Car !
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
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!
In My Element
I wanted a fun daily driver that I could use to easily haul bulky or messy items from time to time. I looked at other small SUV's and thought the CRV was the best of the bunch. Then, I read the reviews for the Element and took a good look. The Element turned out to be PERFECT for my needs and is a blast to drive! I'm glad I waited.
Excellent
It is a great riding suv. Does have a little road noise but not so bad.
Fun Fun FUN
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.
Versatile and comfortable hauler
Honda has a winner in the Element. It's storable backseats are simple to flip-up allowing easy access to a very large cargo area which has a reasonably low lift height. This cargo area has hauled full-size sheets of sheetrock, 22 spruce trees, a new desk with three matching file cabinets - this on top of it's twice weekly duty hauling real estate signs. I chose the Element for it's capacity to haul large 'yard-arm' style real estate signs. The Element was the only auto I test drove that could handle multiple signs easily. As an added bonus it's AWD will help tremendously this winter, and it's easy to clean interior is a pleasure to clean, too.
ELEMENT IS GREAT
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
Honda Element, first month
I just purchased a 2003 Honda Element approximately one month ago. So far it is one of the most fun cars to drive that I have ever driven. It is very practical, since my wife shows dogs. The interior is very conducive to hauling dogs and crates.
The auto for dog owners
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.
My Orange Pumpkin
I think it's a great car. Honda should think about marketing this to the middle aged crowd. The dealer told me no one under 50 years old has bought one from him yet. I'm fifty-six. I plan to use it for camping and think its better than buying a pick-up for what my needs are.
Honda Element - Ultimate in Versatility
I have had my Element for 5 months of trouble free driving. The only problem I have with the vehicle is constantly giving people a "tour" of the vehicle when it is parked. People love to find out about it. It's versatility is fabulous. Take it on a family vacation, camp in it, put bikes in the back, put kayaks on the roof, etc. It does it all and does it very well. Average 24 miles to the gallon.
great at first glance
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
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!
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
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!
Element
The Honda Element is a good reliable car to drive just about anywhere!
Honda AS Radical AS YOU CAN GET!!!!
If you want to turn people's heads, this vehicle will definitely do that!! When my vehicle is on the street, I have many eyeballs that stare at my car.. It is unbelievable that the attention this car gets. Excellent ride.. Roomy... I love the orange color on some of the Elements... It's different.. But different is good!!! I can't tell you how much I love the space on the interior....
Great car looking for a few improvements
Very happy with our purchase. Fun to drive with ample power for most people. Averaging 21.5 MPG on mixed driving. We love the "ugly" factor.