Used 2003 Honda Element Consumer Reviews
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HONDA MISSED THEIR TARGET
hvm, 09/02/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
ALL OF THE "EXPERTS" AND HONDA SAY THIS CAR IS FOR THE 20-26 YEAR OLD. I'M 51 AND MANY IF NOT MOST OF OTHER ELEMENT DRIVER I HAVE SEEN ARE OLD GEEZERS LIKE MYSELF. I'M ALSO 6'7" AND 320LBS. I AM VERY COMFORTABLE AND HAVE PLEANTY OF ROOM. GREAT CAR!!!
my element
eyedoctor, 10/22/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
purchased an element 2 months ago and feel mixed about it. love the styling but my last 2 cars were a 6 cylinder 2000 sonata and a 2000 bmw 528 i. noise level is much higher and the pick up is less and whiney and with the 4 wd in the city only have marginally better mpg about 19. the ride is fairly rough in the city have been practicly knocked over on occasion. sound system and reliability have been fine but not sure i would do again. would look at a scion if had to do it again.
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i love my element!
kurtman, 11/15/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my element for 3 months. it has been a complete joy to drive! it gets excellent gas mileage. super for putzing around to work & driving my kids to & fro.
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.
Great Car
chratliff, 11/13/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am 52 years old, have a dog and a 6 year old daughter. I am an airline pilot by trade and I love my Element. It is very versatile and a joy to drive. Plenty of power and good economy. The only not so good is the comfort of the front seats. They are a bit hard. I did buy and install the upgrade armrest/console for the driver's seat. There should also be an arnrest available for the front right seat also. Overall, I am very satisfied with my Element
An Fun SUV for Soccer Dads
Brian Shadow, 09/15/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great vehicle. Has everything I was looking for in this size suv. Great for camping and light loads. The kids love the ride and space. I like the versatility and mpg. Overall, as a new owner I am very happy with this purchase.
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!
HONDA ELEMENT- A FUN SUV!
pilot59, 10/22/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a very fun suv.Love It!!!
love it
hazegry, 07/21/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this thing. I couldn't have asked for a better car. I have 2 golden ret. and 3 cats, and the interior is perfect for animals. Easy clean up and versitale need more room just flip up a seat. I also just bought a house but didnt want to get a truck for all the home improvement projects I want to do, again just flip up the seats or remove them and I can put anything I need to in the back. I also teach Scuba diving did someone say water proof interior?? this car fits me like a glove
Fun Fun Fun
Chobie, 09/01/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Absolutely practible. If you like to be different, this is the affordable choice for you. Plenty of room for four people. Single guy can use the space in back to haul all the things you wanted to, but couldn't in that coupe type car.
Large & Middle Aged
Fred Flintstone, 10/22/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
To thine own self be true...I'm a big boy, not very clean and love to hunt. The Element is perfect for all three traits! AWD rocks bett than expected....Only flaws are lack of passenger armrest and the car is prone to high wind movement.
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!
This thing is AWESOME!
au-tiger, 10/30/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I have a one year old, so we needed something roomy with good gas mileage. I chose the Element over a Tacoma DoubleCab. I had my Element a week when my wife had me putting it to good use. I had to pick up 3 bales of hay for Halloween decor. All 3 fit in the Element with only stowing one seat out of the way. Also, I cleaned out the garage and only had to make one trip to Good Will because there is so much room in this thing! The only down side is that all my friends always want me to drive because they want to ride in my Element. I don't mind though, I just want to keep driving into the sunset every time I get behind the wheel.
ChrisB's Element
topher101762, 12/02/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Element has been a joy to own. It is incredibly easy to drive, very usefull, and you don't have to be 18 to own one. (I'm 41) Wish it had some more punch and a little better fuel economy. Very hard to find an EX AWD with a manual; however, mileage is virtually identical with either transmission.
"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.
NJ Element
NJ Element, 11/20/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my Sealine Mist colored E 3 weeks ago. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. What more can I say. Practical and Affordable, and oh yeah, has the same engine as the Accord and CR-V... for 19,300.00 !!!
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.
Mother of 3 Teenage Boys
Joyslee, 11/22/2003
2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love, love, love this car. Backing out of a steep gravel driveway, my friend's SUV slipped and kicked gravel, and almost didn't make it. My Element just slipped a half second, kicked into 4WD, and I cruised out. I can't wait to drive it on snow. If you live where these cars are few and far between, be prepared to be stared at (and maybe laughed at) for driving such an unusual looking vehicle.
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!
INmyELEMENT
Carla Kreegar, 11/22/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an awesome vehicle. Especially for folks with kids. The seats recline..it's like a built in changing table. And everything can be wiped down. No carpet to ruin...just a PVC flooring that's totally durable. We don't know what we did before buying the 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.
Elements are versatile
New Honda, 12/04/2003
2003 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The versatility of this "cruck" has been fabulous. Easy to convert it to haul large items and even the family dogs. Comfortable to travel in and use as a camp accessory. Easy to clean inside and out.
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
westin, 12/04/2003
2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've put more miles on this car in a shorter amount of time than any other vehicle I've ever owned. It fun to drive and camp in. The interior is genius and the gas mileage is great. It has the SUV looks without the SUV budget busting gas drain. Bieng that it was a first year vehicle, I leased this auto. As soon as this lease is up, I'm buying a another new one.
Go For it
Southpause, 08/07/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own two BMW's (740i and 325 Convertible) and I love driving this SUV. I traded a miserable Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Element is more spacious, handles better, rides better, is no doubt more reliable and was 10k less. My son and I are over 6' tall and the headroom is terrific. Is it noisy? Certainly but hey, it's a box on wheels. Fuel economy could be better. but it still beats most SUV's.
Not Just for Young Folks!
dahunt, 02/12/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Superior handling and roominess. I am a tall person who wanted an economical SUV. Love the looks, love the performance, but hope the gas mileage meets the window estimates. Covenient design and follows impeccable manufacturing standards Honda is notorious for.
Best of all worlds
jon-david-p, 09/03/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The element provides many of the best features of a suv, mini-van and economy car in a fun package. I am 6'5", have kids and needed a vehicle for outdoors, kid-travel and soccer meets, but did not wish to have a gas- gusselling large suv. The element fit the bill. The kids cannot trash it!
Honda's do anything SUV
witchdoctor, 10/23/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded in my 2000 ML 320 for the Element and couldn't be happier. This truck is a blast to drive, and draws attention where ever I go. It's very spartan, but extremely well thought out. 26 mpg and $15 fill ups are a big plus. Honda has put it all together in this vehicle. Anyone considering the CRV should definitely take a look at the Element first.
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.
My Ellie
Ivelisse, 12/10/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome, although I consider it my mini truck...it is great on gas..took me a while to get use to the seats though, it is roomy, my passengers love the sunroof on the back of the car gives them something to do while on long trips...have many heads turning while cruising down the highway.
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"!!!
GREAT RIDE!
puppet, 12/19/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my car for about 10000 miles now and couldn't be more pleased. In just 6 months of ownership I've had nothing but smiles. Got to get siding home - the element will do it. Need to go on a camping trip with a group of friends and gear - the element's perfect. Now, the weather has turned to snow and ice - the Element doesn't blink. In fact, this is the best driving 4WD I've ever owned. I love this car.
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!
It's Ugly but it grows on you
David Lyon, 10/22/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned many cars, SUV's, and trucks. I can honestly say the my 2003 Element is the best car, truck,SUV,Box, whatever it is, that I have ever purchased. I drive in heavy traffic, avg. 23-25 MPG. Over 6' with plenty of room for me, family and friends. I cannot say enough. Honda scores big with this one.
Love my little milk truck!
Ridsbabe, 12/24/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOVE my new Element so far. I bought the 2003 Galapagos green metallic, 2WD, automatic EX edition. It handles well, even in the rain. It is quiet and spacious. I would suggest adding floormats as the floor gets slippery when wet. The seats fold down, to the side or come out completely for this camping trips or trips to the furniture store! No more delivery fees!
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.
Very Practical
Craig Horlacher, 12/30/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like Mt. Biking and Kayaking. The Element is the perfect vehicle for that. I got an aftermarket roof-rack from Thule for the Kayak and the Mt. Bike fits in the Element standing up if I just put up one of the back seats! I love not having to mess with a bike rack or take off the front tire. I just roll it in! The water proof seats and wipe out floor mean I don't need to worry about throwing in my wet and dirty paddling gear.
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.
Trust me...get it!
BoJangleFett, 09/03/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought one and it's a fantastic ride. It does have lots of power, the space inside is incredible!. Loads of standard options on the EX Element. Great if you have kids too.
Great Box!
Gatorindy, 10/30/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had a blast with the Element. The versatility has been excellent. I've never owned a vehicle that so many people have wanted to see the inside. Runs down the highway at 80mph without a problem. Handles great!
An Old Guy's SUV
Seagull, 10/30/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this to haul things. Me, my dog, my wife and clients. It's fun, butt-ugly and originally designed for the younger folks. None of them I've met have many good things to say, until they are in it. Then they say a lot.....all of it good. This vehicle is not only fun, it's unbelievably practical (something the "Y-ers" probably don't like). And of course, it's a Honda.
Sport Utility Van
Rowzell, 01/20/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is with out a doubt the most practical vehicle I have ever owned. Add the great look and Hondas "Quality and Reliability" and the Element becomes the perfect vehicle for Gen. "Y" and anyone that does not need to haul a kid transport.
Justgot1
justgot1, 02/12/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just got the Element 4WD EX I love it but my only concern is the gas milege and the way you have to open the front door before you can open the side doors. Plenty of room defintley a conversation piece.
Classic wheels
Joe Smoot, 09/06/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an impressive vehicle satisfying the SUV in Americans while considering fuel economy, classic styling, and simplicity in design.
honda element
l.m. miller, 10/23/2003
2003 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good for fat people,lots of room.
Neat but Cheap
Metro/Boston, 11/01/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My only negative comment is the cost cutting coners taken by Honda. The Element cost more than my Accord but lacks simply inexpensive interior features that the Accord has. No drivers side sun visor mirror, the decent armrest (with storage) is an option instead of standard and the windshield wippers intermitent "one" speed instead of adjustable speeds are three features that any other Honda comes with. The car rides great and is much more roomy that you would imagine.
H2.5 Reality Check
tridelt422, 09/05/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, family friendly. We have two children and found the backseat to be very accessable. We are both around 6 feet tall and have plenty of leg room in both the front and the backseat. Sealing feels vaulted. Love the sound system-270 watts. The colors and interior are very durable. Keyless entry and floormats are a must have. It would be nice if passenger side armrest were standard as we are planning to have one added. Overall, no major complaints, we love it and it gets tons of looks! We've only had it for around 2 weeks and have already been stopped several times by people inquring about purchasing one.