Used 2003 Honda Element Consumer Reviews
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This thing is AWESOME!
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.
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: $5,50010 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,999108 mi away
- DX 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,950109 mi away
Not Just for Young Folks!
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
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
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.
Perfect for all my needs
I call it my maxi-Cooper- mini-Hummer! I am a middle-aged old hippie who is a scenic artist and a fly-fisherman. This vehicle does it all for me! I previously owned a Volvo station wagon and a Ford Econoline van----this is like putting them both together, and adding 4WD, and a great stereo system.Plus I love the way it looks. Other SUVs look like muscular sneakers- this looks cool. I have never seen an interior that was better designed. So much room-----and headroom to spare!! It's wonderful to own a vehicle that some real thought has gone into. Form follows function beautifully in the Element.And it's just plain flat-out fun!!!
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.
Big Bang For The Money
I bought it about 10 months ago and I put a lot of miles on it! Just as I expected! It drives smooth, very reliable, rugged, I took the two-wheel- drive off road with four passengers and no problem! Good gas mileage, easy to clean, looks good, very, comfortable. I wish that I had bought the four-wheel- drive! Highly recommend it to anyone at any age. Lots of storage space. cool stereo. Great A/C and heater!
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.
who let the dogs out
I just got my Element and I love it. It is the best Suv I have ever had. It has a great sound system, comfrotable seats, passengers have plenty of room. It is charming in a funny way.. Its so ugly its cute.. I debated buying it for about 7 months and couldnt resist the urge. I'm glad I did, I couldnt be any happier. I love the fact that not too many people have them. Man! are they missing out... It is a joke in my family to call it the Dork mobile.. whatever to that. It is the best, and I love it,
It's Ugly but it grows on you
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.
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.
Trust me...get it!
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!
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!
Honda's homage to the VW bus
The name Element suggests alchemy, and that's what has emerged from the Honda lab: a bit of the original Volkswagen bus's utility and oddball form combined with Honda reliability (I hope). I've mostly hated the cars I've owned as necessary evils, but I love my Element.
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
So much fun!
This is the 4 Honda product we've owned. The make of the vehicle lives up to the standard of Honda and has been so much fun. We have two children and the doors and interior space are convenient. Everyone is looking to figure out what we are driving and we tell them it's awesome.
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.
Driving in HD!
When I first took a test drive I immediatly fell in love. I was always afraid of driving suvs. I always drove compact vehicles but was tired of asking people to help me get and move stuff. Now with 2 large dogs, I had to bite the bullet and nothing seemed realistic to me, and I always thought the element looked cool. Umm, the turning radius on this is sick. No need to do a 3 point turn, just turn! It is like driving in high def, I feel like its a movie. Such a great car, no need to speed because you enjoy driving so much, and usually I hate being the one to drive but now I love it.
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.
excellant
I love it it is FUN, it is me!!!!!!
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!
In its Element
I bought the 2003 Element 2 weeks ago and it has been a pleasant surprise to drive. The driver position feels higher up, and the vehicle feels bigger than it is. Manuevering is excellent and acceleration is acceptable in this class. Most of all, this vehicle is practical, it has what you need when you need it. The price is reasonable, quality excellent, resale expected to be good. Crash test ratings expected to be 5 star. Overall, this vehicle is awsome. I recomend it over the CR-V.
Buy an Element
The Element is fantastic for what it is. Hauls lots of cargo or 4 people in comfort ( but not really both at the same time). Get the stickshift. The 5spd is surprisingly fast. 0-60 in low 8's. Handles very well also. It's the mini cooper of SUVs. Low cost, great performance, high utility, and fresh styling.
An Old Guy's SUV
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
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
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
This is an impressive vehicle satisfying the SUV in Americans while considering fuel economy, classic styling, and simplicity in design.
honda element
good for fat people,lots of room.
The element the box the crv came in.
I have had this (thing) the toaster as I call it for 5 months and let me tell you people point and stare so if you dont like the looks people give or the pointing forget it this suv's not for you.I had a CRV before this and I loved it but it just felt cramped and let me tell you thats not the case with this, someone could get lost in this thing if you aren't carefull!!! The comments total strangers give (good or bad) will break the ice anytime anywhere. So this is the Suv you either Love or love to Hate so get your while supplies last
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.
grandpa digs his element
i fought my wife all the way,here.i did't want to part with 1990 crx si.but she said i needed the room for when i took the grand children on vacation. it has definitly has grow on me. the element will go more places,carry more, dives great,good on gas,and looks cool.and with honda quaility i know the element will give me years of dependible service.
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.
The Honda Element
This has been a wonderful vehicle so far. I traded in my 2000 Ford ranger in for it. It handles well in corners. Has a great stadium seating view for the rear passengers. The radio alone was worth the purchase.
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.
The tailgate machine
fun to drive, get a lot of looks, lots of room for tailgating, and camping. thought was ugly at first, but it grows on you.
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.
Never again
At first my wife and I loved this vehicle, then the problems started, tires are worn out and there's barely 12k on the car. It is very difficult to get the rear seats out without scratching your tailgate. The vehicle shifts very clumsily and the power is less than adequate. One the plus side the gas mileage is very good and the visibility excellent once you get used to the A-pillar in the front. All in all though we are considering getting rid of the car because of the issues that have arisen in one year.
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.
I love my element
I love my Element. I have had a lot of people stop me at the gas station, restaurant parking lots to admire it. It is comfortable, roomy and easy to keep clean if you spill a lot of coffee or soda. No worries about soiling carpet. It has a lot of room for moving furniture, boxes, etc. The only thing I am not thrilled with is the stereo. It is ok but nothing to write home about.
it's me!
This one really meets my needs. Will carry my 4 dogs and garden supplies without worry of soiling the interior. Compact exterior masks an incredibly roomy interior. Perfect for a rear facing child seat, easiest car ever for getting baby in and out. Manual shift off the floor is great, you can easily climb from front to back without getting out of the car. I average 24.5 M/P/G on country roads. Also love the light from sun roof over the back seats, which are usually so dark. Overall, great little SUV for protection, drivability, reliability, decent gas mileage, and lots of room - not to mention that it is SO CUTE.
Neat but Cheap
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
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.
I am in my Element with this vehicle.
The Element is fun and easy to drive. The only draw back is the visibility out the rear side windows seems obstructed. I love the vehicle and it suits my dogs, me, and my lifestyle.
Drive a concept vehicle now!
I've had my Element for a month and I love it. Even my neighbors have grown fond of it's looks too. Usually, you have to wait a few years before your able to purchase a vehicle that has a concept appearance to it. Not now! I receive looks on the road, and people even stop me to see what I'm driving. Honda did a wonderful job on this vehicle. I love mine and probably will for some time. It handle like a car, and the utility of this vehicle is unlimited Try one, and you'll never regret it.
Big Box of Fun!
A great utilitarian design - functional and fun! The suicide doors take some getting used to, the driver's armrest could be improved and the gas mileage isn't what I'm used to getting from a Honda, but I love this vehicle!
My "Poor Man's" Hummer.........Love it.
The only problem I've had....a 6 month wait for the 5 speed model, but it was worth the wait.Love everything about it,smooth drive,great soundsystem,and head-turning looks.I'm obviously into the "ugly factor"in a big way as my 2 Shar-Pei's just love to cruise around town...especially with the back window in the raised position.I'd like a dollar for every time I've been asked "is that the new Hummer"....Hey,it's the Midwest,what can I say.
Honda's new MUMMER!
This is what you get when a HUMMER and a BMW MiniCooper get merged by Honda. Its an exceptional rig. Extreamly practical, well designed, smooth, handles great, very FUN, water and dog/kid proof. Best concept in years.
it is worth 19K!
it's a realy nice car it is worth the 19K!