Used 2003 Honda Element SUV Consumer Reviews
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Buy It-I did and its worth it.
jaggrin, 05/06/2003
2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had been eyeing the Element since it first came out. I looked at the Xterra but the gas mileage was a turn off. This vehicle is perfect for anyone who bikes, hikes or does anything outdoors. I can fit two bikes inside and all the gear. It drives better than my S10 that I traded in. The 4 cylinder engine is more than adequate and getting 4WD with a 4 cylinder is a bonus.
Excellent Element
dfreeze, 04/30/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased one week ago. 450 miles so far. First tank of gas resulted in 23mpg in combined city/highway driving. Extremely versatile - I'm able to fit my mountain bike inside, standing up, without removing either of the wheels. Excellent "wear proof" seat and floor materials.
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fun fun fun
jkr2003, 08/17/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It was my intention to buy a 2003 CR-V. While visiting a couple Honda showrooms this summer the Element kept catching my eye. My wife suggested that I test drive one and wow that sold me. The CR- V test drove great but the Element was so much more exciting and fun. I love the funky way it looks and the interior is really cool and practical. My 18 year old daughter isn't quite sold on the looks but my 22 year old daughter loves it. I took my two archetect frends to the ballgame and all the way there and back all I heard was cool.
My Element EX
Element Fan, 01/02/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I probably got the 1st Element in Pittsburgh, an EX. I was patiently waiting for it since 2 mths whne I 1st heard about it. I like it a lot except for 2 things, 1. Pickup 2. Keyless Entry - When did Honda make this optional on their EX models. It's a real pain unlocking & locking the vehicle from the driver side!!!
Where Is Honda Quality
Steve, 02/04/2006
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the 3rd Honda we owned, but we have big reservations about this one. The fit and finish is not so Honda- like. Many of dashboard panels rattle after the first year-maybe caused by the Honda installed alarm system? The plastic cover over the rear seat hinges keeps on coming lose. The worst of all, is the wind-shield. It cracked twice without any reason. The first time while I was driving it. Sounded like a stone landed on it when there were no car of truck in front of me. The dealer insisted that it was caused by a rock, and not a defect! But then it happend again 3 months later. Now I drive around with a cracked windshield that I wouldn't fix, and I am telling everybody about it.
Great New Honda
bobthebuilder, 01/07/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This new SUV from honda is very fun and its a wonderful for driving any where
Not perfect, but close
ThadDecker, 12/02/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Honda Element satisfies most of the requirements of a typical family. The build quality is excellent. The performance and ride are great. The price is right and hopefully the resale will be good. After 9 months and 16,000 miles, we have had no problems, except for several intermittent rattles in the dash. We have had no mechanical issues and no trips to the dealer other than service. Though not perfect, it meets more of our requirements than did any other vehicle available at the time.
i love this car!!
rowan77, 12/10/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Handles well-great turning radius. Awesome in ice and snow. Awesome stereo and quiet ride. Very useful space in back for biking, dog crates, moving etc.
Best car I ever owned.
HottieCop, 10/22/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I LOVE THIS CAR! I have never owned an SUV before, but the Honda Element is incredible. It handles like a car, the turning radius is excellent. Incredibly roomy interior, lots of storage space. Smooth, quiet ride! Great if you have kids or pets, the interior is made for it, and it is EASY to clean! I have nothing bad to say about this car! The price is right as well. I would definately recommend this car to anyone.
Rough Ride for passengers
Richard Russell, 11/27/2003
2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
Nothing but complaints from rear passengers. On windy days hard to handle steering. Only one arm rest for driver. Have to unbuckle to let out passengers in rear.
Lots of Maintanence Problems
John Dunford, 06/01/2010
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have only 64,000 miles on my Honda Element and I still enjoy its utility. However with this low mileage I have already had a blown clutch, a blown compressor for the AC, and a persistent problem with the door locks in that the keys do not work. I have been a faithful Honda owner for many years and have always had a manual transmission. I am a careful driver. To have over 5000 dollars in maintenance already with this low mileage is a serious test to my brand loyalty.
Great Car Good Price
Rusty Shackleford, 08/08/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
In my opinion it is the best SUV for the money would recommend to all ages.
About the Windshield
Eilleen, 10/27/2007
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 7 people found this review helpful
Love the Element. Best car I have ever owned. Bought it because it was so roomy and dog friendly. Dog hair just blow out the interior. Muddy feet just get a hose.
First gas grizzlers from Honda?
RobertCollins, 12/25/2002
2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Hey I have just bought the car, I love the space inside, it is like another little living room just for myself and my dog. But, wait, why does it consume so much gas???? I thought that Honda cars are better than others in terms of gas-mileage. Does anyone else has the same problem? I averaged only about 18 mpg in 90% city and 10% freeway of driving. My civic gives me 28 mpg in same driving manner.
Honda has a lemon in the Element
Element - Bad News, 05/25/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car has so much wind noise & my dealership has not been able to locate my wind noise problem. The panels on the roof are help together with plastic clips & every time the dealership works on it they break another plastic clip or do not get the thing put back together properly. I had a 97 CRV before this one & loved it so much & had no problems so I decided to try another Honda. My mistake was not going back with another CRV. If you want a quiet ride this is not the car to own.
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 2W (2.4L
Cris, 04/24/2008
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 9 people found this review helpful
I was the 1st person to have this kind of car in Texas, people looked me at as if I was from outer space or some kinda stupid to have a bread toaster looking car. But I don't mind that negative image because I was more concerned about the space and style versatility of the car. After driving this for 5 years now, I realized that I hate this car at all. I drove Nissan, Toyota, Porsche, Dodge, Chevy, Mazda and I realized the difference. There are far more better cars out there than Honda. I give credit to the reliability of this company but because of this prestige they had, they were too overconfident about their market and they made less effort of better design and worth your money to buy their car.
too expensive for such an ugly
Daniel J. Graber, 03/18/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
This has to be the worst looking car my company could have bought. It is terrible. It drives worst than my John Deere tractor. Ride is not good at all. I would have liked the company to have bought a Kia. I think this is one of the worst vehicals I have ever seen or owned
Engine Trouble
Tom Ohio, 01/23/2004
2003 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
I had the car one month and took it back to the dealer for engine noise and was advised it needed a new short block engine. The dealership advised it was 2.5 qts of oil low and threw a rod at 1700 miles. I dont want a car with a rebuit engine.
I hate this thing!
pwhit, 05/12/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've always liked Hondas, they have a great reputation for quality, but I've never owned one. I thought this would be a great alternative to a minivan, and for about two days it was. The thing is about 70 percent plastic, and the looks of the interior is driving me crazy after about a month. I thought the exterior look was cutting edge at first, but I see people actually pointing and laughing at it while driving. It really IS stupid looking now that I have to see it in my driveway every day. I'm hoping someone will steal it soon.
Most Cool Weird Car Ever
Daniel1716, 03/06/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 13 people found this review helpful
This car is cool. The doors are cool. The power is cool. The CD system is cool. I like this car alot. (can u tell) Honda has done it again by creating a reliable car that is functional, safe, and up to date. The looks of this car start outside and go in. The sterring wheel has a great design (same wheel as in pilot) and the metal accents add a modern twist. The perfect car if you have a small child.
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.
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.
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!
Everything I Ever Wanted in a Vehicle
kareembin, 02/18/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All other things considered the vehicle is otherwise awesome. I love how peoples heads turn. I've just never had such an experience before. Other than that I live in MN and I can't wait for summer. All the camping and mini road trips are going to be better than ever with this thing. I think I may even leave the tent at home this year. And my dreams of owning small things to pull like a small boat, a pop up camper, and a canoe can all come true now. I already spilled pop on the fron passenger seat and it beaded right off there like a champ. The thing is so incredible I know i am going to drive it till its dead, which should'nt be for a very long time.
"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.
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!
NOthing like it
VA-ELEMENT, 02/23/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think the element just looks really good. I wanted a hummer but couldn't afford it, but I guess the baby hummer will do for now. Nice car, lots of fun.
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.
Finally something's different.
NKGA, 01/26/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a great car because it's very practical and unique in many ways. Unlike V6, this car has only Inline-4 with 160 hps,which gives a decent fuel economy and proformance. One more thing, every where I go, I always get the attention from people, and all my friends love it when I drive it to school.
Great Little Car
herndonk, 02/25/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased the vehicle because we like to camp and travel to our childrens homes. Lot of room for storage and easy to load and unload. Still have the seats there if we need them once we get there.
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"!!!
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!
Love It
Hardwarem, 07/14/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lots of room, very good sound system,wild looks realy turns heads. Traded a Jeep Grand cherokee, honds has better ride ,more room, a fun car, Love it!
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.
Manual isn't for everyone
gertgert, 01/27/2003
2003 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm 5' and I constantly knock my knee on the steering column. It's the type of hit that jolts and stuns you for a second. I also think they need to make the passenger foot area taller. There isn't enough height to comfortably cross your feet on the passanger front unless you scoot the seat way back.
It is a box.
Isabox, 06/11/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Buy this car. The only problems that I have found after 5,000 miles is the blind spots. The A & B pillars are large, because of the reinforced cage, and sometimes become unfriendly blindspots. You really have to use your mirrors. Also the body panels. I love the look, but they scratch, not easily, but they do. I had someone back into me in a parking lot, not very hard, and it scratched the rear quarter panel. The guy wanted to pay out of pocket for the damage. I went to the dealer for the quarter panel. Price, $96.00. Not too bad. Overall I am happy with this fun, roomy vehicle.
Element, not just for Gen Y!
1manparty, 07/03/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
juancito50, 01/28/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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)
truck
fiesta, 07/09/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
lots of space ! feel like driving in a 8 wheel truck !
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...
in love with it !!!!
jbohnel, 07/10/2003
2003 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
It is a Honda!
icaliber, 01/27/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a car, no it is a truck, no it is a suv. It is all. It is a great little all around utility machine that we use to go to point A and back.
Think out of the box!
lovin the element, 07/09/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My husband and I have 2 Children under 3. We are in our late 20's. I know Honda expected this car to be for young men in their early 20's, little did they know it is a perfect alternative to the minivan. We use the fold down seats for a changing table when we are out. the kids love being able to see everything with the stadium seating. It handles almost like a car. My friends love it when the ride with me. I talked a friend into getting one and she loves hers as well.
Mini Hummer but reliable
Chipper, 06/19/2003
2003 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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.
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.