Used 2004 Honda Element Consumer Reviews
Not Your Average Compact SUV
Nice balance of performance, driveability and economy. Decent acceleration and fuel economy (22-23 mpg). Handles hills at Interstate speeds effortlessly. Funky shifter looks odd, but works well. Most controls are simple and straight forward. Seats are comfortable, handling precise and ride firm, but not jarring. Nice surprises: sunvisor extenders, storage everywhere. Quirks: high belt line makes reaching drive-up ATM a stretch, gauges hard to read on cloudy days, dashboard light adjustment is awkward, no glove box light, cargo slides on plastic floor as you drive. Can't get optional arm rest/storage bin with the stick shift (do it yourself).
dangerous obstruction
I have enjoyed my Honda Element. Ease of cleaning is top of the list. The primary complaint I have is that there is a profound obstruction in the view of oncoming traffic due to the vertical supports on the sides of the front windshield. I have had more than two very near miss T-bones because I absolutely didn't see oncoming cars and pulled out in front of them. After I realized the problem I compensate for that now, but this is a serious safety issue.
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,5005 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/Side AirbagsMSRP: $4,99547 mi away
- EX 4dr SUV w/Side AirbagsMSRP: $5,99549 mi away
Avoid this SUV like the plague!
Very reliable driving; always starts even when it's -20. Not too aerodynamic because of boxy shape, so when you're driving in high wind, hard to control & you feel it! Rough riding, only fits 4 people because of cup holders between 2 back bucket seats. Terrible MPG; we only got about 20m., hwy. Drivers side airbag deployed while it was parked; no collision or impact, apparently a common problem in Elements that Honda won't fix! Very costly! Seat also are already splitting at seams on Driver's side. On our 3rd windshield.
very disapointed
I was so happy for the first several months. Then the windshield cracked from a tiny pebble. Of course, not covered under warranty. But come to find out I am not the only owner complaining about this. There is a recall on the 2003 elements but Honda has not fixed the problem with the 2004 model. check out this website... hondaelementscrack.com for more complaints. And then I recently tried to put in a baby car seat in the back seat and it is impossible to secure safety. I would not recommend this car to anyone.
inmyelement
I'm disapointed with Honda. This vehicle gets about 16 MPG, even though the window sticker touted 22 city. There are rattles in the dash and the driver's seat is loose. There is no storage except for an upgraded armrest, a collapsible vinyl box, and an seatback cord which I purchased aftermarket. I bought a 7-year extended warranty - just in case.