Used 2004 Honda Element SUV Consumer Reviews
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Elder Car(e)
Steve D., 01/31/2016
2004 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
totally reliable, fun to drive, boxie, zip drive. What else can you say it is a Honda !!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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- Reliability
- Value
2004 Honda Element 225,00.00 miles
05/04/2012
2004 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
Hi I drive 30,000 miles a year in the Boston areaI I have just changed my roaters @ 200,00.00 miles best car ever owned- Up to 100,00 just oil change tires etc nothing major a great work horse-- honda please bring back the element its a great work vehicle
2004 Honda Element for sale near you
Showing 3 of 68 listings
- EX 4dr SUV w/Side AirbagsMSRP: $10,99591 mi away
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,999271 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,999330 mi away
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I love this car!
Lacey, 05/27/2010
2004 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I went to Honda to buy an accord. Some how the sales dude got me to test drive the Element and from then on I was hooked. So many cars make you feel cramped, not with this car. More than enough head room (my husband is 6'4"), great stereo. Love the iPod hookup. Fun to drive. A little more hp would be nice but it's not slow. The amount of stuff that you can fit in this thing is absolutely amazing. 900 sq ft of wood floors. Baseboards. 2 bikes. Patio table (not taken apart) the list goes on and on. It's like having a truck with the stuff I have crammed in there. Very cold a/c. I've had it now for 2 years and besides oil changes, new tire and brakes, it has been a dream car.
Totaled my Element. I barely felt a thing.
mudgell, 02/20/2011
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
I was cruzin around Denver, not paying enough attention and WHAMO! I nailed a solid concrete barrier and totaled the car but I came out without a scratch. The only thing that hurts is that I don't have my Element anymore. I never had one maintenance problem with it while I had it and when I wrecked it, it very well could have saved my life or saved me from getting injured. If you have the money, get one.
Turned my opinion of it right around.
stryker91, 12/09/2013
2004 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
When I first saw this car, I was repulsed. A front-wheel-drive SUV? What were they thinking? But my wife has one, and I was wrong about it in every way. It's stylish, comfortable, versatile, and has more "giddyup" than one would think.
2004 Honda Element EX AWD
Elementary, 12/12/2006
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
Versatile.Many fact. add-ons (fog lights, tow bar,etc) are overpriced; I chose aftermarket ones. Wife & I haul a roof box, bikes, kayak, dog & camp gear all at once. Lots of road noise & seats offer very little back suppport for long trips,yet are versatile. I'm unhappy with the syncros/shifting in the manual tranny yet AWD system has been amazing in all conditions.24.8 mpg average.The angle of the windshield makes it prone to rock chips in MN winters. The plastic floor, interior & body panels make for easy cleaning, but scratch easily. Great SUV for GenX outdoor folks that like attention and Honda Reliability. Only problem has been with body panel frame creaks.In time Honda will perfect it!
best little car ever
cj62, 02/12/2012
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
i have had my element for 8 years i have 173,000 miles on it and have had NO major repairs!!! Only normal wear and tear repairs,tires ,battery, starter and misc. It has been the best little car so handy and practical , i haul alot even my grass clippings and leaves, its a work horse !! I will hope to get 300,000 miles out of it ,im gonna try.
LOVED MY ELEMENT
humphrey27, 04/01/2012
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2004 Honda Element for 6 years and recently traded it in ONLY to get a car that got better gas mileage since we moved to the country and needed a gas miser. It had 78,000 mile on it when I traded it, and I have to say that I just loved that vehicle and I am so sorry I ever traded it. I never had a car with that many miles on it so I was worried that it would start requiring expensive repairs so I traded it and now I am so sorry. I LOVED THAT HONDA and it was perfect in the snow and drove well. It was so dependable and I only replaced brakes and battery and tires in the car the whole time I had it. I cannot say enough good about this vehicle. Should have kept it!! A+ rating
Finally bought one!
Silver Bullet, 07/17/2005
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've been looking at Elements since they first hit the lots, and I finally bit and found an almost new 2004 EXS AWD offered by a private seller. So far, so good! You either "get" this vehicle or you don't, and I think I do - folks need to have open minds and accept the Element for what it is, and not wish for Honda to make it into something it isn't meant to be. Need to move people? Get a CR-V, Pilot, or Odyssey. If your list includes intriguing design, transportation for one or two people, the ability to carry lots of stuff "indoors", and reliability and decent fuel economy in a vehicle with a small "footprint" - look no further.
Great value
fsmith, 03/16/2006
2004 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Provides excellent interior room for storage and passengers. The variety of seating choices comes in handy when moving bulky items. The large back and side entry allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo, especially large and bulky items. It is very reliable with only regularly scheduled maintenance being performed. For the price, it is an exceptional value and puts higher priced SUVs to shame.
Great Car/Suv/Van
rsr72, 10/17/2004
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Hard to put it in any category. Modern-day VW bus. Very roomy. Ride is very smooth. Most comfortable ride of any SUV-type vehicle I have ever ridden in. Good overall build quality. Powerful engine. Love it or hate it looks make it fun! Not your everday "cookie-cutter" design. Way to go Honda!
The BEST I have owned
maguu, 11/30/2014
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2004 Element in 2007 w/36000 miles off a lease. I now have 86000 miles on it and have not had any mechanical issues so far. I hope to drive it for a long time yet. This is the best I have owned,I have owned several cars and trucks American and foreign but none of them was as trouble free as this has been. It drives very stable and AWD can take you thru a lot of snow and mud. I have used as a car,truck and camper,have towed my boat and ATV side by side without any complaint from her. Honda really screwed up dropping this from their lineup,they should have just kept tweaking it to improve it more. I really don't know what I will replace this with,maybe try to find a clean 2011.
Love my E - Great Dog Car
DogAddict, 04/02/2008
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I LOVE my Element and am actually about to trade it in on a 2008! I have removed the back two seats and have turned into a "dog car" with crates for my 4 dogs, my Quik Shade tent, chairs and everything else I need for our weekend outings at agility trials or disc dog competitions. Its versatility is phenomenal and a friend and I kid that "Everything can fit in the E!". It drives great, has been 100% reliable. Gas mileage has been good for an SUV. I looked around a little before deciding on another E but couldn't find anything that suits my needs like the E does.
Does Everything I Want!
Kat.K., 04/28/2008
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Don't care that it's a "box on wheels". This vehicle has been entirely functional and reliable since the day I bought it new. Honda's maintenance schedule is spartan. Get your oil changed and keep on truckin'. I use it for my odd jobs around the village (painter, interior decorating, etc, with ladder!). The interior is virtually indestructable. I can't count how many times I've had the back seats either layed flat, flipped up against the side walls, or completely taken out. Many a bag of mulch, dirt, or flats of flowers have made their way home in this fashion. Very well made, very decent gas mileage. Turns and parks on a dime. You oughta see the cool cabana tent accessory also.
So far so good!
G. Luna, 04/10/2017
updated 04/12/2021
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've logged less than 1,000 miles but will be driving it across the country in a few days so I should know more soon. My German Shepherd likes it a lot more than my last car a 2dr 1997 Jeep Wrangler. More comfortable and AC! The exterior has its share of scratches and dings but I live on the Navajo reservation so I can expect some exterior wear with no worries. Not a beast but it cruises at a decent speed. RPMs jump when climbing modest grades. Functional vehicle. Covered 30,000 miles in the first year. Car is pretty loud and the gas mileage not very good for a Honda (20-22mpg highway). It has been reliable. Had to change a cracked radiator but that is it besides normal service. At 168,000 miles. Put over 100,000 miles since I purchased the used Element 4 years ago. I was rear-ended. The tail gate absorbed a lot of the blow. Structural damage so the insurance company totaled it. RIP Element. You served your purpose as a good dog car. Poor gas mileage and a small gas tank was its biggest down side. Stopping every 3-3.5 hours to fill up on long road trips was a bummer.
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my bread box
Ed Mast, 01/28/2005
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I test drove this car as a goof. I immediately loved the comfort and it's ride. I was pleasantly surprised. I commute about 45 miles each way to work and this is pure fun to be in. I know the look is strange but this car is functional. It's not as spacious for cargo as our Odyssey but it makes up for it in many other areas. We had our first snow of substance last weekend. We had 18 inches. Before the plows came down our street, I tested the real time 4 wheel drive. It was spectacular. I was impressed. It did not spin or swerve. It grabbed the road and I felt in control. Excellent job, Honda. We have 4 Hondas (Odyssey, Accord, Civic) and this is my favorite. I'd recommend it to all.
I Love Mine!
Jeff St., 11/26/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Just after buying our 2004 Element we took off on a long trip from Virginia to Florida. At 6'4" and 200 lbs., I have found the element to be a very comfortable car to drive. It performed flawlessly on the trip. I like it because of it's small size outside, yet it's huge on the inside. I'm very happy with mine, and would buy another.
Reliable versatile economical
John Wilmot, 08/09/2017
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Very reliable vehicle...low maintenance and very versatile rear seats for hauling various things. Rear "suicide" doors are somewhat awkward in parking lots..city mileage 20mpg with 5 spd manual trans.
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The Element needs restructoring
ROHONDA ARMONY, 03/27/2004
2004 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
stylish, but in the end i have found lousy brake system, poor gas mileage and the suspension system does not take bumps well. Tires on it are not responsive to the poor Pennysylvania roads. would not buy this car again or recommend it to be bought. Lousy performance for the money.
The best in a life full of great cars!
Richard B., 08/04/2009
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 14 people found this review helpful
I've been a mechanic all my life. I have worked on everything from fords to Ferraris. I was the team leader of the crew that built Jay Leno's Ariel Atom. I have to tell you that I have never had as great a car as my Element! It is an '04 EX AWD in Fiji Blue, and we call it Gimli, after the steadfast, squat, ugly companion to the hobbits. Now with 56K, it is quiet, sweet to drive and has had absolutely no problems requiring repair. We get 27+ on the highway, and 24 in town, which ain't bad for a phone booth on wheels. we sleep in it when camping or skiing, and it hauls more than any vehicle I've ever owned. The Real-Time AWD is amazing. Can't say enough about this vehicle!
My Chubby Element
ALC, 08/19/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I really like this car but I have one complaint about visibility. The driver and passenger side have a blind spot. The rather large window post can swallow a car whole and if you are not careful you could be unpleasantly surprised.
Beautifully Used
coachbarnes11, 01/04/2010
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the 7th Honda I have owned. I was curious about the Element when they first came out and was glad to finally purchase a used one with a manual "yeah!" and 100k on it. Of course it has been flawless since I have owned it. So many possible ways to use this vehicle. As a competitive triathlete I am looking forward to this summer and using it for fun weekends. I am going to keep up on the maintenance and do a big service here in the spring (plugs, fluids, etc.). As long as I take care of it, the E should go another 100k for me easy. The skylight is way cool! Stereo is more than adequate and iPod friendly. I might even go camping with my son and sleep on the seats that make beds!
Got a good deal on an excellent car
Rick R., 03/05/2009
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The car is for my wife who loved it immediately. It is roomy, easy to clean and appears to provide just what we need since we move larger objects. The driver is an artist and is always hauling stuff. The dealership was extremely nice in helping us to find a car.
Elemt Review
coast15, 03/20/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
i am only 16 and i have had it for a little over three months. The car is well made and extremely cool to drive. Although the windows in the back do not roll down,they do not need to because the front windows are so wide they ventalate the whole car. It feels sturdy and safe to drive. Although there is only two seats instead of three in the back there is always enough space to put drinks, food, and you feet. i am almost six foot tall and i can stretch my legs in the back. The sunroof that is located in the back of the vehicle makes people want to ride in the back. It cleans easily because you casn taake a wet cloth and wipe down the floors and the seats.
Poor customer service/backseat danger
Gwendolyn, 07/20/2010
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Wrote Honda that backseats do not lock, will not take child car seats, very dangerous, was like this when we bought it but did not know as we did not use the back seats until our granddaughter was born 2rs ago when we tried to install her car seat, discovered locks do not lock, never did since purchase. Local dealer said cost would be over $700. Wrote national Honda. Got uncaring follow-up phone call, they hung up when I explained this was NOT about a part under warranty needing repair, but a life threatening problem existing since purchase. We cannot take passengers/children in backseats ever--a huge flaw. But worse was lack of concern by Honda. Probably my last Honda. Safety matters most.
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU
guest2011, 09/06/2013
updated 09/09/2016
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
'04 EX was my first SUV, first Honda. I hated the seat discomfort, the cheap-feeling floors, minor scratches/discoloration in interior plastic, exterior plastic, worn bushings, rear differential, some other minor things and annoyances. Until i bought 2014 CRV LX. After 3 yrs and 18k miles (hate driving it) I love my Element now!!! I miss it and i want it back!!! My second honda is my last, that's for sure. Element was A LOT of car for little money. Only after some time with the CRV i appreciate the Element. The CRV is like honda engineers went to the bathroom and another honda came out. I won't touch another Honda again due to build quality, and i won't touch anything american-built ever, but if any other company makes an Element-like car with good mpg i'll definitely look into it.
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a real bummer
resyakk, 03/26/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Hard riding, noisy, lucky to get 19 mpg. Poor visibility, huge pillars block sight, especially pedestrians on a left turn. Owners' manual warns that vehicle is top-heavy and prone to roll over. Ability to pull seats up along sides is a nice feature except that it eliminates rear side visibility Maximum payload of 675 pounds is an absolute joke. Hard floor covering lets stuff slide all over the car; and is slippery when wet or snowy. Cargo carrying of large, light material is excellent. Poor build quality, rattle in dash, paint over dirt, vibration at freeway speeds. This is my first and (probably) last Honda.
I loved this SUV
mommabllck, 08/20/2012
2004 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I had this SUV for 5yrs, they only thing that I didn't like was the comfort of the seats and that the vehicle rode rough.
Rare manual transmission EX 4WD
Hiroshi, 09/06/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Hard to find 4WD with manual transmission, Fiji Blue. Shopped around but no discount. Finding the actual vehicle was tough. Highly critisized rear access door is less of a concern as long as you recognize it's not a four door vehicle (think of double cab pick up truck).
Quirky
nc3e, 02/11/2010
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I still can't say that I like the way the Element looks. It's ugly, and it hasn't really grown on me yet. However, it has more interior space than I expected. Rear seat passengers have tons of space and 2 cup holders, as well as 2 more for the front seat passengers. Great sound system. AWD is great in the snow! Acceleration isn't astounding, but it isn't slow. No carpeting means cleaning up spills is the best. Front pillars make big blind spots, and the "suicide doors" are a pain in a parking lot. The brakes took some getting used to for me, the pedal is a little soft and positioned strangely. Smooth and gentle steering and ride. AC began squeaking recently and cranks VERY slow in the cold.
My Element saved my life.
kariscolley, 09/25/2011
2004 Honda Element DX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I'm writing this review in respect for Ellie, my Element. The accident wasn't my fault, I was hit by a man that ran a stop sign at a 2 way. I didn't have a sign, so we were both going around 40. My driver's side hit his passenger side. Both air bags were deployed. The whole front left side of Ellie was crushed. The part underneath the wheel that connects it to the dash was cracked in half. I had my little sister in the front seat, 14, im 16. Didnt feel a thing. Neither of us were injured. My Ellie stayed right where we had hit, though it was raining really hard and i turned ridiculoulsy fast when we hit. He was knocked into a neighbor's house. Thank you Ellie, love you and miss you <3
Mixed feelings about the Element....
Element_Owner, 04/27/2008
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
The Element handles nicely through curvy mountain roads. The AWD performs well in Winter conditions, but the undercarriage is low-slung, allowing little clearance. Predictable braking. Minimalist interior is quite functional, nicely ergodynamic, and easy to care for. Seats are firm, yet comfortable. At 22-24mpg, fuel economy is average at best. My girlfriend's Element shifts smoothly - mine does not- her Element brakes responsively -mine does not. Loud, squeaky rear suspension. DRL headlights remain "on" during engine starts, making cold weather starts a challenge - or even impossible. Reliability has been abysmal. Radiator self-destruction. Heater trouble. Charging system problem.
The most practical vehicle
scubajack, 07/17/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My favorite vehicle so far! Researched vehicles on line for about 2 weeks (edmunds.com comparator is a great place to start). I started out looking for a pickup (for scuba diving, paintball, boating etc); the Element kept popping up..so I wound up taking one for a test drive and was nothing but impressed by this well designed "cool box". The Element is a great UTE (utility vehicle). Fun to drive, tons of room, very easy to clean, good gas mileage. The lack of center pillars and the way the doors open are a plus too. I'm very happy with my Honda Element and I'd buy one again, no buyer's remorse with this one!
Highly versatile, Honda quality
DrDM, 01/26/2005
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm at the opposite extreme from Honda's target market (Gen Y) for the Element -- I bought this car as an eminently practical solution to multi- function "retirement car" needs in rural Puget Sound. It regularly surprises and pleases with its thoughful practicality, abundant capacity, eager performance, and unperturbed handling on less-than- ideal road conditions. After 4 months and 5K miles it has yet to reveal a flaw in build quality. The Element's design requires some getting used to. The "window sills" are unusually high, and visibility on the flanks is iffy; the wide-opening clamshell doors make loading tough in tight parking stalls. Overall, it's a winner!
Natalie is in her Element
Ed, 12/11/2004
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Outstanding car in nearly every way. Greatest car-camper we've ever had. Seat belt retractor needs help so it doesn's stick in door. Dealer network leaves something to be desired for aftermarket additions.
Fun to Drive
Kidsolly, 08/23/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had the car for six months. Love to drive it. Taken it on 2000 mi trip. Averaged 25 mpg. A little noisy @75+ mph but it handled great. A little difficult for adults to climb into the the back seat. Seats are tough on comfort on the longer drives. Visibility is great, tight turning radius is a plus. If you have kids, the rear door can be a hassle since you have to open the front door everytime to let them out. Since it's on the small side, it turns and parks anywhere. It has just enough power, most of the time there's just two of us in the car and how fast can you go on LA/Orange Co. freeway? The price and financing were right, I'd buy one again!
cute and functional
jrjr, 10/15/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the Element to replace a Jeep pickup truck. It has exceeded my expectations. I find it to be well built and functional inside and out. Since it has only a four cylinder I wish it got better gas mileage. I also wish it had a six cylinder. I would definitely buy it again. My wife does not like to drive it only because she says it lacks power. Please note that she drives a Buick Regal GS with a super charged engine. We have taken it on a 1,200 mile round vacation and it was extremely comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
fun with function
H K, 08/03/2004
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my Element for ten months now. It is the most functional vehicle i have ever owned. there are only a few things that can be improved upon. The suicide doors while being essential to the function of this truck pose a problem for back seat passengers. The front seatbelt must be unbuckled and the front door opened before the back seat passenger can enter or exit. Also, the windows barely open at all in the back seat. For this reason I would recommend the vehicle to someone who only carries passengers occasionally. For an active lifestyle the Element cannot be beat.
Honda Element
RFC, 12/27/2003
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my Element for 10 months and I enjoy it today as much as the first week I had it.I consider it a true sport utility vehicle. The way the seats fold up make the rear space very usable. The seats also easily come out more space. The interior is rugged and the all season mats are a must for this type of SUV. In deep snow its unstoppable with its unique 4 wheel drive system. I have had no problems with it at all and have only had it back to the dealer for oil changes and tire rotation. The long list of available options only add to the fun of owning and driving this very unique and reliable SUV.
Best new car ever
Rowan(Jellybelly), 02/22/2022
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the EX model new in 2004 and is still driving it today. It has 325,000 miles on the odometer and will continue driving it until it dies or I die. Maintenance has been steady and a bit costly but if you can afford it, the Element will last a very long time. It is also fun to drive and very roomy especially if you have dogs and also easy to clean
AWD extremely poor
Sugarfoot, 06/21/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love the vehbicle EXCEPT FOR an AWD system that doesn't cut it. With no locking differential, I find the vehicle has very poor traction on wet or snow covered surfaces that permit diagonal front & rear whels to lose traction. For me, this happened far to often. There is also an issue with windshield cracks that is not acknowledged or backed up by Honda. Ground clearance is also too low for off road use. Gas tank is vulnerable.
Read This Please.....
ggelement, 02/27/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my ELEMENT but.. BEWARE...2 ISSUES. 1. I drive on a busy interstate everyday and my windshield looks sandblasted. Other vehicles I have driven on the same highway never pitted so easily. There are also 2 cracks in each of the lower corners of the windshield that are apparently a defect in the mounting surface that HONDA published a TSB for the problem. 2. COMPOSITE PANELS WILL START TO PIT AND DETERIORATE IF YOU DRIVE IN SNOWY AREAS WHERE ROAD SALT IS COMMON! I washed my ELEMENT all the time during this past winter and the bottoms of the composite panels around the wheels still started to pit very badly from the corrosive rock salt!
HONDA ELEMENT EX
SONYA P., 02/13/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I LOVE THE TRUCK, THE ONLY THING I WOULD CHANGE IS THE BACKDOORS. I WOULD PREFER THAT THEY OPEN WITHOUT HAVING TO OPEN THE DRIVERS' DOOR.
disapointment
yoda2, 01/22/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
after owning the car for a year i have found that it has way too many rattles and squeeks. the dealership has a very hard time fixing them. i have never been rattle or squeek free!!! honda needs to go back to the drawing board and take a good hard look at the problems in the dash area
Not Your Average Compact SUV
Winsted Mike, 02/10/2004
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
amylou, 09/09/2008
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Avoid this SUV like the plague!
buffalogirl, 11/24/2010
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
Hated it.
Element Hater, 01/29/2022
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV w/Side Airbags (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Liked the interior easy to clean (with pets). Hate everything else. Terrible gas mileage (EX AWD, Manual Transmission) drove like a kite, noisy interior, not enough seats for a family, the doors are a major PITA! Put 275K miles on it, but the last 10k the car started falling apart like a cartoon. Could not keep up with the repairs. By the time I made it to a dealer to trade it in, I think I handed over the steering wheel, drivers seat, and my broken FOB. Ever since we bought this, I wanted to get rid of it, but it wouldn't die! 16 years later, I finally could rid myself of this stupid, ugly automobile.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
very disapointed
michele magrane, 07/12/2004
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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
lawrencebarthe, 05/06/2004
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.