Used 2005 Honda Element Consumer Reviews
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Hummer Wanna Be
dave, 04/09/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
first time when i was looking at this vehicle i was like " hummer wanna be" but now i own it 2005 ex awd, deale gave me great deal on it and i have the best version, so far fun to drive, huge interior, great looking interior also, i am using this truck for business, i got x5 in garage now, i love element so my bimmer will relax for a while.. :)
I Love It
Melissa, 07/26/2005
2005 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After having so many problems with my prior American cars, I chose this Honda. I couldn't be happier. Well worth the money and is a blast to drive.
2005 Honda Element for sale near you
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2005 Honda element best vehicle ever..
HondaBaxter, 05/24/2009
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle drives so smooth for an SUV, it handles so well around turns. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is so good on gas to have all the room it has.
Love My Ellie!
EllieFan, 10/03/2010
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All I ever wanted was a Honda Element. Finally, after my '96 Chevy Beretta gave way, I bought a used one. I have two large dogs, and this was the only vehicle I would have. Couple of things. It's everything I thought it would be and more! The dogs have harnesses that attach to the seat belts, so no sliding around. I have two big dogs, so securing two crates to the back isn't an option. Secondly, for $3.50 from a big box store we all know and love, the big blind spots have been completely removed. Most neg. reviews were about blind spots, a very easy fix. And another was the pets sliding around. Well, get a harness. All problems fixed, and I couldn't be ANY happier with my Element.
Small car, big interior
Graverober, 04/08/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
OK, everyone who has seen my car can't believe that I bought such a small 'wierd' car. Let me tell you, the element only looks small! I am over 6'1" tall and over 300 pounds, I'm a big boy! I have over 5 in of head room to the roof, and can streach my legs out fully (sliding up just a bit on the seat, but I still can't do that in most cars). Even in the back I have headroom and a fir amount of leg room. The clam shell doors and smooth floor are actualy a benifit for 'semi-disabled' people. my dad is handycaped, but happily sits in the back of my car. he has pleanty of room, and when he needs to get out, he just 'plops' (his words) onto the floor and slides out, he realy loves it!
In my Element
wili315, 08/15/2005
2005 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always been an 8 cylinder truck driver. I never thought i would find myself in a 4 cyl. I LOVE IT. The versatility is WONDERFUL and it is all the vehicle you will ever need!
Great in place of a minivan
John, 08/17/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car only drawback is that it seats only four. With kids great with the plastic floor and the waterproof seats. I would recommend
My first SUV!
djsan99, 04/16/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this Elment this week and all I can say is I love it. I liked them when they came out in 03 and wanted to to trade in my 98 Accord. But after losing my civic I was able to get it. This mini SUV is great for trips, and for a small family.
Love this car!
marilyn barker, 08/27/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm very happy with my new Element. It's very comfortable to drive, I love the way it looks both inside and out. I get so many compliments from people that see me driving the car. I added roof racks and running boards which adds to it's cute appearance. At first I was tripping over the running board as I got in the car but after a few days I adjusted and now it never happens. I love the worry free interior....no panic over spills that could ruin the usual carpeted floors or plush fabrics. I'm tall and the seats are very comfortable for me. The waterproof upholstry is comfortable to sit on even in a bathing suit. I just couldn't be happier with my new car.
Honda Element
bill, 08/25/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Needs smoother ride. It has high RPM when you drive in the 70's - could be geared better.
Super Element!
Airzilla, 10/31/2010
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Incredible car! I thought my best car ever was my much loved black 1988 Honda CRX Si that I bought brand new right after college. After getting through college in a 1985 CRX, I had to have another one as I thought the CRX was the perfect little sports car. Well, eventually I needed something to haul around my drum kit and gear to gigs. I acquired a 2005 Element EX AWD with about 21,000 miles on it. It now has 138,000 and has literally NEVER been in the shop. All I have ever done is changed the fluids and filters per the recommended schedule. In fact, I have only recently put on new front brakes. Overall, an incredible vehicle and I am currently looking to sell this one and purchase another.
This one's for you!!!!
Tim Smith, 04/14/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow!! Am I ever glad I bought this vehicle. After owning two ISUZU Troopers since 1991, it was time to look at something else. While I'm too old to be in the target market group for the Element, I love the vehicle. I'm a big guy and the Element has more driver room than my previous Troopers. It gets much better gas mileage too! I put a lot of miles on my vehicle commuting 70 miles round trip every day. The Element is fun to drive, easy handling and versatile. I know several people with disabilities that have purchased an Element and they think the vehicle is the best around. Plenty of room and a place for their wheelchair behind the front seat without having to fold up the back seat
Love it
bronco, 08/28/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We got the magnesium loaded EX AWD with fog lights because having those bulbous orbits empty seems silly. The rear is great for moving baby in and out in the car seat and being able to move to the back to calm baby without having to get out like when we had a Civic. We love the interior -everyone we know think it's awesome even those who think it looks ugly are sold when the check out the inside.
Luvin' my Element
MARCRAW, 08/30/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't know if I could ever own another type of vehicle. I love my Element. The vinyl floors are a lifesaver. i never worry about spills, smells or allergens. Performance is fun! i was in an accident. A car pulled out in front of me. i was impressed with how my Element protected me.
Honda Element
Phil, 04/21/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great little SUV. Cargo space comes in handy and is flexible. It's a great car for running errands. However, I find highway driving a challenge. Since there is no carpeting, car tends to be noisey. Due to the boxiness of the vehicle, I find it difficult to steer at higher speeds and find myself fighting the steering wheel to compensate for lane drifting. There is a terrible blind spot from the right side door post. The post is wide and hides vehicles from view. Very dangerous! Brake grinding noise is also a problem. I was told the noise would disappear after 100 miles. I now have 5,000 miles on the car and the grinding has not disappeared.
The Future of the SUV is here now!
Ted A. van Landingha, 08/31/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A well-designed, practical vehicle that is both fun to drive, functional in almost any situation, and interesting to look at. This vehicle has created a sense of brotherhood amongst its owners, much the way Jeeps did in the past. Every owner that I have met says they prefer it to any auto that they have ever driven. Pros: great sound sytem, loaded with accessories, smooth car-like ride, solid and detailed constuction, huge back seat legroom, and a spacious interior. Cons: I wish Honda made an "Element Offroad" with full locking 4WD, huge tires and wheels, skid plates, a "real" roof rack like the Nissan XTERRA, and the Honda Pilot V6 engine.
In the ELEMENTs
c_go_oldland, 01/18/2008
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I hated this car at first. I opted for the manual tranny. After about 6 months behind the wheel, I fell in love and have intention of letting "scarlet" go!
Mila and Daniel's Element
Mila Brothers, 09/11/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is sooo much fun. We love the variety we have with the seat configurations. It's great for our two dogs because you can practically hose out the interior. The seat, dash and floor can be cleaned with a damp cloth. The only things we would change would be the center console could be higher and it could seat more than four passengers. Otherwise it's a great, durable, fun SUV!
Love it!!
MadMumbler, 05/01/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With a disabled child who races wheelchairs, and being service dog puppyraisers, a tough vehicle is a must, and this is easy to clean and tough to stand up to what we put it through.
In my element
J. Hubartt, 09/10/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned 7 Hondas in my life and this one is the most fun.Lots of room inside, sound system kicks you know what. My two large dogs love it, its amazing how much stuff will fit in it.
So far - so good.
Glen, 03/23/2006
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No problems and seems to have plenty of power compared to the Toyota 4 Runner I traded in, plus it gets better mileage. It would be nice if it would get 30 MPG but it won't. Rear sunroof is a waste.
Excellent Buy
Keith Cochrane, 06/01/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Must admit took me a little bit to get used to the shape of the Element when I first looked at it at the dealership, but when I took it for a test drive I fell in love with it. The element is the most practical, well though out vehicle that I have ever purchaced. I definitely recommend this vehicle for any age or lifestyle!
The best car I have ever had !
Neal, 04/10/2006
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We got this car over a year age and its been a great car, Lots of headroom and legroom and really fun to own and drive. Everybody that looks at it wants to testdrive one and asks lots of questions. It has plenty of power and great looks too. We own a Pilot and the Element and love them both. I would never buy anything else but Honda.
honda element ex 5sp awd practical
viking, 09/14/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
a practical auto with good ride and handling characteristics. Performance just ok but fine for a vehicle of this type. gas mileage not great but liveable. Concerned about high rpm. My saab at 70mph operated at 2700, the element at 3700. Should have a 6th gear which would also increase gas mileage.
Luv my Element!
J.T.Wallace, 05/06/2006
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like this vehicle better than any I have ever owned (I am age 62 and have driven or owned many vehicles). Fun to drive, loads of room and very practical... it is just me! Just as comfortable on long trips as running down to get a few groceries, click on cruise control and gas mileage is even better. Climbs mountains with ease and handles curves on switchback roads well. I have recommended it to others many times.
Love My Element
Jamie, 06/02/2005
2005 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is definitley my favorite vehicle I have ever owned! It's so fun to drive, and extremely comfortable! My favorite is when someone says....EEEEWWWW You drive a BOX!?!? Hey, my "box" has character! (Plus I never lose it in a parking lot!!) It definitley shows you are an individual when you step out of the "norm".
Honda Element
Tim, 06/20/2006
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far its a fantastic, practical vehicle. No problems in first year of ownership. A breeze to clean inside, the EX has a completely washable interior, including the headliner.
buy one, its a Honda
rick, 05/02/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bar-none,the best vehicle i have ever owned.not one complaint. goes like a tank in the snow.and in the summer its fun and cool.
not for elderly passengers
hawaiigirl, 09/23/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I truely love to drive this car and its great for just 2 and the dog holds everything, but taking elderly passengers in the back seat can be challenging. They have a hard time getting up and in and getting out. With the front door open, there is no frame for them to hold on to and you need a lot of side space to open the back door. I have a sun roof which can be too bright for those in the back seat while traveling since there is no ceiling panel to close it off. Thinking about tinting it darker. Unless you are a basketball player, you need a ladder to wash this car.
Japanese Hummer
Richard W, 06/12/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This must have been one of the Ugliest truck when it first came out. However, for some reason, it was also the reason that I purchased it, its ugliness caught my attention. Best choice that i ever made, I must have went through 40 cars already and I love the element based on price, value, and reliability. I cant believe how useful this truck is hauling the weirdest stuff around. There are many things that i like about this truck and things that i think Honda can improve on. Things that I like about this truck is it hauls alot I mean alot of stuff. Its cheap from the dealer, its awd, good in the snow and comes pretty loaded for around $20k. cant complain at all!
Windshield concerns
Vick, 09/23/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only complaint is that in less than 18 months and more than 30,000 miles of ownership I have experienced THREE windshield cracks from pebbles hitting my windshield. I emphasize pebbles! These were not even what I would classify as small rocks. Two fractures were repairable at $50 each but the third one was a major fracture that could not be repaired and required the windshield be replaced. This has made me seriously consider trading this vehicle in for something else.
In My Own Element
Rita, 05/02/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2003 and traded it in for a new 2005 good gas mileage and handles nicely, comfortable and gives a feeling of security with little ones in the vehicle
2004 Element 4WD EX
Nate Hawkins, 09/23/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I highly recommend an Element to anyone interested. Goes great in the snow! The all wheel drive is, in my opinion, mandatory. It is seamless. Very reasuring on otherwise hazardous roads. I currently have 51,200 miles (I bought it new) on my 2004 and have had no service issues. This thing is built great! I'm even still on the original tires.
Cool and Cheap
Dave, 02/05/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love it, looks cool, has great floor and foldable seats. and it cheap. what more do you want
Functional Goodness!
kawa, 06/23/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
no other SUV compares to the element. completely functional, easily maintainable, very affordable.. and too too fun to drive!
Best MPG for the Cargo space
Michael S., 09/23/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My review has to do with your MPG vs. Cargo space... and I believe this car/SUV accomplishes the best in its class. Very happy with gas mileage. Solid construction. Good suspension. Fantastic brakes. Freezing AC. Very little to complain about.
Fun and reliable
Pat, 10/09/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very comfortable, easy to drive, pretty good gas mileage and very relable. what else could be said. The most fun car I have ever owned.
It's Elementary, my dear!
Pat, 06/27/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is so ugly its cute! I wanted one from the first time I saw it & would buy it again in a heart beat. It is my trendy granny van. I am way past the minivan stage but missed the all- purpose function of one. I am always hauling people and things. The Element is a socially fun car and practical for most of those needs. I love the versatile clam shell doors until I have back seat passengers who need to exit while in a parking space between two other cars. You have to maneuver doors strategically to make it work or you end up trapped or square dancing... My gas mileage is a disappointing 19.9, under the suggested 22 mpg, but an improvement over most SUVs.
two years, still love it
robert, 02/20/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Element for two years now (33+k miles), no problems at all. of any kind. It's great for camping, and typical "family-duty" hauling. It's a lot smaller than my old Dakota, yet I find it'll still carry all my stuff. the doors are odd, and are a hassle when wedged in a tight parking spot, but have a lot of advantages too.
You have to Drive it to Like it
michael riedel, 03/29/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It doesn't grab you on it's looks - unless you're the type of driver that likes to set yourself apart even when standing still. The real love comes when you get behind the wheel and drive it. It has very nimble handling, a cavernous interior, versatility par excellence and simply solid quality. It is a bit buzzy on the freeway @ 3800 RPM but other than that, you'll fall in love with the features, mileage, durability and versatility. Great for picnics, shopping, dogs, camping, etc. Love the stadium seating for 2nd row passengers. Great gas mileage. Only wish I had waited until the 2006 models when they will be all body color paint and not the gray plastic body panels.
Element
jpowens03, 02/20/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only problem I have is the gas mileage. Other then that I LOVE this car!!!
Fun Car
ColleenpWhitlow, 06/27/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like this vehicle, but it can't pull my horse trailer. That is the only downside that I've found so far.
Honda Element EX is GREAT!
seattle_driver, 10/11/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow! I just bought a Honda Element EX and it is so cool! You're likely to get funny looks from people, but this is a really great car and quite versatile. It has great pickup, cool features, a lot of flexibility for carrying gear or up to 4 adventurers (extra cargo space required if traveling with 4--use the roof rack). Also, you gotta love the suicide doors.
love my element
Sara, 01/29/2005
2005 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
very comfortable and lots of room inside.Could be better on gas mileage, but good for an suv. Great acceleration and performance.
She Loves it so do I
Mike, 05/12/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have been shopping for about two months. What we liked about the Element was ease of entry, no stain easy clean interior and the versatility of the interior. I have not seen my wife this happy ( about a vehicle ) in a good while. I consider myself a professional car buyer. I have purchased three vehicles this year and sold all three at a tidy profit. I have an idea this Element is a keeper. It has a little more road noise than I like, but the powertrain is very smooth, peppy and quiet, controls are easy to use and the vehicle is fun to drive . The visibility is good and it handles windy days with no adverse surprises. The cruise is as smooth as the powertrain...great vehicle...
Flawed But Fun
steve, 10/25/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall concept is a winner but a few problems keep this from being a "10" for me. Visibility is sometimes tricky due to the thick pillars. Sun roof would be much better in the front than the back. Gas mileage should be higher for such a small vehicle. But these are minor complaints, this car is a ton of fun to drive--especially when you consider it's boxy shape and weight. Acceleration is decent, handling for a four-wheeled box is reasonable and the amount of roominess inside is amazing. It's also very comfortable on a long road trip. On the whole, this is a lot of car for the money.
A Home Run by Honda
Anthony, 10/26/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Honda hit a home run with the design of the Element. Element gives you the best of all worlds. It has the smooth ride of a car, the safety of an SUV, and the cargo hauling ability of a truck. The functionality and design of the Element has to be seen to be appreciated. Fuel economy is acceptable. The 4 cylinder engine has surprising pep making everyday commuting fun and comfortable. The stereo in the EX AWD is awesome. The price of the Element is very reasonable, especially considering the quality and features the Element offers. Our first camping trip with the Element was so much fun. There was enough room for 2 adults and a dog to sleep comfortably inside.
Function, Fun, Turns Heads!
baddawg, 10/27/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased EX ltd ed last summer - great function (holds 8ft lumber), very functional and convenient entry rear and front, seating OK, great flexibility. Good driving - sufficient power, Excellent saftey features, many convenience items Std., sound system VG. Suburban (40mph) and highway (60- 70 mph) mileage a bit disappointing, but it is an SUV. Well engineered and built. No regrets, zero initial problems!
Needs a hybrid 6
Needs a hybrid 6, 10/28/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great design - the folding seat, the suicide doors. It already seems to appeal to eco-friendly types. Listen to the other reviews and give it a 6 cyl engine for more HP, but make it a hybrid for better gas mileage.
Small Outside? XL Inside
Cool Ride, 01/30/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only had it for 1 week. Comfortable ride in front seats. Little bit chompy ride in back seats over bumps. Looks smaller than other SUV on outside, rides tall feels large inside, enough to accomadate 6-2 drivers. Gas mileage is average for this 4 cylinder SUV, only got 229 city miles on first full tank. Also some wind noise when driving on freeway at higher speeds.