Used 2005 Honda Element Consumer Reviews
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very cool
It's just me and my son. We are always putting a seatup and stuffing large items in the back. We just came back from the beach and it was not a problem, just hosed the car out. I can even leave the sun roof open during a rain and hardly get any water on the inside. We relly like our element!
A Home Run by Honda
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.
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $17,9958 mi away
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $13,99590 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,990114 mi away
Function, Fun, Turns Heads!
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!
Wow!! A fun car!
I just love this car!! I thought a long time about what to buy. I test drove it twice,and stopped everyone that i saw driving one and asked their oppinions....Nothing but rave reviews. I've had my car for a few days now and i couldn't be happier. It's so comfortable to drive, plenty of sensible room and a great stereo. I love the way it looks....I chose a blue ex model and had roof racks and running boards put on. I was already a honda fan....I bought a 1990 accord new and had trouble parting with it. But it was time and i'm so happy that i chose the element. I'm a 64 yr. Old female and i have no surf boards or off-road bikes to put in it but my friends are going to love the ride!
Needs a hybrid 6
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.
sara
This is a great mini truck. It handles well in the snow but not in Long Island sand. I was told it could be taken on the sand and it almost got taken away with the current. It has alot of fun things in it and that you can buy. It's like a little camper. I think this is a great car for people who like to go on road trips or just like to chill out in there car. I would not recommend this car for a family ;it is more of a singles car. Love it!!
I love my Element!
I have always been a sportscar person, but I am also a local muscian and have too much equipment for a car, I also have 2 kids and a dog! I needed the room! The Honda Element has room for days! We took the car on a trip to the mountains the week after I bought it, fully loaded with my PA equipment and all our luggage(I also had a gig there) the car performed great, the gas mileage is somthing to brag about. Everywhere we stopped people would come over to us and ask to look at the car while telling us how crowded and uncomfortable they were. My daughter who is 16 is trying her best to talk me out of my Element and buying myself something else. If I did, it would be another Element.
Small Outside? XL Inside
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.
Don't know where I'd be without it.
I bought this car because I am in a band, and I needed a strong and rugged car to haul all of my equipment in. At first sight I thought it was the ugliest thing in the world, but as time went on I became much more attached. I love the seats; not only are they comfortable, but they are waterproof and stain resistant. The audio system is amazing and the fact that the rear seats fold up easily makes it very easy to transport my stuff. What really surprised me, and something that I haven't seen mentioned, is the incredible handling and sharp turning capability of this car compared to others in the same price range. I would highly recommend the Element, even if you think it looks funny.
I love my Element!
The thing I love most about my Element is that it's so unique. There are no other SUVs out there that even compare to the Element, inside or out. It drives great and corners very well for an SUV. It's extremely spacious without being too plain. It has so many accesories you can get to personalize your Element to fit your lifestyle. It's really an SUV that will do anything you want it to do, be anything you want it to be. Whether it's hauling people from place to place or using it as a tent, it does all things well!
Lovin' Our Element
We've been driving our Element between Phoenix and Los Angeles for the past couple of months. The interior space is our favorite feature - plenty of room to kick back and sleep on long trips / it cruises between 75 and 90 mph smoothly with plenty of power to spare. We also like how easily the rear seats can be removed [ recently moved a full size bed and headboard with no problems ]. We also love the fact that we can go to the beach and not worry about the sand and water messing up the interior. So far we're having a blast with our Element!
Need Cheap? Need Reliable? Need AWD?
I've not had this car for very long but I am already getting a feel for it. This car handles very well for being the shape of a brick: VERY restrained body lean, and it goes just where you point it. (You feel every road imperfection, though.) In my opinion this is the best car you can get if your needs are for a low-priced vehicle you can drive into the ground that can also help in bad weather. It's funky and unique and utilitarian. Stereo system is quite good, visibility is not. But for the price and level of equipment, especially as compared to its competitors (including the CR-V), this car is tough to beat.
I love my Element
I've had this vehicle for 6 months now. The ride is stiff. It uses more gas than my accord 4 cylinder. But it's considered a truck or compact SUV so I'm not taking anything away for that. For the $21k sticker and fully loaded with premium wheels, AWD, and XM satellite radio, it's a bargain for a SUV.
Cargo Khaki
I've had my "E" for a little more than a week and have put over 500 miles on it - and love it! I bought it as our crossover car and my daily driver. I drive in DC traffic and have found that having a 5 spd manual a plus - especially with four cylinder engine.
Surprised me!
I went to the dealership to buy a CRV but stopped and looked at the Element 4wd EX on my way to the office. It is red and I got on the goodies put on it to make it really sharp. The roominess was the 1st impressive feature, followed by the functionality. What a great car/truck! It took me about 3 weeks to get used to it's looks but I did and think it's cute. I am a Realtor and my clients love the car when they get in. It is perfect for me, my wife and the 2 dogs as well. The stereo system is another bonus along with the seats folding up fairly easily. And I certainly don't care if it gets a bit dirty on the interior because it is so easy to clean! Fun car and it's a Honda too. What a perk!
Teen car
Great teen car has the safety feature we wanted and not too large to pack on to many friends. Plenty of leg room both in front and back.
Fun and Functional
The Element has been the most fun and functional vehicle I have ever owned. I can use it to haul most anything I need, including passengers comfortably. The fit and finish have been incredible: not a single trip to the dealer for anything other than oil changes in 18 mos. What I like most is its funky looks. Stands out from the crowd, and is easy to find in the parking lot.
Love the "Box on Wheels"
We've only had this "box on wheels" 3 weeks, but the whole family really loves it. Great for hauling the kids to school or camping gear and mountain bikes to the mountains. The ride, fit and finish is typical Honda, spot on. Could use a little more horsepower to fight the NASCAR like Atlanta traffic.
LOVE IT!
Got my Element last Saturday and love it! Had a 98 Odyssey with 181k miles on it and decided the Element was the way to go. Lots of room - easy to drive - hadn't driven a stick in 30 years and after 1 week it's almost like driving an automatic (and I live in Chicago). My only regret is that I didn't buy it sooner.
Nice Alternative
I actually just bought my second Honda Element this last August. I was a little leery of its initial looks, but once I sat in the car I was sold. Have not regretted it since. Sure its boxy, but there is so much room and versatility. Mileage is good considering the shape - 22/26. Enough power and the AWD does just fine in the dunes/beaches of Pismo, CA. Plus it's a Honda... great reliability.
It fits me
I stopped by just to lock inside one. Test drove it. Took it home for the weekend and, didn't want to give it back. The room in the front did it for me. I hate things close to my face. No problem here. My wife has a pilot and for every day use, I prefer the Element. My grand kids love the rear seats. They set up high enough to see out.
Adore it
This is my favorite vehicle of all time. I've driven Mercedes and Volvos, but nothing is as fun as this vehicle. The cargo capacity is great and it is good for hauling dogs, landscape materials, and antiques. Also, it gets good mileage. I adore it!
Larger than it looks
We've owned our Element for about a month. It is very roomy with plenty of headroom for my tall husband. Plenty of places to put things. My son loves the stadium seating in the back--now he can see out of the windows. Surprised at the good turning circle. Didn't realize how much fun XM radio could be. Looking forward to seeing how the uncarpeted flooring works during the winter.
Small Outside? XL Inside
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.
My favorite car ever, and here's why
I've had many cars, and liked many of them a lot. But I honestly love my Honda Element. Its style, function, performance, reliability and FUN are beyond anything I've ever driven. I have the AWD EX model with side airbags, so I'm getting everywhere safely. I love the ability to fold up the rear seats or remove them altogether if I've got a haul from the garden center or flea market. The Element is so easy to keep sparkling clean. It's light and airy inside, with tons of head room, shoulder room, and space around you. Also great little nooks and cubbies for storage. Road trips are a must with this car. Love the Aux port for my iPod and the subwoofer. I just LOVE this car! Test drive one!
True MPV Not SUV
Very unique vehicle. You'll get the stare. It's an MPV not an SUV. Small but great for big people. Gets tossy not tippy on high speed. Not a racer but a pacer. Front passenger seat is too low and cannot be adjusted like the driver seat. Fun to drive with great sound system. Good low center gravity well grounded. Fits my lifestyle and certainly not for everyone. I prefer the EX-P Tangerine model with matching body color panel.
Best Car for $20,000
The Element is fun to drive and has a lot of excellent features for a cheaper car. It's not quite a real SUV but it's not quite a car either but it has many of the best and qualities of both. You would be hard pressed to find a car in this price range that has its cargo space, utility, and built in features. Plus it has a lot more character than the CR-V, a Civic, or a Caravan. This wagon is great if you're looking for a versatile vehicle but understand that for this price it won't have everything: as a car it has mediocre gas mileage (but if you're used to driving a bigger SUV - then you will probably love the gas mileage), and a somewhat rough ride.
Happy driver
Great cargo space, superior seat comfort. Incredible pick-up. Wonderful storage nooks, drawers and crannies to discover. The overhead reading lights are great! There is just so much car in a small space, I've never enjoyed driving and been so proud of a vehicle!
In the Element
Fun to drive. Peppy with low center of gravity so it corners very well without feeling top heavy. Agile with a very short turning radius. Unbelievable room inside. Rear leg room is more than full size sedans! Easy to maintain with rubberized flooring and upholstery that is water resistant. Can be used as a small delivery vehicle, or, treated as a sports sedan. A very reliable unique automobile.
The Best Car I Ever Have Had!
L-O-V-E it! This is the best car yet for me...It is great to load my hockey gear - My dogs love the seats down and they cruise the whole car. Next trip camping - looking for to it - I still get some strange looks - but you just gotta smile - cause it is so fun to drive. Anytime someone wants to check it out stranger or not - I let them! I should be selling these cars-
Element after 43,000 Miles
I love my Element except for one nagging problem. My doors have a bad rattle in them that causes everyone who rides in it to think they aren't closed completely. I took it to the dealer while it was still under warrenty to have it fixed and they had to replace the door latches. The rattles continued. I will probably take it back again. A coworker has an Element and she says she has the same problem.
Love my baby
We got this car last week and I am totally in love with it. It is very comfortable with loads of room. As an older driver with older friends it was important to have easy access to rear seating and room to stretch out when in the rear. This car has it all including reclining seats front & rear. The only fault I have found so far is the "sun roof" in the rear which is really only a removeable rooftop window. (why??) I am told it should not be in the open position when driving as it might come off. The only use I see for this is more light in the rear section, so why have it removeable? Other than that almost insignificant fault, I think this is a great vehicle, both fun and utilitarian.
Elemental
Very Versatile. Roomy with the ability to hold anything you need. The AWD is a very good feature.
2005 Element EX Standard AWD
I expected lower gas mileage with the lower gear ratio on the Standard. BUT, we received higher gas mileage 25- 27mpg. Very peppy engine, Great to take bikes in. Rear seat is more like sitting in a limo. Handles very well.
Drive it You'll Buy It
Super roomy (I'm 6'4") and super quick to reconfigure the interior. Great 5 sp and good in midwest snow. Great A/C, Great stock stereo, I've had stereo shops question why I'd want to upgrade. Styling grows on you like a funky lovable dog (to know it is to love it). Not quick like my SRT-4 (of course) but plenty fast on the highway. Lotta business trips to KC in the 80s-90s.
My beach buggy
Great beach vehicle and for going antiquing. Plenty of room and love the adjustable back seat configurations.
My most favorite car ever
I love this vehicle, after driving everything from Cadillacs to Pintos, I can say this is my favorite car ever. It is a blast to drive and a breeze to keep clean with two kids and three dogs. I love being able to reconfigure the interior on a whim. I'm a master gardener and a tree-a-holic ( I fit five) A blast for family road trips. A great road car
My Car is Elemental
I've owned my 2004 EX $wd AT since September. It has just shy of 10,000 miles of trouble free miles. Ultimate in flexibility, great for tall people and my tall teens, and plenty of guts to move on the highway. Took a business trip to a conference with an associate and loaded the E with the Booth/Display, brochure, stands, luggage, etc. We were cruisng down the Interstate about 82 mph and he was amazed at how rock solid it felt and relatively quiet---no wind noise and average road noise for a small wheelbase SUV.
Great car
I purchased the vehicle to carry college supplies on 5-6 hour trips. It has not disappointed us at all. The interior is spacious and holds a lot more than might appear from the outside. The front seats are very comfortable and it handles very well. Even on long drives, I do not feel tired and don't feel the need to stop to stretch etc. The back seats are easy to take out and then reinstall. Shortcomings include its seating capacity, which is only 4 people, and its donut spare time (the wheel well is not large enough to house a full size spare). I highly recommend this vehicle and would definitely consider purchasing another one.
The best
I love this "truck." If I could get another, I would. Whenever I go camping, mountain biking, or even just to drive around, it is an awesome piece of machinery.
Versatile and functional
The Element is the most adaptible vehicle I have ever owned. It allows me to use it for any task. It also allows me to have access to the rear seat comparment with having to move. This was critical to me because I use a wheelchair. For this reason alone the EX was the vehicle for me. Since my prior vehicle was a MB I have certain standards for quality and finish and I found the element offered these at a reasonable price.
Looks aren't everything
Remeber that girl from high school that everybody liked but didn't want to be seen with? Well the car version of her is the Element. Got one of the review in Car and Driver '04 and simply love it. C & D said it was the most useful car they had in their long term fleet and I can't find fault in their opinion. Hauls the family, dog, bikes and assorted gear like an favorite backpack. With the 5 speed the car is much more fun to drive than the auto 4. Steering is percise and the braking good. Fuel economy could be better but lets face it, the thing has the profile of a cinder block.
Excellent SUV
A versitile SUV. The various ways the seats can be folded or removed makes this truck great. Combines a SUV with a cargo van. Waterproof interior a breeze to clean-just don't aim the hose towards the speakers. Plus Honda's reliabilty. I traded my 1991 Honda Civic with 189,000 miles in for the Element. The Civic was still running great 14 years later but my kids need something bigger.
In my Element
I fell in love with these at the Car Show in San Diego. I went out the next day and bought one. The acceleration is impressive considering it's only a 4 cylinder. After installing an after market intake from AEM it is down right scary. My wife and I love it for our dogs. On long trips we dont worry about them being in the back of a pick up truck.
Fun to drive and you will love it.
Almost 2K miles on our 05 Elle EX auto tranny and gets 20 mpg in town and 24 on the road. Gas mileage could be better, but hey, it has the aero-dynamics of a brick pushing air but the most fun vehicles this senior citizen has ever owned, and I'm hard to impress. If you have bad knees, back or hip it is soooo easy to get in and out and tall folks will have six inches of head room and all the leg room you ever need and you will not feel cramped in an Elle. Too many features to put here so go to your Honda dealer and let them demo and you will be very impressed at how many features for such a low price. Hondas hold their value.
Excellent, a car for everyone!
I love this Element! I would buy this SUV again. The gas mileage is perfect and the price I was given was just awesome. This suv couldnt get any better! The comfort was superior. Anybody who thought this car was a poor decision to get, well, they thought wrong. I am really glad that Honda came out with an SUV that would put up to many customers standards.
Best all around vehicle I've owned
You can take a long trip in this car and not feel completely wrecked when you arrive. Very comfortable ride and tons of passenger space. Limo room, turn on a dime, and short enough to parallel park anywhere! Use the cruise control though; it feels like 50 mph when you're doing 70 mph or better. I have a Honda DelSol which feels like I'm wearing it when I'm driving; the Element is the same length and feels like you're in your living room. I can't say enough. Also 25mpg from day one!
Ugly... but Fun, Reliable, and Handy
Sure it's ugly, but I got used to the odd shape, and I'm even starting to think it's pretty cool looking. I am in a band and I originally wanted a car that I could easy stow my gear in. I looked at all the options, but I was intrigued by the Element. I wasn't impressed by the engine, but soon found that it was definitely enough power for day to day driving, as well as hauling some loads. The stain resistant and water resistant interior is a HUGE plus, and has saved me on more than one occasion. I have seen complaints over the clamshell doors, but who can really complain about getting in? Once you're in the rear seating is great with, dare i say, FUN theatre seating and plenty of room. A+ Car!
Missed your target market by a mile!
I have owned lots of cars, from sports cars to Suburbans to pickup trucks. This is the best! I am an older woman with dogs and an active lifestyle. My husband and I are also King-Sized people and the dogs are Golden Retrievers. We go to dog shows, we drove back and forth to Florida twice, we even go offroad! This car is fabulous AND comfortable. And my i-Pod fits right into it with awesome sound from the sub-woofer. The car is fantastic on our steep driveway in NY for the winters, and great on the sandy beaches. And it is so easily cleaned --- no dog hairs! I think the design is funky and I just love it.
Honda Element
My experience with my Element has been perfect. No problems whatsoever. The interior and exterior design is magnificent.