Used 2005 Honda Element SUV Consumer Reviews
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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!
Honda Element
Ray Price, 01/31/2006
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only thing that has gone wrong is that several times I've turned the a/c on and it didn't come on. I had to turn it on and off several time and let it stay off for a minute or so and then it came on. I think that there is some small problem in the vaccum line. I must take it to the dealership for them to look at this.
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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.
Excellent vehicle
Ann Curran, 02/21/2006
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have been 100% satisfied with our Element and are thinking of buying a second one when our other car dies. The Element is practical, well made, reliable and fun to drive.
Versatile and functional
mthorn, 12/14/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
stevexjet, 09/17/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Practical
bdkamin, 03/02/2006
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I was looking for a vehicle in the $20k range, the Element met more criteria than any other vehicle. Friends of mine have doubted my purchase because of its appearance. After riding in it with me, there opinions change. In fact, less than than a month after my purchase, a friend bought the same thing while another is thinking about it.
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.
This one deserves MORE accolades....
jockstarla, 03/16/2006
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was afraid after owning an Audi TT and a Mini Cooper S just prior to the Element that I was going to be very disappointed. Initially, I missed changing gears and zipping around my fellow Angelinos... but, man, the trade-off in terms of being able to lug things around easily, getting to see over all those cars in front of me, having 3 REAL cupholders instead of 1 (kinda) cupholder.... the creature comforts add up to satisfaction.
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".
Awesome
Rich Love, 04/16/2006
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Element is near perfect for my needs. All four seats lay back (flat). The rear seats fold up to the side for open storeage. If that does not make enough room, the rear seats can be removed within two minutes. Also I have not seen so much rear seat leg room since the 1940s. I like having a tailgate too.
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.
Love my black-on-black Element
E-Chick, 04/29/2006
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got a great deal on a great car-truck-SUV-thingee after loads of research on other vehicles....started off wanting an Xterra or Rav4, then tested a Liberty. Hadn't even thought of an Element because to be honest and shallow? I hated the grey panel thing...then I found the black-paneled black EX and couldn't believe how awesome it looked and performed and got decent mileage too. Plus I bought carpet with mine - very cool! Inside and out I'm pleased and believe my Honda will be at least as reliable as my Toyota. Highly recommend the E...the EX-P models really make it more attractive to more people.
Excellent SUV
Joseph Lipnickas, 09/18/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
mmurphy162, 05/27/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Doc, 01/02/2006
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Silly boy, 09/20/2005
2005 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Perfect
katy7964, 08/24/2006
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is fabulous! The interior design is great. Despite only seating 4 it holds a ton and is roomy due to the design and flexibility of moving seats etc. It has a tiny turn radius, better than my previous coupe! I have the 5 speed and get really good gas mileage.
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!
Best all around vehicle I've owned
David George, 09/21/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Student, 01/03/2006
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Barb, 09/21/2005
2005 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
great utility vehicle
Matt Bowman, 02/11/2007
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our Element has been GREAT! Very dependable and versatile- will haul most anything you can fit into it! The stereo, heater and AC work very well, and the controls are very easy to use. Snow and icy road conditions have been no problem at all. Even after owning all brands of 4-wheel drive vehicles, the Element performs as good as any of them. It seems that the gas mileage should be better for a four cylinder (ours gets a real-world 21-25) and the sunroof would be much better if placed over the front seats. The interior passenger room is amazing- everyone who looks inside is surprised at the amount of passenger/ cargo room. Our two teenage kids can even stretch out.
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!
Honda Element
KGas, 06/01/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My experience with my Element has been perfect. No problems whatsoever. The interior and exterior design is magnificent.
Orange BOXX
DirtGhost, 01/06/2006
2005 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a cool ride with a "fun to drive attitude" you have choosen the correct ride. Lots of interior room. Rear sets can fold up and out of the way or can be removed or out into a bed if needed for those camping nights. Front seats are comfy fully adjustable ride height. Easy to operate right off the lot. Nice large wndshield area . Comfy sport ute to play with . Awd model is what I have . I will say this one thing it takes only 1/2 second for the rear wheels to kick in when need it. Last thing FUN TO DRIVE
Very Practical (but for 2 people)
sundeep, 10/04/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed driving this vehicle very much. Very comfortable for long drive. Rear doors can be little bit uncomfortable in the parking lot when you have passengers but it is great when you have bags, you can throw it at the back seat easily.
Love Affair With An Odd Duck
Bald Eagle, 02/05/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Haven't enjoyed a "car" this much in a long time. Roomy, versatile, fun to drive, and above all, unique. Four cylinder engine provides good acceleration with decent gas mileage, and you can't beat Honda's reliability. It's not meant for serious off-roading, but the on-demand AWD is great on snowy roads. Seating for four may be drawback for some, but those for passengers will be comfortable and there is a ton of room in the back seat. The ride is firm, but not jarring. Quite nice for a small SUV, but if you're used to a Buick, it may be a little rough. Designed for active young adults, at 63 years old I don't fit the demographic. Maybe I'll take up kayaking.
2004 Element
Mdmeyer, 02/07/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Dealer claims there is not much mark up in price. Dealer will offer more for trade to off-set price. Also adding fog lights, side steps, and tent package after haggling.
Only one problem
Mr. E, 10/07/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I hate the instrument cluster. When are automakers going to get a clue, and start mounting the instruments so we don't have to peer through a tiny hole in the steering wheel to see the gauges? Counterexamples: Scion xB and Mini Cooper, whose instrument visibility is unmatched. So, even though the Element's steering wheel can "adjust" (DOWN, helpful if you're 4 feet tall) and the driver's seat can "adjust" (UP, improves visibility using the generous headroom), the only way I can see the speedometer is with the seat DOWN and the steering wheel UP. So no adjustment is actually possible, if you're an average 5'8" guy like me! If you're taller, you'll likely never see half the speedometer...
Honda Element: Almost Perfect
Lex, 01/25/2006
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been driving my Element for about a month, and I still get excited just looking at it. It really can't be beat. There are only 2 negative things I can say: 1) The area on the bottom where the door closes gets scratched up easily if you have anything other than tennis shoes, and 2) The tires seem to slip a little when I start moving semi-quickly and the ground is wet (once moving, there is no slippage, breaking is fine too, I don't know why it does that). You can speed up quickly once moving, just don't "Put the pedal to the metal" at take-off! (Again, that is only when the ground is wet). All in all, I love it 100 times more than the Rav4 I was previously driving!
Fun, Fun, Fun
Kim, 10/07/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Always fun to drive. Room and then some inside. Comfortable and versatile. The only thing I would change; more HP!!
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.
An All Purpose Vehicle
Tom Fulton, 02/03/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handles like a Civic, turning radius shorter than my Accord, great for hauling stuff and if you have kids they will love it. Floors and seats are made for use - no carpet and you can hose it out. Drove it in the snow and ice and it tracks like a dream. Gas mileage is not great but I've only had it 3 weeks.
2 months in
kayaker, 05/30/2005
2005 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first Honda after having a Blazer. Chevy was big, heavy, sucked fuel, like a nice lazy boy chair to sit in. I'm 6'3. It had a bit better leg room. As far as utility goes, Element's better. Fuel economy decent. Easy to clean (no carpet to get musty). Roomy - no complaints from passengers - friends are won over after a road trip. Also, I don't tow so the engine is fine for me. And tested the AWD - works great - will get me out of the roughest putin I'd find myself near - steep, gravel windy path. Can easily accelerate onto freeway, do 85+ mph with 3 kayaks on top, but is not supposed to be a sports car.
What an SUV is supposed to be
Terry, 10/13/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
SUVs were meant to be used for working..the home improvement store, dogs, etc. The Element fits that category. Great for driving to work, but hauls hay too. Handles difficult weather conditions on the road extremely well. Easy to clean...aimed towards kids going to the beach..Honda has found that its the adult of any age with an active lifestyle that's purchasing them.
Love my Element
Terry Mull, 10/16/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great, affordable and useful vehicle. I needed a versatile car that could haul my hang glider and still cart my family around during the week and me to work. This car does it all.
pretty good deal
kathy, 04/04/2008
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Element brand new. It has really been good to me overall. the only problem I have is with gas mileage. I love my Element except for the mileage. It handles well and does very well in the snow.
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.
Awsome Work Vehicle
Rivak Hoffman, 10/18/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2005 Element is my work vehicle. I travel approx 200 miles per day as a mobile Personal Trainer. The Element easily stores all my equipment in it, and things are easy to get to. The only negative is the gas mileage. Highway is approx 21 mpg and city is 18 mpg. With the 12 gallon tank you can go 250 miles before fill-up Other than that, this vehicle is an awesome eye opener! And you feel very safe in it. The car represents to future of SUV's
Owner and lover
stan bost , 10/19/2005
2005 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It has orignal ideas, great visiabilty, good fuel mileage, and is very easy to get in to and out of. I would have put lights in the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. The price of the add on options like side steps and mud guards and other items is way too high. Also I would make the sun roof in the back a slide back not a lift out so it could be used while driving
The Perfect Solutioin
Arnold B Bondley, 11/02/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an excellent utility vehicle capable of hauling large-volume loads and filling the need for reliable and economical everyday transportation. The design inside and out was carefully considered and has proven to be ergonomically correct and durable. The styling will prove to be much more timeless than most other vehicles. Resale value remains excellent.
Excellent
jewlesinaz, 06/01/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the price, it is very good. If you have big animals that you take on the go, it is more than perfect! Underneath the back hatch handle is a piece of plastic(handle) used for closing it, comes out very easily. The flooring gets scratched easily, if you want it to stay in new condition, don't haul anything.
My Honda Element
Honda Element, 03/11/2006
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Honda Element for 3 months, I have 3000+ miles on it. Would it have enough pep, get up and go for me? Yes it does. I like view from my drivers seat, you set high and can see outside from all angles. It will surprise you when you open all four doors and see all the room there is inside. I like the rear the way it opens up to load in and out. There was a lot of thought put into this SUV and I have nothing I can say against it at this time. I like this satelite radio XM. The longer I have this car the better I like it. No I am not a kid I am 75 years young and am looking forward to traveling over the USA in this vehicle. I love to go fishing and camping it sleeps two.
It's Elemental
elaygee, 11/03/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We liked the Element we bought in 2003 so much we bought another in 2004. His and His models. They are versatile, super functional and really zip around. Can cruise at 90 on turnpike or slow go at the beach.
A great little SUV for all around duty
Wm. Rohrey, 11/03/2005
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think this is one of the best for overall use. It has enough power to do most all jobs its ask to perform & the gas mileage is good. The use for hauling things is great & its easy to load. The only thing I see wrong is the fact that you must open the front doors to be able to open the rear doors. I guess this is a safety thing? But overall the Element has been great fun to drive & handles very well.Hope Honda makes more improvements to this car.
Awesome!!!
marty, 03/11/2006
2005 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Suv that's lots of fun to drive! Great in the snow, plenty of pep to get up the big hills. Good stereo, tons of room. Good heater/air conditioner. Lots of storage space.
Excellent vehicle for mothers.
honda element, 11/10/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Who knew someone thought about mothers and their babies. I love the water proof seats and floor and ready made bed for those long days at the park and the mall. Thank you Honda for thinking of us. Now I do not have to worry about my car smelling like Similac or trying to scrub those juice stains.