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Used 2005 Honda Element SUV Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
315 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

No, it really is a Honda.

Kent, 12/02/2007
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It might look like a toaster, but inside it really is a Honda. Good build quality, though the materials seem plain or plastic, but that is what they are because the vehicle is all about being utilitarian. This vehicle really a swiss army knife that you can drive. The doors open wide (side loading). seats fold up and out of the way, and if you need to carry a 2X4 over 11 feet long, you open up the sun roof and stuff it in. Gas mileage at 24+ on the highway could be better. At first my wife hated my toy, however everywhere we go we seem to take it not because it rides the best it is OK, but a truck. We take it because you never know what kind or size of treasure she may find.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Element

j, 03/15/2008
2005 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has not had any problems and is the most functional vehicle we have ever owned.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Good reliable car

Ross, 04/14/2008
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car initially b/c of it's roominess. I am 6'4 and I don't think there is any other small SUV with this much room. I would also put it to the test even with the large SUVs. Easy to get in and out of. Gas mileage is better than most SUVs. Easy to keep clean. And, it's the perfect car for city driving and parking. Just enough performance on the road to keep up with everyone. I will own this car likely until it dies. 40,000+ miles in two years and no problems whatsoever (except for chipped windshield).

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love this car!!

Jaymi, 05/14/2008
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased a 2007 Civic brand new last year and, while I loved it, it was terrible once winter hit. I traded it in for a 2005 Element and regretted it. Now, after owning the Element for about 6 months, I wouldn't give this car up for anything. I recently had to buy another Civic because of a new job with a long commute (the gas mileage is a lot better) and I feel terrible leaving the Element in the garage while I go to work. This is truly the best car I have ever owned. The Element has an incredibly smooth ride, is easy to park, has a ton of room and is great for dog owners. I can spill things and not worry about them at all!

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5 out of 5 stars

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MY ELEMENT!!

Kim O., 08/28/2018
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Roomy, Fun and Inexpensive. The cargo space in this car is amazing. Sometimes it feels like a clown car. Comfortable and roomy. The backseats sit above the front seats (like a theater) which allows for excellent vision for people in the back. Seats remove easily for instant space similar to a van. Perfect car for dogs!!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Legendary Honda quality and fun to drive!!

JMag, 05/08/2019
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded in our 2003 2WD for the 2005 AWD EX when we moved to snow country. Has been ultra reliable, very good in snow, switched to a harder rubber tire for gas mileage and still plows through the snow- this is my ski car. Cruises at 90 but obviously not a streamlined car. Took on 14 hour road trip and it was fine but not the car I would opt for if this was a regular route. Originally bought for Los Angeles driving to have good visibility at street corners and tight turning for parking, it was great for that. Currently have about 115,000 on it, oil, tires, brakes (once), other standard maintenance.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommended!

orange and gray, 08/10/2019
2005 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I fell for it during the test drive. I expected to be disappointed. I am very happy so far. Honda should not have stopped making them. I am at 131K and it runs like new.

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5 out of 5 stars

Toaster

Jim Lyons, 05/08/2021
updated 11/13/2023
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent performance, low upkeep. Put 180k on it, then sold it to close friend who loves it as much as we did. Very versatile means of transportation.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Best vehicle ever!!!

Pam Kenner, 08/21/2021
2005 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Handles well, tight turning radius, great visibility, massive amount of storage space with back seats folded into side. Fun camping vehicle! The best!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Love my 2005 Element

MDP, 03/30/2022
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is a gem. I've had my Element for almost 16 years (bought new in 2006 but is a 2005,,) It has battle over 10 ,000 miles and although, has some scratches, it runs beautifully. Love,love,love my Element

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
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Performance
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Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
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5 out of 5 stars

Great car for the price!

David4710, 09/06/2024
2005 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It has held its value. Will keeping it as my second car.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

The blue box

Cotal, 02/10/2016
updated 02/13/2017
2005 Honda Element LX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

I still have and love this blue box!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Awesome vehicle

Gary P, 04/29/2009
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love this vehicle. I had always thought I wanted one, but it was not until I drove it that I had to have it! I think it is the most comfortable seats and I drive all over the country on long trips of more than 10 hours at a stretch. If you go from an American van to this, you will be in heaven! The only knock is the gas mileage, too many stops to refill. I do get in the twenties, generally 300 miles on a tank full, but I have run it to 360 miles. My ACN business keeps me on the road, and I practically live out of it.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Loving the elements

CSKID, 02/27/2005
2005 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Do alot of traveling...Love the way the element drives and looks. Handles the curves of hwy 299 excellently at decent speeds !!!! Didn't feel too top heavy. The element shifts up and down easily...Fifth gear did great going up i5's grapevine with the best of them and even on steep grades going down, hardly needed to use the brakes going down in third.

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