Used 2006 Honda Element Consumer Reviews

Got to love it!

I thought this was the most ugly car but all you have to do is drive it! My husband got one and we have taken it to NC from FL 3x so far and it has driven better then any van we have ever owned. There is so much room it is wonderful! Handles great. Husband uses it for work and can get so much stuff in it its amazing! I'm waiting for new 07 SC and I'm getting one too!

Very Cool!

This is the coolest car! It felt as though I had been driving it always from when I first got it. It takes a little time to get used to the passenger doors. Very quite, road noise wise. We compared the CR-V to this and this won in so many ways!

Honda Element

Element drives well and handles like a car, actually better in some respects. It has been fun owning a unique vehicle like this one. I do get lots of looks from everyone. People love the car. I think mostly because it is unique as far as everything else out there on the road.

I love my Box!

There is only 4 seatbelts. Gas mileage is pretty average. But, it is so configurable and easy to keep clean. It meets all my hauling needs and a bicycle rolls right in without any disassembly. My favorite feature is the tailgate...I wonder why more (or any) cars don't have tailgates? It is perfect for 1-2 people on any adventure.

best ever

i have owned suvs from every car maker and this by far is the best, it is small to park and yet large to pack, drives like a dream my dogs love it, everyone i show it to, are ready to go out and get one, sorry i didn't buy one sooner, would have not wasted to much time on other suv that made me feel claustrophobic, not this element.-

Great SUV

Great automobile. I have 16000 miles now and have had absolutely nothing to report that has happened mechanically. I did replace one of the front panels. I scratched it severly on a bush and thought I was in for costly repair because I thought I'd have to replace the entire front fender. To my great surprise all I needed to do was to order the panel that covers the fender. It just pops off and the new one pops one. The fender would have cost me some $2000 bucks where as the panel was some $40 dollars and change installed. What value.

drinks gas

I like the way this car/truck/suv handles . It is roomy and useful. I like the easy care of the interior. I have owned several Hondas never a complaint. I also own a 2006 Accord and am very happy with it. The Element posts 22 miles in the city and 24 hwy I get 17 city and 19 highway if I drive conservative. It drinks gas like a full size suv and the gas tank is small there is only 12 gals before the reserve. So hwy range is 250 miles not good for long trips outside of town that you might want this for. If you are looking for a suv for trips to the country look for something else.

Best all-around hauler ever built.

They never should have quit building these. The initial marketing was ill-conceived, but they are a cult following now. I have hauled lumber, picnic tables, potted plants, 3 bike nuts and bikes, dog, and best of all a tail-gate from which to watch sunsets. Good used ones are going for a lot of money on BAT. I wouldn't sell mine unless someone was offering me a Mustang GT--nah!!

Great daily runner

Best daily runner I have had since my first car in 1958. Quiet, strong, rattle-free, and stable at moderate speeds. Very good on long distance trips, only one my wife can actually get some sleep in on real long night drives. Getting 26mpg on a 5-speed in mixed 50-50 driving on a daily basis. Real easy to park.

This one's just right

We tried a cr-v, that was too small. We tried a highlander, that was too big. then we tried the Element and it was just right. The interior is perfect for our active lifestyle as well as the lifestyle of our 90 lb dog. The exterior is sleek and functional. The gas mileage is better than we had hoped for in an suv. Overall we are very pleased with the element.

Love it with two small exceptions

The Element is perfect for my lifestyle. I race bicycles and camp quite a bit. Throwing the bike in the back without taking it apart is great, sleeping in the Element at the race site or anywhere is a nice option. Lots of room to change clothes, eat lunch or whatever else. You won't believe how much stuff you can fit in the back (I recently moved). Super easy to clean. Drives just fine yet you certainly know when there is a cross wind but that makes it a little more interesting to drive. Gas mileage is right on target. A few suggestions, see below but really the Element is a great vehicle.

the element

the element has been my favorite car since 2003 i like the box i thinks it needs gps heated seat and 4 separate doors

Good family car with young children

The Element is a good car for the money. The floorboard is rubber, not carpet which keeps spill stains away. It is easy to clean and looks ok with running boards. The rear seats are raised so you can actually see where you are going from the back seat. It is easier to see when changing lanes compared to other SUV's I have driven. Gas mileage is better than most SUV's, but still not great for a Honda.

Dream Car!!!

When I first saw the vehicle, I thought my wife was nuts for wanting it. It looked to me like an armoured car. It took about 1 mile driving for me to fall in love with it. It handles and runs exquisitely. Extremely fun to drive, and the extras (ours is loaded) are great. Its the tightest feeling build I have ever experienced. Turns on a dime. Great on the highway and in The Pine Barrens or at the Jersey shore. Room, room, room! And LOTS of window area, which I like. I expect that, very soon, there will be a LONG waiting list for these vehicles. Makes driving FUN again!

Love the Element

This was my first new car. What convinced me to buy this car was the interior. I love the fact that the floors are a rubber material that can be wiped up. The seats are stain resistant and the interior is supposed to be scratch resistant. I went for the top model that has real time 4 wheel drive. The car drives very smoothly and it can make really tight turns. Everyone who has seen it is shocked at the amount of room inside the car. There is plenty of let room and head room for even the tall people. There is ample trunk space, and the 90 degree opening of all door makes loading anything easier. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who has kid or who transports a lot of stuff

ELEMENT.

I'm In My Element

This car is great for everything its made for. It could use some upgrades like daytime running lights. 4 wheeling isn't really an option because of how low it is to the ground and if you look under it, the fuel tank is the lowest point. Gas mileage is not so great at all I have only averaged 20 miles per gallon in the city. It does have great power though and good acceleration.

Honda Element

Love this suv except on windy days it really rocks in the wind. Love the location of the gear shift - very ergonomic

I love the element

I normally hate SUV's but the element is unlike an SUV because of its light weight and very good Gas mileage. Also the options that Honda put into the element show it was the result of cunsumer marketing response, Honda listened to what buyers want in a specific vehicle.

I Am Impressed

I own a 2003 Element FWD manual and have recently purchased a 2006 AWD 5 speed manual. I love them both. I gave the 2003 to my husband as he fell in love with the darned thing too for hunting and taking the dogs. With the high gas prices, I wish the mileage were a bit better. I am getting between 26-28 mpg. I was used to 40 mpg on my manual Civic. Nevertheless, it is by far, the best vehicle I have ever owned. 2003 Element shows rust already. Actually did within months of purchase.

different

Great car to drive with plenty of peppiness. Car seem it can last forever this will be the perfect 4 person family.

Great for the Price

This car is great. Once you get used to the large space and the height (I used to drive a hatchback) it feels like you have a lot of power. You have a great all-around view and lots of space. For 20K it is a great value and since it has a Japanese made transmission, you know that part is at least reliable.

I Really Love This Car!!!!!!!!!!!

I own a Lexus RX and Infiniti G20 but this vehicle is more fun and practical to drive than either of the them. My wife hated for me to buy the Element. She felt that this car was ugly and she did not want to be seen in it. I bought the car in November 2005. Now, she really loves that Ugly Duckling!! She prefers to drive it more than her Lexus. She loves the 270 watt stereo system. She cannot get enough of the XM Satellite Radio. She doesn't even mind being seen driving or riding in the car. Needless to say, I loved the car the first time I saw it. I am really proud to own this car. I am looking forward to years of fun and economical trouble- free driving experiences.

Honda Element

From the beginning I was attracted to the Element. The functionality of this vehicle is amazing. I have transported two bikes along with camping equipment. I have slept in the Element and have been very comfortable. Driving extended periods are a dream. I have logged 8 hours of continuous driving and have had no fatigue or stiffness.

THE FUNNEST HONDA TO DRIVE

This is a great car truck van suv all in one. Just like the cell phone with it all in one. We love this element so much we would love to get another in a different color.

Switched to Honda

I just bought a new 2006 Honda Element EX-P after driving Ford trucks for years and like this vehicle very much. I mountain bike and hike for hobbies so it has been excellent for that. I like the XM satellite radio and the surprisingly roomy interior. The only slight drawback on it is the gas mileage in my opinion.

Great Vehicle

This is a great SUV. I love driving it. My kids like it too. I have owned a CRV, but the element is my favorite. I also love the satellite radio. Great vehicle, no complaints!!

Great small SUV

Great small SUV! The Element is fun to drive, feels sturdy, has a fairly smooth ride (no rattles) with little road noise. This SUV covers all of your basic needs and more, so far has been reliable, and is well worth the inexpensive price!

Tom's opinion

Car is new. Drove it on a vacation trip of over 3000 miles without any problems and enjoyed the experience. Fuel consumption was better than manufacture's estimates. This is the first small care that I have ever owned and the only thing that I have a problem with is the steering wheel hides the gauges.

Great car

Have had this car for 3 yrs/60 k miles. Great car. Super cheap to own, amazingly reliable. Standard maintenance is really inexpensive, and only every 10k miles. This is not a luxury car. There is no wood trim/leather seats, etc. What you see is what you get. But it's plenty peppy, drives very smooth, and fits in compact car parking spots. Excellent turning radius. Blind spots do take some getting used to though - my only complaint. Excellent in the snow. Excellent build quality. Excellent cargo capacity. Seats are easy to flip up or take out. Even comfortable to sleep in, which I have done many times at trail heads before climbs!

my element

I am very pleased with my Element. I have two grandchildren and the room in the backseat is great. No more feet pushing on the back of the front seats. Also the system for the safety chairs is fantastic, so much easier then my old car. I also enjoy all the people that come up and ask my how I like my Element. It may look like something a young person would buy, but it sure serves this grandma just fine. Only one thing seems a little off and that is the mileage I am getting. I get 16 MPH in the city and 21 MPH on the highway. Although this is much better mileage that I was getting with my old SUV, which was not a Honda. My son has a Civic but loves to drive my car for fun.

Black Box

Have had Element for several months - used primarily for vacation in South Carolina from New Jersey. Since I'm doing a renovation in SC, I need to haul a lot of stuff. Fits my needs perfectly. Last time, instead of stuff, we took our 3 75 lb. dogs, and it worked out great. Plenty of room for them and our gear. Being able to remove rear seats is a big plus. Wish it had more guts, and gas mileage is so-so, but I knew that going in. For the price I don't think you can beat it.

Element

Car is so versatile we use it for everything. Floor and durable plastic make it ideal for home projects and pets (dogs especially).

Outstanding automobile!

Excellent crash test ratings, great gas mileage for an SUV, unique styling, reliability, and personality plus ... what else do you need in a car? Take a test drive and you'll be hooked!

Get One!

When I bought this car I figured I'd only need the storage space every so often; but now that I have it I am hauling stuff all the time with ease. I fit a large dining set with 6 chairs in this little guy. The interior is so well thought out. For a compact you have an amazing amount of space. Only thing I could gripe about is the gas milage. I'm only getting 16 to 18 mpg. That being said, I am hauling stuff all the time so it isn't too bad. Fun to drive and everyone who checks it out just loves it. It's a little sluggish compared to past cars I've owned but I'd say it has enough get up and go for just about everyone.

Great car just wish it had better seats

We had an 03 model and it was great, but I question the quality of the 06 I just purchased in May. We are currently experiencing problems with the drivers seat. The Seat back has been replaced and now the seat bottom and height adjuster makes all kinds of noise while you drive. The dealership said there is nothing wrong with it and that I had a lot of warranty on the vehicle.

4- MY DOGS

the best vehicle for the dog hauler. Great to clean and does not retain the pee pee smell if accidents happen

Great Choice. Great Value

I decided to test drive the Element on the advice of an Element owner I met at the local Mini Cooper dealership. I liked the look of the Element. I remember reading a review that the Element was a combination of a "Mini Cooper and a Hummer". I can't say they're wrong. From the moment I sat down for my test drive, the Element just felt right. The car has been wonderful. I enjoy driving again and my friends say that I'm always smiling when they see me driving around town. For the price, the Element comes with quite a bit in terms of built-in features and provides a good amount of value. Make you sure want the EX *or* the EX-P look. I like the uniform color over black fenders.

The Honda Elelment

I t drives great I like the new style with all paint and not black plastic around it. The color is great and boy what room for a small SUV.

A Very Nice Ride

My first new car ever, and a real joy for me. Roomy, comfortable, plenty of space to knock around in. I looked at a lot of other cars in the class and the Element out ranks the others to me. I am getting 25 mpg in the city, which surprised me. A real joy to drive, very nice ride height and view of the road. I have only got 2200 miles on it so far, but it suits me. More backseat leg room and no "scrunched" seating, and the rear seats recline, so passengers may snooze if they choose. It is a loaded Tangerine, bought before I saw any ads. It just seemed right, it fits.

Great Utility Vehicle

This is my family's second Element and we have loved both. Safety and performance are both very good. Very low maintenance. The 2wd seems a little bit peppier than the 4wd that we had previously. The stereo as well as the interior design are both very nice. Ways to improve this vehicle would include; a little bit more power and slightly better fuel economy. Otherwise it is a fantastic vehicle!

Wonderful Element ... a joy to own and drive

The Element has been a true joy to drive, to and from work every day plus a 3600 mile trip when I had had the car only a month and a half! My 80 year old mother said that it is one of the most comfortable vehicles which she has travelled in on a vacation. I am very satisfied; I feal that the value received is well worth the price.

Yippie

owned a jeep and rav-4 in the past niether compare in overall driving excitement. good gas mileage, tight turning radius, small in length and fun to drive, me being a tall guy and still have plenty of room to relax both up front and in the back with room to spare. A+

A work of art

I liked my 2003 Element so much, that my husband wanted it. He got it. Then I got a 2006 lx in Red. I love everything about it except for the stereo system that came with it. It is not nearly as nice as the system I had installed in the 2003. Other than that, I am hooked on the Element. A great surprise for both vehicles is that I get between 28-30 mpg which is a bit higher than what is suggested.

Bulletproof

There's not a better value on the market folks. My 6-3 teenage son fits comfortably in the back seat and there's lots of room for his euphonium on the storage area. For the same money we considered a Pontiac Vibe which is a good car but claustrophobic when compared to an Element. I'm 6-0 and the seating position for me is ideal, I could drive it ALL day. Oil change is a snap(I change my own) with no need for a jack. With the black panels it really stands out from the crowd after I wash is and treat them with Armor All. Something I've noticed, you never see an Element on a used car lot.

My 06 Element 2wd 5spd

I really enjoy driving this vehicle and taking it on trips. Interior room is very accomodating for family. I am 6'4" tall and can easliy fit in front or back seats with plenty of room to move.

Love It

This is one great suv. I had a 02 Toyota Tacoma 4dr 4x4 and thought that i was getting a slow no room vehicle. Think again! The Element has it all. The gas savings is a plus. Awd is great. I would never had thought the Element provides all that i need. My kids love it.

No Longer Boxed-In

Recently purchased '06 EX-P AWD, AT. Put on 400+ miles the first weekend, including a day of hiking, venturing on dirt roads & a night of sleeping. Sleeping on seats is comfortable on back or side. I suppose sleeping on the cargo area with therma-mats would also work. Floor is great, mud can be wiped out with a sponge. Traded in an '05 Mazda 3 hatchback for more room & more abilty to get outdoors and easiness to clean. Love the body colored side panels, too bad they came one year later! Lots of available options for the outdoors. Lots of head & leg room, can't believe it's considered a "compact" SUV. Built for outdoor use or as a daily driver.

Love it!

This is a great car for capacity, style and economy. The interior is waterproof so hauling my wet dogs around after going to beach and river outings makes this a perfect car for anyone outdoorsy.

Love my Kiwi Green Toaster

Wow! Had for approx two weeks now and have had a fairly long road trip 4 hrs. Love the comfort, style most and not to mention the stereo, it rocks! I traded in my '06 Honda Civic. It was a nice car, but the seats were very uncomfortable and couldn't house the pup so it had to go. It's fun and I enjoy it.