Used 2006 Honda Element Consumer Reviews
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Not for everyone, but a great car
I have had my Element for 5 years now and am still waiting for the first sign of a problem. (OK, there was an airbag light that came on for no apparent reason, but a brief visit to the dealer fixed that.) It just keeps on running despite my best efforts to wear it out. The all wheel drive works great, and while it is not a performance car by any means, it has more than enough giddy-up. The absence of carpets, along with the water resistant upholstery, makes it an ideal choice for camping, swimming, etc. -- even with dogs. I am 40 years old, but I don't think I will ever outgrow the Element. I look forward to keeping this car for 5 more years and then getting a new Element.
Great Ski Car
I purchased an '06 knowing that changes were going to made in the '07. I did not care for the new belt system and the front grill. Also, this was the 1st generation Element and I believe that all the issues are worked out with the last year of a generation change. (Front windshield, A/C, AWD, etc.) I have been correct. This car (SUV) is rock solid.
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,94516 mi away
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,995101 mi away
- EX-P 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,499152 mi away
Love the toaster,!
Fun, easy to drive and so versatile with the large cargo area, it's like having the storage space of a minivan but the compact exterior for smaller spaces. The only tricky part for me is getting in and out of the back seat (having bad knees) is a bit awkward. A backseat heating/cooling vent would also be nice for ventilation, but I've travelled back and forth across the country several times and it has been a great ride every time. The all wheel drive makes snow and ice travel possible, where I've had other vehicles unable to do the job in bad weather. Honda Element owners seem friendly and happy - many Element drivers wave to me as if to say, "isn't this a great car to drive!" I've also found it humorous when I come out to the parking lot where I've parked far away from cars, only to find two to three other Elements parked around mine.
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It became a legend
In 2003, I hated them. They were square, somehow shy looking, and yet moved with unearned confidence. Then, in 2009, when a friend told me he was looking for one, I gave it a second glance. I test-drove one. Seven hours later, it was in my name. I bought my 2006 Element EX with 30,000 miles on it. Six years later, when the odometer read about 77,000 miles, I found it hit by a driver and totaled. Very sad. This Element is the perfect companion. It's resilient, adaptable, and always two steps ahead. It finished my...sentences. As long as I fed it oil and kept it up, it was dependable. In 2015, I'm looking to buy my second Element. I love this car, even if it's a bit nerdy and too forgiving.
Great Car
I bought this car pre-owned with 36k. Currently we have 70+K and have had no problems. I've read some of the entries with lower ratings and I have not had any of the issues that others have had. One person even mentioned that this car is not for those in northern climates. I could not disagree more. I live in an area that receives 119 inches of snow/year. My Element has been flawless and I tend to be hard on my vehicles. I would recommend this car to anyone.
Rate it? Rave about it!!!
I bought the Element for a particular reason... fishing. I haul 2 other guys and three float tubes full of air that are wet and dirty between farm ponds here in Nebraska. No carpet to worry about, one or both back seats fold up and out of the way. Then I found out I can haul loads of furniture, antiques, trash barrels, tree branches, just like a small pickup with nothing blowing out. And it wipes out with a damp towel. Mileage? I continually beat the highway estimated 25mpg, getting 26 going 23 miles of country road to work each day. Did I mention the sound system? Awsome! Looking for a utilitarian AWD SUV that gets good mileage? Element!!! I am a happy owner!
Saved my life
My brother had a 2003 Element and was rolled off the thruway--he walked away. Yesterday I was hit just about head on, on the right headlight, by a pickup going over 60 MPH. The car rolled, the airbags deployed and aside from a broken rib and a few contusions, I literally walked away. Kudos to safety features and thanks to you Honda! The high ceilings I believe are a factor in safety and comfort.
Best car ever
I have owned 2 Elements and I have loved them both. Best cars ever. Great gas mileage and roomy! Can clean out easy so if you have 1-2 kids this car is perfect. Very roomy in the backseat for your passengers. This car goes anywhere! Snow, Ice, Grass, Water... You name it, it goes!
Love my Element!
I have been searching for a car that would be fun to drive, functional, and kid friendly-the Element is it! My eight year-old loves the back seat, and there is plenty of room for our two dogs, too. I can go grocery shopping and everything will fit in the back. The car also handles well on the road, and makes turns easily.
Loving My Element Toaster
this car has been so great to me and my son ( who rides in his car seat safely ) who, too loves cruising around in our Honda Element. great MPG, reliability, and handles well ileven in wet or stormy weather.
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Incredibly roomy, practical SUV
This is a great little SUV that was the most reliable car I've ever owned. It's incredibly roomy and very practical for everything. The performance is adequate. It won't impress you with its acceleration but it never feels underpowered. Handling is good but there is a lot of lean. The suicide doors are interesting, but the door mounted front seat belts are a problem when you need to drop off rear seat passengers.
cult hero
pros- timing chain, AWD, reliability. Cons- clunky, noisy ride, only 19MPG with a 4cylinder. If i were 30 years younger, this would be a great find, what with the option to essentially camp out in it, and the versatility of the interior. But alas, I prefer something a little more comfy to ride in.
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The swiss army knife car!
I just sold my daily driver, 2006 Element, which I've been driving almost every day for the past 9 years. Bought it with 34,000 miles for $16,000 in 2009, and just sold it for $5000 with 154,000 miles. I used this car for everything, road trips with friends, camping, hauling lumber for the hardware store, moving, you name it! The back seats are the most spacious of any car you'll find.The engine isnt anything fancy, but it gets the job done and never gave me a single issue. On average I got 26pmg, and the tank is about 12 gallons, so i was never really hurting at the gas station. I'm sad they quit making these because I'd love to see how they look today. Besides regular maintenance there were several things I had to fix over the years, the biggest expense was a new alternator early on I had to hire a mechanic for that and it was about $400. Everything else that came up I was able to fix myself, both the drivers and passengers windows failed at some point and I had to replace the motor and cable. Bothell the engine fan and ac fan went out which I replaced. Last major repair was replacing the starter which was a beast to do myself, the engine is basically trapped around it, I'd hate to see what the mechanic bill would be for that. But that's it, that's all I ever did besides, oil, breaks and tires. My only complaint is the original windshield was defective and chipped and cracked easily, I just lived with it, but it's a good idea to replace. I do have a couple pet peeves. 1. The pockets on the doors are useless unless you are putting papers in there, but if you throw a pen or something small is going to fly out because of the slots cut into the pockets. 2. The clam shell doors and a blessing and a curse, it's awesome to have all that space when loading things in, but super awkward if you are parked next to a car and your friend needs to get out of the back seat. You learn to park wherever you can have an open space on the side that your back seat passengers are getting out of. 3. For how big the interior space was, I wish I could have fit 3 people in the back, but there are only 2 passenger seats. I didnt realize until I sold it, how much of a friend this car had been. So long Element, you will not be forgotten!
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Toaster can GO!
This is my first car and we had it about 3 years prior to it becoming mine, and this is one of the most reliable cars you can get. A couple of years ago we were on a long trip when we were almost out of gas and this car kept going way past empty until we reached a gas station. The only problem is the exterior. I mean, come on, it's a toaster.
Elephant Moves Anything
Friends always want to bowwor the "elephant" when they move stuff - My wife has an 03 Element with 103000 - never been down for maintenance except routine stuff; Daughter has one, Niece has one and mine is an 06 - pretty much perfect - Honda could -for about 100 bucks more make this the perfect vehicle 1 - a little more sound deadening 2 - slightly more aerodynamic would get 1-2 more mpg 3 - slightly larger fuel tank 4 - one more intermittent position on the wipers. 5 - put a gizmo in that would allow for pax - p.s. Honda,this seems like the perfect platform for an all electric or hybrid - what gives??
My best car....ever!
This is the best car I have ever owned! It's fun to drive, it has great space and it's a Honda. If you want creature comforts, this car is not for you, but if you love something that's practical and reliable...this car is for you. Great sound system. The most roomy car I have ever been in. More roomy than the Hummer H2 and H3. Very easy to park anywhere.
Cargo Load
After reading owners guide, I was disappointed to read that the cargo load is 675 pounds. So, IMOP, Honda is advertising the cavernous interior as if it can haul lots of stuff, that is doing customers an injustice. If you have the car full...4 people at 150 pounds each, you can only carry another 75 pounds of gear, what's that; two full suitcases? The class I hitch is a joke!
Best Car I Ever Owned
It's simple, uncluttered by consumer features like LED entertainment displays, sturdy, steady as a rock on the road; the handling is excellent. Although it was orphaned by Honda there's a strong support network and no shortage of parts and accessories. It's comfortable but not a luxury SUV. The appearance is deceiving. It looks compact from outside but huge and roomy inside. You can't dance inside a Kia but no problem with the Element. The technology shows its age--Bluetooth would be welcome especially to its great sound system. Pandora makes up for a lot of this. It could use a more functional center console although the spare design allows travel between passenger and driver's seat. A few complaints about engine power but the transmission makes up for this. Honda made a mistake marketing to the kids. The value is seen in how dedicated its owners are, but they aren't toting surfboards.
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Great, fun, small SUV
Great use of the interior space. Easily holds four adults in a remarkable use of space. We normally carry two adults, two children and a large dog (Siberian Husky). Everyone loves the car. The kids especially like that they can see forward (because stadium seats). We orginally bought it because we need to regularly go from no-snow states to high-snow states (Canada also) - works great for this purpose. The only option that we bought were the heavy rubber floor mats; we bought them so the dog would not slide around. If you buy it, the manual is a lot more fun to drive than the auto. We often drive at 85+ mph on interstates with no fear other than speeding tickets :) More used than our BMW.
THE Best Care to have with Children
This is by far the best vehicle to own if you have kids! My 2 kids love this car as do I. It is very fun to drive, very peppy, and very reliable. The Element is very easy to keep clean which is important when you have 2 kids under 7 years of age. Everything wipes down and sweeps out--no worries about spilt drinks or candy. The dog loves riding in this one, too! Plenty of room for everyone with room left over for the extras.
Element lover
I bought it against all my friends advice based on it's looks. Now, 2 of the most vocal friends are going to buy one. I live in Minnesota and the Element AWD tracks on slippery roads beautifully! I have had 4WD cars and trucks for a long time and this one beats them all. I have a white German Shepherd Dog, who sheds on everything, and cleaning the Element is so easy with no hair getting permanently stuck on any fabics, and of course, flooring. I climbs sandy hills, muddy slopes, and is really fun to drive on dry pavement. I am so happy I bought it. I get more impressed with it all the time.
Japanese Land Rover
Having owned Honda Civics, Accords and a 99 CR-V (still going strong), I did not hesitate to buy another Honda. My experience with the dealership and all models has been excellent. Only two complaints with interior: no dead pedal for left foot and the seats do not breathe when wearing shorts -- sweaty legs. To quote an old R&R song: "She may not be pretty but she sure can cook." It can go anywhere and haul just about anything.
The doors are the deal breaker!
I love Hondas. This is our third. After a very positive experience with our second Honda (2004 CR-V) I thought this would fit my needs for fuel economy and versatility. While it is very versatile, has a great interior volume feel, and very solid reliability, I would not buy one of these if you routinely haul more than two people. The clamshell doors are a nightmare, especially with kids and especially in parking lots or your own garage.When parked on an incline, the front door won't stay open to allow the rear clamshell doors to open. The rear door has to close first, posing a strange sequence for getting in/out. Along with this, the lack of rear seat up/down windows is a drag.
Expectations Fulfilled
After 3 years and over 70,000 miles I remain delighted. It has met all of my expectations and more. Other than a windshield replacement due to its vertical orientation and replacement of the original tires at 70,000 miles, I have only changed the oil/filter and had the major service done. Consistently get 24-25 MPG; find it to be comfortable but a somewhat bumpy ride on longer trips; and love the functionality for hauling gear and bulky items. Great value for the price and low cost of operation.
glad its gone
This was our first Honda and our last. Day one the steering went we had to wait for a new rack-pinion to be installed. A steel rod came through the drivers seat, both front seats had to be recovered. Bad tires, gas mileage, tail gate hinges, visibility, if you park next to another car its real fun to get the rear passengers out. Suicide doors need to go, also need to make this a 5 passenger vehicle, as their is plenty of room.
Love my TRP
Have owned my MT AWD Tango Red Pearl EX-P for one year. Have been camping, moving daughter to and from college, (5-6 hour trip loaded). Lots of local driving on interstate and side roads. Researched it for a while, knew what I wanted and it has been everything I had hoped for. Have 66,000+ on her, had about 48,000 or so when purchased. Oil changes with synthetics, average 24.6 overall driving. I have the better stereo package with subwoofer, have factory 8-disk CD changer, Yakima roof rack, hitch, etc.. my E gets used. These are great vehicles. Wish that Honda would include them more in their advertising campaigns.
In My Element
This vehicle is every reson to own a Honda. It is a solid well built car. It is compact on the outside. Huge well designed hauling space on the inside. Seats are wide and comfortable. The engine is a bit under powered. Fuel economey is a true 23 mpg
A lot of Value for the Money
This is my first Honda. The build quality is exellent. The rear doors are a little quirky, hard to use when parked next to another car. The value for the money goes on and on. Four- wheel disc brakes w/ABS, four air bags, bump'in stereo system, power mirrors, windows, locks. This element has more than enough power for highway speeds. Very tight turning circle.
Buyer beware
I had owned Hondas before and had no problems with them. The element I bought seemed like a perfect choice for reliable and functional little SUV. It has been to the dealership six times for the same sputtering under acceleration. The Honda of America rep assured he he would fix it or buy it back. Since then it has sat at the dealership for nearly a month waiting on answers. I have been patient yet they question my urgency in resolving the issue. Imagine car payments on a car you can not use. That is my element. Honda needs to stand behind the product when there is a problem. We all make mistakes. But you lose face hiding behind voice mails.
The Most Overlooked SUV
I went from a 4 dr Toyota Tacoma 4x4 to the Element. Gas and space was the factor. The Element hit both of those areas as well reliable. I now have 2600 miles on my Kiwi Green Element. I love everything about it. The drive is smooth than my old truck. I don't have to shift into 4wd. The fuel savings is big compared to the truck. Inside the vehicle tons of room and storage pockets. The kids love the room and sunroof.
Typical Honda!
I got this car for my birthday in October, and I am loving it! I have wanted one since they came out, and I am happy for going with my intuition. I love Honda's in general. My aunt has a 1990 Honda Accord with over 300,000 miles on it, and it is still going strong, and drives like new. I did have to get used to the blind spots, but what car do you not have to get used to them in. I mean all cars have blind spots in different places... I have the stick, and I have not regretted it one bit. Some people don't like the suicide doors, but I love them. They just take a little getting used to, but we used to have a Saturn with one, so it is no biggie to me...
My Element, my dear
The fact that it has all the headspace and room is suprising because from the outside it looks quite small. I went from an Isuzu rodeo to this but the handling and gas mileage is already noticable. I have only had this about 2 weeks. But I am very pleased.
One great automobile!
This is the first Honda I've owned and I love it. I love the EX-P model because it has the painted body clad molding that matches the SUV. It's fun to drive and has a lot of room in it. I have more room in the front of it than my wife has in her Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The gas mileage so far hasn't been as good as I expected but it only had 3 miles on it when I purchased it. I hope the more I drive it, the better the mileage will be. All together I love this SUV!! I would recommend it to anyone.
I Luv My Element!
I have an hour drive to work on a ridiculous highway. So, my husband and I decided to trade in my 2004 Honda Civic for a bigger and safer car. We chose the 2006 Honda Element in tangerine metallic (bright orange). It was by far the best car purchase we've ever made! Not only is it SO MUCH FUN to drive, but it's SUPER roomy, sooooo easy to clean, it has a ton of compartments, and the sound system is great! We're shopping for a car for my husband now and we can't find anything that comes close to the Element for value and price.
Buy one, they're fun!
I LOVE my Element. Not only is it fun to drive, but there is not a time I go out when someone doesnt go nuts over it! We even got the tent. COOL! It has been the funnest vehicle Ive ever had and Im 45!
Great car
It's a bit ugly, but a lot of fun. Exterior design is bad, but great inside. Low MPG because it's tall, but it's a quality car. The way the doors open sometimes bothers me, especially when getting other passengers in a tight parking space. Great engine, floor surface and seats. Far from perfect, but worth the experience of owning one.
2006 Element EX-P
After shopping around for a reliable SUV I set my sights on the new Element EX-P Model. I liked the vehicle before, but the composite sides kept me away. The new model not only looks fantastic but drives fantastic. As far as gas mileage it gets the listed 26 hwy and 22 city with the automatic. Handles great and cuts through the air at high speeds on the highway. I haven't noticed too much swaying from the wind. Seems like they should offer a more powerful engine in the EX models, perhaps a modified V6 Accord engine.
Fun car to drive
I find the Element very reliable. The best car I have ever driven in snow. The only thing I find that I don't like is that the front seat become very uncomfortable on a long trip (anything over 50 miles). I would like to find out what the max. towing cap. is. I was told by a salesman (Salem, NH Honda) that the tongue weight can be no more than 1500 lbs. but I could tow over 2500 lbs. Is this true?
LOVE IT
I do a lot of mountain driving. For a 4 banger this vehicle has a lot of pep. i removed the back seats to accommodate the load I usually carry. Tons of room! I love the smooth engine. The only con I can think of is that it pulls to the right because of torque on the front drive wheels. the right drives more than the left.
Honda Price, not Honda Quality
Although this cars handles very well in winter weather, the brake pads, rotors, and calipers don't hold up. Do not buy this car if you live in the northern US or Canada. All components of the brakes have rusted out, warped, seized, within 32k. That's not Honda quality. In addition, the dealership labels all of these design flaws as 'normal.' If you have the extra money, but a Toyota. If you don't, buy something else.
Great Car
I love driving this car. I bought it brand spanking new in November of 2005 with 63 miles on it. The stock stereo is awesome for stock. You could pack a smart car in the back if you needed to. TONS OF SPACE. Great gas mileage. Awesome in the snow. The only complaints i have are the road noise, and i really wish they put a V6 in it. The 2.4 L 4cyl is lacking. It would be nice to have usb connection for my iPod instead of the aux. You can definitely tell a difference when the a/c is on. The headlights broadcast perfectly and the car would benefit from HID lights. Other than that, the car is great.
2006 honda Element 5 speed 4wd
I really loved my 2006 Element until gas prices started to go up and the 2007 models came out with the seat belt attached to the seat instead of the back door. How ever I love the honeycomb grill on mine compared to the newer models and the ease of cleaning the interior.
What took me so long?
It took me two years to finally decide to buy the element, and have not been sorry since. Have two dogs that spend all their time with me, in office, out seeing customers and so we spend at least half the day in and out of the car, we love it. It turns on a dime and if you know how to use the transmission I have left 8 cylinder cars eating my dust when climbing hills. It's been in the snow at 11000 feet in Utah and didn't even need snow tires. Gas mileage improved once I took off the good years and put on tiger paws and keep inflated at 42lbs which the tire specifies. Have been off roading with it too, although a little low there are ways to work around that. Next trip New Mexico the whole state.
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
SUV for me
I wanted to make the jump from sedan to SUV. Toyed with the Scion XB but found the ride too stiff. And despite the great gas milage, the XB has a horrible EPA rating. (2/10) Enter the elemnent. With and improved EPA rating of 6/10, it has awsome room and utility. I get lots of complements. I can't seem to get the gas milage that most people are reporting. (only about 20 mpg) Sound system is great and I can spend the weekend at a muddy soccer field with the kids and not worry about destroying the interior. My husband, who originally didn't much care for the car, found he really liked it once he got in it and drove it around and saw all the cool features.
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.
Value, Functionality, Fun
The Element is the perfect combo of function, value, and fun. Roomy inside, functional design, fun to drive, 4WD with 25mpg hwy! Perfect for commuting, or roadtrips. Peppy in town, handles the open road, dirt, mountain roads, or snow with style. It looks cool and stands out. Imagine a Jeep crossed with a Mini Cooper. Function with style. I have camped in it. Love the cool folding/removable seats. Carries all my camping and climbing gear. Easy to clean when you get back. You could spend more but you will be hard pressed to get more. Also has a great fan/owners club.
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!
Great appliance
My Element is the definition of the car-as-appliance. It's an unbelievably functional car that has been the perfect toddler and dog transportation for our family. Not as awkward as an SUV, rides like a top-heavy Civic, more interior space per passenger than anything other than a bus, decent MPG (around 23), room to carry bigger cargo, the interior is plastic, but it's solid and takes a beating. With the AWD it's also great in the snow. Think of it as a downsized van with some nice creature comforts thrown in. Yes, it's a little underpowered, and yes it can blow around on windy days. The lack of a fifth seat is an inconvenience, but it does everything else so well, I forgive Honda.
Ulility & Function in Form
This SUV is I feel the only correctly named machine in the SUV market. Like the Range rovers of the past these are purpose built no frills and reliable.