Used 2008 Honda Element Consumer Reviews
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The Perfect All Around Car for Me!
Lizzie, 06/23/2009
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am a manufacturers rep and drive many miles - I've logged 67K miles in 15 months. My Element is reliable, roomy, has plenty of power on the highway, tons of room for me to carry my samples; headroom to accommodate the tallest of passengers - legroom to spare; this cute little SUV has it all...plus, the lack of carpet makes it so easy to keep clean - after a visit to the beach sweeping out the sand is a breeze. The best part, for me, is that it's ultra easy for my two 80 lb Labradors to jump in and out of - The rear seats come out and give them a huge area. Also, the seats are washable - this is a plus when you have dogs with muddy feet or when you spill your coffee... the Element has it all!
Element #2
ghostrider78, 07/01/2009
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This replaces my 04 Element LX and it is leaps and bounds better! The AWD was great in a hard great lakes winter even with the OEM tires. The colored body panels are a definite looks upgrade. The stereo in the EX sounds great and the steering wheel audio controls are something I wouldn't go without again. Fuel mileage is so-so and wind noise can be excessive on the highway. Overall, I love this car for the functionality and great winter handling.
2008 Honda Element for sale near you
Showing 3 of 86 listings
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,4901 mi away
- SC 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,75029 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,999270 mi away
See all 86 listings
Love my E
wowaddict, 01/27/2008
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my E. It's everything I expected. If you're used to a luxury car this is not for you. This is a no frills car. But lots of fun to drive. It's a peppy little suv with tons of storage. I love the interior and the whole look of the car. The XM radio and iPod hook up are great. The seats can basically turned in to a huge bed. The gas mileage is ok not great but not bad. It's not a car so it's not fair to expect great gas mileage but for an SUV it's good.
Perfect for dog lovers!
MastiffMobile, 08/30/2009
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If we had purchased any other vehicle, we'd have ruined the interior by now! As an active, young military couple we are avid beach-goers, dog lovers, and spend lots of time traveling 13-15 hrs to see family when we get leave time. This vehicle is perfect for it all! We easily fit our two English mastiffs in the back with room to spare... The waterproof interior holds up great against all the sand, ocean water, and drool! It's comfortable to ride in for all of our long trips, and it's been great for driving to and from dog shows! We've actually had the discussion about "what will happen if Honda stops making the Element by the time we want another one," and we don't know what we'll do!
Second Element, Second Car bought new
pepsicolacat, 11/16/2009
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I own a 2005 element ex awd which has a four speed automatic. The 2008 ex awd has five speed automatic which gets better gas mileage than a five speed manual. I average 20-21 on the 05 if I drive 80 to 85mph on the freeway. I averaged 24mph on a all freeway trip averaging 90mph driving from Columbus to Dayton.
Love this SC
cousinvinney, 02/24/2008
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have driven this car from Chicago to NY to North Carolina and just love it. It really is a good city car. I am 240 lbs and this is the most roomy little car on the market. The SC doesn't have as much road noise because it's carpeted rather than the rubber flooring. Mileage after 12000 miles is consistently between 18.5 and 19 city (under 7k miles15-16) always mid 20s on the road. The engine could be a little bigger - it runs at higher RPMs. The 4cyl is torquey and there is always power. Gets pushed about a little in high winds but nothing serious. Could till be a bit quieter inside. I am about to trade in a 2005 f-250 for another one - we will have a fleet i guess. Drive safe!
Always wanted one.
FXD06, 10/15/2007
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Always wanted one. Got one for it's safety and fun values. The engine does OK, does really well on the top end. Low end a little whiny. Like the interior, no blind spots. We have a car seat in the back that is a breeze to use with the room. Happy that I got one.
Excellent Dog Mover!
Robert Wong, 03/04/2008
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Upgrading from a 97 CRV. I chose this for our dogs. It has flat floors and rear seats that can be removed. Quality is top notch. Power is excellent. It has very good torque from a stand still, much better than what I had. Excellent daily driver. Love the black housing headlights and smoked rear taillights. Sound system kicks, 270 watts will make your internals thump. XM satelitte all the way! It is the only true versatility vehicle on the market. Easy to clean! Im very happy with the purchase. Only complaints would be missing dead pedal, seats need lumbar support, a lot of roll (needs bigger sway bars) & steering wheel comes close to my legs when entering in.
Three months so far
TheGreatOneFan, 03/27/2008
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have my Element for three months. If you are looking for luxury, don't buy this car. Very functional. MPG as advertised. If I were to purchase again, I would.
I love it "but"
dds4, 04/22/2008
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
When I saw my black SC in the show room I loved it. Unfortunately, I drove a regular EX and then bought the SC. The SC is very harsh riding on long trips, punishing actually. It is at the dealer now replacing a defective rear tailgate hinge. For around town it is great and fun to drive. If you travel on weekends, I would select something else if you like some level of comfort.
Little Suv that could
Terenia, 04/28/2008
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just bought my kiwi green Element( named Froggy).Had a CRV prior, as a lease.I wanted a manual transmission and the CRV no longer comes in manual so leased an Element instead.For the most part I really love this " toaster on wheels"..My sister, who lives in Cleveland has one and really likes it.I love its versatility and its fun to drive. If i had to change a few things it would be to have the sunroof up front and have more storage space... thats it.All in all I really love the car and would definitely lease or purchase one!
Element has a cult following for good reason!
ElementOnTheMark, 05/25/2024
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I’ve owned FIVE Elements to date. For everyday use as well as hauling, camping, carrying bikes, even motorcycles, kayaks (10’4” Costco ones fit entirely inside with hatch closed), taking the dogs out, picking up hay, beach going, etc they rule! A company (Ursaminor.com) still is backlogged putting pop-tops with upper bunk beds on these; two decades after introduction! Still prefer the 5 spd manual (had four), but with 2008 Honda changed so much that that year is the one to get. The side doors allow easy entry of huge items. The K-22 engine was voted in the top ten of all production engines. It’s bulletproof but oil needs to be looked after or the VTEC will limit revs to 2900 and a code P2446 pops up. The front ball joints and lower leading bushing as well as stabilizer bushings are places of concern as are the throw out bearings (had two let go when clutch’s were fine) which will explode and bend fork and groove output shaft. Noises give warnings; don’t delay! Change rear diff fluid if 4WD! Put over 350,000 miles on one. Great cars except in gas mileage: Low twenties doesn’t cut it. I’m over 6’2” and comfortably sleep in back and headroom is fantastic. With off road tires the 4WD is ample to get you off asphalt. Change oil, listen for suspension/clutch noises, and enjoy. Very beloved Honda car. Buy 2008 or later! Plastic and waterproof interior allows complete washout at drive in car wash. Plastic fender covers actually save you fender dings. Wish Honda would bring it back. UBER doesn’t accept some versions due to rear exit. Seatbelts moved to seats in 2008.
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- Performance
- Interior
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- Reliability
- Value
It's Elemental Watson.
3coolbeanz, 10/06/2021
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had a 04 Element, and this drives so much smoother as the five speed transmission helps that along. I always like the sound system but the addition of XM and having the free 90 day trial is nice. Consumer Reports always had this as the highest customer satisfaction and that is justified. This is a very useful small truck that can double as an RV. Honda, bring back this vehicle!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
a buckboard with short range
kirkd1, 02/14/2009
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
...and bad gas mileage. Admittedly moving from an '04 BMW X3 was a questionable decision. But at lease turn back they wanted $3k more for the 04 than we paid for the 08 Honda. We were looking for a smaller carbon footprint. The BMW spewed 20 pounds per 15k miles where the Honda 6 pounds. We were not expecting the poor gas mileage (it is a shoebox but still). The absolute biggest pain is the range, it has a small tank, you would think they could find room for a little bigger gas tank.
Needs more interior room!
hondagirl, 02/27/2009
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great to drive...very good gas mileage for an SUV!
Love It
Henry, 05/04/2009
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought the SC and have gotten lots of compliments about its looks. It's very versatile. It's a lot of fun to drive. It handles great for its shape. It has a great sound system and it's a killer tailgating machine. We purchased the legs for the built in table and it works great. We've put over 10,000 on it and loved every mile.
LOVE The Element!
mach1mustang6, 01/07/2008
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My girlfriend purchased a used orange 2006 Element EX-P with AWD and it had every option available on it. We both have fully enjoyed the Element. Originally looked at the new CR-V at the time but decided to go with the Element for its versitility and durable interior. Its fun to watch everyone look at you going down the road too especially with the orange paint job. Very easy to keep clean and HUGE room even for people over 6ft in the back seats. Love the interior design and simple climate control dials. Sweet sound system and it has a great spot for your iPod to hook up to the raido on the passenger side shelf above the glove box. The split liftgate/tailgate is a great feature too.
Best vehicle purchase
sportbiker29, 10/04/2009
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Element used with 21,000 miles on it and have since put 7,000 miles on it with only great news to report. My Element has given me a reliable and fun driving experience from day one. I've used the Element to go camping and haul all my equipment to evenings at the Drive-In theater. The AWD makes driving in the rain a breeze and I love, love, love the ride height of the Element. The water resistant seats and flooring have worked out nicely for my trips down to the beach with my 90lb dog. I enjoy my Element more and more every day and I can't wait for snow season to take the Element to the slopes for some snowboarding!!!
Love the Toaster!
run_jon_run, 05/29/2010
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my wife and I's first new car. Got it initially because we have 2 great Danes and they grew out of our '88 civic. Was drawn to the safety features and the 2.4 L 4 cyl, since it has a timing chain and not a belt. We use Honda's synthetic oil and put a k&n air filter in it and have gotten 29 mpg (doing 65 mph) before. Most trips we average 23-26 doing 75 though. The 4 cyl. is punchy and I most always have plenty of power.
This is a great SUV
Proud "E" Owner, 02/12/2008
2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Element really stands out from the rest. It is very comfortable, durable, and user friendly. Suits all of my needs. I have a child who is in a booster seat still and it's easy to get in and out because the doors open up so widely. I am in love with this car -- you won't regret purchasing one!
Great Car-INSIDE & OUTSIDE THE BOX !!
rondor, 11/25/2007
2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car. It is fun to drive and the gas mileage is way better than my Buick SUV. It feels bigger than it really is. The leg room in the rear is unreal. You have to really see and get inside this vehile to appreciate it. The composite black panels are easy to clean and cheap to replace. No dings or scratches.
Perfect For Dog Owners and For Commuting
Louise, 03/20/2008
2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I spent a year looking for a suv that got good gas mileage and would fit my 4 dogs in (Great Dane,2 Rat Terriers and Border Collie). I keep turning away from the Element due to its not so attractive appearance,but it was overall perfect for what I needed! It by far beats every SUV with gas mileage and space. With the dogs, no carpet to worry about, therefore no smelly car! The buying process was painful. We spent 6 hours at the dealership trying to get a good price. We walked out paying $19k with $290 a month payments. We did good. Great Car, wouldn't give it up for anything!
Best car for us.
Blaine, 03/31/2008
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best car for 2 adults and 2 adult size kids. We could configure the interior in many ways to hold what we need.
Fun Big Little Car
Ted, 04/14/2008
2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun and versatile - Mileage 25 trip, 20 around town - Plenty of room for my 6'4'', 285 lb frame :-) Looks like a toaster but is fun to drive.
Dogmobile
Sheels, 04/15/2008
2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my dogmobile, where it is OK to have sand all over the floors and yet is easy to clean out. Several things could be better: 1) the window visor is too small in the LX, it does not protect from the sun. They provide expanding visors in the EX, but not in the LX, weird! It is about a foot long, and should be at least 2 feet. 2) there is a blind spot on the left windscreen panel. 3) a large clunking sound when breaking or changing gears, Honda told me this is normal.
Fun To Drive and Extremely Comfortable
FMBGSU, 04/23/2008
2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is really fun to drive but I do recommend the manual transmission. I test drove both the automatic and manual and definitely found the manual to give more power and also make the car more enjoyable to drive. The car shifts very smoothly and accelerates pretty well. My passengers never have to fight over the front seat anymore as the back seats are just as comfortable with plenty of leg room. I was worried at first that the styling had just caught my attention and I would get sick of it after a week but a few months later I am still in love with my Element. In essence it is a utility vehicle but on the LX trim there are more than enough features to get the job done.
Great SUV
JC, 05/04/2008
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As far as the mileage - this vehicle is a great downsizer from larger SUVs. I guarantee it will hold more stuff than your larger SUVs out there- due to it's design. And still it's power only drains about 22 \ 24 avg mpg. Great vehicle- very happy with it.
My Tissuebox
AL, 05/17/2008
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am thrilled with my Blue Tissuebox. The reason I bought the SC was because it came with the armrest with storage. Currently dealers are giving cars away cheap and this was a great deal so I couldn't pass it up. I have no problem with the mileage. It gets exactly what the sticker said. I love the steering and I feel my SC is very comfortable.
In my Element
Naive Nel, 10/27/2022
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like this car. It’s roomy and feels safe. I did have a few problems though. I had the car less than a week an am having to have the radiator replaced. Also the molding is coming off the bottom of the door and the automatic unlock mechanism has to be replaced. In spite of that I do like the car but definitely not happy to have to deal with these problems with a car that was supposed to be checked out by the dealership. It did come with a warranty that is good for 30 days or 1000 miles. It’s too bad it does not cover the issues I am dealing with. In all fairness the Dealership did pay 500.00 towards the repair of the radiator which I appreciate but I still have to deal with the other issues. I guess such is the trouble with not buying a car in person but online . Nice not to have to deal with salesmen and pitches but still have to deal with these unseen issues.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Don't replace a BMW with an Element
kirkd1, 01/30/2009
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
I thought the ride was buckboard with the 04 X3 but this sc is STIFF. Goes around corners better than the minivan character of the regular models but rear seat passengers need kidney belts. This is "she who must be obeyed"s and she doesn't complain but has mentioned the stripped down features coming from her X3 (no automatic lights or turn down passenger parking mirror bugs her). Really we wanted a smaller footprint (carbon and fuel economy) but this is only getting 19 mpg on a good day and the X3 was 17-18mpg. 6 pounds of pollution per 15k miles for the Honda and 15 pounds for the X3. My biggest beef is the short range, especially for a brick with bad fuel economy.
Take a Test Drive
Alien, 10/16/2007
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Took a test drive and was sold on the Element. Feels solid in all driving situations and comfortable. After 800 miles getting just over 26 mph in combined driving. Interior is a cavern. All the controls are the usual Honda quality and thoughtful placement.With the driving dynamics it feels bigger than its actual size and so car like. At 6-00 290 I am actually comfortable sitting and driving this vehicle.