Skip to main content

Used 2009 Honda Element Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
96 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Element, so we've included reviews for other years of the Element since its last redesign.

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

My Toaster

Madge, 04/16/2018
2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

This is the best car I have ever owned. I call it my toaster because it looks like one. It's not super comfy on long trips but there is plenty of room for my 3 dogs. We take the back seats out and they have the entire back to stretch out. Great on gas. Ours has 200,00 miles on it and it's still running strong. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Nothing but impressive

Canadian Steve, 06/06/2009
2009 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Wow!! Had our heart set on the base Element but the dealership had an SC they were trying to unload and we picked it up for less then the basic Element. Mileage is rated at 8.1L/100km and we have been consistently UNDER that number. We are getting about 30 MPG highway. This vehicle is so versatile. I was worried about it measuring up because I traded in my Acura. The ride is very comfortable, the seats are VERY comfortable, it's easy to clean and really fun to drive. Turning radius is tiny, really easy to park. If the sideview mirrors are adjusted properly there are no blind spots. Haven't come across anything that I'm hauling that doesn't fit in it. Two thumbs up!! Excellent vehicle Honda!!

Report Abuse
2009 Honda Element for sale near you
Showing 3 of 5 listings
See all 5 listings

3 out of 5 stars

Really Don't Like It

JustCC, 10/10/2008
2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful

All the stuff I have in it slides all over the place (nothing slides in our Suburban), the seats hurt my butt and back, the headrests puts my head in a weird position, I've had two very minor fender benders at very low speeds and each one has resulted in mega repair bills because if the front touches anything it caves in. The paint on the cladding chips easily. Small gas tank means more frequent fill ups, rattles, I hate hate hate having to get out of the car to close the back windows.

Report Abuse

4.63 out of 5 stars

In my Element

Lauren, 08/12/2008
2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

My Honda Element has exceeded expectations in nearly every category for affordable transportation. However, if you buy an Element draw on my experience & be sure to leave the windows slightly open during the heat of the day. Two of my windows have exploded due to heat build up in the cabin. Honda will not warrant this condition and frankly, it's an expensive item to replace glass. I watched in horror yesterday as the glass literally popped and fell out of the car when the car was parked in my driveway. Sure my insurance carrier will pay, but I owe the deductible and risk higher premiums. I am disappointed that Honda isn't warranting the design flaw. I feel very let down by the warranty

Report Abuse

4.5 out of 5 stars

Great small SUV, terrible MPG

WW, 03/13/2008
2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

The Honda Element is a great vehicle. Handles nicely and has a great turning radius. The interior is well thought out, great to throw the kid's bikes inside and not have to worry about dirty carpets, also works well with the dog. Tremendous amount of room for a vehicle with such a small footprint. The engine is somewhat buzzy when pushed. The gas mileage is not coming close to the sticker. 16mpg mixed driving and I have a light foot. Still breaking in, I have only 800 miles on it, I hope it improves. Not the best vehicle if you have a long commute.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5