2003 Honda Element Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Introduced in 2003, the Honda Element is a cross between compact/economy car and SUV. Although it has many of the conveniences of other...
Introduced in 2003, the Honda Element is a cross between compact/economy car and SUV. Although it has many of the conveniences of other SUVs, this one only seats four people. As with any new vehicle, customer reviews are mixed. User opinions of the Element range from comfortable and roomy, to not as much space as may appear. While many drivers like the look of this car, there are others who find the boxy look rather hideous, although as one driver said," it grows on you."
Those who drive the car say it handles extremely well, although there are many complaints about the windshield and its propensity for cracking for no apparent reason. In fact, one person said she loved the car, but couldn't afford the windshield deductible.
Available for $14,150 and under.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers love the 2003 Honda Element for its spacious interior, utility, and fun driving experience. Many appreciate its versatility for various lifestyles, making it suitable for transporting people, pets, and cargo. However, some owners raise concerns about rust issues, especially in northern climates, and the lack of advanced features found in modern cars. Despite these drawbacks, the Element is regarded as reliable and practical, especially for those who need a functional vehicle."
Most practical, versatile and reliable vehicle out there. Can’t wait to take this thing on adventures!
December 19, 2024I was reluctant to buy this in 2003 but Kim really wanted it. Now, I'm such a fan of the toaster we are seeking a 2nd one. This thing has 156K miles on it and has been incredibly reliable. Only Honda's ready-to-warp rotors are a pain. We switched to drilled and slotted ones and are happy. The driver's seat cushion wears out too quickly and that's a problem on many older E's. We have had tremendous luck with this little SUV under all driving conditions. It always makes it up the steep driveway in winter under conditions that leave the Civic at the bottom until I run the snowblower. We have enough room in the back to sleep side-by-side on a full size air mattress. Great vehicle. Honda should never have ended it's life.
July 1, 2014If I was stranded on a desert island with only 1 car for the rest of my life, it would be a Honda Element. You can't beat it's versatility or the over all quality of the Honda Element. They are a great value.
November 9, 2012What owners say
Most practical, versatile and reliable vehicle out there. Can’t wait to take this thing on adventures!
December 19, 2024I was reluctant to buy this in 2003 but Kim really wanted it. Now, I'm such a fan of the toaster we are seeking a 2nd one. This thing has 156K miles on it and has been incredibly reliable. Only Honda's ready-to-warp rotors are a pain. We switched to drilled and slotted ones and are happy. The driver's seat cushion wears out too quickly and that's a problem on many older E's. We have had tremendous luck with this little SUV under all driving conditions. It always makes it up the steep driveway in winter under conditions that leave the Civic at the bottom until I run the snowblower. We have enough room in the back to sleep side-by-side on a full size air mattress. Great vehicle. Honda should never have ended it's life.
July 1, 2014If I was stranded on a desert island with only 1 car for the rest of my life, it would be a Honda Element. You can't beat it's versatility or the over all quality of the Honda Element. They are a great value.
November 9, 2012I would buy another one!!!!! Life has changed so I need a car now. I plan to buy another one when l can. It is hard to describe how this vehicle is so good for ALL types of lifestyles, but that sums it up.
August 4, 2012The Honda Element is sooooo fun to drive. I absolutely LOVE t !! The huge windshield makes you feel like you aren't even inside a car. VERY spacious..I can fit my bikes in with no problems..So easy and fun to drive..So easy to wash out..Just take the hose and spray away...The performance is top notch..NEVER had a problem..I will ALWAYS buy a Honda.
July 16, 2008My car runs awesome, it is cute and it is super roomy. The back seats can be folded up and latched onto the side or they can be completely removed, that is Awesome! And...It has a tailgate in the back! Negatives: This year model does not have an armrest on the passenger side, it only has 4 seats (which is usually more than enough), the floors are rubber and must be scrubbed to be cleaned and I now have high mileage!!! Ready for a new one! Other than that, we love it and it is super fun to drive. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone.
March 13, 2009The style of this cool, roomy suv is unlike any other. Unfortunately, the metal underneath is so very thin, many northern owners that drive their Elements during the wintertime on salted roads end up losing their Elements prematurely before their time due to extreme unrepairable rust issues and complete deterioration to the unibody, which ends up being a great loss for the owner, something Honda should not have skimped on at the factory! The car itself is a great model idea, and could be perfected if brought back with a thicker stronger longer lasting undercarriage, like other models, so that it too could withstand the winter Elements appropriately. My best assessment from personal experience with these Elements is, as long as their not subjected to salt in any way, Id surmise otherwise youd get many years out of it and love it.
September 30, 2021Ive always admired this car. Similar to the CRV but with more utility I know people who sometimes have to sleep in their car, so suggested this as the seats recline into beds. The lower maint floor, 4wd, functional dent resistant corners the way the doors open to create a large opening, and cool accessories like tent additions. I hope the new Element keeps the same spirit. - like a small RV in a way.
August 6, 2020I like just about everything about this car. Too bad they don't make them anymore, upgraded to AWD after I got a boat and had to buy a used one. Well-built and thought out like you'd except from Honda, with the back seats flipped up or popped out there's nothing I couldn't fit in this little guy.
November 30, 2014I've had many cars and been happy with most, but this car is the car of my life. For background: I purchased a 2003 EX AWD Element in 2014, so it was over a decade old, it had some wear and tear and was definitely not a new vehicle. I paid cash for it and planned to use and abuse it on trips to the greenhouse, home improvement store, etc. I wanted something with all wheel drive for the winters and something that had a ton of storage and that I wouldn't feel terrible if I scratched or dinged up. I found this Element about 4 hours away and scooted off to get it. After the first week at home, I realized how very much in love I am with this car. It's my main ride now. At 10 years old, it runs and drives like a brand new vehicle and, although it has 160K on it, you'd never be able to tell that this Element was more than a year old. It's a blast to drive, it handles so perfectly and the interior space is really unmatched. Although the gas mileage is lame, I drive this everywhere. My little boy is obsessed with the moon roof that's directly over this seat and I've fit a TON of stuff in this baby, with the removable and fold-away seats. I love the rubber mats - I don't feel terrible throwing in bags of pea gravel into the back. I love the rear doors - being able to just open the window to throw in groceries, or having a tail gate to sit on to watch fireworks. I love opening all of the doors and the tailgate and laying in it when we're out in the country. It's like having a gazebo with a radio built in, especially since the front and rear sets form a queen size bed when down. Overall, I could not be happier with my Element. In fact, my partner and I will probably buy a second (2011) Element next year, just to have the last version they made (and hopefully find one with super low miles. We are sold. These cars are fantastic.
August 6, 2014Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,590 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 25.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,185 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 25.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $22,935 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 166 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 25.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,990 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.4L 160 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 25.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$16,560 - $20,510
Current avg. market price
$7,371
Trending down by 0.4% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
