More than a dozen years after its exit from the American car market, the Honda Element remains an intriguingly capable and practical little box on wheels that’s fun and efficient in equal measures. The Element received a few changes over its nine-year run, with significant updates for the 2007 and 2009 model years, and was built on the same platform used for Honda vehicles such as the CR-V crossover. While the Element and its CR-V sibling are both utility vehicles, the former’s unique design—with its barn-door tailgate and configurable interior—set it apart from mainstream crossovers.
Honda previewed the production Element when it introduced the Model X Concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2001, when it said its team of designers included members who ‘surfed, rode mountain bikes, went rock climbing, kayaking, and much more’. The Element that hit the market for the 2003 model year adopted a similar theme, with features such as a flat floor, reverse-opening rear doors that created a sizable entry point, rear seats that folded flat into a bed, waterproof seat surfaces, and a removable skylight.
Honda Element Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Honda Element Pros and Cons
- Honda Element Generations
- First Generation (2003–2011)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Honda Element years are the best?
There are no unreliable model years. When it was first launched in 2003, the Element had a few teething pains, including malfunctioning door locks and problems with the keyed ignition. Those issues were quickly rectified and, by 2004, were fixed in production. Repairpal.com, Carcomplaints.com and J.D. Power all rank the Element highly for reliability.
There are some potential trouble spots to look for if you’re shopping for a used Honda Element. Make sure the keys work in all locks and the ignition, and look for signs of leaks from the engine, the transmission, and the rear differential. Listen for noises while accelerating and turning, which could be a sign of axles or differentials that need maintenance or replacement.
The Element was heavily updated for the 2007 model year with a bit more power, a five-speed automatic to replace the previous four-speed unit, and revised seatbelts that didn’t get in the way while loading and unloading. All the above made 2007-2011 Honda Element models more desirable than earlier versions.
What are the worst Honda Element years?
If you’re going to avoid a specific model year, the 2003 Honda Element has received more complaints from owners online than any other. Generally, though, the Element is a reliable and durable used car.
Is a used Honda Element a good deal?
A used Honda Element is absolutely a good deal, assuming it has been well cared for. According to CarGurus data, the average used Honda Element sold for just under $9,000 over the first half of 2025. Considering the the Element hasn’t been sold since 2011, it’s not surprising that there are few for sale with less than 100,000 miles on their odometers. Still, we found several examples scattered across the counrty below that mark with prices between $12,000 and $20,000.
The Honda Element is best suited for owners who plan to make use of its versatile interior. It’s not as efficient as some similarly priced crossovers—including Honda’s own CR-V—and only has seatbelts for four occupants.
Honda Element Pros and Cons
Pros
- Uniquely versatile cabin
- Plenty of cargo space
- Manual transmission available
Cons
- Pedestrian performance
- Only seats four
- Underwhelming fuel economy
Honda Element Generations
First Generation (2003-2011)
The 2003 Honda Element hit the United States market shortly before the introduction of the Scion xB—a Toyota spinoff and another boxy Japanese import known for its unique styling and surprisingly spacious interior. The Nissan Cube and the Kia Soul continued the box on wheels trend a few years later. Of all the squared-off crossovers of the 2000s, the Element was arguably the most interesting, with rear seats that could recline, fold flat, or be removed entirely.
When it was introduced for the 2003 model year, the Honda Element featured a reliable 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produced 160 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque (bumped to 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft from 2007-2011). A five-speed manual transmission came standard, and a four-speed automatic transmission was optional. Also on the options menu was an all-wheel drive system that Honda called Real Time 4WD. Though marketed as a four-wheel drive system, the Element—which had just 6.9 inches of ground clearance—wasn’t positioned as an off-road warrior but pitched to the adventurous crowd that surfed, biked, and camped. The Element rode on the CR-V platform, derived from the compact Civic.
In its most efficient form, the 2003 Honda Element was rated by the EPA at 20 miles per gallon in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. With AWD and a manual transmission, it was made 18 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 combined. Those numbers improved by one mile per gallon on the highway in 2007, but combined mpg numbers remained the same.
From 2003-2005, the Honda offered its funky four-seat crossover SUV in Element LX and EX trim levels. All Elements came with power windows and door locks, air conditioning, cruise control, a CD player, and waterproof front seats. The EX trim added waterproof rear seats, remote keyless entry, and an upgraded audio system. Honda Element EX models also benefited from alloy wheels. In 2006, an EX-P trim level was added, which replaced the plastic bodyside fenders with matching body colored panels.
The 2007 Honda Element added a new SC trim with a sporty look and lowered suspension. At the same time, the engine picked up some extra horsepower and a five-speed automatic replaced the older four-speed unit. The Element SC was only offered in front-wheel drive form, but AWD was still optional on other trim levels. For the 2007 model year, redesigned seatbelts made it easier to access the rear seats, and stability control and side airbags were standarized. Each Element trim level received its own center console, with the EX model boasting a built-in cooler.
The 2009 Honda Element received a styling update that included a grille more like the larger Pilot crossover SUV’s. Element SC and EX models got an optional navigation system and a backup camera. In 2010, Honda offered the Element with a Dog-Friendly package that, well, made it friendly for doggy transport duties. For 2011, only the Element LX and EX trim levels were available.
Today, Honda Element owners have access to a wealth of aftermarket accessories that can be used to make the crossover SUV into a small camper with a roof-mounted tent or a mini adventure utility vehicle with a lifted suspension setup. A well-cared for Honda Element is a solid used car for potential owners who aren’t bothered by its four-seat configuration and can put its practical interior layout to good use.
