| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4 gasoline Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
8.8 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 11 miles |
| Most recent distance | 34000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet S-10 |
Summary:
My Element fits my active lifestyle perfectly
Faults:
Nothing so far.
General Comments:
The Element is very functional inside.
Performance is good for a 2.4L engine and 3400 lbs to move with the manual transmission.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th July, 2005
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Previous car | Geo Prizm |
Summary:
Love the car but am now nervous about potential future windshield problems
Faults:
My front windshield just cracked on the passenger side. A vertical crack rose from the base of the windshield for about four inches, then has veered to the left and has moved toward the driver about six inches. It was not caused by a pebble, but I think formed just because the car was parked facing the afternoon sun in Dallas in May (temperature of about 85; the car was tightly sealed). I had no idea Honda had windshield problems, but when I took it to the dealer, the person I spoke with said a bulletin had been issued and they would replace the windshield under the warranty at no charge to me. I have just under 30,000 miles on my Element and have been driving it for two years (I bought it used with 4,000 miles on it). After my experience and seeing these postings, I'm nervous about the cost of future problems. I really do love the car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 21st May, 2005
I recollect reading a review in 2004 about the windshield cracking. I thought I was lucky that it had not happened to me. Lo and behold, it just happened to my 2003 Element EX. Starting from the top on the passenger side and veering to the right to make a letter L. I am happy to have read this report and having only 23,000 miles I am glad this is covered under warranty. From the preceding report I attribute the crack to the heat spell in Southern California this summer.
I have replaced the windshield on my 2003 Honda Element two times! Thankfully I live in Florida and the state has windshields covered with no deductible for insured vehicles. Both times were the result of a vehicle changing lanes in front of me and a pebble being thrown up from the road. Both were small rocks and I was amazed how quickly the ding zipped across the windshield!
I have a 2003 Element AWD (purchased in Nov 2003) that has almost 29,000 miles. The windshield has not cracked yet.
I like my 2004 Element, but I've had to replace the windshield twice in 35,000 miles because of cracks from stones. This car fits my needs and budget.
2005 Element (sept). June 2006, crack, 15 inches from top middle down a bit, curved towards passenger side.
Toronto, Canada.
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.5 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 15000 miles |
Summary:
Excellent in almost all respects
Faults:
Windshield developed a crack, without apparent cause, originating at bottom center up, running up about 1 foot and crossing laterally toward passenger side.
Power utility outlet is too tight. I inserted the plug from a Coleman power inverter and could not withdraw it. The Honda dealer service manager informed me that there have been many complaints about the power receptacle being too tight, and that I should just pull harder. I did, and the plug broke off inside the receptacle!
Mileage seems to have deteriorated recently. Previously I was getting 22-23 around town, now seem to be getting 19. Dealer says there are no tuning adjustments that would bear on this.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th January, 2005
I don't get the title of your review. I thought you liked the car, but you had nothing positive to say about it.