2004 Honda Element EX 2.4 gas from North America

Summary:

Best SUV ever. It will not quit!

Faults:

The clock gains 4 minutes after a few days, then maintains that new time. I can reset it but it will gain 4 minutes again.

The driver's seat is splitting on the seams and is developing cracks in the side bolster vinyl.

General Comments:

I was at the dealer looking at Civics, my two toddlers were climbing in an Element on the showroom floor. The salesman remarked "It's OK, there isn't anything they can damage in there". Waterproof seats and no carpet? Perfect!

I ordered one with the side airbags, 2 wheel drive.

This is the best, most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. After 200K+ miles I've been wanting something else, but I just put 2 new Michelin tires and a new battery in yesterday... It's a keeper.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st January, 2018

2004 Honda Element EX 2.4L from North America

Summary:

Great utility box that happens to fit a family of 4

Faults:

I've had this car since Nov 2015, it's now Oct 2016 and so far I've had to replace the alternator, serpentine belt, and the washer fluid reservoir motors.

General Comments:

Holy smokes! I've never known a manufacturer to make something like this so great. I love this vehicle! Its decent fuel economy (avg 25 MPG), lots of cargo room for all of your things, decent room for a small family, and the great AWD system for the winter make this vehicle a great car.

It comes with a vinyl/plastic floor, so clean up is a breeze if you're on a farm or deal with animals or something messy.

I added a hitch to it and have been able to tow in excess of 3500 lb (it traditionally has a 1500 lb tow rating). The manual shifter is great with the clutch being light and quick.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2016

31st Oct 2016, 20:08

Towing more than twice the manufacturer's maximum recommended weight?

Better plan on replacing that "light and quick" clutch sooner rather than later!

2004 Honda Element from North America

Summary:

Greatest car I have ever owned!

Faults:

The seat upholstery has cracks on the driver's side, but the car is 11 years old.

General Comments:

Love this car! It is my third Honda, but BY FAR the best of the three. Actually, this is the best car that I've ever owned. I have never kept a car this long. I tell people that it's my "forever car". My first brake job was at 70,000 miles. It even has the original battery! Virtually no problems since I've owned it.

Years ago I hit a patch of black ice and collided with a concrete barrier, but the car held up like a tank and I was uninjured. It still looks great, and the finish has held up well on the salted roads.

Very roomy and still fun to drive, I love my Element!

Wish they still made them. Big mistake Honda, to discontinue this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th February, 2015

2004 Honda Element EX from North America

Summary:

It is a good, cheap utility car

Faults:

The car runs reasonable well for a cheap car. However, it wears out the tires fast. I am on my third set of tires, and it only has 40,000 miles.

The latest problem is that the key will not go into the driver's side door. I have to open the passenger door, and reach in to unlock the driver's side door.

I have read the comments, and I am surprised about the number of complaints about the key problem. I am worried that if I spend money on repairing the door, it will get worse, affecting eventually the ignition key.

General Comments:

Basically a good runaround car to carry my junk and my dog.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th December, 2010

29th Oct 2011, 21:59

Wearing out tires probably has to do with the tires being out of alignment. You should have this looked into.

2004 Honda Element from North America

Summary:

Poor safety design

Faults:

Not crash worthy.

General Comments:

I bought this SUV new in 2004. If you own one of these, beware of the suicide door design. I was involved in a serious accident where I was side swiped by a young girl that lost control and struck my door with a Ford Explorer. I suffered critical injuries and barely survived the wreck. The main fault was the doors and not true side pillars. The "hooks" that hold the door gave way and allowed the other vehicle to intrude into my door more, which in turned caused all the damage to my body.

I am not out for money in this review. The lawsuit was settled many years ago, but I would never own this type of vehicle ever again. If anyone wants dispute these facts, I have the photos from the re-constructionist to prove my point. The door support will not hold in a bad crash, that is my point.

Good luck to all that own one of these, I will never be in one again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th December, 2010

15th Dec 2010, 18:11

Not only poor safety design, but poor design period. Look at how awful it looks. I'm sure the design will not age well either, it will get uglier with age.