2005 Honda Element Reviews

I have had to replace the driver's side door locks 3 times, and passenger's also, plus the ignition twice. Now I won't take the key out, because I'm afraid it won't go back in, and cost me another $500. I have to crawl in the back. Looking at the complaints on this site, this seems to be a common problem; a recall should in order, this is ridiculous.

I love my Element, but I don't know if I would buy another.

Also, the dealerships show no compassion; they are terrible.

Been having problems getting the key to open the driver's door when locked. Has been acting up now and then since the first year. Have been very gentle, not forcing the key, but now it will not open the locked door at all.

Driver's seat material started cracking after the first year. Now after five years it's cracked badly.

Good car other than this, and the odometer light being intermittent.

The only problem is the upholstery on the drivers seat has started to crack on the left side. According to the dealer, using the wrong cleaner caused it.

This is a GREAT car for an adventurous person or couple. I love how you can open the doors wide, reconfigure the seats to meet your needs (they can even make a bed!), and the fact it has a tail gate.

On the other hand, DO NOT buy this car if you have young children! It is nearly impossible to comfortably put a rear facing child into his or her car seat. I have had to lift my baby and toddler up and over the back of their car seats. It is very tricky. Also, keep in mind there are only 2 seats in the back, so if your kids are back there, no one else can ride in the back. Before we had the kids, we both thought the back seat was pretty uncomfortable to ride in.

Beware the upper center door latch! I have banged my head on this more times than I care to count. There is a square metal piece sticking out that the doors latch on to.

This has been a very reliable car, it handles well and has an incredible turning radius. It can be loud on the highway. We have not had the windshield problems others have talked about.

We are looking for a mini van now since the Element no longer meets our needs, but I will miss it. Lots of fun to drive!

Absolutely nothing has malfunctioned with this car.

My wife bought this car to tote the grand baby and groceries around town. She loves it and drives it round trip to work almost 100 miles a day. I've driven it a few times and it is impressively quick to accelerate.

A lot of comments have been given to excessive tire wear. We faithfully have them rotated with every 2nd or 3rd oil change. We are coming up on 70, 000 miles and thinking about buying replacement tires for the OEMs.

She loves the vehicle. You know the saying "If momma ain't happy, nobody is happy." I'm very pleased.