2004 Honda Element EX review from North America

2500 miles and still plodding along, no complaints yet!

Once you get used to the looks,,, (had it referred to a Third world Pie Wagon to a mini milk truck!) it is pretty neat. The "usability" offsets the quirkiness.

I am 6'5" and that in itself limits what I can drive. This does fit.

HONDA = Reliability. At least for me it does.

Stereo, pretty good, but not great.

Interior, easily cleaned, neat. But,,, get some carpet to stick down. If you do not stuff slides around everywhere!

Gas mileage. Pretty good, but again not great.

But folks,,, look at this like I did. Really good head on crash ratings. Good gas mileage, great reliability, roomy, unique!

This vehicle has to be looked at as a "whole." You have to total up all the pluses and minuses. At least for me this thing makes sense.

What would I do differently?

Raise or redesign the lower dash a little for a little more leg room for us tall guys. SunRoof option in the front for all units. Rear door windows that roll down. A more rubberized cargo section where stuff would not slide as easily. Little better stereo,,, but the speakers seem fine. Removable floor console! Honda, you listening on this one? If I can have removable hard bags on my Harley and BMW Adventure, I can have a removable console.