2003 Honda Element LX from North America - Comments

I have had two cracked windshields in 50,000 miles, both during highway driving. Fortunately, my state has no insurance deductible on auto-glass, but the repairs are inconvenient.

The entire horn unit has failed twice. The first time, at 25,000 miles, the car was under warranty. The dealer says that the current failure, at 50,000 miles, is not warrantied.

I love the car. It is reasonable spacious and fuel efficient, handles well, and best of all, it is dog-proof--that is, easy to clean.

The stereo system is awesome.

The Mp3 plug is handy.

I do not like the fact that I have had to replace the windshield twice in 50,000 miles.

I do not like the fact that the horn has had to be replaced twice (once under warranty and once at my expense) in 50,000 miles.

I just read your review and wanted to say check your local laws about auto warranties. My state law says if it was replaced once under warranty, then if it fails again within 2 years, I believe, then it has to be repaired at no charge to you since it was a warranty repair. Just a though you may be able to get your money back.

U_g_l_y!!!

How much do you use your horn for it to go out twice? I think the Element is great. We love ours and so does everyone else I know who owns one.

Hi, I've had my Element since 2003; it's a little loud on certain paved high ways yet quiet on most. The windows now are a little loose fitting in their seat frames, but still no big deal. I love the transmission because it has not lost it's pick up entering the highways and cruises so smoothly I some times have to look out for the Police because it just flies by itself on the highways. I'm disabled so I just broke 21,000 miles the other day on the car. I've driven on ice slush and snow in Conn through Detroit Michigan and had no close calls do to the AWD and antilocking brake system. In the beginning my Wife said as others that it was so Ugly... but now she wants to take ownership of my little baby. GO FIGURE...LOL. Once she drove this car you couldn't keep her from it. I expect this car to last me quite a long long while and have had no disappointments as of yet.

Despite how ugly this car is, I bought a 2005 since I got it really cheap.

The windshield also broke by itself!!! I have contacted Honda several times, and have been given the run around. They build great cars, too bad most of them are expensive and they don't stand by them! Besides that, the rest of the car/truck is great for now.

I bought my '03 Element EX MT (manual) new in summer of '03 after it had been out about 3 months. I have the AWD/sunroof version. This car was originally targeted at college kids and new grads, but to everyone's surprise, a lot of 30+ and 40+ people are snatching it up due to its terrific utility, room and decent mileage for an SUV. I'm 36 and I've only seen one "young" person in an E the whole time I've had mine. Sorry to disappoint you kids, but cool knows no age group! ;)

First, A Gripe

My only gripe is the roof: the sunroof is just about useless. It's in the back and it's manual, so opening/closing is just inconvenient. It does come out, though, which is nice, but also a pain. I would have gladly paid another $800 for a power roof, no question. But Honda's goal was to make the E a strictly entry-level vehicle, so I can't complain too much.

Now at 40k miles, it has been a great ride, problem free from the beginning and I expect forever. I do have a couple of windshield chips, but that is from driving too fast on the highway...80mph will get you a chip or two due to the angle of the windshield. I'm not upset by it, it's my own fault.

Highway noise isn't great (remember this is not an Acura MDX), but I just crank up the awesome stock stereo and I'm fine there. I did replace the factory speakers because at "normal" volume they were a little muddy and hard to hear. Replacement was VERY easy, all you need is a screwdriver. I installed some Polk dBs (that I ordered online with a "Honda crossover kit" or some such thing that let me plug the speakers into the stock Honda wires) and the sound was much improved.

If you're won't to haul a LOT of kidlets around, this probably isn't the car for you as it has seatbelts that serve a max of three human passengers. There are baby seat anchors, though. Another if/then caveat: the rear doors open backward (clamshell), so loading and unloading Baby/kids in tight spaces might prove a bit inconvenient.

Tires & Turning

I replaced the OEM Goodyear Wrangler tires with Bridgestone Alenza H/Ls at 30k and that made a HUGE difference in noise and traction. The Alenzas are the same size as mfr spec, but they do rub a little on very tight turns (in a parking space, etc.). No biggie. The turning radius on the E is fantastic. This thing will get you in and out of parking spaces in one (or two at most) move that you'd swear would otherwise take about four or five three-point turns.

Handling, Mileage & Power

This car is a blast to drive -- it handles great. I routinely take corners at 25mph with no problem. Mileage is okay (about 21 city/23 hwy is my avg and I drive like a banshee) but not great due to its boxy shape. Power is fine. It gets on the highway fine, it passes fine, but it's no speedster. Although the VTEC does kick in at about 4k rpm, and you can definitely feel it. I choose mileage over power as gas prices are going nowhere, but up.

Some Nice Extras Despite Being No-Frills

I would recommend this car to people who don't mind a no-frills vehicle that is very distinctive. The fact that the rear seats fold up/come out is also AWESOME. I remodeled my house with the help of my Element. It's also a great dog hauler. The plastic/vinyl floor is EASILY swept or vac'd out, so that is nice for those of us who deal with lots o' fur.

The iPod jack is another huge plus, esp. on trips. Interior space for luggage, etc. is also terrific. My gf and I load the E to the gills with dogs and luggage when we go camping and the room is unbeatable IMHO.

I also took my E to New Orleans after Katrina to do animal rescue. All that room in back came in handy as I slept in the vehicle one night on the way down there... and came home with two homeless dogs on the way back. ;)

Conclusion

The Element IS something of an acquired taste for many people. Those few gripes aside, it's an outstanding choice for someone who wants AWD, decent mileage, and room to carry just about anything.