What do you think about the Honda Element?

Just sold my wife's '06 Murano. Made sense as she doesn't drive much and could pay off some bills. We are down to the Tacoma, but I need to drive to work everyday..

Thinking about an older model Honda Element.. Lot's of people have only great things to say. The 4 cyl would definitely save some gas if I end up taking that to work every so often. Am about to look at an '03 with only 56,000 mi from a dealer..

Anyone have some input?

 

Butt ugly.

 

Well, My Fiance owns a Toyota Yaris and she got it brand new off the lot for 13k...and it gets damn near 40mpg on the freeway...this is what it looks like. Its a solid lil car. We drove it to Indiana last summer and it did great through the mountains and everything

 

I dont mind it and the inside is really roomy. The backseats have a lot of room.

 

I like them. Just make sure the plastic is taken care of bc Ive seen some worn down plastic panels and its the ugly pos out there when that happens. They're nice though. I considered an AWD SC edition at one point.

 

X2

 

I would certainly give up the 5 mpg more that the ass lookin golf cart "smart" car gets and drive one of these instead.



As far as the Element.........I don't think about them.

 

box

 

You can't go wrong with any Honda. My wife has a 07 Civic and I love that car.

 

looks like a toaster, but is very good at what it was designed for, which is good mileage and a useful interior space.

If you're looking for a daily driver that gets good economy and is practical, it's an excellent choice.

 

The Element doesn't get the greatest fuel economy.
2WD:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Honda&model=Element 2WD
4WD:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do?action=browseList2&make=Honda&model=Element 4WD

 

Honda Fit imo. Same MPG and not as ugly. They also can make alot of cargo room in them with collapsible seats.

 

I know a couple friends that have a Honda Element.
They love it.
One friend tinted the windows, lowered it, and put nice rims on it. looks sweet.
The other is an avid mountain biker, snowboarder, and all out outdoor guy. he's got one when it first came out, and bought another when that ones time was up.

It's all about what you two decide. If you like it, then go with it.

 

My GF has an element. It's a vehicle that's designed for utility and not looks. The box shape is roomy inside and because it sits lower than a traditional SUV the handling is a little better. She's had it for several years and it's been really reliable. We put kayaks on top of it or bikes inside, and have gone camping with it a few times. It's even got a tailgate. I can't think of too many BAD things about it. It does have A LOT of plastic on it, inside and outside so if not taken care of it'll start to look dull.

Fuel economy isn't as good as something like a Yaris, but come on, you're pushing a box with a 2.4L 4cyl engine.

 

I dont like it.

 

My wife and I owned a 2003 Honda Element and we used it for exactly what it was meant for. we go camping all the time, do a lot mountain biking and that car is perfect for all that stuff as you dirty it up and then just sweep or vacum out the gunk or even wash it down. Very versatile and economical vehicle. It gets real good gas mileage and for an 03 to have only 56k miles, seem like it will be a good deal. Kinda wish we still had that car

 

I like the Element. Though if I was looking for something boxy, but kind of cool and good MPG, I might go with a Scion xB. 22/28 mpg

 

I think they are ok.
My boss has green one with a manual transmission, about 5 years old.
I have driven it a few times. Does good in snow.
i like that is has all plastic floorboards and stuff.
Makes it easy to clean if you get it real dirty.
Its a pretty decent vehicle and can carry a lot...lots of room in the interior.

 

T least least its not an xb. I'm sure the Honda is a great car. What matters is on the inside of the car.

 

My sister & her husband have a 4cyl auto 4wd 2003. Averages ~20mpg. They have two kids, go camping, to the beach, etc, etc. She loves it, but wishes she had gotten a manual.

It actually drives very nicely with a well planted feel and responsive steering. Very boxy, but as others have said makes for a ton of interior room.