2004
Honda Element

Starts at:
$16,100
Shop options
New 2004 Honda Element
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2WD DX Manual
    Starts at
    $16,100
    21 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD DX Auto
    Starts at
    $16,900
    22 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD LX Manual
    Starts at
    $17,100
    21 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD DX Manual
    Starts at
    $17,500
    21 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD LX Auto
    Starts at
    $17,900
    22 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD DX Auto
    Starts at
    $18,300
    21 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD LX Manual
    Starts at
    $18,500
    21 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD EX Manual
    Starts at
    $18,900
    21 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD EX Manual w/Side Airbags
    Starts at
    $19,150
    21 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD LX Auto
    Starts at
    $19,300
    21 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD EX Auto
    Starts at
    $19,700
    22 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD EX Auto w/Side Airbags
    Starts at
    $19,950
    22 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD EX Manual
    Starts at
    $20,300
    21 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD EX Manual w/Side Airbags
    Starts at
    $20,550
    21 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD EX Auto
    Starts at
    $21,100
    21 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD EX Auto w/Side Airbags
    Starts at
    $21,350
    21 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Notable features

Youth-oriented design
Pillarless side-door layout
Unusually tall profile
Space to haul youthful gear
Front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive

The good & the bad

The good

Versatile cargo loading
Distinctive appearance
Reputation for reliability
Five-star frontal crash-test rating
Fuel economy

The bad

Controversial upright profile
Promoted as youth vehicle
Bouncy ride on rough surfaces
See all specifications

Available cars near you

See all cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
10 years old or newer from their original in-service date at the time of sale.
Basic
100 days / 5,000 miles
Dealer certification
112 point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2004
    4.8
    Honda Element
    Starts at
    $16,100
    2004 Honda Element
    21 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2006
    4.7
    Scion xB
    Starts at
    $14,030
    2006 Scion xB
    30 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2006
    4.5
    Honda Element
    Starts at
    $17,750
    2006 Honda Element
    21 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2003
    4.4
    Toyota Matrix
    Starts at
    $14,670
    2003 Toyota Matrix
    29 City / 36 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2007
    4.6
    Pontiac Vibe
    Starts at
    $16,760
    2007 Pontiac Vibe
    29 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2008
    4.5
    Honda Fit
    Starts at
    $13,950
    2008 Honda Fit
    28 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

96% of drivers recommend this car
4.8 / 5
Based on 50 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.3
Value 4.8
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • By Scott from Phoenix, AZ
    Owns this car
    April 30, 2025

    I have owned many cars over the years and have continued

    I have owned many cars over the years and have continued to keep the Honda element now since 2005. I am the second owner and I couldn't be happier with this vehicle. A well maintained element will last forever
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Adam from Chicago, IL
    Owns this car
    December 4, 2024

    I've had a 2004 Honda Element for a few years, the thing

    I've had a 2004 Honda Element for a few years, the thing is one of the most unreliable vehicles I've ever driven, its problem after problem after problem, first the brakes failed causing me to get into a fender bender, then the belt broke a few months later followed by the water pump, 3 time with the water pump failing, we think the head gasket blew but haven't gotten to check, its one of the slowest vehicles I've ever driven, and it guzzles gas more than a hummer does, but I will give it some props, for transporting materials its xxxx good, I worked on houses and its real good at handling the extra weight of tools, and materials like bricks and concrete, its not a looker, its quite ugly in my opinion but that's only an opinion, its acceleration is trash, it takes a bit to reach 60 mph, this car caused me to never want to buy a Honda again, there are way better choices than this, go for them
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Allen Dye from Melbourne Florida
    Owns this car
    December 25, 2022

    I Love My Element

    This car is economical to operate and maintain. It has exceptional capacity for carrying things, so much rear space. It rides well and handles well for being a box on wheels. The exterior style is unique and sporty. The engines are dependable and last forever if you change the oil and filters. If this one was crashed or stolen I would buy another. So versatile. Who needs to spend 60,000 on a car for around town. You can get one like this for 7,000.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    14 people out of 14 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Jade Honda Fan!!! from Dallas
    Owns this car
    December 30, 2020

    One of the most reliable cars I have owned.

    Love this vehicle! This Honda Element is fun to drive, has a huge back end for hauling stuff, camping, etc. This is one of the rare manual transmissions.....not for everyone but was perfect for my needs. Love it and I feel it will be a great auto for someone looking for this type of SUV.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    20 people out of 20 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By annielane from Highland Park, NJ
    Owns this car
    September 9, 2020

    Unbelievable! I just bought another one!

    Reliable, reliable--keep on going. We drove our first one over 300,000, bought a second with 125,000 miles and its still going and just purchased a 2010 with 120,000. These cars cannot be beat
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    15 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By csims from DENVER
    Owns this car
    August 18, 2020

    Extremely reliable

    Lots of room and very reliable. This car is great for commuting and handles extremely well in the snow. I would highly recommend this car to any one.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By JoeNC from Cary, NC
    Owns this car
    January 29, 2020

    Best Utility Vehicle

    Purchased used as a one owner vehicle with 222K miles. Well maintained even down to exterior paint luster. This is my "truck" as it is used to haul lumber (even 4'x8' plywood), bagged mulch, pine straw, furniture, you name it. Bonus...better has mileage than small pickups!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By HondaElementDweller from Los Angeles
    Owns this car
    October 2, 2019

    Element Has it All!

    This car not only meets all my needs; city driving, camping, interstate driving, but the mileage can't be beaten for this type of vehicle. The back seats are easily taken out and stored when car camping/traveling. The interior mats are easily taken out and hosed off; the interior space is perfect! I wish Honda still made this vehicle. I have met numerous Honda Element owners, and ALL love this car and intend to have it drive until 400,000 - 500,000. And one person has 400,000+ mileage, ​and it's still going.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By sendtorich from CROFTON
    Owns this car
    June 6, 2019

    This Vehicle Does EVERYTHING!

    The Honda Element is the most practical and versatile vehicle ever offered. It has the interior room of a van at half the length. Not an inch of space is wasted and there are multiple configurations that allow you to utilize the vehicle in varying capacities from day to day with just a couple of minor adjustments. Four can sit comfortably with a huge cargo area, or you can fold up or remove a seat or two and trade the extra passengers for even more cargo. You could fill it with cargo one way, unload all or some of the cargo, fold down the seats, and transport additional passengers on the way back. There are so many configurations, storage areas, and features it would be impossible to name them all here. The vehicle rides great and gets excellent traction when you need it with Honda's Real Time All Wheel Drive. It's also easy to maneuver through the city because it's so compact. It's a Honda so you know it's reliable. There's just so much this vehicle can do. Once you own one, you will never want another vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By KBradley from Williamsburg, VA
    Owns this car
    June 5, 2019

    The most versatile and reliable car we've owned.

    The headline says it all. We've loved this car and wish that Honda would've continued it past the second version. Has lots of capability and options for cargo, passengers, and towing. When not commuting with it, we used it for towing, family trips, and all sorts of recreation (on-road and off-road).
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Kdobles74 from Rochester NY
    Test drove this car
    December 10, 2018

    This is a nice vehicle. Drives well.

    This car meets my needs. It?s very comfortable and has lots of leg room. The seats fold up in the back so you can fit big things in there and move a lot of things. It?s a 5 speed and I love standards.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Tkh1957 from Baden PA
    Used to own this car
    November 24, 2018

    My mini Hummer

    I bought my 2004 with a manual transmission brand new and drove it for 10 years. I had a cleaning business so with no carpet inside it was perfect for hauling my cleaning supplies. I have a dog too so it was easy to keep clean. However with no carpet there is some road noise. Very roomy inside too. Moved from TX to PA and had it loaded down. I kept maintenance up on it religiously so it never stranded me....very reliable!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

Latest news from cars.com

10_Honda_Accord_Recall.jpg
Featured

500 Honda Cars, Minivans, SUVs and Pickup Trucks: Recall Alert

Approximately 500 Honda cars, minivans, SUVs and pickup trucks are being recalled. Read more
See all news

Honda dealers near you

See all Honda dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Honda Element?

The 2004 Honda Element is available in 3 trim levels:

  • DX (4 styles)
  • EX (8 styles)
  • LX (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Honda Element?

The 2004 Honda Element offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 Honda Element?

The 2004 Honda Element compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 Honda Element reliable?

The 2004 Honda Element has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Honda Element owners.

Is the 2004 Honda Element a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Honda Element. 96.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 50 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.8
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.8
Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"crossover_compact","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"SUV","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]