Skip to main content

2005 Honda Element consumer reviews

$17,450–$19,650 MSRP range
side view of 2005 Element Honda
(60 reviews)
96% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.4
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.8
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.9
Explore the 2005 Honda Element
Shop the 2005 Honda Element

Great little job car

Just bought a used 2005 Element and really love it. I use it in my business for handyman repairs, small jobs, etc. Gas mileage runs about 22mpg, not bad, comfort is ok, handles great, turns are quick, parking easy, loads easily, the side doors and the clam shell doors on the back are very good. Looking to buy another one for personal. Everyone loves this car and it attracts a lot of attention for my business. I put Yakima racks on the top for ladders and a bug sheild on the hood. Great car. And this on has 132,000 miles when bought.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Love affair with my Element

I love a lot about this little trucky thing called an Element. It has a distinct look, versatile and If ever Honda comes out with a V6 they will get a whole new wave of loyal customers. Because the Element is a light duty car/truck/wagon you can only carry 675 pounds, that includes four passengers and cargo. if you do the math the Element is made for four very skinny adults (about 150 lbs. ea. plus 75 lbs of cargo. I think a lot would improve if Honda came out with a V6, more power much better gas mileage and improved weight limit and tow-ability

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Practical and versatile

My daughter owns an Element and I love it! It is better than my new Toyota Rav4. It rides nicely and she loves how easy it is to clean out, because she takes her dogs to the beach a lot.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Most practical car ever!

I have been wanting a new car for a while but can't seem to find a good enough reason to get rid of my Element. This car is 5 yrs old now and still is in perfect condition. Never had any problems. I'm a dog owner and have tons of neices and nephews to tote around. It is very kid, dog, and road trip friendly. I often hose out the car after a trip to the beach or camping. I take out the seats when I need to move or haul stuff. I fold down the seats when I have tons of bags to bring home after a long day of shopping. The suicide doors are awesome for loading and unloading........unless you are in a tight parking spot, then they're a pain. Its one of the only small SUV's that has a trunk that has a glass top opening as well as bottom (most have a raise gate). I LOVE that. The vinyl seats a great compromise between leather and cloth. Its a great car...if I get another one, it will be an addition, not a replacement.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Awesome vehicle

Not exactly the way I would want to review my Element. First new car I have ever owned. My husband rolled it twice. Other then every part on the outside of the car being damaged...it was perfect inside, no crushed top, nothing. No injuries to my husband. Totaled my element :( Even more sad...the new ones get less MPG so they are out of the picture for me. It has only been two weeks and I miss it every day.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Gas Mileage not correct

Car handles well. For a four cylinder it has sufficient power, but for the gas mileage I am getting I would expect more power. I drive the speed limit, all maintenance is performed, and tires are always checked and still I am receiving 20 MPG combined. I would suggest the CR-V

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

105K miles with zero problems

In 2 1/2 years I have driven this Element over 105K often with significant weight of tools for my business (building theaters) and I love it. Super reliable! I do run Dura-Syn oil in it, and change it myself so I wish the filter was a little easier to get to but the vehicle is so well made and engineered that that is a small issue. If you don't know there is a Honda Element Owners website that is very helpful. My goal is 300K minimum from this little gem. I even had a tree fall on it to the tune of $7500 but fixed up it is just fine. Built tough! Can turn around on a dime, city parking no problem.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Best car I have ever had!!

I love my element! I sold a 911 to buy it. I am on my 26th car and this one is by far the best. My only problems with the car is the 4wd system. The front wheels have to spin in order to enguage rear wheels. Therefore, you do get some slipping while accelerating in the snow. The front wheels will slide sideways before the rear wheels kick in. It does pretty well in the snow. My other problem is opening the back door for my daughter to get in. You have to open the front, then the back while closing the front so as not to hit the car parked next to you in the parking lot.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Yes I am in love

This has been one of the best vehicles I have purchased in the sense of overall usefulness. No its not race car and the pick up doesnt exist but it wasn't built for that any way. Great in the snow and with carrying my dogs. The other downside I guess is the contour of the front windshield. I have gotten alot of rock chips and cracks. I have not replaced the windshield yet but know I will have to do it sooner than expected. Even with its little cousin of competition the toyota scion thats a box too people have the same issue with getting rock chips because the windshield if basically standing straight up and the wind blows the stuff directly toward you.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

so far the best car i have ever owned

all my friends think its strange looking untill they drive it.they all fall in love with the way it drives.the inside is so big.the turning circle is the best of any car.i can go on for hours about this small suv,i just love it. my mom took mine to the store one day,and came back with one of her own,same colar too.for real.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No