2008 Honda Element consumer reviews

I needed to get a bigger car when our son arrived two years ago. I immediately started looking at small SUVs, thinking that they would give me the added storage and passenger space that a growing family would need. However, I was struck by the fact that they had very little added space. The RAV4 truly wasn't much bigger than my wife's Corrolla. And then I found the Element--it is really big inside. Lots of stowing capacity and the back seat is huge! It is a fun car because it is quirky (suicide doors, safari seating, box shape), but there are a couple of draw backs. I wish it had an outside temperature gauge. The headlights are not automatic and the doors don't lock when you get to a certain speed. Other than those minor grips my only remaining wish is that it got better fuel economy. . . the best I can get is 25--which is great for this segment--but overall not too good. Still--I'm very glad I got it--a terrific car!!

When driving in cruise, even the slightest uphill on the highway leads to downshifting. I didn't like the steering feel, lacked a sense of holding a straight line. Gas milage was quite good, 25mpg on long trips. Usefullness of interior a plus, will easily hold 2 bicycles without having to dismantle them.

We enjoy the first Element (04 EX AWD) so much we just traded in our 4 dr. Accord on another one (08 SC). The styling and functionality is amazing. We have moved other people many times, loaded tons of stuff in it for delivers and pick ups and each time we are amazed about how much we can get into it (of course with the rear seats out). We can also get two adult bicycles in it with the rear seats out, which is great when you want to travel to bike trails. We have also been able to get three 4x8 sheets of plywood in the rear, of course at a angle with tailgate down. We have had furniture, doors, windows, woodand list could go on, in this SUV. Amazed each time and on the hunt continually of how much more we could get into it. These Elements are so much fun to drive. We hestitated in the fact of having two Elements at one time, but after some thought it was the most logical conclusion. We looked at many different autos to replace the Accord and decided to just wing it and go for two Elements at the same time. We love the way the little SUV handles and the gas mileage and especially the funtionality and versitility of the Element. When the 04 is ready to be replaced we know we will get another Element, thats how much fun they are. The only "draw back" is it is a four passenger vehicle, but it is a good down side if your not big into hauling a lot a people. The back seats are very comfortable and makes riding fun. We LOVE this little SUV. It is the mack daddy of fun and function. We hope the keep making them for a long time.

when door locks are activated or brakes are applied( hard to stop car), the vehicle sometimes stalls and the electrical system fails. The dealer can't find the problem and cannot duplicate it. The vehicle is about 6 weeks old and has about 1200 miles.

I wrote a prior review. I've had my Element for almost 1 year and have driven it thru the Ohio snow. I still think this is the BEST vehicle I've ever owned. It handles well in bad weather. It is still as roomy and functional as before. After having owned it for approx. 1 year, the only thing that would be nice is a bigger gas tank and automatic headlights. Other than that, it is a great little SUV that drives like a dream. Hopefully, when I'm ready to re-purchase a new vehicle, they will still be making the Element. I LOVE IT!

I looked at every, and I mean every small SUV. I was hoping to move up from our Toyota Corrolla and get some more space especially considering that my wife and I have an infant and car seats are NOT small. The one thing I could not get over was that the majority of the small SUV's on the market (RAV 4, SATURN VUE, CRV, OUTLANDER) are not any bigger than a small sedan. Yes they have lift gates and sit higher--but the actual seats and leg room are not any bigger. So when I found the Element I was thrilled to see that it is actually really big inside (because it is a box afterall). The leg room and interior space is huge! The car seat fits in with tons of space to spare--and the way the seats fold up means that cargo space is not an issue. I also like that it has stability control, six airbags and a very nice interior (great fit and finish). Some may dislike the looks of the Element--but in its own way it is actually quite sporty. The gas mileage is my biggest complaint--the city mileage is not really that great (I see an average of 19). Otherwise--I love it!

I just purchased my 08 2wd EX Element and I am very pleased overall. The main reason I bought this vechicle is for my business. I needed alot of cargo space and I also wanted a vechile that would get at least 20 mpg. So far I have been averaging 22 mpg with both local and highway driving (local in alot of traffic). I am replacing a Chevy truck which I loved but it was killing me at the pump (averaging 13mpg) :( I think for the money it's a great buy there is a few things they could have done better with the Element. 1. Fuel Economy 2. No real armrest 3.Overall vision especially from windsheild cant see traffic lights 4. Blind spot when rear seats are folded up (I removed both) Besides those 4 issues it really is a very good car/suv. OH by the way the stock radio kicks with it's built in subwoofer.

Absolutely LOVE my new Element (EX 4x4). Very roomy for passengers (front and back). The Element has quite a kick when accelerating. What a wonderful surprise from this SUV. Love the urethane coated floors & waterproof fabric (front & back). No messes to worry about...wipe up and move on. As far as consumer reviews saying that it isn't a luxury vehicle...I beg to differ. Very fun, functional SUV and love all the looks I get on the highway. You either love the look of the Element or hate it. I like that...

I just traded in my 1999 Honda CRV with 197,000 miles on it. I got a Honda Element LX. It is a nice vehicle, quite techy and plenty of room all around. People seem to like it although one kid called it a toaster on wheels. I asked him hot about that domestic piece of nothing you drive. Honda surely knows how to build a reliable fun vehicle while keeping safety and gas efficiency intact

Absolutely love my Element. I am through my third tank of gas and I am averaging 21 MPG with about 70% of my driving in town - AC not on. It is a very fun to drive vehicle and gets a lot of attention - curious people poke their head in and a lot of skepticism turns to envy once they view the inside. The heater gets very hot very quickly and it rides beautifully in cruise control. Took a drive on the interstate with some pretty good winds and surprisingly I didn't get muscled around like I thought I would. My previous vehicle was a mini-van (Chevy Venture) and it was brutal in the wind. I really love the view....lots of window space and sits up nicely with comfortable seats. Mine came with 90 days of XM radio and I think I will keep it - great selection of music and the sound system is excellent. Now, a few drawbacks. I don't like the location of the drink holders....they are all of the way on the floor so reaching down from the seat is further than I thought it would be and you almost have to take your eyes off the road. Next, no automatic lights in the car or daytime running lights? I owned an 04 w/ these and I thought it was mandated but it isn't. Also, if you leave the lights on in the car...the bell beeps but there's no shutoff so you have to worry about the battery running down. I already left them on once, but only for about an hour! I had to really dig to find negative but given the chance I would do it all again!