2008 Honda Element consumer reviews

I have owned this vehicle for 27 mos. I am 4'11" tall and I find it awkward to cross lanes on a four lane highway or merging because of the level of the windows. I can't see the rooftops of the vehicles even during daylight hours. I put an extra small round mirror on each side mirror which helped but after all this time, I still can't say I love it. I do love the way I can stand in the back seat to buckle the two grandchildren into the car seats. I love the way the doors open to put things into "my shed". I am uncomfortable driving in the city in turning corners left still because the view is blocked from the side door design and the large mirror support. I can't clean the snow off the windshield easily even if I stand on the door jams with the door open! I have gone back to Honda and am trading this car in for one I that has much better visibility for me as a short person. My husband does not want to keep it for his 30 minute commute because of the frequent shifting that occurs in the the 80 mph morning traffic to work. It runs great in the snow. we love the stability bars. I look forward to the FIT arriving for me-- SOON they said!

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