- Engine
- 2,354 cc
- Power
- 166 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drive
- FWD
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Seats
- 4
HondaSUVElement2003–2011
The ultimate dog-and-gear box — mechanically ordinary, functionally irreplaceable, and priced accordingly on the used market.
- 🇺🇸 North America
- Engine
- 2,354 cc
- Power
- 166 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drive
- FWD
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Seats
- 4
Overview
What this generation is, and who it suits.
The Element was Honda's box-on-wheels utility crossover, sold in North America from 2003 to 2011 on CR-V underpinnings. Rear-hinged clamshell side doors, wipe-clean urethane floors, removable and reconfigurable seats and a wide-opening tailgate made it a favourite of surfers, dog owners and campers — a cult it retains today, with strong used demand and a lively conversion scene.
Mechanically it is simply a CR-V: the durable K24 2.4-litre four, manual or automatic, front- or all-wheel drive, and unremarkable servicing needs. Weak points are few — check for rust in northern cars, worn rear door latches and, on early automatics, service history. Its boxy shape costs fuel economy and refinement at speed, but no successor ever matched its hose-it-out practicality, which is exactly why values have stayed firm.
Pros & cons
What's good
- Uniquely practical, easy-clean modular interior
- Durable CR-V mechanicals (K24 engine)
- Cult following keeps values and community strong
- Great platform for camper and outdoor conversions
What to watch
- Boxy shape hurts fuel economy and wind noise
- Clamshell doors awkward in tight parking
- Four-seat layout only; rust in cold-climate cars
Owner reviews
Written by people who have lived with this model.
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Trims & specs
One card per trim, with the spec spread across every year it was sold.
Frequently asked questions
Why are used Elements still relatively expensive?
No modern vehicle replicates its washable, reconfigurable interior and boxy load space, so demand from outdoor enthusiasts keeps prices firm. Clean late examples and manual AWD versions command the biggest premiums.
What should I check before buying?
Underbody and rear-arch rust on cars from snowy regions, rear door latch operation, and maintenance records for the automatic transmission. The engine itself routinely exceeds 300,000 km with basic care.
