2004 Honda Element Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 21 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A specialized Honda that is great as long as you need something so specialized.
Pros
Impressively versatile interior, optional all-wheel drive, smooth four-cylinder engine, styled as if out of a Japanese animation movie.
Cons
Only seats four, clamshell doors hinder entry/exit for rear-seat passengers.
What's New for 2004
The 2004 Honda Element lineup gets an LX model to slot between the existing DX and EX models. New equipment on EX models includes keyless entry, a passenger-seat armrest as standard, and bungee-cord fasteners on the driver-side front and rear seat backs.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love My Element Except for AC Issue
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Element EX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I love this little SUV...the AWD is grippy when you need it, the performance is okay for what I need (it can get out of its own way at least), the roominess inside can only be described as CAVERNOUS. It is super fun to drive because you can turn it on a dime and put it anywhere...it's very responsive for a box on wheels, surprisingly so. It has been reliable and dependable on everyday jaunts and on long trips. The seats, while not cushy, are VERY comfortable, like sitting in a chair rather than in a car. 1000 miles doesn't even fatigue you! One bad thing...AC compressor went at 36K miles and it will cost $1200 to fix (lowest estimate). CR-Vs and E's of these years have been known for this.
Favorite Features
Almost everything...if I had to choose it would be the handling and the cavernous interior space. But the comfort and unique styling bring up a close 2nd.
Suggested Improvements
V-6 option Honda...come on! This thing would be a blast with more power. Dear Honda, PLEASE fix the AC compressor issues that so many people are having with these vehicles...an AC compressor should last much longer and it shouldn't pollute the entire AC system when it does stop working.
Got a good deal on an excellent car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Element EX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
The car is for my wife who loved it immediately. It is roomy, easy to clean and appears to provide just what we need since we move larger objects. The driver is an artist and is always hauling stuff. The dealership was extremely nice in helping us to find a car.
Favorite Features
It is a little too soon to tell what we most like about the car since we only have it a little more than a week.
Suggested Improvements
None at this time.
Love my Element
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I've had a lot of cars and I always get sick of them quick! But I am in love with my Element and when it comes time for me to get a new car it will be a newer version! The back seat is awesome! Very spacious for long road trips and comfortable enough for 3 people without feeling crowded! I love how the back seat can either be folded up or taken out with little to no effort! And the vinyl instead makes muddy shoes and drink spills no big deal! I keep windex and paper towels in the back and when I end up with a mess it's gone quick! The front seat is also very comfortable and has lots of neat features!
Favorite Features
The little cubby above the stereo - I have about 50 cds in there and still have room for more! I also love the beat seats. When I moved I got all of mine and my husbands stuff to the new house in 2 trips (plates, clothes, lamps, tv etc.)
Suggested Improvements
Nothing really. Gas mileage could be a bit better but for an SUV its great! Also the sun roof is in the back-it would be nice to have it in the front
Great overall
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Element DX Fwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Great fun factor vehicle. I am getting about 25-26 miles per gallon with manual transmission. This is a great car that would serve the all the purposes: vacation, basic transportation, big item moving or purchasing. Mine is a DX, so the only thing I miss is the cruise control, everything else is very well thought and placed. I love my Element,and I plan to have it for a good while. Buyer beware: if you drive it, you'll like it... and buy it.
Favorite Features
Manual transmission, the overall great versatility, looks small from outside, huge inside, not one of the most stolen vehicles, no timing belt to replace, higher seating position, easy in and out access, plenty of headroom (I m 6.1).
Suggested Improvements
A 6th speed and an available armrest, for the ones that want one (the one available is poorly thought - we need a real one that would serve the purpose).
Ugly but love it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Honda Element LX AWD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I am happy with my Element. Took some time getting use to fine styling :-( (much like an English taxi) But it is so useful, comfortable, cleans up really well, great for hauling stuff and mine is basic beige which really hides the dirt well. I plan to drive it for at least a full 200,000 miles and forgo car payments for sometime.
Favorite Features
Configuration of seats, easily changed around.
Suggested Improvements
Windshield builds up ice on the outside edges really fast in bad weather. Blind spot is hard until you get use to it.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Honda Element
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- 2004 Honda Element
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