Here’s how the Honda Element was more than a toaster on wheels 

My Element is currently sitting at over 553,200 miles at the moment. Still running strong. Bought it with 74,00 miles and over the years I had to do suspension work which, changed the alternator once, and the passenger door lock. Other than that. I just did oil changes, and transmission fluid change once in a while and that's it.

As you mentioned, I remember the Element hitting with the unintended demographic. As with the xB, older people liked the room and didn’t care about how it looked. Lots of these cars got parked in handicapped spots because people who used wheelchairs found it relatively easy to get in and out of them and to store/retrieve their wheelchairs.

3:50. fun fact, the rear swingout doors WERE the B pillar! That smaller halfdoor was structural. When it was closed, it literally became side, and rollover, protection. Choosing that 4door design was a challenge for engineers to comply with safety and body integrity. The smaller rear door is surprisingly heavy, and thats why, internal beams. The rocker panel area was also quite beefy underneath.

The Honda Element and Crosstour were both marketed to young age buyers but most were more popular with older buyers. Also both were not widely marketed in media by Honda after only couple of years.

My daughter is on her third Element. She has dogs and enjoys the outdoors. Since has the Honda drive train makes it even better. Yes there are fewer on the road but those who have them revere there flexibility and durability. Thank for that review 👍

Just purchased a green 2005 Honda Element last year. When I first saw it I thought it was ugly AF but I needed something cheap & I know Hondas are dependable. But the more I drive it, the more I love it. To the point that it's well over 200,000 miles & when the engine dies I will even put money into getting a new one🤷🏾‍♂️

Years ago, I met a guy who had an Element. Of course, I didn't care for the looks of it at the time, and I said as much not know it was his. In spite of my remark, we became good friends and had a love for cars in common. We stayed friends until his untimely passing in 2008. He eventally traded the Element for a Honda Accord coupe V6 that had a factory body kit and wheels. Today, I think the Element doesn't look bad at all. I think the Element was a bit ahead of its time.

My mechanic has a burnt orange one and he LOVES it! He told me he just turned 375k on his. I’m a first gen XB owner myself.

I own an Element. Years ago, I hated the look as my friend's wife bought one brand new in the early 2000s (still has it BTW) as my friend called it the milk truck. In the late 2000s, a former student of my wife owned one and let us borrow it a few times. That was when I discovered the versatility of it (moving seats out of the way, removing seats, making seats flat, what you can stuff in it, etc.). I acquired a taste for its quirkiness back then. I bought one 5 years ago from the original owner who kept thorough records but couldn't keep it because it's a standard transmission and his left ankle hurt too much to drive it anymore. I love mine despite battling its age to keep it. Elements have a high resale value. It definitely has a cult following as I am part of 2 Facebook groups dedicated to the Element.

An 04 element ex AWD identical to the one on that commercial was my first car, my dad bought it brand new and drove it for 8 years, then my mom got it and it was passed down to me, zero issues it’s whole life other than regular maintenance. It now has 290,000 miles on it and I still daily drive it to this day. I absolutely love it and will drive it till the wheels fall off. It’s been a great car and got me through high school. Couldn’t have asked for a better first car, I truly loved that fugly thing. It was just a really great car. I still take it camping, the all wheel drive system isn’t as good as Subarus or real 4x4 but it’s fairly capable if you know what your doing. Great beach and mountain car. If you find these scoop em up, there great cars, I definitely intend to find another to buy once mine gives out but hopefully that’s not for a long time.

I certainly remember this vehicle; Honda was trying hard to sell it to young people. Young people were not interested. However, people of retirement age absolutely loved it. Easy to get in and out, flexible interior. Good visibility. Not too expensive. And they loved it

I own an 07 Honda element. I absolutely love it. It's all wheel drive automatic basic bells and whistles. And it is one of my favorite cars I've ever owned. The way the front and rear passenger doors open up the way everything can fold down and be manipulated inside to create sleeping areas if needed or a boatload of cargo space. It's the perfect vehicle for just about everything you want. And the fuel economy isn't that bad. I get an average of 27 in the city and 35 on the highway. Not bad considering how old it is too.

In my old apartment complex, there were two, the same burnt orange color. I see them fairly often. But, they are becoming rarer. And, as you mentioned that others see Scions a lot, I see them everyday in the Denver Metro Area.

Two thoughts from this: first - talking about the element hitting a demographic it wasn't intended for, that's absolutely true. About 10 years ago I had a friend/coworker who got a used one and absolutely RAVED about it and how versatile it was! He loved his Element! And yes, I find them desirable as well! :) Second - I was completely struck by how much that footage of a lifted Element looks like a new Land Rover Defender! With the SUV craze leading to ever more swoopy designs that either 1) don't maximize interior space (a coupe 4 door suv??) or 2) makes the interior large by making the vehicle HUGE - I think there's definitely an opening for a smaller, boxy, modest offroad ability city-car camping surfing hiking vehicle! :) Go get 'em Honda!

3 months ago, went out of my way to buy a 2009 Element. Love it

I was interested in the Element back in the mid-2000's. Wife and I went to test drive one and I really liked it (bonus - could get it with a manual). However my wife didn't like that it only had 4 seats (no kids yet, but one was on the way). It goes without saying that we didn't get it. Looking back, I think it would have been a great vehicle for us and we have never needed more than 4 seats.

Wow!!! I was among those who suggested this vehicle be featured and here it is!!! Thank you very much!!! I bought my Element EX brand new in 2008 and am still driving it today. Living in TX, more than once I considered trading it in for a small pick up, like the Frontier, Santa Cruz or Maverick, but it’s been a part of the family for almost 15 years and it has less than 120K miles, so I couldn’t do it. I get asked about it almost every time I fill up and when I bring it in for service, I’m barely off the lot before a sales rep is calling me asking if I want to sell it/trade it in. It has been and continues to be an awesome vehicle and I hope Honda brings it back sooner than later. Love this channel and keep up the great work!!! 👍🏽

Two years ago I bought a 2003 Element with 80k miles. I absolutely adore this vehicle. I bicycle, camp, kayak and bring my two large dogs everywhere. This vehicle accommodates for my lifestyle perfectly. I love it! And I was kinda of offended to see this vehicle compared to the Scion, but I get it lol

Being a Gen Xer I remember when the Element was introduced. I hated it when it was new. I had an Accord at the time & was considering trading it in and getting a Prelude. I remember being turned off by the Element when I saw it at the dealership now that I'm middle-age I appreciate its practicality and now I want one. I still see them on the road where I live and occasionally see examples that have been modified. Honda reliability can't be beat.

4:15 that is major misconception! You CANNOT hose-out the interior.

I know you don't see them but in northeast Pennsylvania they are everywhere! I'm in a college town and the amount of college students rolling around campus in beat up Honda Elements is staggering. I probably see at least 2 on a typical drive

I live in coastal California and I still see quite a few of these still on the road!!! Totally a great California beach car!!!!!

As a kid one of the first pictures I had as a kid was I went to was the 2001 LA Auto show with that very concept after they first unveiled the Element, my cousin bought an element right after it came out, he loved it.

My uncle had owned a 2003 Element Ex in black round 04, 05 and it was very nice and I loved it with its versatility and wish he still had it today

Hands down this car is a classic! I used to have one back in 2010 but unfortunately it got repossessed cause I couldn't keep up with the payments! Just a couple of weeks ago I purchased a 2005 honda element with 134k miles on it and drove it across country. I'm glad that I made the decision to get an economically fuel efficient car! I love this car so much and I'm looking forward to many more trips and adventures with my element!

I’m 24 y/o and I love my Element. Been driving it since I was 16. Funny enough the previous owner was an elderly gentleman

I'm a junior in college and have a 2005 AWD manual Honda element. My dad is phenomenal at working on cars. We replaced the engine put a 1.5 inch lift on it and bigger tires (215-85 r16) giving me the ability to go down some pretty rough mountain roads (I'm not rock crawling or doing any crazy stream crossings but I definitely spend a lot of time on two tracks). I am big into caving, paintball, and the outdoors in general. This car is just perfect for what I do. It is capable enough to get me around the mountains, I have the room to fit a mattress against the back of the car and the back of one of the front seats, and it can be cleaned out extremely easily. It is small enough that I can parallel park easily on a daily basis, yet big enough that I can fit everything I own into it which I do twice a year as I'm a college student and have to move in and out during the summer. If you want a purely utilitarian vehicle in a small footprint, there's just nothing that can top it. I hope that Honda brings it back but I'm scared a newer model would be "modernized" and stripped of what makes it special. All they need to do is slap a V6 and a touchscreen in that thing and I think (with proper marketing and a price around $25 thousand) that it could be a hit.

Glad to see channel is back with new episodes, always worth a watch or two ; )

My brother owned a 03 Element This little vehicle was amazing until some butthead rear-ended him and total it. till This day we still talk about how awesome and versatile the element was.

I've lived out of my Honda Element for 3 years! Saved a ton of money on rent a ton of traveling I love this thing. I even started a youtube channel about all my adventures!

Yep, just as you predicted, I see Elements everywhere. My boss who’s 31 has had one for 5 years or so and she loves it.

Went thru two of them. If they were still made I’d be working on my third.

Watching this in the passenger seat of my wife's Element, which is packed with gear for a weekend of camping. Love this thing. 😀

I saw a guy that was a photographer, and I think this was the best possible vehicle for him to have. Could easily get all the equipment in and out, and it had tons of room in the back (I think he had the rear seats down or removed).

I find the story about the name kinda funny. Honda employees, of one of the biggest companies out there, went to a bookstore and read their books for free, that are only there because they are for sale, spent hours doing it, and presumably left without buying anything. Basically they could have just went to a library...ya know...where the sole purpose is to go look at free books!

When I saw this video come across my YT recommended, I was pleasantly surprised. As a Gen Z Honda Element owner, I absolutely love mine! It was passed down from my mother to me and, because the one I own is from 2007, and I was young while it was marketed, I never got to see it’s evolution through the short years it was in it’s prime. I never ever saw any of the marketing until this video and thought it was unique and reminded me of the 2022 Kia Soul advertisements which also seems to be advertised to a younger audience. In any case, I see a handful of other Honda Elements constantly here in New Jersey! Thank you for this video, it was informative, and connected me to other Honda Element lovers!

I delivered to Honda dealerships in the early 2000 and I really liked it but my wife didn’t so we didn’t get it.

Thanks for this video! I currently own a 2003 Honda Element EX (guess I’m part of the 67,000 first year folks) I saw the commercial for the Honda Element during the super bowl and wanted it. I was 30 years old, traded my Daewoo Laganza in towards it at Peters Honda in Nashua NH. It was $20k and I had a monthly payment of $475. Currently she has over 230,000 miles and still running strong. I’ll never get rid of her. I still remember waving 👋🏼 at fellow Element owners and had meet ups in Massachusetts. Having 30 Elements going down the road people would pull over and take photos. It’s a fun no frills super reliable vehicle. The Element Owners Club has always been an amazing source of info and camaraderie. ☮️💜

It's definitely a unicorn. I don't even see them at the salvage yard anymore. I am a Honda convert these days. We own four J35 engine vehicles. Love the interior on the Element!!!

Yes, I see elements weekly I’d say (Boston, MA). I started to look out for them after I watched your Scion video. I didn’t know they were so popular among dog owners. So cool! Great vid as always!

The Element was definitely ahead of its time! I always thought that box shaped cars looked very unique compared to the sleek ones nowadays! They were also very practical! The closest option available now would be the Kia Soul. Hopefully Honda will bring something like it back soon!

That early 2000s commercial really looks like its from the early 1990s

The two Elements I sold while working for the used lot of an Acura dealership were both to older, retired singles that had dogs and wanted a fuel efficient yet practical hauler. This again comes back to what the “ideal” car would be that would sell across all four quadrants: A compact SUV with a diesel engine and a sturdy enough drivetrain and suspension capable of moderately serious off-roading and towing/hauling heavy payloads, but enough of a clean, elegant design it’s cheap enough for first time buyers, but can also be used to impress business clients driving them out to an expensive dinner. Like the Lee Iacocca lesson, use off the shelf parts, and you can turn around a prototype rapidly, also reducing manufacturing costs, meaning you don’t have to sell as many units to be a profitable product line.

I usually never comment but this Honda and you deserve a shout out. Cars like this capture what buyers need not want. Durable, somewhat efficient, and versatile. Emagine a turbo lifted 2.4 that can be hosed out

As someone who owns a element. I can say that it is a wonderful and useful car. Never has failed me once. I do plan on getting something sportier and more my style but I will never get rid of the element.

Honda Element is common here in Oregon, usually driven by an old person.

I work at a Honda service center. These still trickle in once in a while. Awesome cars. If you can find an awd/sc manual version for cheap, buy it. Worth good money someday :)

Here in Salt Lake City I see these everywhere! Always loved the funky look and utilitarian interior. Too bad they’re way more money than they’re worth now!

I actually see quite a huge amount of elements around town. It's almost like they never stopped making them. I think it's a fantastic vehicle, but most people seem to opt for the Pilot.

I have a 2010, and I absolutely LOVE my adventuremobile! Surprisingly capable, versatile, and fun. :)

I’m glad ur back posting !

Had a 2003 . It was green. I called it the turtle. Well in my eyes it looked like one. 255 on the clock and still running strong. Timing chain and some other small stuff. Sold it to a friend. Got too many cars. Loved it and want another.

I always though these were cool vehicles. I'm a Gen Xer, so I was right in the middle of Honda's marketing demographic. But, as mentioned in the video, it attracted many older buyers, especially 65+ retirees who liked the taller stance that made it easier to get in and out. I think today, as it gains cult car status and is two decades old, it's finally appealing to 20 somethings like Honda originally intended. Except they were either little children or not even born yet when the Element was introduced.

I own a Honda Element, it's my first car, my parents bought it used before me, it works wonderfully and has lovely passenger space, I once spilled two large Chik fil A ice teas across the passenger and driver floorings, and it was no issue at all to clean. It's a lovely car and I'm so glad to have it.

I never thought the Element was as funky as people say. There's a certain confidence in the design that I've never thought twice about. Over the years though I've grown to like it more and more (though I do have a friend who had an Element that gave him nothing but trouble and drove like crap). Would love to see Honda bring this back, I think a modern interpretation would do well. Interesting watching cars you've grown up with slowly become cult-classics. I feel old...

I appreciate your doing a video about the Element. Not too long ago, I was looking to get rid of my 2010 Mazda 3 and was actually considering buying a used Element. I liked the versatility that it offers, especially the amount of storage space in the back when you fold up the rear seats. Like you said, they have sort of a cult following now with some people. Some people have posted videos on RU-vid with amazing things they've done to convert them into campers. There is one guy who has a YT channel called Ready Set Element that I was following for a while and he tests out different equipment for his E and shows places he's gone in it, sleeping in it with his wife while traveling.

Original owner of a Galapagos Green Metallic '04 Element EX (4wd). 140,000 miles on it now. Half the year it has a canoe on top, couple mountain bikes on the hitch rack, and now and then also a 125cc Honda Monkey in the rear (which rides up through the passenger side via a dog ramp). The back seats have been out of it for at least the past decade. Still camping with it. Used to tow a 900-lb teardrop trailer with it, painted to match. Will keep mine for the rest of its life, or mine, whichever comes first. Would attain perfection with twice the horsepower, twice the mpg, twice the payload rating and 4 times the towing capacity. But for $19,200 new in 2004, it has been, and still is, a pretty darn great vehicle. Bought it after 14 years of Miatas ('91 and '01). By comparison, the Element is a minnie-Winnie.

I live in Atlanta where there’s a HUGE resale market for Element’s. On top of that, I detail cars, so we service a lot of these 😂

Another great episode! Old car or new car, you are a great story teller!

I love my element. I’ve had it since oct ‘06

YEA did not understand why this wasn't a big hit. Particularly the SC manual version, the Aztec cannot even be mentioned in the same sentence as the Element. I still see them now, here in So Cal.

I have a friend who owns an element, and occasionally still see a few around town, after all, it’s got a sturdy Honda engine

I'm a Gen X that bought an 04 Element. It was the best road trip car I've ever owned. Two notes: First, you could not hose out the interior. Some auto writer came up with that idea but if you actually tried to do that, you would fry the air bag electronics. Honda only ever suggested wiping down with a sponge. Second, the sunroof was in the back because they had to install extra roof bracing over the passenger area due to the door configuration.

I remember as a kid watching “Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.” and this bad boy was the whip

The Honda Element is now more popular as a used car then it was as a new car, most people were more interested in the CR-V, the CR-V was its own competition in the Honda Lineup.

A legendary gig-mobile for generations of working musicians. The doors and low threshold make loading in and out a breeze and the all wheel drive made it a lock to get to the show in rain or snow. Plus, it’s comfortable for the set break safety meeting.

I had an 08 element. Best car i ever had. I miss it ALOT! I have an 18 hrv and get in the mid 30's in mixed driving.

I always liked the look of the Element. Like you said, back then they were too expensive for me. Maybe I should look for a good used one. Great video as always!

Nice work on the Honda Element Video! Maybe Later in the Future you can do a Video on Pontiac Aztek or the Buick Rendezvous.

I would've bought one of these had they continued making them one or two years longer, but they were discontinued before I was in the market for a new car.

My one Element experience was going with my boss to pick up big screen TVs in his Element. Sorry, I don't remember how big the TVs were but I was really surprised how much room there was. The rear seats were completely out of the way; it would have been great to move in probably. Otherwise I didn't even notice these little SUVs.

My daughter has a 2005 Element, bought it new and she loves it. I was disappointed they stopped making them because I wanted one!

I ran the parts dept at a Honda dealership for 12 years, and the Element had a HUGE cult following. I had customers who owned more than one of them, and they'd spend quite a bit of money to keep their Elements on the road. My older son (25yo) wants to get one in blue, and put a Doctor Who's T.A.R.D.I.S. style sticker on it. (It's boxy, and it's bigger on the inside than the outside.)

I bought a 2003 Orange EX new in 2003, still own that loveable car, plan to keep forever. Also own a 2009 SC in the rare Omni Blue Pearl color. Both rarely driven, but loved.

You see elements EVERYWHERE in Denver. And as an owner of a lifted Element myself I can see why. Drive train components are shared, so a quick trip to the junk yard you can find most anything you need. The awd system isn't great, but it does work for people who perhaps have never driven a proper 4x4 or all time awd car and don't know better, it works for occasional inclement weather and VERY light offroading.

What attracted me to my 2008 Honda Element who now has 125k, was the cars practicality -- large windshield, easy to clean, large head room, seats that can be folded upward or can be removed. I can easily fit my bike into the car. Am hoping I can enjoy her for as long as possible.

I love your channel. Keep them coming

There is a used car dealership down the street from my job where they are selling a 2005 Honda Element for $12,999

Excellent, I learned alot of new things in you video. Hove you done a video on the Impala SS or the Formula Firebird?

I bought one new in 2005 at the age of 41. I kept it for 8 years, and traded it in for a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited when I wanted more offroad capability. The Element actually had as much or more space as the Jeep. Want to go biking? fold the rear seats up. and bungee the bike up. After an intensive bike ride you could nap in it before returning home. And I once bought a couch and brought it home setting it on the lowered tailgate. I wouldn't mind having one again.

I was 39 when these came out and wish I had sucked it up and purchased one. At the time the price was outrageous for something so basic, so I went in a different direction. Hindsight is always 20/20. Now they are almost as expensive with 140-150k on them. Fun little cars.

One of my co-workers parks his Element next to my car everyday, here in Chicago. If they reissued the Element, I would get one!!

The main thing I hated about the styling was the plastic panels. Specifically how they didn't cover the doors. It always looked like a car that had been wrecked and someone had gotten parts off a junkyard car that was a different color and just rolled with it. Basically it was a brand new car that always looked like some meth head's junker.

My grandmother had the strangest reason for buying one of these. Back in 2007, she was looking for a car that could work as a daily driver, a way to bring her bike around easily, and a camper. When looking for a car, she would bring an inflatable mattress between dealerships and would see which car could fit it and herself comfortably and quickly. She decided this was the best choice, and 15 years later she's still driving it, carrying her bike in it, and camping in it.

My first car was 1985 Fiat Panda 4x4. A truly fascinating tiny car that likely never made it to the US. You might want to take a look at it for a future video.

Albiet Common in places like Utah; I like hearing the Backstory of some of these "funky wagons"

One of my customers is a horse Dr. We call him Doc. This Element is the only vehicle he drives and has had the first generation since new. Well, over 300K on it and every time I see him drive by I think of all the vehicles he could be driving. He’s also a Pilot and that’s how I met him at my restaurant of 37 years.

I just got back from taking my 2004 element to the beach at Ocean Shores Washington. The car did very well on the sand, although we only have front wheel drive. We took the back seats out and made our bed in the back, all of our belongings/cooler fit in the car with our bed made. We even had a little fun drifting around in the sand! Overall, the trip was a success and the car just needs a little wash :)

My parents bought a 2004 Honda Element in 2005 brand new because it wasn't a big seller. I bought it from them and it's still going strong at 181,000 miles!

Bought an element years ago for my son. Now I drive it every day as a work car plus its the perfect car to take to my daughters travel softball games. We have almost 260000 miles on it love it. Awd goes anywhere. Plus there are alot that ended up in Western Pennsylvania for some reason. They sell for around 4 ro 6 thousand used here.

I'd love to see an episode on Mazdaspeed. I have a 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 and despite being newer than some of the other cars on this channel I still rarely see other Mazdaspeed cars.

3:13 That's just like mine (colour et al) and 8:58 I also have a PT Cruiser and have seriously contemplated buying an xB. Thanks for posting!

I thought the Element was ugly as heck when they came out. Now, I'd kinda like to have one. They look like they'd be a fairly handy and economical vehicle. The funny thing is I never saw a young person driving one unless their mother's or father's name was on the title. Most of the time, I saw middle age and older people driving them.

Can you please do a Video on the Pontiac Firebird? It's hardly a forgotten car but a video on it would be great, especially with regards to the 4th gens as they're pretty rare to see nowadays. At least where I live. Thanks.

Here in Alaska, other than subarus and trucks, Honda crv and elements are the most popular 2000s car on the road

I feel like the Elements starting to really hit it's intended audience now that it's affordable. I'm 18 and I have a 2006 EX-P. It's been very reliable, respectable enough on gas, and fits my bike in the back which is great for mountain biking. It's been good for camping and carrying my tools for trade school. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it for years to come but I am not sure I will be able to use it as a work truck. Everything will fit, but the payload just isn't enough.

I've recently acquired a 2007 Element, as well as an Xb! Living my best life as a road trip traveler and musician. both of these cars fit the role perfectly.. Luck has been with me. I hope for you all as well. I'm hoping to be set now with reliable cars for the uncertain future.. Well. that, and my 1991 Mazda B2200 work truck which goes on forever and. will. not. die...

The thing I like best about my '03 EX AWD w/ 5 speed manual (after its great reliability) - is how flippin SIMPLE IT IS. Analog/needle instrument panel.. with a temp gage ! AC, PW, PS, CC, central locking and stock sound* with an input jack is ALL I NEED OR WANT. *replaced old/crispy speakers with newer/better units. I for one dig the looks with the composite bodywork. The rear/removable moon roof was for camping "stargazers" if understood correctly - but yeah jeepers wish it was front-placed, non-removable, and powered.. The "AWD" aspect is a little vexing. The front diff is open. The rear diff is open.. and power is only sent to the rear wheels when BOTH front wheels are spinning. What does this mean in the "real world" of driving to work year 'round ? Nothing? Something? What goes though my head is that all that extra weight/drivetrain/components are used for maybe what ? 5 to 20 seconds in a year's time? .. and because I'm never likely to go true off-roading (camping, yes) - swapped in a set of H&R springs (~1.5" lower), and a thicker SC rear bar for (albeit minimal) better handling. Cheers for sharing this content.

good ol' honda box! thank you for another great video!! love ya bud!

In those days I was a DJ in LA and this was a car I wanted SO much as it was almost exactly what I needed - plenty of space, Honda reliability and a cool look. But, as you said, this was out of my budget.