2003 Honda Element vs. 2003 Honda CR-V Full Comparison of Specs, Features, and Owner Reviews
2003 Honda Element
Year
2003
Trim
DX
2003 Honda CR-V
Year
2003
Trim
LX
Drivetrain
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Engine
2.4L DOHC MPFI i
2.4L DOHC i
Fuel Type
Gasoline Fuel
Gasoline Fuel
Fuel Capacity
15.9 gal.
15.3 gal.
Torque
161 ft. lbs.
162 ft. lbs.
Horsepower
160 hp.
160 hp.
MPG (City/Hwy)
21/24
22/26
Transmission
5 Speed Manual w/OD
4 Speed Automatic
Seating Capacity
4
5
Cargo Capacity
25.1 cu. ft. - 74.6 cu. ft.
33.5 cu. ft. - 72 cu. ft.
Curb Weight
3456 lbs.
3318 lbs.
Tires
P215/70SR16
P205/70SR15
Front Head Room
43.3"
40.9"
Front Leg Room
41.0"
41.3"
Wheelbase
101.4"
103.1"
Length
166.5"
178.6"
Width
71.5"
70.2"
Height
70.4"
66.2"
Exterior Photos & Dimensions
2003 Honda Element
2003 Honda CR-V
Exterior Features
2003 Honda Element
Trim
DX
2003 Honda CR-V
Trim
LX
Composite body panels
Standard
Not Available
Chrome accent grille
Not Available
Standard
2-speed/intermittent windshield wipers
Standard
Not Available
Dual pwr mirrors
Not Available
Standard
Rear privacy glass
Standard
Not Available
Body-side molding
Not Available
Standard
Intermittent rear window wiper w/washer
Standard
Not Available
2-speed intermittent windshield wipers
Not Available
Standard
Multi-reflector halogen headlights
Standard
Not Available
Heat-rejecting green-tinted glass
Not Available
Standard
Clamshell tailgate
Standard
Not Available
Rear intermittent wiper w/washer
Not Available
Standard
Removable rear sunroof w/tilt
Standard
Not Available
Multi-reflector halogen headlamps
Not Available
Standard
Swing-wide side cargo doors
Standard
Not Available
2-way rear tailgate/glass hatch combination
Not Available
Standard
Integrated roof rails
Not Available
Standard
Full-length taillights
Not Available
Standard
Rear splash guards
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colors
2003 Honda Element
2003 Honda CR-V
Interior Photos, Dimensions & Features
2003 Honda Element
2003 Honda CR-V
Interior Features
2003 Honda Element
Trim
DX
2003 Honda CR-V
Trim
LX
Removable headrests & flat folding seats at all seating positions
Standard
Not Available
Reclining front bucket seats w/adjustable head restraints
Not Available
Standard
Reclining front bucket seats w/driver seat manual height adjustment
Standard
Not Available
Reclining 60/40 split fold rear seats-inc: adjustable head restraints, fold & tumble feature, center armrest, sliding capability
Not Available
Standard
Removable 50/50 split rear seats w/flip-up feature
Standard
Not Available
Driver seat manual height adjustment
Not Available
Standard
FXC waterproof front seating surfaces
Standard
Not Available
Dual mode trip odometer
Not Available
Standard
Rear seat heater ducts
Standard
Standard
Waterproof rear storage well
Not Available
Standard
Adjustable steering column
Standard
Standard
Driver/front passenger armrests
Not Available
Standard
Color-keyed instrument panel gauges-inc: tachometer, digital odometer, (2) digital trip meters, coolant temp
Standard
Not Available
Cargo area light
Not Available
Standard
Instrument panel-mounted shifter
Standard
Not Available
Cargo hooks
Not Available
Standard
Low-profile floor console tray
Standard
Not Available
Dual visor vanity mirrors
Not Available
Standard
Instrument panel center storage compartment
Standard
Not Available
Retractable center tray table w/cup holders
Not Available
Standard
Door pocket storage bins
Standard
Standard
Front/rear beverage holders
Not Available
Standard
Cargo area-inc: light, storage bins, (4) tie-downs, (2) hooks
Standard
Not Available
Sunglasses holder
Not Available
Standard
Lockable glove compartment
Standard
Not Available
Floor mats
Not Available
Standard
(3) front/(2) rear cup holders
Standard
Not Available
Pwr windows w/driver-side auto-up/down
Not Available
Standard
Pwr windows w/auto-up/down driver window
Standard
Not Available
Front/rear map lights
Not Available
Standard
Sliding sunvisor extensions
Standard
Not Available
Front/rear accessory outlets
Not Available
Standard
Rear window defroster
Standard
Standard
Cruise control
Not Available
Standard
Front 12-volt accessory outlet
Standard
Not Available
Pwr door locks
Not Available
Standard
Pwr door/tailgate locks
Standard
Not Available
Remote rear glass hatch release
Not Available
Standard
Urethane coated utility floor
Standard
Not Available
Remote fuel filler door release
Not Available
Standard
Indicator lights-inc: door/tailgate open, low fuel, low oil pressure, maintenance interval
Standard
Not Available
Immobilizer theft deterrent system
Not Available
Standard
Double DIN stereo pre-wiring
Standard
Not Available
Air conditioning w/micron air filtration system
Not Available
Standard
Roof-mounted antenna
Standard
Not Available
Tachometer
Not Available
Standard
Indicator lights-inc: low fuel, low oil pressure, door/tailgate open
Not Available
Standard
AM/FM stereo w/cassette/CD player-inc: (4) speakers
Not Available
Standard
Front/rear grab handles
Not Available
Standard
Driver-side coat hook
Not Available
Standard
Removable folding picnic table (26.7"H x 29.9"W x 33.5"L)
Not Available
Standard
Owner Reviews
Frank T
An extremely roomy and comfortable utilitarian automobile.
Very reliable... Some issues with the electrical system, specifically the starter. Very comfortable, surprisingly roomy inside. Reliable engine. The seats either fold up or can be removed for a very large indoor space for camping or moving. The car is a bit top-heavy, however.
Sara L
Comfortable, spacious, and roomy.
I absolutely love that is looks and seems small, but once you get insight it's very roomy and spacious! I love the multiple ways that the seats and be folded down, or up and tucked into the windows to create more space, and different spaces for your personal needs. You can pack a lot into this nice compact SUV.
Ben B
The doors s**k for passengers, but the car/truck is fantastic, there's a ton of room and it handles anything super well!
No complaints, it's honestly a great car! The only thing I would change are the doors, those get annoying from time to time, but the Element runs smoothly and drives great in snow!
Marianne L
It rides very smooth take bumps very well and easy to drive.
Able to travel long distance is very spacious for me and all the kids and also pet if need be seats are pulled up and I can move or transfer things can be in all the way around I have no complaints.
Mae P
My vehicle has very good mileage and a good amount of gas stays in tank.
My car is very good with gas mileage and it doesn't take much to file up my tank and it can usually last me a good amount of time. The car is very comfortable and looks smaller than it is and has a lot of room on the inside for anything you want to put in it.
Noe C
It's no longer in production but if it was still made I would totally buy a new one.
I love my element. It's got so much room when I take out the seats. I can sleep in it and it's actually a pretty short vehicle so it's easy to park almost anywhere. It also has all wheel drive so it's great to drive in the snow.
Glenn J
That the engine will not let you down. After 150,000 miles on my Element engine, it doesn't blow smoke of any kind or color nor are there any puddles of any types of fluid on the driveway where I park.
This is a fantastic vehicle and I don't understand why they quit making them. The individual seats in the back can be folded down in so many different configurations and/ removed if need be. Also, the engine has to be one of the best in the world. I have over 150,000 miles on my Element and it doesn't leak any fluids nor are there any puddles under my Element. I really wish they would bring it back into production. The doors open up all the way, as in you have a suicide door in the back seats. The rear opens into a clamshell configuration, plus you have a sunroof between the rear seats and the rear cargo area. No one lacks for space in this vehicle. Bring it back Honda!!!
Jarrod H
That the Element is a great car for many applications.
I like that the Element is very versatile. The seats are able to be easily put up for storage. I also like that it is a small SUV that gets about 25 miles per gallon. I don't like that there are blind spots when driving the Element.
Haley M
Love car would never trade it in.
Love the car, can put a lot of miles on it. Big space in the trunk, can store a lot of stuff in there. My clock is messed but I think that is because it is old. Love the CD and cassette player. I would never buy another first car or any other car. Very reliable and trustworthy.
Lesa G
This CRV is Low Maintenance and great on gas mileage.
I like that it is easy to drive. I have low maintenance. I can travel everywhere with the all wheel drive.
Abbi M
Very Reliable Vehicle | Great on Gas Mileage!
I've had my Honda CR-V since 2012 and it's been a wonderful car. I've had a few problems with it over the years. I've had the Alternator and Starter both replaced. It currently has over 220,000 miles and is still going strong. I've taken it on multiple trips out-of-state and it's worked great! It's also very good on gas. If I chose to buy a new vehicle in the future, I would definitely consider another Honda, they are very reliable and stylish.
Pam L
It has required very low maintenance and upkeep. I love my CR-V
I love my car! It is reliable, dependable and efficient. No dislikes or complaints!
Monica Y
It is reliable and an easy car to drive.
The routine maintenance is affordable. If you keep up with that this car will last you forever. It drives well and has room for traveling with the fold down back seats. All in all I would recommend anyone to get a CR-V.
Cherish H
Great car that is great on gas but has a faulty traction sensor.
I truly love my vehicle. It is spacious and can fit four people very comfortably. The back seats can easily be taken out for even more room. It drives well and is very good in gas. It gets great gas mileage in the freeways but still gets decent gas mileage doing city driving. My only issue is my traction sensor. That needs to be replaced. When I go around certain bends in my commute, my car will start beeping and jolt/swerve because the traction control sensor does not work properly. That is my only problem with my Honda CR-V. Other than that, I absolutely love it.
Evelyn M
It's a safe car. When there were issues, HoNda contacted me and fixed it.
I like that it's roomy and comfortable for both myself and passengers. Gets me from point A to point B.
Christine R
It is also a standard transmission. It is very reliable.
The car is trustworthy, and good on gas. It is easy to park. Being a hybrid it will run on electric if out of gas. The dislikes are it is older and I am starting to replace parts.
Advantage: 2003 Honda Element
Problems Reported By Owners
2003 Honda Element
Based on owner reviews, 6.6% of users reported having problems with the 2003 Honda Element
Loren E
It's bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside.
I like that it works and is easy to fix. I dislike that it is old and starting to wear out. Not old enough to be classic, but old enough to be non-modern looking.
Charles H
I know that it will never let me down and that is the most important thing to me.
There have not been problems with it so far that I am able to think of. The performance of the car has been great so far, it is very reliable and comfortable
Eri S
Although it is a small SUV, the space was very well planned
It is a comfortable vehicle, but it frequently has suspension problems
Devin M
The space available in it to store anything you need to
I like how smooth it drives, but dislike how it turns. I like the stereo in it. I like the space in it
Sarah J
Engineering of Honda element.
Easily damaged . Faulty air quality control. Faulty design. It is big enough to store items. I used the car to move out of my apartment and it was very useful. . When driving in windy areas, the aerodynamics weren't great at all. The car swayed on the road,on the interstate.
2003 Honda CR-V
Based on owner reviews, 4.4% of users reported having problems with the 2003 Honda CR-V
Cherish H
Great car that is great on gas but has a faulty traction sensor.
I truly love my vehicle. It is spacious and can fit four people very comfortably. The back seats can easily be taken out for even more room. It drives well and is very good in gas. It gets great gas mileage in the freeways but still gets decent gas mileage doing city driving. My only issue is my traction sensor. That needs to be replaced. When I go around certain bends in my commute, my car will start beeping and jolt/swerve because the traction control sensor does not work properly. That is my only problem with my Honda CR-V. Other than that, I absolutely love it.
Christine R
It is also a standard transmission. It is very reliable.
The car is trustworthy, and good on gas. It is easy to park. Being a hybrid it will run on electric if out of gas. The dislikes are it is older and I am starting to replace parts.
allie B
I love the size of it. It's decent on gas, is comfortable for passengers
I had to replace the catalytic converter, there are some issues with interior (part of door came off, the visor broke). Had an electricity issue with the power windows
Donald H
I will not buy another used Honda.
Gas mileage is good. Room is also good. Have had a broken transmission mount. Air conditioning had a compressor failure the wrecked the whole system. Repair bills are outrageous. Service finds a new problem every time I take it in. They cost me a lot of money by telling not telling me I needed brakes sooner than I did.
Martha B
Reliable, comfortable, and versatile.
This car is quite comfortable in both the front seat and rear seat. The rear storage area is roomy and easy to access. There is a roof rack that is useful,2 have used it for a bike rack and a luggage carrier at different times. We are beginning to have battery issues, despite replacing the battery But the car is now 15 year old and has overall been very reliable. We have over work miles on it and expect it to last quite a while longer. I would definitely buy this car again.
Nicole W
Mileage; I don't have to get weekly gas for routine travel.
I cannot think of problems that are associated with the vehicle independent of breakdowns due to age. The performance of the vehicle for it being 16 years old is pretty good and extremely reliable. For it to be a compact SUV it's pretty comfortable with soft interior however due to age has limited features.
Hailey C
Very reliable and sturdy.
It's been a really reliable for the time I've owned it. The biggest issue was an engine lock up in which it cost over 3000 dollars to fix.
Advantage: 2003 Honda CR-V
Video Reviews
2003 Honda Element
Video Reviews
2003 Honda CR-V
Entertainment Features
Compare Entertainment Features
2003 Honda Element
Trim
DX
2003 Honda CR-V
Trim
LX
Safety Ratings & Features
NHTSA Ratings
2003 Honda Element
2003 Honda CR-V
Overall
Not Rated
Front
Not Rated
Side
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Compare Safety Features
2003 Honda Element
Trim
DX
2003 Honda CR-V
Trim
LX
Dual stage front airbags (SRS)
Standard
Not Available
Driver & front passenger airbags (SRS)
Not Available
Standard
Front 3-point seat belts w/adjustable anchors, automatic tensioning system
Standard
Not Available
Driver & front passenger side-impact airbags-inc: passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
Not Available
Standard
Rear 3-point seat belts
Standard
Not Available
Front 3-point seat belts-inc: automatic tensioning system, adjustable anchors
Not Available
Standard
Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH)
Standard
Standard
(3) rear 3-point seat belts
Not Available
Standard
Side-impact door beams
Standard
Standard
Childproof rear door locks
Not Available
Standard