2003 Honda Element Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

21 City / 24 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

160

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Jennifer H

It's my baby! It has never done me wrong she's special to me

My Honda is a trooper. It takes me everywhere, and brings me joy! It has plenty of room to move things, have the kids with me do all kinds of fun things!

carol m

Goes into 4 wheel drive if needed.

It's easy to load carry music equipment (keyboard and professional speakers) - lots of room. It feels good driving and it's green - my fav color.

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!!!

Melissa J

The Honda element is a reliable, versatile vehicle and I love it.

It is reliable, incredibly roomy, versatile and very easy to clean and maintain. It is fantastic for road trips and has tons of cargo space. I love that it is comparatively small for a mid-size SUV, but the 4-cylinder engine does not have a ton of oomph when driving uphill and on highways.

Anne G

It's bigger on the inside! It may look like a box, but it's huge once opened.

Love the rubber mats inside, make it so easy to clean out with two young children. The space is so spacious and makes long trips fun. Comfortable. Drives great!

Trevor J

Ultra practical and goes anywhere!

Well, it is a Honda so you know it is built well and has good reliability. I used to own a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta which was very well built but I couldn't find anyone in my area that serviced VWs. It was too expensive to maintain so I sold it and bought the ultra-practical Honda element. I have since converted it into a mini RV.

Sharon B

I manage to get great fuel mileage. A tank lasts me a whole month.

Dislike the fact it has too many blind spots when driving. Love it cause you can put so much stuff in it as it is taller than normal car on the inside. Have room for my 3 dogs to put there beds in the back and still have room for luggage in far back behind back seat.

Chris Powless

Longevity

We’ve owned this car purchased used Honda certified in 2004. We’ve done the usual maintenance (oil, brakes,tires etc) on schedule as per Honda recommendations. We’ve put about $4k into misc repairs at dealership (read overpriced). It’s still gorgeous and in tip top condition with 132,455 city miles on her. My son was little when we bought this vehicle and he always has said he wanted to have the car when I got a new one. Well, the time has come. And as I hand off the car keys I am on a wicked hunt for a newer Element!! This is the LOWEST maintenance (financially speaking) most useful (read hauling boys to lacrosse, lake, volunteering at food bank packing in loads of cases of food, wagging me to work and back daily) and super easy to park!! Parallel whip it! No problem in light wooded areas or city streets! Take care of her and she will reciprocate!

Negative Owner Reviews

Marri D

The advantage of this car, it protects the people in accident.

This car mileage varies frequently, this is the major drawback of this car. In addition, this car always encounters with some repairs. And always, so much of smoke will generated, when ever I open the engine. One of positive aspect of this car is, when we met with accident, we will be safe, this is the major and only advantage I found with this car. I recommend the people, not to buy this car.

Alex M

Sometimes the engine does not start up, and it it very frustrating

Sometimes the car seat does not adjust very well. Sometimes the car engine doesn't want to start up. This can lead to very distressing moments.

Jeni W

Radio solution. If no code call dealership to get code

I like my car. I am short so the sun gets in my eyes. Never really had any major problems. Just make sure when you buy one you get the radio code if you ever have to change your battery. It knocks out the radio and need code to fix it. Drives well and very roomy.

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

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.

maureen a

It's a great family car for trips and shopping and can also be used for moving large items.

It's great for moving things. I even fit a washing machine in it! It's very versatile for whatever I need The only drawback is there is no room for a third person in the back.

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.

Linda E

Great for hauling large furniture.

My car is great for hauling large items,couches,chairs. It is good on gas. Needs new tires. Can not pass smog right now I have to drive it 100 miles to get the computer to reset for the smog.Check. I have never had an accident with this car. Visibility is bad in the corners when backing up. Currently I can not get m y high beams to work,low beam are fine.

Honda Element Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

160 HP 23-23 MPG 4 Seats

Photos may not match model

2003 Honda Element Owner Reviews

4.39

76 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

58%

4 stars

28%

3 stars

12%

2 stars

1 star

Frank T on March 27, 2021

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 on March 14, 2021

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.

View All Reviews (76)

Ranks #2 Compact SUV by Owners

The 2003 Honda Element has an average owner rating of 4.50 out of 5 which ranks it #2 of 15 other Compact SUVs.

Tie

2003 Audi allroad

4.5

Tie

2003 Toyota Matrix

4.5

2003 Honda Element

4.39

Ranks #5 Compact SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Honda Element has a combined MPG of 26 which ranks it #5 of 15 other Compact SUVs.

Tie

2003 Toyota RAV4

31 MPG

Tie

2003 Toyota Matrix

31 MPG

Tie

2003 Honda Element

24 MPG

Is The 2003 Honda Element A Good Car?

Yes, it is a great car. I love it might get another one. The Element needs to come back out again. Honda doesn't make them anymore. I have heard there is talk of bringing it back. I would love to see... Read More

Denise W.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Honda Element?

Yes, it is very reliable. I just fixed my window regulator. They go out in those cars. I have to get the other one done as well. Only one window is working now because of it. But, I will find a used... Read More

Abbie C.

Is The 2003 Honda Element A Good Value?

3,500 is the total I paid for it. That was a great value for the car it only had 140,000 miles on it.

Angela K.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the radio code for my honda element 2003?

Answer: The radio in Your 2003 Honda Element has a built in anti-theft system that will not allow the unit to function after it has lost power unless a unique code is entered by the owner. This was done to stop thieves...

What's the 2003 honda element ecm location?

Answer: You'll find the 2003 Honda Element's engine control unit (ECU) located behind the glove box in Your vehicle. If You're going to replace this, You can usually find a used part on eBay for around a hundred bucks:...

What are the 2003 honda element electrical problems?

Answer: The most common electrical problems in the 2003 Honda Element are related to the battery dying due to excessive electrical draw from the computer system. Set the dome light to the off position. Make sure You...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front