2003 Honda Element

Pros: Roomy, Reliable, Realtime 4WD,Price, Romper Room on wheels
Cons: Honda's lack of standard equipment

I was in the market for a small SUV. The Element wasn't even on my list. I was at the point of purchasing a used Land Rover Freelander at a Honda dealership when my wife said "that's a cool looking car." What she was looking at was a Sunset Orange Pearl Element EX 4WD. We test drove it and knew we wanted it. After purchasing the vehicle I have driven it through snow, ice and a mix of both without a problem. It is a comfortable, but not luxurious ride. The kids love the stadium seating and the sunroof in the back. The interior is void of carpeting, making it virtually stain proof. It has some pep but don't expect a race car. The mileage is fair 22-24mpg and the turning radius is fantastic. You either like the look or you don't, it's not really a style that grows on you. If you are looking for a reliable, roomy, utilitarian vehicle, get the Element.

Pros: Style, Versatility, Cargo space
Cons: I can only drive one Element at a time

I have owned my Element since spring 2004 and am very happy I chose to buy it. The AWD is excellent in Canadian winters and the cargo space is unbelievable to everyone.

The towing capacity could be a little better, but I don't really have any other cons.

I purchased the optional privacy curtain and have slept in the a few times. A blow up queen sized mattress fits perfectly with all the seats flat.

Pros: Good mileage, great craftsmanship, reliable, inside and seats are easy to clean. Great stereo.
Cons: Hold the wheel tight in high winds!

Having owned it now for over a year, It has been a great car, very reliable and zero defects. I added the keyless remote control (easy -get it on ebay) as well as a hitch (2hr install- etrailer.com). I had no problems towing a U-Haul with a couch and as much other stuff as I could pack in the 5x8' trailer and it towed it flawlessly even up the hills (1200-1500ft) of SW Wisconsin where my summer home is. The all wheel drive performs great on demand and pulls it up my very steep (and sometimes snowy) driveway like a champ. Most 2wd cars and trucks cannot make it up that slope under the same conditions.

I also just got back from the Smoky Mountains (loaded down) and it traversed the mountains easily but I also didn't try and do over 60 going up the steep parts and therefore didnt exceed 3-4k engine rpms.

Pros: ELBOW ROOM!!! This car has so much space and is so reliable.
Cons: Power.

The Honda Elements is now probably my favorite auto that I have ever owned. I am a big dude, about 6' 4" and I fit in it incredibly well. When I put the seats up in the back, I have so much room I put four twin mattresses in on their sides (though I couldn't quite close the back door). It's awesome to take on trips and camping because it's so easy to clean and has built in sleeping (the seats fold into cots) and a moon roof.

I haven't had a single problem with the engine and the mileage is very consistent.

It's only a 4-cilyndar engine, so it's not super powerful, but I've never been a big-power kind of a guy.

I'd reccomend an Element for anybody thinking about it.

Pros: Functionality, comfort, easy to clean, ability to change back seats for more cargo room.
Cons: Only seats four. Can have interior wind / road noise. No hybrid option... yet!

I bought my Element in Oct of 2003. I have since put over 45000 miles on it in all types of terrain and situations. From the everyday work commute to the off road and snow driving experience I have been VERY happy with my "Box" as I like to call it.

My friends used to tell me that I must work for Honda cause I ALWAYS talk about my love for it. I would do full demonstrations on the features of it. I have 2 dogs and and very active in outdoor activities including camping, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and scuba diving. I LOVE that whether I am throwing the dogs in for a day hike or over night camp or if I'm throwing in my wet scuba gear, that I can alter the position of the back seats and can practically hose it out when I'm done.