2008 Honda Element Consumer Reviews

Root Beer Rules

Written by: S'all Good on 12/27/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I wanted a more versatile vehicle than the sedans I've driven for years, but didn't want a truck-based SUV or minivan. I've owned several Accords and a Civic -- all great cars -- but after buying a house, needed something to haul stuff on occasion. This well-handling and peppy vehicle fit the bill perfectly. I've been looking for something like this for years. Bought the SC model because I really don't need 4WD, and also really liked the Root Beer color which is only available on the SC. It sits lower on larger tires than the EX or LX. It really makes the car sleeker-looking, and improves the handling. Love this car, and expect to keep it for a long, long time. Fits all needs.

Favorite Features

Color, styling, handling, versatility, features, large, deep center console, XM radio with great sound system. Ride is very comfortable, even with the lower profile tires. Performance is peppy and fuel mileage has been 25-27 all around. Lots of bang for the buck & Honda quality and reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Front sunroof, better body rigidity (although the clamshell door design may be the culprit). Rear hatch should be unlockable using the remote... must use the key to lock/unlock it. Brake pedal a bit spongy. Telescoping steering wheel would be nice, as would a cargo net. Give us some leather seats!

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Feeling like a kid again!!!

Written by: dqdave on 11/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought it for the fun, but this is a practical car that I can use for my bikes, or camping, or the long winters in Wisconsin. And, I think it's the most comfortable car I've ever been in. MPG is fair, 24-26, mostly highway. MT is silky smooth, better than my S2000.

Favorite Features

I'm 6'4" and I fit like a first class seat on a airplane. Can fit two bikes and three persons inside. Fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Arm rest falls to low for comfort. Looking into a after market armrest to solve that problem.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Love my Green Toaster

Written by: Rob on 10/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I was looking for an all around vehicle for hauling stuff, commuting, and occasional 4wd needed when camping, but didn’t want a truck and this car fits perfect. Always loved the ‘funky’ looking unique design on the outside, but was surprised how big this small SUV is on the inside. More headroom and driver space than my wife’s Suburban. Great for moving furniture, trips to Home Depot, Costco, etc. Consistently get about 22 mpg (not bad for an AWD box), although I drive fairly conservative lately due to gas prices. Thought the rear moon roof was weird at first, but nice to see out of when using seats as a bed. AWD makes this a real blast to drive on dirt roads! 6 months and very pleased.

Favorite Features

This vehicle is functional, functional, functional. Look at the SC model or CR-V if you want more car like interior features. Easy to clean flooring, 270 watt stereo w/ sub- woofer, mp3 jack, 1-touch driver side window power up/down, well thought out functional design. Cargo capacity, AWD, color.

Suggested Improvements

More horse power, but then gas mileage would suffer too. Stuff tends to slide around on hard plastic flooring, cargo mat standard for trunk area would be nice. Seating for 5, moon roof in front. Has blind spots due to mirror’s being so far forward, but solved with small mirrors bought at auto store.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Where's the beef?

Written by: tricat on 10/20/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this vehicle after owning a Nissan Pickup for 6 years. I bought it to be able to haul my bikes inside instead of outside in the bed of the pickup. The interior is functional, perfect for my needs. The performance is terrible, bad hesitation upon acceleration. If you need to accelerate RIGHT now, forget it. The tires squeal on almost any sharp corner, in rain it feels unsteady, like it could hydroplane at any second. Terrible mileage (21 MPH for a 4 cylinder). I honestly think rollover is a problem or will be soon. The sunroof is unusable in that it is in the back and cannot be opened remotely.

Favorite Features

rubber floor and stain resistant seat. Very versatile interior features.

Suggested Improvements

better handling, better mileage, smoother engine, quieter.

5 out 16 people found this review helpful

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New to me but excellent so far

Written by: Brian on 10/10/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I picked up a 2008 Element and so far it has been great. The sales person was decent and with the incentives I think it is an excellent buy for anyone looking for a small SUV with good utility uses. Granted, it isn't going to pull a huge load but for normal use, grabbing a dresser, mattress or something like that it will work much better than most smaller SUVs. Any things I might "want" on this truck are minor.

Favorite Features

EXCELLENT headroom Plenty of space for most basic uses Comfortable

Suggested Improvements

Moon roof rather than manual pop up Covers on some of the different storage areas Standard MP3 aux plug on all models

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Really Don't Like It

Written by: JustCC on 10/09/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

All the stuff I have in it slides all over the place (nothing slides in our Suburban), the seats hurt my butt and back, the headrests puts my head in a weird position, I've had two very minor fender benders at very low speeds and each one has resulted in mega repair bills because if the front touches anything it caves in. The paint on the cladding chips easily. Small gas tank means more frequent fill ups, rattles, I hate hate hate having to get out of the car to close the back windows.

Favorite Features

Fits a lot of stuff, good in bad weather as long as snow's not too deep.

Suggested Improvements

Much better seats, better armrest, make the windows in the back power windows so you don't have to get out in the rain or on the highway to open them if you forget them. Diesel or hybrid. Make floors stickier so stuff doesn't slide around.

4 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Homeowners Vehicle of Choice

Written by: Dominik on 10/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I've owned an 06 Element and now just bought an 08. From road trips with the dogs to hauling 4x6 wood posts and 4x8 plywood back from Lowes in the same load this vehicle has done everything I've wanted it to do. I always remove the backseats out of my Elements, it makes things easier to clean and get in and out of. I treat it like a covered pickup with really good fuel economy.

Favorite Features

cargo area, head/leg room, AWD

Suggested Improvements

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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I THINK I downsized

Written by: rick259g on 09/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

bought this Element "downsizing" from a Ford Explorer with 186k miles. I have more legroom, better road visibility, passengers in back seats have more legroom than in the Explorer. Pep seems better than the heavy v6 Explorer. The gas mileage has been upsized from 15-16 MPG for the Explorer to 23-25 with the Element. I'm glad I "downsized".

Favorite Features

interior space, road visibility, gas mileage for an SUV, handling, audio system, wipe clean seats and interior.

Suggested Improvements

center console would be nice.

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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My SC

Written by: Anthony on 09/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element SC 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I work for Honda. i had my choice of any of the models that Honda has. I chose the element for many reason. Looks, style, diverse interior, upscale interior are just a few. I can honestly say that after 6 months I am still as happy as i was the day i bought it.

Favorite Features

Love the upscale feel. The wheels, full colored body panels, interior features, the radio with built in subs.

Suggested Improvements

SUNROOF! in dash 6 disc changer, I am having a sunroof put in mine. More aftermarket accessories, chrome I got a black sc need chrome.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Perfect Car for a Single Guy

Written by: Vaughn on 09/05/2008

Vehicle

2008 Honda Element LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)

Review

I have owned two Mercedes and two Cadillac autos, all new cars, plus a Buick Riviera and I can honestly say that this is a far better car than any of them, and it costs 1/3 as much. This is due to the carefully thought out design, simplicity in all features, but most of all very low true cost to own with respect to both maintainability, repair costs, insurance, and related costs. I don’t care about resale value as I intend to keep this jewel for at least 10 years. The ride is great and the 166 bhp is more than adequate power. It also has very responsive steering, plus the electronics are all high quality and well conceived designs.

Favorite Features

Steering, electronics and dash.

Suggested Improvements

None

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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