2003 Honda Element Ratings
Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
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2003 Honda Element - EX (A4) FWD
Pros: The awesome stroage space, the 7 speaker sterio and sub-woofer!
Cons: What's there to dislike?
Advice: If you get the chance to buy this car at a great deal, BUY it!
When I very first saw this car, i knew it was the one to have. The boxy exterior actually drawed me to it, because it was unique. When I took it for a test drive, the performance of the car was flawless. The gas mileage is pretty good for its size. It does great! in any weather condition! I have no regrets to buying this car. -
2003 Honda Element - DX (A4) 4x4
Pros: The folding rear seats for cargo or making a bed to take a nap.
Cons: The looks of the back side of the element.
Advice: If you need a functional car get it. If you worry about what other's think
Very peppy for a 4 cyl. The suspention helps take the shock out of speed bumps. The rear moon roof when open lets the air flow through very nicely, also good for parking the car in the summer. (lets the hot air out) I have driven in the mountains in Estes Park, it drives well on the steep gravel back roads. I have hauled easy chairs, washing machines, dishwashers etc. with the rear seats folded up. Very versatile multi-purpose vehicle. -
2003 Honda Element - EX (M5) FWD
Pros: Room
Cons: Reliability
Advice: Don't buy it!
Loved the car right up until 33k miles when it started to fall apart. At 33k the windshield broke (check it out it happens to all the 2003 Elements). At 37k the Air Conditioner ate itself. At 38k it started to drain anti-freeze into the passenger compartment. The dealer said it was my problem and added that they didn't like my attitude which was Honda fixes it or I sell the car. Honda hasn't done anything to fix it. I'm in the process of dumping it. A real disappointment because I usually keep cars for about 120k miles and was hoping my first Honda would hold up at least as well as some of the American-made cars I've owned. Oh well. -
2003 Honda Element - EX w/Side Airbags (A4) FWD
Pros: Interior, sound system, how easy it is to clean
Cons: not enough perfomance. excessive body lean in turns
Advice: If your looking for a perfomance car, I wouldn't suggest this, but anything else, this is great for.
Needs some getting used to since I'm used to driving cars that are lower to the ground. Felt top heavy until I finally got usd to the body lean. Fun car for down the shore. Turns alot of heads. Handles great in the snow(unless you take a traffic circle at 60...). Looks a little wierd, but it definetly gets the job done. I move alot for my job(military), and its great for packing everything in and going. Perfect for unmarried people. -
2003 Honda Element - EX (A4) 4x4
Pros: I can't pick just one: easy to clean, cavernous, unique look, versatile, flip up seats...
Cons: sorry don't have one... really it is that awesome!
Advice: get in it, drive it, bring your kids make sure everything works well for you, leave preconceived notions at home.. ENJOY!
Rare, Unique, Versatile, Ingenious! Easiest on earth to clean, take a bucket and sponge and wipe up the floors and or wipe down the seats! No mess is a problem... dirt, snow/salt, mud, food... not a problem! Got dogs? Got Kids? They are welcome in the Element! Got Stuff? Fold the back seats flat and flip to the walls... no removal needed (not to mention, what would you do with the seats if you were off some where had a great find.. and the seats were in the car? the Element answers that, by just swinging them up to the walls!).. Awesome concept & easy to do!! You can camp in the Element too... you could live in it really if need me..!! Boxy unique look distinguishes this vehicle from all the bubble vehicles, the hearty composite panels spare this neat vehicle from gashes and bashes in the parking lot (if they get really beat, they are cheap and super easy to replace! much more so then the strip down and repaint you would need otherwise!). HEAD ROOM!! No height is unwelcome here, the back seats are raised (stadium style) so rear guests can see over your head as you drive... the head room in the front is well heck cavernous! SOOO roomy!! -
2003 Honda Element - EX w/Side Airbags (A4) 4x4
Pros: Looks, Stereo, Open cabin
Cons: Low gas mileage, non electric moonroof, poor driver's armrest
Advice: Be prepared to have your spouse or significant other request to borrow your car on a regular basis.
Despite the 4 cylinder engine the car has no problem accelerating. Gas mileage is lower than I would expect, but the car is fun to drive. It handles corners quite well despite it height. The ride is somewhat choppy over uneven pavement. Vision out the front windshield is excellent. Overall, I am quite happy with the way it drives. -
2003 Honda Element - EX (A4) 4x4
Pros: Utilitarian nature.
Cons: The way the rear seats were folded up and attached. Works, but not up to honda snuff.
Advice: If you like the look, this appears to be a great vehicle!
I am 6'2' 250lbs - most vehicles require major adjustment prior to even trying to get in. Element was very comfy, I could easily sit in the back when the front seat was adjusted for me. Great visibility, easy to drive, fun. I was concerned that the motor would be too anemic to push this brick through the wind, I was surprised!