My local Honda dealer says he could still sell these everyday if Honda still made them. Every time I take it in for service, he tries to buy it from me. No way, I've already promised it to my daughter when I die. Yes, it will last that long. I've seen these things with over 600K miles on them and still going strong.
Thanks for this video, pretty sure it is the first time I've seen it. I'm original owner of an '04 Galapagos Green Metallic EX - paid $19,200 in October 2004. Bought it for my Samoyed after two cross-country drives in a Miata. It currently has 142,000 miles. All those miles are camping trips, road trips and errands - no commuting. My Honda Monkey 125cc rolls up a telescoping dog ramp into the passenger side and motorcycle straps keep it secure to the tie-down points. Removed the back seats shortly after buying it. Half the year my canoe is on top and the other half mountain bikes on the back. I was not in the target demographic -- 20-something mountain bikers/surfers. Other than surfing and gender my usage has fit the mold. It really underscores the utility in "SUV." Only vehicle I've bought thinking it looked, at best, ungainly. I've loved it from day one and will keep it forever.
Just purchased a 2010 EX 4WD Auto. Unique crossover. Rear space is awesome. The K24a4 is bulletproof. And plenty of them at you local JDM engine suppliers.
One of very few crossovers that was actually functional. You really could put bikes in the back of it upright without having to remove the wheel. Was it pretty, no, but it was actually functional! Now all the CUVs have this stupid teardrop shape that tapers to the rear so the cargo area is useless in height.
I have a 2005 EX, red like the one in the video. I bought it this year from a one owner who bought it brand new and still had the window sticker. Bought it with 243k I’m at 247k now, loving every minute of it. I’ve never had a more versatile and practical vehicle. I took the rear seats out completely since I don’t typically have passengers (besides my dogs) and I put a foam puzzle floor mat down. My great Dane stands up in the back and has over a foot of headroom left. I’ve left Menards with 12 foot boards, I’ve fit 2 full size bikes with room for more. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned and I have a 2015 Mustang 5.0 sitting in the garage currently lol
My 2005 Honda Element has survived 320k but now it has a small head gasket leak. It’s life was hard; it had 7 owners before me, been through two used car dealerships and a front end collision. I don’t know what to do with it now.
@@kylemahorney5578 Likewise, I could carry two passengers in the back seats with plenty of room for my 140-pound Bernese Mountain Dog to completely turn around or sleep on the floor. When he sat up in the middle of the rear, it looked like three people were up front. Sadly, the dog is gone and the Element was his ambulance and hearse in the end. I had to travel a mountain road in deep snow to reach his burial side and the AWD made it with ease. I've carried mountain bikes and road bikes fully assembled, drum sets, appliances, furniture and many, many other things. I lucked out on the price of my 2006 EX because it was a special order 5-speed manual that was refused on delivery. The Honda dealership could not sell it to today's market because the gearshift made texting impossible while driving. After it sat for a year, the dealer cut several thousand dollars off the MSRP and I still got the new car warranty. I don't care how much these cars are selling for today, mine will never be sold. My dealer tries to buy it back from me every time I take it in for service. Not going to happen.
I love my 2008 EX 4WD and think it is the best car I've ever had. It really is the most utilitarian of the SUV's besides the FJ Cruiser from that era. Thanks for this post.
It's just getting broken in. I've seen them with over 600K miles on them. My 2006 is still like new. I treat it to premium fluids and services and then abuse it like a rented mule. I will never, ever, never sell it. It goes to my daughter when I die.
Honda bet VERY POORLY on the youth focused marketing.. we're senior boomers, bought our AWD EX new in 2004. Most practical vehicle EVER. Shares components with the CR-V, so even though it ceased production in 2011, still plenty of engine and suspension parts available. 130K+miles, 20-22MPG consistently with the 4speed automatic.
247k going strong no major problems. I’ve seen a lot of instances now where people are getting 350k-400k without any engine or transmission replacements
@@kylemahorney5578 Mines survived 320k before the head gasket developed a small leak. I am still driving it, but I don’t know whether it should go to the junkyard or be saved. It burns coolant.
It's funny you say that my cousin has owned her since she bought it brand new and she loves and has barely spent a dime on it.. I told her to keep until it dies... APPARENTLY IT WON'T
This is ugly like the original Land Rover's and the classic VW Beetle's. Beauty is in the eye of the holder. Every time I look at mine, I just smile because of its being so faithful to me in accomplishing every hard task I've given it. I bought it new and I will never, ever sell it. It goes to my daughter when I die.
Nope, a soccer mom needs three rows of seats. This is perfect for the DIY boomers like me who haul everything, including the kitchen sink in it. I would give examples but I've lost count. Oh, and the single owner who loves to carry his/her giant animals will have no problems with entry, exit or removing hair. Mine has been an ambulance and hearse for many large dogs.
Thank the DOT for that. The JDM version of the Element had 3 seats in the rear and did away with the center cup holders. I think this is what led to the ultimate demise of the Element (aside from their target demographic unable to afford a new vehicle). The CR-V could hold 3 in the back, and families wanted that, hence the much higher sales numbers.
Agreed, I bought one (and still have!) only because I was entering an empty nest situation. The suicide doors are also not ideal for parents dropping kids off at school.
This is a UTILITY vehicle, not a soccer-mom van. It is meant to haul BIG dogs, bicycles, furniture, potted plants, appliances, drum sets, couches and a thousand other things in all kinds of bad road conditions. It has a flat floor, barn doors and seats that can become a double bed or the rear ones can be folded up to the walls or completely removed. It is a Swiss Army Knife of vehicles. Of course, what do I know? I bought my 2006 model brand new and I still use it for something different every day. It is reliable and practical.
Still driving my 2003 Element and still love it.
SO IS MY COUSIN, SO RELIABLE...
Original owner of a galapagos green 2003 Element EX AWD. 20 years old and going strong.
Honestly trippy seeing an element so clean
One of the most sought after out of production cars today. Cult following.
Completely understandable. This thing is incredible.
My local Honda dealer says he could still sell these everyday if Honda still made them. Every time I take it in for service, he tries to buy it from me. No way, I've already promised it to my daughter when I die. Yes, it will last that long. I've seen these things with over 600K miles on them and still going strong.
Yep just got mine
I’ve had 3 I’m only 18
18 years and counting with my 2005!
Same here, 2005 in black, 123000 miles
Very nice this Honda Element
3:31 John waving after removing the roof panel. LOL
That man is an automotive treasure 😆👌 I’m glad he’s still with MotorWeek to this very day!
It has removable roof panels too🤯
My son just bought his first car. A 2006 Honda element EX AWD.
Thanks for this video, pretty sure it is the first time I've seen it. I'm original owner of an '04 Galapagos Green Metallic EX - paid $19,200 in October 2004. Bought it for my Samoyed after two cross-country drives in a Miata. It currently has 142,000 miles. All those miles are camping trips, road trips and errands - no commuting. My Honda Monkey 125cc rolls up a telescoping dog ramp into the passenger side and motorcycle straps keep it secure to the tie-down points. Removed the back seats shortly after buying it. Half the year my canoe is on top and the other half mountain bikes on the back. I was not in the target demographic -- 20-something mountain bikers/surfers. Other than surfing and gender my usage has fit the mold. It really underscores the utility in "SUV." Only vehicle I've bought thinking it looked, at best, ungainly. I've loved it from day one and will keep it forever.
Just purchased a 2010 EX 4WD Auto. Unique crossover. Rear space is awesome. The K24a4 is bulletproof. And plenty of them at you local JDM engine suppliers.
I bought a 2005 model year exactly like this one. It just rolled over 200K miles. Hope to get 100K more!
Loved these. Especially the later models that got less vinyl cladding and a more streamlined look.
One of very few crossovers that was actually functional. You really could put bikes in the back of it upright without having to remove the wheel. Was it pretty, no, but it was actually functional! Now all the CUVs have this stupid teardrop shape that tapers to the rear so the cargo area is useless in height.
I have a 2005 EX, red like the one in the video. I bought it this year from a one owner who bought it brand new and still had the window sticker. Bought it with 243k I’m at 247k now, loving every minute of it. I’ve never had a more versatile and practical vehicle. I took the rear seats out completely since I don’t typically have passengers (besides my dogs) and I put a foam puzzle floor mat down. My great Dane stands up in the back and has over a foot of headroom left. I’ve left Menards with 12 foot boards, I’ve fit 2 full size bikes with room for more. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned and I have a 2015 Mustang 5.0 sitting in the garage currently lol
My 2005 Honda Element has survived 320k but now it has a small head gasket leak. It’s life was hard; it had 7 owners before me, been through two used car dealerships and a front end collision. I don’t know what to do with it now.
@@applepoop10 Fix it!
@@kylemahorney5578 Likewise, I could carry two passengers in the back seats with plenty of room for my 140-pound Bernese Mountain Dog to completely turn around or sleep on the floor. When he sat up in the middle of the rear, it looked like three people were up front. Sadly, the dog is gone and the Element was his ambulance and hearse in the end. I had to travel a mountain road in deep snow to reach his burial side and the AWD made it with ease.
I've carried mountain bikes and road bikes fully assembled, drum sets, appliances, furniture and many, many other things. I lucked out on the price of my 2006 EX because it was a special order 5-speed manual that was refused on delivery. The Honda dealership could not sell it to today's market because the gearshift made texting impossible while driving. After it sat for a year, the dealer cut several thousand dollars off the MSRP and I still got the new car warranty.
I don't care how much these cars are selling for today, mine will never be sold. My dealer tries to buy it back from me every time I take it in for service. Not going to happen.
@@applepoop10 Hope you replaced that $60 gasket instead of a $10k car.
I have a 2003 EX FWD that has 281000 miles on it. Still running smoothly and strong in performance!
It made me think of the Pontiac Aztec. But without the "Kill it with fire!" reaction some people had to the exterior styling.
I love my 2008 EX 4WD and think it is the best car I've ever had. It really is the most utilitarian of the SUV's besides the FJ Cruiser from that era. Thanks for this post.
I have a 2008 with over 300,000 miles on it.
It's just getting broken in. I've seen them with over 600K miles on them. My 2006 is still like new. I treat it to premium fluids and services and then abuse it like a rented mule. I will never, ever, never sell it. It goes to my daughter when I die.
Love my 2007 ex awd. One of the best vehicles I've ever owned. Happy I got it. I prey that they come out with a new element one day. 💯
Honda bet VERY POORLY on the youth focused marketing.. we're senior boomers, bought our AWD EX new in 2004. Most practical vehicle EVER. Shares components with the CR-V, so even though it ceased production in 2011, still plenty of engine and suspension parts available. 130K+miles, 20-22MPG consistently with the 4speed automatic.
I remember looking at one when my dad was buying his accord in 2007 thinking it was so neat.
Your dad made the wrong choice
@@pcha151 please those accords were great
l have the exact car- going strong at 237,000 miles
Not my birth year being Retro😂
It would sell like hot cakes today, today people want suvs, crossovers and pickups, even in hybrid or electric vehicle.
Surprisingly, they still do... in the aftermarket. Elements have held their resale value quite well over the years.
technically,the automatic transmission is a 4 and a 1/2 gear (you know if you drive one)
I wonder if my 2007 element, you can remove the roof. Mine is a 4wd also.
Yes you can remove the rear sky light...I have a 2007 awd.
Yup, be careful, it's the red lever.
This lamb wonders how many sheep it can hold.
about 8 to 10 without stacking, assuming none are in the front seat.
WHY DID THEY DISCONTINUE ELEMENT!!!
I always wanted one but they were always out of my price range. Now they are too old.
247k going strong no major problems. I’ve seen a lot of instances now where people are getting 350k-400k without any engine or transmission replacements
@@kylemahorney5578 Mines survived 320k before the head gasket developed a small leak. I am still driving it, but I don’t know whether it should go to the junkyard or be saved. It burns coolant.
@@applepoop10 try running Bahr's Stop Leak through cooling system. I've seen it correct that problem for many more miles of usage.
Define, "old". My 2006 model is still running like new.
Durable seat material. LOL
Yeah, not so much.
@@mattfoley6082 Right, I wish it was as durable as the seats in my '99 CR-V.
That’s one ugly car but I’m sure it was dead reliable
It's funny you say that my cousin has owned her since she bought it brand new and she loves and has barely spent a dime on it.. I told her to keep until it dies... APPARENTLY IT WON'T
@@RetroCarReviews this Honda Element is cool car, very nice
This is ugly like the original Land Rover's and the classic VW Beetle's. Beauty is in the eye of the holder. Every time I look at mine, I just smile because of its being so faithful to me in accomplishing every hard task I've given it. I bought it new and I will never, ever sell it. It goes to my daughter when I die.
Oh I can't wait! I want mine now!
How can this be targeted at single males!? This has soccer mom written all over it.
Nope, a soccer mom needs three rows of seats. This is perfect for the DIY boomers like me who haul everything, including the kitchen sink in it. I would give examples but I've lost count.
Oh, and the single owner who loves to carry his/her giant animals will have no problems with entry, exit or removing hair. Mine has been an ambulance and hearse for many large dogs.
I did not buy one because you could not fit three in the back.
Thank the DOT for that. The JDM version of the Element had 3 seats in the rear and did away with the center cup holders. I think this is what led to the ultimate demise of the Element (aside from their target demographic unable to afford a new vehicle). The CR-V could hold 3 in the back, and families wanted that, hence the much higher sales numbers.
Agreed, I bought one (and still have!) only because I was entering an empty nest situation. The suicide doors are also not ideal for parents dropping kids off at school.
This is a UTILITY vehicle, not a soccer-mom van. It is meant to haul BIG dogs, bicycles, furniture, potted plants, appliances, drum sets, couches and a thousand other things in all kinds of bad road conditions. It has a flat floor, barn doors and seats that can become a double bed or the rear ones can be folded up to the walls or completely removed. It is a Swiss Army Knife of vehicles.
Of course, what do I know? I bought my 2006 model brand new and I still use it for something different every day. It is reliable and practical.