The best?
This is the second car in my car fun scale (first is CR-V). All problems appeared after 130000 miles, most of them are different sensors on the engine. Generator - 140000 miles, brake calipers -120000, exhaust pipe - 135000 (muffler is still good).
Finally this is most convenient and comfortable car in my life!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th May, 2019
This car is fun.
The car does not do well on windy days. It also has no arm rest.
This car has locked me out. The key will not unlock either side. You must ask strangers to help you gain entry to the car. I am handicapped and cannot crawl through a car. My local dealer will charge $719.00 to repair it.
I need divine intervention. Help!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 17th April, 2014
Hello. I believe this link to a Honda forum that explains how to fix this problem should help you with your current situation.
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41502
Tony
Is this "review" a joke? Looks like you have had this car for 10 years and 300000 miles of trouble free motoring (well, you haven't listed any faults) and you are complaining about replacing the locks? If that's the only problem you have had, just go ahead and REPLACE THE LOCKS.
Not the best vehicle I have ever owned, but definitely my favourite one
Engine mount at 80,000 miles.
Driver's side door lock at 80,000 miles.
Right power window motor at 84,000 miles.
Gas gauge at 124,000 miles.
Windshield cracked at 132,500 miles.
Left power window motor at 134,000 miles.
Still though, the engine and drivetrain have been very reliable. Still on the original clutch at 146,630 miles.
Original front brake pads lasted until 127,000 miles; the original rear brake pads lasted until 138,000 miles.
Other than these few issues above, I have been very happy with this vehicle. No car is perfect. I have owned it 10 years as of today.
It is roomy, useful (lots of cargo space), easy to park, and not that bad on gas (about 20 MPG city, 27 MPG highway). Fun to drive with the manual transmission.
Dealer service wasn't that great. I found an independent mechanic I trust. That is a better way to go. Given the problems with the windshields with this model and year, I am lucky my windshield lasted to 132,500 miles before cracking. The replacement windshield is doing well so far (knock on wood).
All in all, I love this vehicle and plan on keeping it until it dies.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd April, 2013
OP here. The vehicle was in a wreck last month (at 162,300 miles) and totaled. I decided to buy it back as salvage and fix it... I found someone who could fix it, and it was finished last week and works just fine. I loved the vehicle and didn't want to get a new one, and I am glad I made this decision. Working just fine again, and I think it will last several more years.
Update - original poster here. Still have my 2003 Element. 175,480 miles now. Had to fix the driver's side power window, but hey, it's a 12 year old car with almost 200,000 miles. Still runs and drives well.
I love the car
I love my Honda, but the locks stopped working. I have to open the back door and crawl in to open the locks. This is dangerous for a woman and so uncomfortable. I don't go out at night, because I can't be crawling thru the back door. A locksmith told me only the dealership can fix it. After reading all the reviews, and others having the same problem, why hasn't Honda issued a recall?
Also, the passenger window got stuck after letting it down, costing me over $200 for Honda to fix it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd January, 2013
18th Apr 2014, 11:39
No disrespect... but the car has been good to you. Now you have to return the favor. Please fix her... she deserves it.