2005 Honda Element Review - Built Like A TRAIN!

[@realchefjoshua]

Kendrick Lamar is a big fan of these. He's even been quoted saying "You can't take me out my Element.".

[@rigoeats3654]

Would have been real cool if K dot liked Hondas loll

[@accordingly5342]

He camps in.

[@redbowtie7060]

i laughed out freaking loud, you had me there

[@LunaDaSavage]

I was your like #200 just so you know .

[@realchefjoshua]

@@LunaDaSavage and I was your first. Thank you kind stranger 😁

[@laurie85827]

Element owner here. A few of things you missed on the interior - the back seats are completely removable; if you take the headrests off the fronts seats, all four seats can be laid totally flat to make a huge sleeping area; and the seats in your video were not flipped up correctly (the latch where they connect to the floor can be folded flat against the seat).

[@robertknight4672]

And depending on the trim some trims have do radio controls on the other side of steering wheel. I find that the volume knob on the actual radio is so well-placed I've use that more often in the steering wheel control.

[@louwiebusa]

The Floor panel? Is that a picknick table or just a panel?

[@laurie85827]

@@louwiebusa in my 2005 EX it's just a panel but I think that might be different in later models.

[@louwiebusa]

@@laurie85827 in my crv it’s a table so that’s why I’m assuming that the element had the table

[@robertquinn1945]

Would love ❤️ to own one ❤❤❤ I’m currently driving a 2006 mercury mountaineer with just over 196,000 miles it’s still going pretty good but I’m looking for something better on gas and I know Honda is a good make and a really strong motor ❤❤❤!!!!

[@kwasiagyeman4364]

Every time I’ve been in a Honda Element I felt like going to Home Depot, and buying some drywall.

[@ogivecrush]

You can fit: full sheets of plywood....landscape timbers....a twin bed.....everything you need, in fact.

[@pnw_element9822]

Every time I’m in mines I’m going on an adventure

[@Brad5161]

I fit a Maytag Neptune washer and dryer pair along with matching pedestals.

[@kwasiagyeman4364]

@@Brad5161 Oh, Wow!

[@gabe2499]

I love my element. Best car ever

[@JacobAndJamal]

I had a brand new 2005 element for almost 10 years ! I LOVED that car. I have a 4x4 Chevy Truck now , and it’s a great vehicle , but in my mind it can’t top my old Element. So much space inside, easy to clean, good visibility , removable seats and AWD . Truly the most practical/utilitarian vehicle I’ve seen. I wish Honda would remake these and update the tech , I’d be the 1st in line to buy one.

[@JR-sn5nw]

They already brought it back

[@04dram04]

You should check out the transit connect, nv200, and pro master city. They are similar but with even more room

[@jjprulz]

@@04dram04 Stay away from the ProMaster City. My Dad owned one. Unreliable piece of junk.

[@branthopolis]

2006 Element EX-P 175,000 miles and counting.. Easily the best car I've ever owned and after 15 years of driving it, I still love getting behind the wheel.

[@-gz9lu]

Jeez my 2015 crv has that mileage right now. I’m planning on getting a 05 element or a 05 crv in 22months.

[@aluwanimoyo4093]

This damn thing deserved a 20 year production run - just ride out the slow sales seasons coz a design like this would always pick up again at some point

[@terencevictoria8933]

Cup holder is fine and serves its purpose.CUP holder and not a THERMOS holder hence the name

[@matt4398]

He keeps hot macaroni and cheese in it, in case he gets hungry during the review 😅

[@jayjayfreeman]

Still have mine, 16 years later!! Bought brand new with only 34 miles on it.

[@donsailing1356]

Had my ‘07 SC sixteen years as well! Of the 34 cars I’ve owned since ‘65, it’s my absolute favorite!

[@obichi2u.]

Still have my 2005! 210k & just as wonderful as when she had 23. 😊

[@AdvaithKumar]

they should bring this car back

[@ogivecrush]

The word on the street is that there will be 2022 models available at the end of this year.....

[@sneakersonfeet9045]

@@ogivecrush they have been saying that for years, I hope one day it’s true

[@paulguest906]

@@ogivecrush It's been a rumor for years. Will never happen.

[@user-ts5pi1ix6s]

I think it’s super cool you’re doing these videos. This is the 2nd video I came across while doing some car research. We’re not all Fit to own a brand new off the lot car. Some of us folks are looking for a good reliable used buy and this is where you come in. Thanks man

[@OxbowSummer]

Great review!. These things truly have a cult following. Visibility is fantastic and the interior makes you feel like every day is a mini safari.

[@darrellroeters4951]

Tell them it has a timing chain not a belt don’t need to change I have 259k miles

[@terrylarrabee3807]

I love my element. The butterfly doors can be a pain because you can’t be parked close to another car and open the back doors. Also the visibility Is poor. The blind spot means you have to crane your head around to be sure nothing is right there. Other than that I love it

[@27Zangle]

In the market for one of these now. I've been looking on and off for years, I remember wanting a Element back in 2004 and just never had the money due to the economy. Now, I am looking for one :-)

[@jennifergraetz289]

I just bought a 2006 with only 80.000 miles on it. They are out there.

[@27Zangle]

@@jennifergraetz289 Yeah. Still have not got one. We used a chunk of our savings to relocate for medical reasons. Now, I am waiting for tax returns this year and will use that to get one if what is wanted can be found withing a reasonable amount of time.

[@AmbieTv2]

I just purchased one from the auction for 1400. It needs some work done to it. But can't wait til it's finished

[@ellisvener5337]

You forgot to mention that if you need even more storage space either or both of rear seats can completely and easily be removed, not just folded up to the sides.

[@digitalbobby42]

My 2007 element has 218K miles on it, and its much faster than you'd think a giant lunch box would be.

[@kajjebre]

bought element with 200.000km on it and sold it with 500.000km running like new, 5spd manual, cjanged clutch at 320,000km, NEVER CHANGED water pump nor any belt

[@Leoleeartvideos]

2008 Element !st and last owner! Keeper!

[@brandicook910]

I have always loved the Honda Element. It's too bad they stopped making them.

[@brandicook910]

@Matthew Grazblocke yay!!

[@BBBYpsi]

@Matthew Grazblocke No they are not bringing back anytime soon if at all. That is a internet rumor. Go talk to Honda dealerships. This has been a rumor for 3 years now.

[@BBBYpsi]

@Matthew Grazblocke wtf are you talking about? I was pointing out they're not bringing back the element anytime soon. I was talking about new elements from 2023 And newer.

[@BBBYpsi]

@Matthew Grazblocke I'm not upset I'm just trying to figure out why you went off topic

[@Ipherix]

These weren't even on my radar until the last week or so and now I'm seriously into them. I was looking for something with good utility and at least ok mpg and was good for camping and snow. I was looking at Crosstreks/outbacks but y'know, they're pricey. I drive a bigass van right now so I love the suicide doors. It's really cool that it has a tailgate for easier loading, plus size-wise it looks perfect lmao

[@triplea6174]

Did you end up getting it?

[@Ipherix]

​@@triplea6174 I did! TLDR: I like it, it's small yet big, it's unique, but mpg is pretty trash. I got one at the end of August right before starting a new job. I got a 2008 EX and it's pretty fun to drive. At least compared to my old van it feels fast 😅 I'm averaging around 17mpg which is lower than I'd have hoped, but I mostly drive in the suburbs/city just to and from work so I'm not on the highway much at all. It has really great visibility except the extra chunky A pillar gives me a crazy blind spot in front of me when going around left-curving roads. I really love the look of it, the fact that it has a tailgate and the suicide doors, all these unique features it has are still just so cool to me. I will say, however, it's certainly no work truck or van when it comes to utility. I bought a few 8' boards and it was kind of a puzzle to get them home. I didn't bother measuring first because I was like "hey, everything folds flat and it can stick out the back at an angle" which did work but it was kind of sketchy. So in that regard it kind of stinks, but there's probably a better way (like maybe strapping stuff to roof racks, which I don't have.) Also a con: it was way too expensive. I mean it was almost 18k after tax and shit. The market is bad already but I think they know it's a bit hard to find and gaining a big following so that gouged it a little more. Mine only has 115k miles on it but I think the one previous owner didn't take great care of it because it's been in the shop twice already. Again, might not really be a fault of the element, but me for not getting it checked out first and rushing into it when I found one. Of the cars I've owned, it's my favorite. (I had a 2007 Chevy Colorado first, which is my second favorite, then I had. '94 clubwagon and a 2006 Ford escape. I wrecked the escape 😬) What else can I say? It hasn't snowed or even gotten icy yet and I've only been able to take it out camping once so far so I can't truly speak to it's performance in those areas, which is ironic because I mainly bought it for those reasons 😂 uh it has a good turning radius which I like.

[@donitaarender7839]

I love the Honda Element! I wish Honda would bring them back!!

[@laverdadbuscador]

The floor was advertised as being able to be hosed off after going to the beach. But it's not advised to actually do that, was just in the ads. I think Carpet mats would be fine, but having a rubber floor I can just wipe off is nice. Only think I don't like about the element is the mpg. It's not awful, but it just seems and looks like a car that should get 28mpg Hwy.

[@intravenousradio]

Awd, shaped like a brick, and 3600 pounds = low mpg

[@johnwelch6490]

I helped build the Element and supplied the dashboard from Nissan. The rear end is the old Subaru Brat tooling. Cheaper to use a proven system than retool.

[@olgacotto7915]

Love my Element!

[@mikeyridesit8562]

Should have watched RCRs review on my 07 Element 5MT, you missed a few things. But these are not cheap in the used market at the moment. They are fetching ridiculous amounts even with higher mileage. Especially in PNW or North East.

[@04dram04]

Public transport have these types of materials because they are rugged and easy to clean. Which is awesome to have in a car.

[@jaymo2024]

There’s a reason for not having a divider in the front seat. If you push the front seats all the way forward, you can put a twin mattress in there

[@clairemadeinheaven]

elements i see in dealerships never have the center console that can be used as a portable cooler

[@artsteadman2230]

Dont forget the cubbie just behind the front cup holders - in between the front seats - is PERFECT to hold a Goal Xero Yeti 200x!

[@ericrojasvelez8891]

Is actually more comfortable than the latest ones

[@robertknight4672]

Sunroof glass can also be removed completely. This would have come with a storage pouch that you would secure to the loops in the cargo area and slip the sunroof glass inside and zip it up.

[@Navs126]

These things are getting HOT 💰🔥

[@lewinwickes9882]

I had a 2004 Element. With some tech updates, I think Elements would still sell.

[@crxk20r59]

I own 2 AWD manual transmission Honda Elements & absolutely Love both of them! ❤ We have a rooftop tent on both that my family and I use when we go car camping. Honda for the win!

[@thecarexpert21]

Ahhh the Honda Element reminds me of the days of commuting via Metra

[@jaystechroom]

The trunk floor mat thing is actually a table. You can connect 4 little legs on it and the hole in middle is meant for an umbrella lol

[@JokerCat9]

This car is the definition of practicality.

[@jameskahler9133]

Love seat, mattress set, tall water heater fit with tailgate up. Great headroom in my '08 EX. Very trouble free.

[@retrosteven]

0:37 The Grumman Long Life is another boxey vehicle from that era.

[@fairplayer916]

I love these. When my 09 fit finally gives up the ghost, (350k miles and counting) I'm gonna get me one a those.

[@duckmanduckfairy8010]

3D print the cup holder adapter for Honda CRV etc for bigger cups!

[@kittervision]

Lol I've driven a manual element for the past 11 years, I've never compared it to the red line as a Chicagoan I have a strong opinion on this. My car is WAY more comfortable!! Other than that I agree with all you said! It's a great car.

[@naomicalian2696]

I wanted the manual but it seems like an odd uncomfortable stretch , may I ask ur thoughts. I live sticks but in major city traffic I'm having a hard time seeing it .

[@triplea6174]

​@naomicalian2696 as a owner with a 5 spd it's tolerable for me, just make sure to be smart and patient when driving. It's fun @ times but also a pain lol but thankfully I have another vehicle to balance it.

[@brandyb9527]

Element owner of 218k miles.. i hope mine reaches 500k 😊🎉

[@williammcnally6434]

When I was kid and even now I used to get such bad motion sickness in cars, but I never got sick in my mom’s element bc of that stadium seating in the back!

[@critter505]

You can tell this guy doesn’t get out into nature much, or he’d see the benefits of having that kind of flooring. This vehicle was made for outdoorsy types. You can even use this as a micro camper.

[@billjohnston993]

My wife and I called our 03 a SRV. Soft Road Vehicle. Great for trails and sand.

[@robertknight4672]

I wish more cars had this type of floor as an option.

[@pathegdal5923]

so how much would a 2005 cost now in 2023

[@bdmenne]

Nice camera work and review

[@Blupearl2003]

Never heard the train comparision before but yeah i guess so. Did some of my best railfanning in mine but i love my Element for everything he mentioned plus alot more.

[@robertwalker7979]

I love my Honda Element but its funny that you mentioned my #1 issue with this car, the cup holder. I've lost soooo many drinks turning & having my drink fall out the cup holder & spill all over the floor. Sometimes I wonder is that the reason they made the floors easy to clean, bcuz Honda knew drinks would spill in those cup holders. Also should have mentioned those rear seats come out. Taking those rear seats completely out adds even more storage to the back. Also yes, tailgate is nice but I never even thought about how great it would be if top back window opened Also. That would be awesome AF

[@Aarynrivers238]

Did you know the $4k side signallers on the lambo huracan are the same on the element? $100 vs $4k

[@AndrewNichols]

those back seats ALSO come out ez when you need even more space

[@holycross2]

8:58 that panel is actually a picnic table. There is even a hole for an umbrella.

[@ShootingCars]

NOOOOOOOOO I thought it might have been when I was editing but I thought "Nah I would have noticed that in person" Lol

[@holycross2]

@@ShootingCars LOL. Honda sold legs for the Element's table as an accessory. The CRV's table had foldable legs built in.

[@mikeyridesit8562]

The hole was not for an umbrella, at least not officially, but for a bike mount that went inside the car. Also for when you had a full sized tire under there to help secure the tray since the full size tire was too big to fit.

[@holycross2]

@@mikeyridesit8562 Correct, Honda sold a bike fork mount for the Element that attached to the table top hole. But Honda did not sell the bike fork mount for the CRV yet it's table still had the umbrella hole.

[@mikeyridesit8562]

@@holycross2 right, again, that hole was to mount the tray to the raised full sized tire in the well to secure it in the event of an accident. Honda never sold a Umbrella accessory, and I have never found one that could fit through those holes. Therfore I doubt that was the design function.

[@williamfurlan9176]

Oh dropping a honda fit reference..thanks 😆

[@EM-cj7tu]

i want one so bad. they r pretty hard to find

[@yuvegotmale]

My wife has a 2008 and really likes it. I call it a toaster on wheels....it gets shoved around in the wind pretty bad because its like driving a shoe box down the road. Been pretty reliable with 143,000 miles. It has a lot of road noise, I think a lot of that is due to the lack of carpet. It has annoying vibration about 43 MPH....kinda like hitting rumble strips. I think its in the tranny, not sure what to do about it. Overall a pretty decent car.

[@antoniollamas6367]

7:05 lay down and have a good time 😏

[@vicp8772]

HRV wishes it was an element. Seriously this is what we want. Honda study your market better

[@trekkeruss]

Unfortunately; the market did speak and the Element lost. In its first year of production, Honda sold 56,000 Elements...and that was the highest it would ever sell. It went down every year until 2011, when they sold 11,500. Contrast that with the CR-V, which in 2005 sold 150,000. In 2011, that figure had jumped to 230,000. In 2018, 379,000 CR-V's were sold...more than the entire production run of every Element ever made. Granted, by 2018, the Element was long gone, but it merely highlights that most people want a car-like small SUV, not a funky toaster. BTW, I LOVE my toaster and will never part with it.

[@boxsetplaybook]

Love this car!

[@lazykingdom]

How tall are you, helps trying figure out the space of the car.

[@ShootingCars]

5’11

[@duckmanduckfairy8010]

Does the spare tire cover have the fold out legs like the CRV had at one time to make it a table?

[@trekkeruss]

The tables legs were an optional accessory.

[@rogerj.3640]

Put the bottle in upside down. Works for me in my Hondas.

[@dankmazzi2376]

It's a utility vehicle not a lexis...it's very cool and I love mine.

[@rottingcorpse21]

I remember the Element cause it was featured in the video game SSX 3.

[@timothydurkan]

The midwest doesn't get snow for half the year.

[@chashastings6861]

You forgot that the rear cargo cover converts to a table..

[@timoteooo94]

Snow for half of the year n extreme heat for the other half….Typical Midwest weather🤣

[@chocolatewheelchair]

T R A I N

[@rogerrebollar490]

I don’t like that you can only sit 4 people. Other than that I think it’s a great vehicle

[@arthurkane7819]

Test drive a 5 speed manual. Big! BIG! Difference.

[@carlosarellano4]

You missed the Folding Table Panel!

[@middleageguy]

What about the included table

[@andyl9920]

Why are are the rear passenger doors called Suicide doors? That Sunroof being way back is dumb tho. Shouldve been centered n above rear seat

[@Chadlad27]

I recently read the reason why honda put the sun roof in the back was to use for ventilation and to reduce condensation when camping.

[@AdvaithKumar]

Hey Zach can you review the brand new Sienna? It is a major upgrade over the previous one, thanks!

[@ShootingCars]

I did, it's on my channel!

[@NoBody-xg1wg]

Those rear seat supports fold FLAT against the seats. Also, rear seats CAN COME OUT COMPLETELY !!!

[@Joomemes]

This is a house on wheels

[@ericrojasvelez8891]

Is a fucking tank....and the stick shift is indestructible

[@user-yy7cj8me6l]

The flooring was designed so you could wash out the vehicle with a garden hose. Try doing a little research before you attempt to do an evaluatuion.

[@dave11686]

I love these! So quirky

[@isackhernandez3691]

Has the agility of a train

[@Kizzle001]

Actually it has a Civic multi link independent suspension, very agile.

[@ardie4]

@@Kizzle001 it’s like my ‘04 CR-V, essentially a beefier, raised civic wagon. Built on the same platform (basically same engine, transmission) and has the same a/c controls as well.

[@Brad5161]

Wrong. Obviously haven't driven one.

[@charlottecloud4547]

great video

[@ericrojasvelez8891]

Dont forget it got a picnic table

[@seinundzeiten]

I have the 2004 Honda Element with 245,000 and the Honda dealer wanted to give me 500 as a trade in for a new Pilot...is that a good deal?

[@triplea6174]

No always try to sell it privately since dealerships will not pay top dollar or as much compared to selling it yourself.

[@evanthompson8925]

The back roof window comes completely out

[@KingCease]

This guy is obviously from Chicago 😂

[@alfredmurphy3010]

My dad still has his

[@davidyeary4183]

I hope u mean find a honda element to swap in a real k24 into and not find an element for a donor engine. The k24 in the element is not the same k24 that people get 1000hp out of. If I remember right the k24 in the element is a k24a4 and it's internals are pretty weak compared to the k24a2 that people use to swap everything on the planet

[@NoBody-xg1wg]

First gear on the manual element is SO LOW it's almost a granny gear, so you'll be shifting to second before you're across the intersection. Don't HOSE out your Element !!!

[@BERNARDO712]

"nothing too crazy"

[@andreaspopp623]

WHY do you have to screem like that???? Intelligent people always speak calmly and slow, like my professor at university

[@robertquinn1945]

I want one ☝️ 😊😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤!!!!!

[@weapon131]

Damn fam, channel pic in the style of Big Car, thumbnail looking like regular cars. Not shitting on you, but come up with a unique visual style of your channel, otherwise it's gonna stay low key, and to be fair you show moderation qualities, so eh. If you weren't coming off like an intentional rip off, you could reach more people I think.

[@jamesdesmidt447]

You just need to make s little research on the vehicles you review. Also get rid of the stupid big cup.

[@edwinlop1275]

Stupid car only 2 passenger fit in the back!!!

[@PublicSax]

Great review! I am interested in the back area, I want to practice my saxophone in a vehicle so as not to disturb neighbors in apartment. This might be tall enough (I am 6'6" of course I would be sitting on a drum throne. Does that tailgate support a person? Or can it be removed? Thanks, subscribed.

[@MikeSamuelsII-ve8gp]

I disagree about the build quality. Its terrible compared to Japanese built Hondas. I have had one for 240K miles so I know what I speak of. Gas mileage is mediocre for the 2wd ( 23-24mpg w/5speed manual, highway)and the 4wd is so bad I would rather have an American V8 4WD as they get better mileage. Only reason I keep mine is it has great interior space and its paid off. BTW DO NOT EVER HOSE OUT THE INTERIOR! There is natural fiber padding under the urethane mat and it traps water, causing mildew and floor pan rot, seriously.

[@kd3nal72]

I have a v8 awd and a Honda element awd idk what your talking about fr possibly talking out your ass

[@MikeSamuelsII-ve8gp]

Seats disintegrate quick, are uncomfortable and there is no interchange with other Hondas ! Front end is delicate and there is no real front bumper so if you rear end anyone you're going to get a humongous repair bill as there is no protection for the radiator or a/c condenser, plus the front end plastic is one huge piece.