2005 Honda Element EX

CNET editors' rating: 2.5 stars OK
Detailed editors' rating
Comfort: 6.0
Performance: 6.0
Design: 5.0
Overall score: 5.7 (2.5 stars)
• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 28 reviews
• See all user reviews

Product summary

CNET editors' review

• Reviewed by: Mike Markovich
• Edited by: Bonnie Cha
• Reviewed on: 08/18/2005

Unpainted composite body panels certainly aren't the norm in current passenger-vehicle styling, but the 2005 Honda Element EX makes no bones about its practicality as a quirky, urban runabout capable of carrying more cargo than other vehicles its size. With a rear seating area accessible via rear-hinged half-doors and a useful clamshell tailgate, the Element fits the bill whether you're hauling children, mountain bikes, potted plants, or antique armoires. A well-matched engine and chassis provide maneuverability around town, as well as comfortable highway cruising for longer getaways, while still returning good fuel economy and meeting LEV2/ULEV emissions standards. While tech offerings such as navigation and Bluetooth integration aren't available, a booming satellite radio and an MP3 player jack cater to the younger target audience Honda had in mind. Goofy looks notwithstanding, the Honda Element has proven popular across all age groups with its affordability--$20,925 base MSRP for the manual four-wheel-drive EX and $21,725 for automatic--and mix of quality feel and simple utility.As one would expect after beholding the 2005 Honda Element EX in all its boxy glory, the interior offers gobs of space for passengers and cargo alike. Trimmed in a resilient fabric befitting the Element's mission to be the vehicle of choice for active individuals, all the seats are comfortable and offer a good view of the surroundings except at the junction of the A-pillar and the dashboard, where pedestrians can disappear from the driver's field of vision. Long-drive comfort is aided by fold-down armrests on the inside of the front seats. A urethane mat covers the floor of the entire interior, resisting stains and allowing simple wipe-down cleaning.

Also in keeping with Honda's reputation for bargain usability are a height-adjustable driver seat and tilt wheel, both manual. The rear seats fold against the sides of the cargo area, where they greatly impede vision, or can be removed completely. With the front seats folded back and their headrests removed, a passable bed can be formed from the four seats, which is perfect for camping trips. Plus, Honda offers an accessory interior curtain ($165) for a level of privacy beyond that provided by the tinted rear windows. Small storage areas are located in the doors and overhead, and details such as 12V outlets, flush-folding cargo anchor loops, and elastic cords for lashing small items to the seat backs in the front point to thorough cabin design. The optional tilt-or-remove rear skylight is an interesting alternative to a front sunroof, but storing it in the car is awkward and wastes otherwise useful space.

The 2005 Honda Element EX doesn't offer too many digital luxuries. The EX trim package includes a seven-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 playback capability and a handy auxiliary audio input, located in front of the passenger seat, for use with portable audio devices. The stereo is also XM satellite radio ready, but you'll need a subscription to the service. A healthy subwoofer helps fill the big space of the interior with sound. The stereo's controls are simple to operate, with large knobs that are all close enough to the driver. While there are no radio controls on the steering wheel, buttons are present for cruise control.

Honda's power-train refinement technologies are what keep the 2005 Honda Element EX from feeling underpowered, despite modest ratings of 160 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. The timing on each cylinder's four valves is varied electronically for optimal breathing, and the optional automatic transmission's Grade Logic Control helps the Element avoid hunting for gears or coasting too freely on hills. The system also makes climbing grades a snap without requiring constant right-foot attention. Acceleration feels pretty leisurely but is in line with other vehicles of this type. Brake feel from the four discs is slightly spongy at the pedal, but good stopping power is there if you press far enough. Continue reading

User reviews

• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 28 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 3 of 28 user reviewsSee all 28 user reviews

• 4.5 stars

  11 out of 11 people found this review helpful

  "From intense disklike to love in one test drive"

  by kumabear on August 22, 2005

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• 5.0 stars

  7 out of 7 people found this review helpful

  "If you like to get outdoors, go with this!"

  by on_the_watch on August 18, 2005

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• 4.0 stars

  6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

  "Very Good All Around Small SUV"

  by S&W on August 22, 2005

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• See all 28 user reviews Write review

Where to buy

2005 Honda Element EX: $20,040.00

store	price	in stock?	rating
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com	$20,040.00	No

see prices from 1 store

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Where to buy 2005 Honda Element EX

• store price in stock
• Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com $20,040.00 See site
• See store