A True Utility Vehicle! CAR WIZARD shows Nothing compares to the Honda Element today.

Many vehicles are considered 'Sport Utility Vehicles', but this 2004 Honda Element is the real deal. The CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ show just how durable this vehicle is and why it's sad Honda discontinued this really cool, utility car.

📷 INSTAGRAM @realcarwizard 📷

[ryanl]

I was working at a Honda dealer when they came out. The dealer was down the street from where they filmed Motorweek and they had brought one over to us months before they "released" them. I thought it was one of the ugliest vehicles I have ever seen. Then the dealer started to get them in stock and I started driving them around. After 1 month I started to love them and special ordered one. Unfortunately & needed to wait 6 months for the side airbag option to become available (I really wanted the added safety). I finally got it!!! I still have it and it is still my primary vehicle, after 20 years and 170, 000 miles, I have no plans on replacing it!

[michigangeezer]

A couple weeks ago my girlfriend had her 03 Element killed by a red light runner. It gave its life to save her. It took a broadside hit on the Driver's side front wheel, got bounced into a fire hydrant hard enough to knock the hydrant over. My sweetie got bruises. We'll definitely miss it.

[gregpatterson]

DO NOT HOSE OUT YOUR ELEMENT ! I have similar mileage on my 2005 Element, great vehicle. Very versatile vehicle, moved drywall, plywood, etc., when I remodeled my bathrooms and kitchen years ago. Rear seats fold up and can also be completely removed. Thank you, Car Wizard, for showing some "love" for this great vehicle design that has been strangely abandoned by Honda. Former Acura/Honda Salesperson and Service Advisor.

[AcuraLvR]

Car Wizard, please do not tell people they can hose out the inside of their Element. Reason being, water will drain into the frame and rust it from the inside out. The rust will occur at the suspension mounting points, rendering the car unsafe to drive and unable to be repaired. Everything else in your video is spot on about how good these things are, and its reliability plus cost of ownership.

[DashnCars]

I have two Honda Elements, one Manual AWD and one Auto AWD. I absolutely love them so much, if you get one with no rust it'll last forever. I've had my auto for 13 years now.

[ulrichschnell]

I worked for the U.S. Census in 2010. A co-worker had a Honda Element and another co-worker had a Nissin Armada. We had to load work kit boxes for the field workers to be distributed to their managers. The Element we were able to put a 120 boxes in it and the Armada we were only able to put 90 boxes in it. The Element was amazing.

[leivabernie]

The Honda Element is one of the most reliable, easy-to-fix vehicles out there. Not pretty, but VERY dependable.

[billcunningham]

The Wizard opens the Element video by perpetuating a lazy dealership salesperson myth - the Honda Element CANNOT BE WASHED OUT WITH A GARDEN HOSE!
There are too many electrical wires and connections running under the flooring. In addition there are zero drains in the floor.

That correction made - the Honda Element is the best car I have ever owned. Purchased new in 2003 my Element EX now has 205, 000 miles on it. It has served me well for 20 years. No rattles - is extremely reliable. Purchased my Element as a single guy with two dogs. I have flipped two houses using my Element to haul everything including a washed and dryer pair - I have moved five times and it is the perfect moving / Ikea run vehicle. Friends borrow my Element when they need to haul anything. Took my now wife out for our first date in my Element and now it is my sons preferred vehicle as the rear seats are comfortable and in a stadium set up so he can see out the front window.

The one in this video is the DX model - basic cheapest model offered. No cruise, downgraded radio without the subwoofer and steel wheels.

My wife offered to buy me a new one in 2011. I should have taken her up on the offer. I would have an Element with under 100K.

Hey Honda - bring back the Element! Make it a Hybrid or a fully electric. I would buy a new Element in a heartbeat. Until them I will keep my 2003 going.

[loriz]

I love my Element, I do have painted fenders. 77, 000 miles on mine. Refuse to buy another SUV. In 10+ years of owning it, very few needed repairs other than oil changes. I won’t even mention the things I’ve carried home from thrift stores and yard sales. I mop the interior floors. Best car ever! I also have a newer Accord, but prefer my Element. I bought it coming out of a Nissan lease, and didn’t see anything else I really wanted at that time or even now. Mine is a 2007.

[jeffdeboer]

One of the most underrated cars ever made. I "sold" Hondas (I didn't actually sell many) in 04-05 and really learned how cool these are. I've been saying for years that it's time for Honda to resurrect the Element and make a modern version. I honestly believe that the Element was just ahead of it's time and would do really well now.

[timking]

Don't wash out your Element interior with a garden hose! Big mistake with corrosion and mold. These are great vehicles with a lot of interior space and fairly economical. The downside is relatively rough ride and noisy. Super reliable. The exterior plastic panels are actually difficult to keep clean and are high maintenance if you like them to remain like looking new. Got a kick with the Ferrari comments - didn't mention their parts cost.

[Eevee_]

I have a 2006 Element EX AWD with 284, 000 on it with no lights on and runs like a dream! I love it and don’t plan on replacing it until the heat death of the universe. E owners unite!

[SwordFighterPKN]

My Element is over 268K (2003) and going strong, my sibling is now driving it. Loved that vehicle and wish that Honda would bring out a newer one.
Once you have owned on of these there really is no replacement for it.

[AEMatt]

Will always love my 07' manual AWD! Also, on the interior being hosed out, that's one of the biggest myths with the Honda element. Though Honda had 1 single commercial where they did say it could be hosed out, later they recommended it as an easy to clean and wipe up interior design. Great video as always wizard!!

[jdadams]

For the life of me, I do not understand why Honda discontinued this line! These are absolutely amazing and if I thought my wife wanted one I would buy one for her in a second! We recently purchased 23 acres and this would be perfect in helping us to maintain that!

[roberttaylor]

I bought one for my son and it’s at 221K and still running strong.

[kerrylewis]

An old friend purchased two of these for his business. I thought he was nuts when I first saw these. They are still running great many years later, and I have eaten my words.

[THEREALBONZO]

My Dad is exactly that guy who would choose to buy a car without cruise control to save money on the payment per month and still have it installed on the car by an Auto accessory shop 6 months later.
Just about every car he ever bought new, he would do this. Even as recently as 16 or 17 he purchased a little Hyundai new and bought it without cruise🤦‍♂️

[chrisjmiller]

I found a 2003 Element last spring for my daughter. Only had 128, 000 miles on it. The previous owner had a spreadsheet detailing all the maintenance he had done, $9500 worth! We paid $5500 for it and love it

[NP-cokj]

No it is not designed to be cleaned out with a garden hose! That's an urban legend. There are no drains and the rubberized floor liner is not sealed so any water goes into the insulation under the liner where there is also lots of wires. I've owned a 2003 Element since new.