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How It Works • Automobile

Honda Element

The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV produced by Honda and sold mainly in North America from the 2003 to 2011 model years.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV produced by Honda from 2003 to 2011, known for its boxy styling and utility-focused design.

What it is

The Element is a compact crossover SUV built on a modified second-generation Honda CR-V platform. It was sold mainly in North America over a single generation, with production at Honda's East Liberty, Ohio plant. Total production reached about 325,000 units by the end of its run.

Why it matters

The Element stands out for its distinctive design: rear-hinged rear doors, a pillarless side opening, and a highly flexible cargo area with durable, washable interior materials. It was aimed at active lifestyles and offered front-wheel drive or Honda's Real Time all-wheel drive.

Key details

The Element used a 2.4-litre inline-four i-VTEC engine. Honda announced in late 2010 that production would end after the 2011 model year. It was sold in Canada as part of its North American market availability, making it relevant to Canadian used-vehicle shoppers.

In short

  • Compact crossover SUV sold 2003–2011 in North America
  • Boxy design with rear-hinged doors and flexible interior
  • Based on modified Honda CR-V platform
  • Production ended after 2011 model year
Canadian angle

The Honda Element was sold in Canada as part of its North American market availability, making it relevant to Canadian used-vehicle shoppers and Honda enthusiasts.

Quick questions

What is the Honda Element?
It is a compact crossover SUV made by Honda and sold primarily in North America from 2003 to 2011.
What makes the Honda Element distinctive?
Its boxy shape, rear-hinged rear doors, and flexible, easy-to-clean interior made it stand out from other SUVs.
When did Honda stop making the Element?
Honda ended production after the 2011 model year.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Element
    Supports: North American market years, production site, platform, discontinuation, and approximate total production.
  2. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.https://www.honda.com/newsroom/news/2003/4030416-element-eng.html
    Supports: Launch positioning, design concept, center-pillarless body, freestyle doors, and utility features.
  3. Honda Canadahttps://www.hondacanada.com/
    Supports: Canadian market relevance and Honda brand context.
  4. American Honda Motor Co.https://automobiles.honda.com/images/2011/element/downloads/2011-element-factsheet.pdf
    Supports: 2011 engine output, drivetrain, and model specifications.
  5. J.D. Powerhttps://www.jdpower.com/cars/history/honda/element
    Supports: Model history, engine changes, drivetrain options, and discontinuation timing.