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The Good
The 2006 Honda Element excels in reliability, offering peace of mind to practical buyers. Its functional design and spacious interior appeal to those needing a versatile vehicle. While not a performance machine, it provides adequate power for daily driving. Excellent resale value and a reputation for longevity further enhance its appeal. It offers fuel efficiency comparable to other SUVs of its time.
The Bad
Known weaknesses of the 2006 Honda Element include potential rust issues, particularly in areas with harsh winters. The rear clamshell doors, while unique, can be inconvenient in tight parking spaces. Some owners report uncomfortable rear seats for long trips. The engine, while reliable, can feel underpowered when fully loaded or going uphill. Check for oil leaks and unusual noises from the engine or transmission.
2006 Honda Element: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 156 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Fuel Economy:
- 2WD: 21 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
- 4WD: 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times: Approximately 9.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs (with dealer-installed towing package)
- Trim-Level Features:
- DX (Base): (Early models only) Included basic features like air conditioning, AM/FM radio, and vinyl flooring.
- LX: Added features like power windows, power locks, cruise control, and upgraded cloth upholstery. Available with 2WD or Real Time 4WD.
- EX: Enhanced features including a 270-watt sound system with subwoofer, alloy wheels, side airbags, removable rear skylights, and stain-resistant fabric. Available with 2WD or Real Time 4WD. Some EX models included a navigation system.
- All Trims: Featured the signature "easy-clean" interior with urethane-coated utility flooring. Rear seats could be folded flat or removed entirely for maximum cargo space. The unique rear-hinged doors provided a large opening for loading cargo. Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS) and front airbags. Side airbags were standard on the EX trim.
2006 Honda Element Specifications
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Vehicle Information
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Manufacturing Details
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Dimensions
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Engine & Performance
| Engine | - |
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Additional Features
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Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2006 Honda Element Have?
How long will the 2006 Honda Element last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) generally rated the Element as Good in frontal offset crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Element four stars for driver and passenger frontal crash protection, and five stars for side crash protection. The lack of advanced safety features reflects the technology available at the time of its production. The durable construction and standard safety equipment provided a reasonable level of protection for occupants. Key features included:
- AM/FM/CD stereo
- Available premium sound system with subwoofer (EX)
- Optional navigation system (EX)
- Front airbags
- Side airbags (EX)
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2006 Honda Element Prices and Market Value
2006 Honda Element Cost of Ownership
2006 Honda Element Fuel Efficiency
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2006 Honda Element Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2006 Honda Element Compare to Other Vehicle?
Alternatives include:
- Honda CR-V: A more conventional and refined compact SUV with similar reliability.
- Toyota RAV4: Offers more power and available all-wheel drive, but lacks the Element's unique interior.
- Subaru Forester: Provides standard all-wheel drive and a reputation for reliability, with a more traditional wagon-like design.
Ranks #302 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 302 | 2006 Honda Element | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2006 Honda Element a Good Vehicle?
Ryan H on June 1, 2024
It can absolutely do whatever you need for daily life.It can absolutely do whatever you need for daily life. This has it all: storage of a truck/van, compact body of a city car, funky fresh looks of nothing else. All it can't do is race and haul which most people do not need. You can sleep in the back comfortably (I am 6'6 and can do it) and hold any camping equipment you would need. It can do some *light* off roading with some good tires even. The engine and transmission with proper care can last 400k miles easy. All for under 5k.
1JACKVALLEY on August 9, 2020
2006 BURNS OILBURNS 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. HAS HAD EXCELLENT CARE ONLY 148,000 MILES. I READ THE 2003-2006 HAVE PISTON PROBLEMS WHICH IS WHY IT'S BURNING OIL. I TALKED WITH AN ENGINE REPAIR GUY AND HE SAID THAT HE'S SEEN IT HAPPEN IN ELEMENTS BEFORE. HE SAID TO CORRECT THE ISSUE WOULD COST $7,000.00 AND I'D BE BETTER OFF JUST BUYING ANOTHER VEHICLE.
Mr Bill on May 4, 2020
Best used vehicle I have ever ownedThis Honda Element has everything I need. 4x4. I spend a lot of time outdoors. Perfect for me. Lots of space to carry tents, fishing poles, coolers etc. Added bonus. It's 4 wheel drive
C.Chandler on February 15, 2020
Unique SUVThe Honda Element was ahead of it's time in 2003. The styling and unique quirks were unlike most any cars at the time. Is it an SUV? A car? Or a truck? Yes. I have hauled well over the 2500lbs weight limit. Helped many friends and family move by taking the seats out and stuffing the back full to the ceiling with boxes. I've taken many 10+ Hour road trips with ease and comfort. Gone camping, sleeping in the back with an air mattress. Used it to haul tools to job sites and take trash to the dump. As a bit of a jack of all trades guy I have done lots of work on the car that I would hesitate to do on other cars because of their complex designs. It gets decent gas mileage for a box. Bottom line is. If you're not sure what kind of car you want. Or if you need a car that will do almost anything you need. Look no further. This is the Honda Element.
Larry Darrell on November 7, 2019
Why did Honda discontinue this?The Element is a most versatile little box. It isn't terribly comfortable, but it is amazing for what it does. It would be nice to see what a 2020 Element would be like. Alas. But if you can find one in good shape (be sure to look underneath, they can rust out), grab it! It has space to haul more than the Pilot I sold to buy it, and probably gets slightly better gas mileage. I've read that the CR-V team killed the Element because it was cannibalizing their market. Ah, corporate infighting. Oh well. The Element will stand as one of the great weird cars.
Aeropath Pilot on March 6, 2019
Element excellenceIntelligent design, high utility value, Honda performance and reliability. If your friends say it's ugly, tell them that's character. You will fall in love with this car. Suspension is a little stiff, it's not a Toyota Marshmallow, but it's smooth, has good pickup (even with the automatic transmission). Looks small from outside but this is roomy with some amazing cargo conversion. This should have been Honda's Beetle but their marketing failed and the car didn't get traction. Too bad. Owners love them.
Leono c on August 12, 2018
They did a great job designing it I love itHas plenty of space it's great in gas compare to the kia soul its similarities but I love the element the best they did a great job designing it I have 2006 element and I will not change it for nothing in the world
jolson on July 4, 2018
Great Urban ExplorerA reliable and practical car for the city, my Element has been perfect for city driving, turns on a dime and parks like a dream. Lots of room inside to carry whatever you need. I'm an artist and am always transporting paintings and materials and the Element has been perfect for my needs. Not the quietest on the highway, but good mileage and easy to drive. I have taken it across country twice with no problems. Sad I can't get a 2018 to replace mine:)
Kiara13 on June 16, 2018
Love it!I purchased my 2006 Honda Element back in 2013 when my son was 6 months old since before buying it I was driving a Ford F-150 and decided I needed a more family friendly SUV to carry my son?s things without having to put them in the back of the truck and risk them getting dirty or flying out in the middle of the highway. At first I didn?t know anything about these vehicles but my parents were shopping for a car for my sister when they saw it and called me to go check it out, when my husband and I arrived at the dealership and I saw it I wasn?t too fond of it but told my husband I liked it anyways. So glad I did because we have owned it since then, and I don?t regret buying ... ever. It?s been the only vehicle we have had since starting our family and we?ve switched around a bit since then trying to get a bigger SUV for myslef but I always ended up going back to my Element because even though they were newer vehicles they always ended up at the mechanic with issues. My husband even have an accident back in August 2016 in it, insurance totaled it and husband came out without a scratch. Since having this vehicle, we only like Honda for our family SUVs because this is the only vehicle that has been with us for almost 6 years and we still love it.
Jim's Element on May 26, 2018
Best car ever madeI bought this car new when I was 68 years old and still have it. I've had Cadillacs, BMW's, Toyotas and a bunch of GM cars. This Element is hands down the best! In 12 years I recently replaced the alternator for $500. Only thing to ever need replacing other than the usual maintenance items: brakes, plugs, wipers, etc. I just bought a new CR-V, and while it's a nice car, it's not half the vehicle the Element is. This just may be one of the best vehicles ever made!
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma