Honda Element

[Scarecrow]

I have a Honda Element it's a spare vehicle and I plan on turning it into a camping vehicle maybe a light off road buggy anyone here have any experience using this vehicle

 

[Steve]

Hi @Scarecrow, and welcome to the Overland Bound forum!

I really liked the Element, and thought Honda made a mistake discontinuing it. Two people I know that had them rushed out and bought a new one when it was announced they'd be gone. It seems like it is extremely versatile, and with our experiences with Honda, extremely reliable. There's probably very little aftermarket support for it, but that doesn't stop an enthused owner. And of course, our motto here is "it doesn't matter what you drive" so you're in good company!

Here's a previous thread you might find helpful: https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/honda-element.1947/

I'm glad you found us,
Steve

 

[TXpedition]

There is or was a lot of aftermarket parts and camping gear for the Element. I think there's even a company that does pop up tents on the roof.
I almost bought one years ago, and for whatever reason I ended up with a Pickup. (Probably cuz I'm in Texas, it's a "thang" you know...)
One of my buddies has one and loves it. He doesn't camp or overland much, but hauls his dogs around a lot in it.

https://fifthelementcamping.com/
http://www.ursaminorvehicles.com/campers.html

 

[RaggedViking]

Hi @Scarecrow, and welcome to the Overland Bound forum!

I really liked the Element, and thought Honda made a mistake discontinuing it. Two people I know that had them rushed out and bought a new one when it was announced they'd be gone. It seems like it is extremely versatile, and with our experiences with Honda, extremely reliable. There's probably very little aftermarket support for it, but that doesn't stop an enthused owner. And of course, our motto here is "it doesn't matter what you drive" so you're in good company!

Here's a previous thread you might find helpful: https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/honda-element.1947/

I'm glad you found us,
Steve

Steve - In their last year of production they sold some disgustingly low number of units in North America. The next year, the number tripled! I agree - they should have kept it!

My father in law has one - bought it new in 2008. He uses it for everything. We even put a Bridgeport milling machine in there once...
Don't tell my mother-in-law...

 

[Jelorian]

My buddy has an AWD version and I'm actually amazed at its capabilities bone stock. With a small lift and more aggressive tires, it would be even better. With the rear seats removed the space behind the driver is HUGE. One day we put 5 x 55 gallon plastic barrels in the back and was able to close the hatch no problem. There is an Element Owners forum and some of the mods people have done to their Elements are crazy cool.

I wish they didn't discontinue them as I'm looking for a first vehicle for my daughter who will be coming of driving age soon. Guess I'll have to find a clean used one, hopefully in manual transmission (I just want her to learn how to drive stick).

 

[Scarecrow]

Thanks for the info I have already put some general grabber at/2 on it might put a few lights on it like I said I'll prolly use it for some light off-roading down the road I'd love to get a cherokee but for now this will do

 

[1derer]

I also really like the element have had a few friends that have owned them over the years. Some basic mods are still out there like spacer lift kits even if there is debate how good these are for the steering and suspension components they sure look cool and the extra ground clearance is nice. I really wish they included the ability to lock the Center Diff like the Ridgeline or even the Rav4. The inside layout and head space is exceptional for such a versatile car.

 

[ZREM]

My wife daily drives our '05 Element (khaki, 4wd, manual) and we absolutely love it. For a couple years we used it as our camping and exploration rig and it did just fine. Took it on some light trails around Ouray and got a few interesting looks from folks. Great little vehicle with amazing Honda reliability. It's also really good in the snow.

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