Honda Element

The Element was Honda's boxy lifestyle crossover sold US 2003-2011 — designed for the active-outdoor / college-buyer demographic with rear-hinged 'suicide' rear doors (no B-pillar between front and rear doors), water-resistant cabin (cloth seats with rubber-coated piping, plastic / vinyl floor that could be hosed out), and unique boxy proportions. Single generation. Built on Honda's Civic / CR-V derived platform with stretched dimensions. Built at Honda Ohio (East Liberty) and Honda Canada (Alliston, Ontario). 2.4L K24A4 / K24A8 inline-4 (160 hp / 161 lb-ft 2003-2006 / 166 hp / 161 lb-ft 2007-2011), 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (2003-2006) / 5-speed automatic (2007-2011). FWD or 'Real Time 4WD' (Honda's branded part-time AWD using viscous coupling). Trims: DX (base), EX (volume), LX (later years), SC (2007-2011 only — 'Sport Coupe' — suspension lowered, alloy wheels, sport-styled exterior, FWD-only). The SC trim is the cult-favorite Element today — fewest produced, distinctive trim, sportier road manners. The Element was discontinued after 2011 model year as Honda concluded the buyer demographic had aged out and sales were slowing. Cult-classic status has been firmly established since discontinuation — fans love the practicality (sleep-inside-friendly, dog-haulers, surfboard / bike accommodation), the distinctive design that signals personality, the 4WD capability for camping, and the K24 engine's reliability. Used Element prices have risen significantly from 2018-2026 — clean low-mileage SC examples now trade $14-22k+, base models $8-14k.