How many Honda Elements were sold in the US?
Approximately 350,000 Honda Elements were sold in the United States during the model's lifetime (2003–2011).
Honda’s Element was a boxy, versatile small SUV that carved out a distinctive niche in the American market. The total US figure is widely cited by Honda and automotive data trackers as a mid-300,000s sum, reflecting its lifecycle across nine model years and a niche appeal that appealed to outdoor enthusiasts and practicality-minded buyers.
Sales overview
Key numbers and trends that illustrate the Element's U.S. sales performance.
- The Element was produced for the US market from 2003 through 2011, spanning two generations with mid-cycle updates.
- Estimated total US sales are commonly reported around the mid-300,000s, with many sources placing the figure near 350,000 units (roughly 330,000–360,000 depending on counting methods).
- Sales were strongest in the early years of its lifecycle and gradually declined as competition from newer crossovers grew and consumer preferences evolved.
Taken together, these points suggest the Element held steady appeal for a specific cohort of buyers while remaining a relatively niche model within Honda’s broader SUV lineup.
Production years and regional focus
The Element’s US lifecycle aligns with Honda’s strategy for compact utility vehicles in the 2000s, with the United States serving as its primary market.
- Model years in the US: 2003–2011, with two generations and ongoing updates during that period.
- Primary market: United States; the Element did not achieve broad overseas distribution during its run, making US sales the defining metric for its commercial performance.
This regional emphasis helps explain why the US sales total is the reference point analysts use when evaluating the Element's overall impact.
Context and implications
Industry observers view the Element as a product of its era: a practical, garage-friendly vehicle with a distinctive look that cultivated a loyal following but faced fierce competition from the expanding field of compact crossovers and SUVs.
Key takeaways
Overall, the Honda Element sold in about the mid-300,000s range in the US, reflecting a durable but specialized niche within Honda’s SUV family and a modest but memorable footprint in American auto history.
Summary
In sum, Honda Elements were sold in the United States in roughly the mid-300,000s total, marking a distinctive chapter for Honda that blended practicality with a bold, boxy design. The model’s legacy endures among owners who valued versatility and a unique aesthetic.
What is the rarest Honda Element?
Midnight Red Pearl and Root Beer Metallic on the SC would be the rarest, Royal Blue Pearl being the rarest non SC color (Available in 08-10 for the SC, but only 09 and 10 only for non-SC trim), with Omni Blue Pearl being a close runner up simply by being a less-likely to be high-volume production color.
How many Honda elements were sold?
As of June 2025, it's estimated that approximately 325,000 Honda Elements were produced during its production run from 2002 to 2011 . However, the exact number of Honda Elements still on the road today is difficult to determine due to several factors. How many today? 150,000 (guess)
How much is a 2005 Honda Element worth today?
The value of a used 2005 Honda Element ranges from $1,013 to $4,938, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
Why did Honda discontinue the element?
Honda discontinued the Element primarily due to declining sales and changing market trends. The vehicle's boxy, niche design appealed to a limited market, while more conventional and fuel-efficient models like the CR-V grew in popularity. The Element's lower fuel economy also made it less competitive and negatively impacted Honda's overall fleet average fuel economy standards.
Key reasons for discontinuation
- Declining sales: After a strong start, Element sales dropped significantly, falling from a peak of over 67,000 units in 2003 to below 13,000 by 2011.
- Shifting market preferences: Consumers increasingly favored more traditional, stylish, and fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers, making the Element's unique and boxy design less appealing.
- Competition from the CR-V: The CR-V, another Honda model, sold in much higher volumes and was more popular with buyers looking for a smaller SUV.
- Struggling to find the right audience: While designed for active lifestyles, the vehicle's main buyers turned out to be older, and Honda misjudged the target demographic.
- Fuel economy and CAFE standards: The Element's relatively poor fuel economy made it a liability for Honda to meet the U.S. government's Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.
- Production efficiency: By discontinuing the model, Honda could allocate assembly line time and resources to higher-volume, more profitable vehicles like the CR-V.
