What is the last year of Honda Element?
The last model year of the Honda Element was 2011.
The Element debuted for the 2003 model year with a distinctive boxy silhouette and a highly versatile interior designed for outdoor gear and family use. Honda halted production after the 2011 model year, and there was no 2012 Element released for North American markets.
Production timeline
Key milestones from its launch to its discontinuation are listed below.
- Launch and model year: 2003 (the Element’s first year in U.S. showrooms as a 2003 model)
- Production years: 2003–2011
- Final model year: 2011
- Manufacturing site: Honda’s East Liberty Auto Plant in East Liberty, Ohio
- Market status: No direct successor; subsequent Honda crossovers adopted different styling and packaging while preserving cargo versatility
In summary, the Element ran for nine model years, ending with the 2011 model year, and Honda did not continue the line afterward.
Legacy and impact
The Honda Element left a distinctive imprint on the compact crossover segment with its rugged, utilitarian design, washable interior surfaces, and highly configurable seating. It attracted outdoor enthusiasts, pet owners, and urban buyers who valued cargo space and modular practicality in a compact footprint.
Design and interior
Its standout features included a boxy cabin, rear "suicide" doors for easy access, and seats that could be rearranged or removed to maximize cargo. The interior materials were chosen for durability and easy cleaning, attributes that helped the Element endure in a niche market despite rising competition.
Market reception and afterlife
While the Element built a loyal following, sales slowed as consumer tastes shifted toward more conventional, fuel-efficient crossovers. Honda redirected its focus toward other models—the CR-V and HR-V—while the Element’s practical ethos influenced perceptions of versatility in later designs.
Summary
The Honda Element’s last model year was 2011. Introduced in 2003, it carved out a niche with a rugged, space-efficient design and a loyal fan base, before Honda ceased production and transitioned to other crossover offerings. Its unique blend of practicality and personality remains a notable chapter in Honda’s SUV history.
