Inventory Listing

NHTSA Safety Ratings

Safety is a strong suit of the 2010 Honda Element, as reflected in its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ratings for the 2WD model:

• Overall Vehicle Score: ★★★★☆
• Frontal Crash (Driver): ★★★★★
• Frontal Crash (Passenger): ★★★★★
• Side Crash (Front Occupants): ★★★★★
• Side Crash (Rear Occupants): ★★★★★
• Rollover: ★★★★☆
  Equipped with dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system, the Element earns top marks in frontal and side crash tests. The 4-star rollover rating is solid for a compact crossover, reflecting its higher center of gravity, but its robust design provides confidence for daily driving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2010 Element “Good” in most categories, earning it a Top Safety Pick designation, further affirming its safety credentials for its era.

Essentials

• Mileage: 148,000 miles—moderate for a 2010 model, with potential for many more.
• Ownership: Two owners with a clean Carfax; minor 2012 damage repaired, no structural issues.
• Service History: Impressive 39 service records showing consistent maintenance.
• Condition: Clean title, Royal Blue Pearl exterior, and gray cloth interior in great shape.
• Engine: 2.4L I4 VTEC with 166 hp and 161 lb-ft of torque for efficient performance.
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic for smooth driving.
• Safety: NHTSA 5-star frontal and side ratings (★★★★★), 4-star rollover (★★★★☆).
• Fuel Economy: 20 MPG city / 25 MPG highway, 22 MPG combined—excellent for its class.
• Features: EX trim with moonroof, premium audio, and versatile interior configurations.
• Rarity: Second-to-last year of production, highly desirable for cult-like following and reliability.

History of the Generation and When It Was Produced

The 2010 Honda Element EX belongs to the first and only generation of this quirky compact crossover, produced from 2003 to 2011. Launched in late 2002 as a 2003 model, the Element was Honda’s bold entry into the emerging crossover market, designed as a versatile, boxy vehicle targeting young, active buyers with its unique styling and innovative interior. Assembled in East Liberty, Ohio, the Element became a cult favorite for its rugged yet urban appeal, competing with the Toyota Matrix and Subaru Forester. The 2010 model year was the second-to-last year of production, featuring updates like a refreshed grille, improved audio options, and standard features such as a rearview camera on higher trims. Honda discontinued the Element after 2011 due to slowing sales and a shift toward more mainstream SUVs, but its legacy endures among enthusiasts. This specific Element EX, with its low mileage for its age and extensive service record, exemplifies the generation’s legacy of durability and versatility, making it a rare find for buyers valuing a well-preserved icon from this era.

Fuel Economy, Horsepower, Torque Ratings, and Tow Ratings

The 2010 Honda Element EX 2WD is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine with Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), producing 166 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 161 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, it offers smooth and responsive performance, achieving a 0-60 mph time of around 9.5 seconds—adequate for its class, as noted in historical Edmunds reviews. Fuel economy is rated at 20 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, with a combined 22 MPG, making it one of the more efficient compact crossovers of its era, particularly in 2WD configuration. The 15.9-gallon fuel tank provides a decent range for daily driving or light trips. The Element can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, suitable for light loads like small trailers or jet skis—a capability that enhances its utility for outdoor enthusiasts, though it’s not designed for heavy towing, as highlighted in owner feedback. These figures showcase its balance of efficiency and practicality, ideal for urban commuters or adventure seekers needing a fuel-sipping daily driver.

Best Features of the Vehicle and Standout Aspects

The 2010 Honda Element EX 2WD offers a unique suite of features, blending rugged utility with quirky design, making it ideal for active lifestyles. The gray cloth interior is durable and easy to clean, paired with the Royal Blue Pearl exterior for a fun, distinctive look. Key features include a 7-speaker premium audio system with a subwoofer, XM satellite radio, a power moonroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and a rearview camera. The Element’s standout features include its high seating position for better visibility, a waterproof and easy-to-clean interior with rubberized floors, and innovative seating configurations that allow the rear seats to fold up against the sides or be completely removed for massive cargo space—up to 74.6 cubic feet. This versatility is perfect for loading a bicycle, surfboard, or camping gear without hassle, as the wide side doors and flat load floor make access easy.

The Element’s boxy shape maximizes interior space, providing 25.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats. In the luxury mid-size SUV category (though Element is compact, it competed in the premium utility segment), its performance stacks up well against competitors like the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, and Subaru Forester. The Element’s 166 hp VTEC engine offers a balanced ride, matching the Forester’s 170 hp but surpassing the FJ Cruiser’s 239 hp in efficiency, with smoother handling than the Wrangler’s rougher suspension. The Element’s fuel economy (20/25 MPG) outperformed the FJ Cruiser (15/20 MPG) and Wrangler (15/19 MPG) and was close to the Forester’s 21/27 MPG. The Element excelled in interior versatility and reliability, with a quieter cabin than the Wrangler and more cargo space than the Forester (68.3 cubic feet), while its unique styling and easy-to-clean interior outshone the Tucson’s more conventional design.

The Element’s combination of efficiency, durability, and practicality made it a top choice, often outranking competitors in owner satisfaction surveys from that era.Versatility of the Interior Cabin, Storage Configurations, and Overall UtilityThe 2010 Honda Element’s interior versatility is one of its most standout attributes, offering a highly adaptable cabin that sets it apart in the compact crossover segment. The “Magic Seats” system allows the rear seats to fold up against the side walls or be completely removed, creating a massive flat load floor for items like bicycles, kayaks, or furniture—up to 74.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

This configuration is perfect for adventurers or urban dwellers needing to transport large gear without hassle, as the wide side doors and low load height make loading easy. The rubberized floors and wipe-down surfaces are waterproof, ideal for messy loads like wet gear or pets, and the front seats can recline flat to form a bed for camping. Storage options include numerous compartments, cup holders, and a removable cooler/storage bin between the front seats. This level of versatility, combined with the Element’s boxy shape that maximizes interior volume (75.0 cubic feet passenger space), makes it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts, small business owners, or anyone needing a flexible vehicle.

Cult-Like Following and Desirability of the Element

The Honda Element has developed a cult-like following since its discontinuation in 2011, with owners praising its quirky design, versatility, and legendary reliability, leading to a dedicated community on forums like Element Owners Club. Many owners have put incredibly high miles on their Elements, with testimonials of vehicles reaching 300,000–400,000 miles—one owner on Reddit reported 385,000 miles with only routine maintenance, while another on ElementOwnersClub.com noted 420,000 miles with the original engine.

This longevity stems from the 2.4L VTEC engine’s metal timing chain, designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, unlike a timing belt requiring replacement every 90,000–100,000 miles (a $500–$800 job), saving high costs. Owners often seek low-mileage examples like this one to replace their high-mileage Elements, making 2010 models with under 150,000 miles a hot commodity in the used market, frequently commanding premiums due to their scarcity and demand for the Element’s unique features.

Why This Element Stands Out

This 2010 Honda Element EX 2WD is a standout with its moderate 148,000 miles, two-owner history, and clean title, reflecting exceptional care backed by 39 service records and a clean Carfax, despite minor 2012 damage that was professionally repaired with no structural issues. The Royal Blue Pearl finish and gray cloth interior offer a fun, practical package, and the EX trim’s features—like a power moonroof and premium audio—add value. The 2.4L VTEC engine with a metal timing chain ensures reliability and low maintenance costs, with a track record of lasting 200,000–300,000 miles, as noted in Consumer Reports. As the second-to-last year of production, this Element represents a highly desirable model with a cult-like following, where owners often drive them to 300,000–400,000 miles and seek low-mileage examples like this to replace their high-mileage ones, making it a hot commodity in the used market. The Element’s versatility, with its “Magic Seats” and waterproof interior, enhances its appeal for adventure seekers or urban dwellers.

For a prospective buyer craving a compact crossover with reliability, versatility, and a cult-like appeal, this 2010 Honda Element EX 2WD is a perfect match. Its moderate mileage, extensive service history, and top safety ratings make it a trustworthy companion, while the EX trim’s features and innovative interior elevate its appeal. Whether you’re drawn to its fuel-sipping 2.4L engine, spacious cargo configurations, or the first generation’s quirky design, this Element delivers. It’s a testament to the Element’s popularity—reliable, fun, and built to last. Take it for a test drive to experience why this 2010 model, the second-to-last year of production, remains a beloved choice over a decade later, ready to serve its next owner with the same dependability it’s always offered.