The Honda Element did offer a manual transmission, but only on select early models. In the United States, a 5-speed manual was available with the first-generation Element, while later generations mostly used automatic transmissions.
Transmission options by generation
To understand how the Element's gearing varied over its lifespan, it helps to look at each generation and the transmission choices that were actually offered.
First generation (2003–2008)
During the first-generation run, Honda supplied both a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic with the 2.4-liter inline-four engine on the Element. Manual transmissions were available on a subset of trims and years, making a manual Element possible, though not the default configuration for most buyers.
Key points about this generation's manual option include the availability of a 5-speed manual paired with the 2.4L engine, and the fact that many U.S. buyers ended up with the automatic transmission.
- Manual availability: A 5-speed manual was offered with the first-generation Element on select trims and years.
- Engine pairing: The manual was paired with the 2.4-liter inline-four engine.
- Market context: In the U.S., automatics were common, but a manual was not universally standard across all trims.
In summary for the first generation, a manual option existed but was not universal; buyers needed to verify the transmission type on a specific vehicle.
Second generation (2009–2011)
In the second generation, the Honda Element in the U.S. was primarily offered with automatic transmissions. A manual option was not available in the North American market during these years.
Key points for the second generation include the shift to automatic-only configurations in the U.S., making a manual Element uncommon or unavailable from the factory in that period.
- Transmission availability: No manual option was offered in the U.S. for the second generation.
- Primary transmission: Automatic, typically a 4-speed or 5-speed automatic depending on the year and trim.
- Market context: Manual Elements are far rarer in the second generation and mostly come from earlier production.
Bottom line for the second generation: if you want a factory-built manual Element in the U.S., it would be an exception rather than the norm; most buyers in this generation encountered automatics.
What this means for buyers and collectors
For enthusiasts who specifically want a manual Honda Element, focus on early first-generation examples and verify the build sheet or window sticker to confirm the transmission. The manual-equipped units are relatively scarce compared with automatics, which remain the standard configuration in later years.
Summary
In short, the Honda Element did come with a manual transmission, but only on some first-generation models. The second generation in the U.S. largely offered automatic transmissions, making manual Elemenents rare in later years. As with any used car, verify the exact transmission on a given vehicle before purchase and consider how the transmission choice impacts maintenance and value.