The Honda Element was discontinued after the 2011 model year. The boxy, versatile compact SUV—introduced in the early 2000s—was retired as Honda shifted its lineup away from that distinctive design in favor of newer crossovers.
In this article, we trace the production timeline, the official discontinuation, and the market context that led Honda to end the Element’s run.
Timeline of production and discontinuation
Below is a concise sequence of the Element’s production milestones and its retirement, highlighting when it started, notable variants, and the final year of availability.
- Production began for the 2003 model year in 2002.
- A sportier Element SC variant was introduced for the 2006 model year (unveiled in 2005).
- The Element continued in production through the 2011 model year.
- Honda officially announced the discontinuation in 2011, marking the end of Element production after the 2011 model year.
These dates reflect the standard US market timeline for the Element, which was also available in other regions with similar production spans.
Context and impact
The Element’s distinctive boxy styling and highly adaptable interior helped it stand out in a crowded market of small SUVs and crossovers. However, by the early 2010s, consumer preferences tilted toward more conventional crossovers, and sales did not meet Honda’s expectations. The decision to discontinue was part of a broader strategy to streamline the lineup and focus on models with stronger demand.
Market context
Industry trends at the time favored updated fuel economy and features in mainstream crossovers. Honda’s retirement of the Element reflected these market dynamics rather than a failure of the model itself.
Summary
Answer: Honda Element production and sales effectively ended after the 2011 model year, with Honda confirming discontinuation in 2011. The model was produced from 2002/2003 through 2011, with the Element SC variant arriving mid-cycle. The discontinuation aligned with market shifts toward newer crossover designs and a consolidation of Honda’s lineup.