2003 Honda Element DX

The Element is Honda's boxy, utilitarian SUV, a favorite for outdoor types who need a washable cabin and a flat floor. It feels more like a truck than a car, with a tall stance and a ride that's on the firm side, but the steering is direct and it's genuinely fun in the corners. The cabin is the star: the rear seats fold flat or flip up against the walls, the floor is rubber and hose-out easy, and there's room for bikes, furniture, even a mattress. Owners report the Element is extremely reliable, with many past 200,000 miles; the common gripes are door locks that wear out and a few reports of starters failing. The DX is the base Element, giving up some sound deadening and a few power extras versus the EX while keeping the same rugged go-anywhere capability. A 2.4L I4 with 160 horsepower drives all four wheels through a four-speed automatic, which feels willing around town but runs out of breath on the highway. The DX came with unpainted bumpers and steel wheels, which look utilitarian but are easier to fix after a day on a gravel road.