2004 Honda Element EX

The Element is Honda's boxy, utilitarian SUV from the mid-2000s, built for people who want a roomy, easy-to-clean hauler rather than a conventional crossover. It drives like a tall, boxy vehicle, with a firm ride and upright seating that give you a commanding view of the road. The cabin is the Element's party piece: the rear seats fold flat or lift against the walls, and the rubber floor means you can hose it out. Owners report strong durability, with many passing 200,000 miles, though door locks and starters are known to act up as the miles pile on. The EX is the one to get if you want all-weather traction, since it's the only Element with all-wheel drive, while the LX makes do with front drive. Its 2.4L I4 makes 160 horsepower and works through a four-speed automatic, which is adequate for around-town duty but needs a heavy foot on the highway. The rubberized floor and fold-away rear seats are standard on every Element, so the EX's real draw is that all-wheel drive for snow or dirt roads.