The Honda ELITE spans 1981–2026 with 1 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2000, 2026, 2025 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1981, 1982, 1983. It delivers up to 33 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Honda ELITE is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1981 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Honda ELITE VIN — every digit explained
Every Honda ELITE carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Honda and the country it was built in (real Honda codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this ELITE.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA19U · 19V · 19X · 1HF · 1HG · 478
- Canada2HG · 2HH · 2HJ · 2HK · 2HN · 2HU
- Mexico3CZ · 3DH · 3H1 · 3HD · 3HG
- JapanJH2 · JH3 · JR2
- ChinaLAL · LWB
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your ELITE, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Honda ELITE have?
The Honda ELITE has 1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
Best and worst years for the Honda ELITE
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 46 tracked years, the worst years are 2000, 2026, 2025 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1981, 1982, 1983.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 ELITE | — | Best | |
| 1982 ELITE | — | Best | |
| 1983 ELITE | — | Best | |
| 1984 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1985 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1986 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1987 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1988 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1989 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1990 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1991 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1992 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1993 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1994 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1995 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1996 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1997 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1998 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 1999 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2000 ELITE | Tires | Avoid | |
| 2001 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2002 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2003 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2004 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2005 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2006 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2007 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2008 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2009 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2010 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2011 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2012 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2013 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2014 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2015 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2016 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2017 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2018 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2019 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2020 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2021 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2022 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2023 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2024 ELITE | — | Average | |
| 2025 ELITE | — | Avoid | |
| 2026 ELITE | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Honda ELITE problems?
The most-reported Honda ELITE problems are Tires (2 reports), Engine And Engine Cooling (1 reports) — out of 3 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Honda ELITE specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Honda ELITE. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Honda ELITE window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Honda ELITE cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the ELITE holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 106 cu ft of passenger volume and 19 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Honda ELITE tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Honda ELITE get?
The Honda ELITE returns up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $1,800/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2026 Honda ELITE (3.5L 6-cyl) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $2,950/yr to fuel, emitting 422 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 4/10) — about $3,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 ELITE | 19 | 25 | $2,950 | 422 | — | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2025 ELITE | 19 | 25 | $2,950 | 422 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2024 ELITE | 19 | 25 | $2,950 | 422 | 7/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2023 ELITE | 19 | 25 | $2,950 | 422 | 7/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2017 ELITE | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2016 ELITE | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2015 ELITE | 21 | 34 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2014 ELITE | 21 | 34 | $2,500 | 350 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2013 ELITE | 21 | 33 | $2,500 | 353 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2012 ELITE | 20 | 30 | $2,700 | 386 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2011 ELITE | 20 | 30 | $2,700 | 386 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2010 ELITE | 19 | 29 | $2,700 | 386 | 6/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2009 ELITE | 19 | 29 | $2,850 | 404 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2008 ELITE | 19 | 29 | $2,850 | 404 | 9/10 | 3.5L 6-cyl | |
| 2007 ELITE | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2006 ELITE | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2005 ELITE | 19 | 28 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 ELITE | 18 | 27 | $2,850 | 404 | 6/10 | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2003 ELITE | 19 | 27 | $2,850 | 404 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 ELITE | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 ELITE | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 ELITE | 18 | 25 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1999 ELITE | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1998 ELITE | 18 | 26 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3L 6-cyl | |
| 1997 ELITE | 17 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1996 ELITE | 17 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl | |
| 1995 ELITE | 17 | 23 | $3,300 | 468 | — | 2.7L 6-cyl |
The 2022 Honda ELITE (1.5L 4-cyl) gets 33 mpg combined and costs about $1,900/yr to fuel, emitting 268 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 7/10, smog 7/10) — that's about $1,500 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 ELITE | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 268 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2021 ELITE | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 268 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2020 ELITE | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2019 ELITE | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2018 ELITE | 30 | 38 | $1,900 | 266 | 7/10 | 1.5L 4-cyl | |
| 2017 ELITE | 27 | 36 | $2,100 | 292 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2016 ELITE | 27 | 36 | $2,100 | 292 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2015 ELITE | 27 | 35 | $2,100 | 296 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2014 ELITE | 26 | 35 | $2,100 | 300 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2013 ELITE | 26 | 35 | $2,100 | 300 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2012 ELITE | 23 | 33 | $2,300 | 329 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2011 ELITE | 22 | 33 | $2,400 | 342 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2010 ELITE | 21 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 9/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2009 ELITE | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2008 ELITE | 22 | 31 | $2,500 | 355 | 6/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2007 ELITE | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2006 ELITE | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2005 ELITE | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2004 ELITE | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | 5/10 | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2003 ELITE | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2.4L 4-cyl | |
| 2002 ELITE | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 2001 ELITE | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 2000 ELITE | 22 | 29 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1999 ELITE | 21 | 28 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1998 ELITE | 21 | 28 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.3L 4-cyl | |
| 1997 ELITE | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1996 ELITE | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1995 ELITE | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1994 ELITE | 22 | 29 | $2,500 | 355 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1993 ELITE | 21 | 29 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1992 ELITE | 21 | 28 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 ELITE | 21 | 27 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 ELITE | 21 | 27 | $2,700 | 386 | — | 2.2L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 ELITE | 22 | 28 | $2,600 | 370 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1988 ELITE | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1987 ELITE | 23 | 31 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1986 ELITE | 23 | 30 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 1985 ELITE | 23 | 30 | $2,400 | 342 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl | |
| 1984 ELITE | 25 | 32 | $2,200 | 317 | — | 1.8L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the ELITE stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this ELITE's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Honda ELITE have? Power & range
The Honda ELITE is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.5L 6-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.5L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S10) | AWD | Regular |
| 4-cyl | 1.5L · 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Honda ELITE cost to own?
A Honda ELITE holds its value well. A typical example keeps roughly 56% of its value after five years — losing about 44% to depreciation. Check what a used ELITE is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 84% | $25,200 | −$4,800 |
| Year 2 | 76% | $22,800 | −$7,200 |
| Year 3 | 68% | $20,400 | −$9,600 |
| Year 4 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 5 | 56% | $16,800 | −$13,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this ELITE loses about 44% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $9,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the ELITE ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Honda ELITE safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the ELITE yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Honda ELITE last?
A well-maintained Honda ELITE typically lasts 200,000–250,000 miles. With regular oil, transmission and timing service, most examples comfortably pass the 200,000-mile mark. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Honda ELITE’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this ELITE’s VIN free →All Honda ELITE model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Honda ELITE — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2025 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2024 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2023 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2022 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2021 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2020 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2019 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2018 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2017 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2016 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2015 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2014 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2013 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2012 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2011 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2010 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2009 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2008 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2007 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2006 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2005 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2004 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2003 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2002 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2001 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 2000 ELITE | 1 recall | — | |
| 1999 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1998 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1997 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1996 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1995 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1994 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1993 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1992 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1991 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1990 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1989 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1988 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1987 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1986 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1985 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1984 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1983 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1982 ELITE | 0 | — | |
| 1981 ELITE | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the ELITE?
By owner-complaint volume, 2000, 2026, 2025 drew the most reports. 1981, 1982, 1983 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the ELITE have?
1 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1981–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Honda recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the ELITE get?
Up to 33 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a ELITE last?
A well-maintained ELITE typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the ELITE reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the ELITE is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Honda ELITE warranty?
New Honda models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Honda dealer.
Where is the Honda ELITE made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your ELITE's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Honda may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the ELITE have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.