Actress Hannah Einbinder Reflects on Her Beloved Honda Element

The 'Hacks' star fondly remembers the freedom and personality of her first car.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:26pm

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Ahead of the final season premiere of HBO's 'Hacks', Emmy-winning actress and comedian Hannah Einbinder opens up about her deep affection for her first car - a lime green 2005 Honda Element that she inherited from her father in 2010. Einbinder recounts how the boxy, versatile Element represented freedom and self-expression for her as a teenager, even as her peers mocked its unconventional style. Though she eventually totaled the car in 2015, Einbinder remains an ardent fan of the discontinued Honda model and spends time on the Element's enthusiast subreddit, pondering whether the brand should consider reviving the iconic vehicle.

Why it matters

Einbinder's nostalgic attachment to her Honda Element speaks to the emotional connection many drivers form with their first cars, which can become an extension of one's identity and a symbol of newfound independence. The Element's quirky design and loyal fanbase also highlight how certain vehicles transcend their utilitarian purpose to become cultural touchstones, even after production has ceased.

The details

Einbinder inherited the 2005 lime green Honda Element from her father when she got her learner's permit at 15 in 2010. Despite initial mockery from her peers who drove luxury cars, Einbinder embraced the Element's unique style, even going so far as to have it professionally wrapped in a matte black and glossy finish. She cherished the Element's spaciousness and versatility, using it to transport friends and even smoke hookah. Tragically, Einbinder totaled the car in 2015 after five years of ownership, calling it 'one of the most painful moments' of her life. Though she has since owned Priuses and currently drives a Toyota Crown, Einbinder remains devoted to the Element, spending time on the vehicle's enthusiast subreddit and pondering whether Honda should consider reviving the discontinued model, though she's conflicted about the ethics of producing new cars.

  • Einbinder inherited the 2005 Honda Element in 2010 when she got her learner's permit at age 15.
  • Einbinder drove the Element for 5 years before totaling it in 2015.

The players

Hannah Einbinder

A 30-year-old actress, writer, and human rights advocate who starred in the HBO series 'Hacks' and is known for her deep affection for her first car, a 2005 Honda Element.

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What they’re saying

“When I'm on the road, I'm weaving, and it's choreography in a way.”

— Hannah Einbinder, Actress

“The Honda Element just has an allegory for the self, I think, is rich.”

— Hannah Einbinder, Actress

“The Honda Element is just one of the greatest cars ever made. There's no question.”

— Hannah Einbinder, Actress

The takeaway

Einbinder's deep connection to her Honda Element highlights how certain vehicles can become more than just transportation, serving as an extension of one's identity and a symbol of freedom and self-expression, even long after production has ended. Her nostalgic musings on the Element's potential revival also underscore the enduring appeal of quirky, utilitarian car designs that cultivate passionate fanbases.