Anyone see or test drive one yet? Any thoughts?
Looks like it could be a very Tri-friendly type of vehicle. I like the idea of the lockable, deep trunk in the pick-up bed. Looks like you can fit a bike in backseat with seats in rear folded up. I’m digging the design but what do you all think about buying a first production vehicle that isn’t proven yet or is the Honda name alone enough to prove it’s worth?
I saw one at the auto show in Toronto a couple of weeks ago. It looks really nice and would be a tri-friendly vehicle since it is big enough to put the bike in the back seat area if you are not carrying passengers and you could easily put a few bikes in the truck bed. It’s a Honda so I wouldn’t be too concerned about buying one of the first vehicles off the assembly line.
hey rooster,
did i ever say thnaks for the email after my crash? if not, thanks. i’ve been following that ridgeline and it looks nice except it’s only a 6 cylinder. i’m keeping an eye on it though. hope all is well.
Lee,
I’m glad to hear you are recovering from your feline vs. bike crash. Pretty scarey I bet! Marco checked out the Ridgeline with me and he gave his stamp of approval and you know how particular he is. It seems to have enough power despite only being a V6. I still miss my Avalanche though. Well, gonna finish this cup of java then off on a CT ride. Good hearing from you!
Rooster
It looks nice, and I am sure Honda did their background work before releasing it. Check on the web, but they may have been producing it for other parts of the world for a few years before releasing a version of it here. The double cab mid size trucks that every mfr has now have been made since the 80’s by the Japanese mfr’s for other markets.
Don’t let the V6 fool you. I don’t know the torque numbers, but I think the ad says it pushes out 255 horsepower? My 99 4x4 Dodge xtra cab had the biggest v8 that Dodge made for trucks at that time, and it only put out 245. I don’t think power will be an issue since the Ridgeline is more of a midsize. My Tacoma double cab has 190, and its more than enough. If you buy one, post some pics with your gear in it.
Ridgeline is totally new model. Built in Ontario.
Torque is 252lb-ft @ 4500 RPM. Peak torque at 4500 RPM in a truck?
The smallest engine in Dodge Ram 1500 has 235 HP and 300 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM.
That trunk might sound like a great idea, but it’s not accessible once you have something in the bed of the truck. As in, you have to empty the bed to access the trunk, or never have anything in the bed.
Silly gimmick.
Here’s a video of it “off-roading” on some dirt roads (first links on the page might not work, scroll down…)
Actaully it’s a new body built on the Honda Pilot chassis, which is Acura MDX chassis, which is the Honda Odessey chassis… Your point about the engine performance is well taken- this is not a Truck truck- if you’re looking to do lots of towing or haul heavy payloads, you should be looking elsewhere. But if the heaviest thing you’re likely to throw in the back is a 17.65 lb tri bike (or whatever) and your race gear- it’s basically a SUV with an open back for the occasional hauling of drywall, lumber, etc. Heavy duty truck? nope. But as a race ride, I think it deserves a look, partcularly for those in nice climates or few/no kids.
Oh yeah, didn’t mean to really knock it, I’m sure it’s a nice vehicle. Honda and other manufacturers (Nissan, Mitsubishi) that are trying to get into the truck market seem to be doing their homework and making trucks that are more than just a truck, for people that need that kind of vehicle.
Ridgeline even has tire grooves in the bed to make motorcycle transport easier and the bed is large enough for all the toys (sea/ski doos, X bikes, bikes).
My only problem with it is that you cannot access the trunk without taking out the toys.
The chassis is pretty heavily modified (something like 90% different) from the Pilot. For example, they added 2 more crossmembers to make up for the loss of rigidity from having an open bed…
Sure, this is so, but in terms of the things that can go wrong, it’s not like it’s a totally new vehicle. The drivetrain, electronics, interior features, etc are largely borrowed from existing vehicles, so maybe someone would be more comfortable buying the “first” model. Of course, this was true for the Pilot as well, being largely derived from the MDX, and in the Pilot’s first year there was some issue with trans. fluid circulation that lead to a recall. Still, it’s not the same as buying the first run of a completely new design, if these even exist anymore.
Ken
Oh I would feel comfortable buying one…we bought a CR-V when they first came out. It’s still going pretty strong with no major problems ever and it’s at 190,000 miles or so.
Nissan Titan Crew Cab 4x4…has all the truck manufactures beat on quality, price, and technology. Sad but true the Japanese do it again (although final assembly was in canton,Ohio).
One word…FUGLY!
Has to be the ugliest truck on the road!
I dunno about that. You don’t see any Japanese trucks pulling lawn service trailers. Problem with the Japanese, as someone pointed out, is the motors have to rev too high to make any power. Fords make a major amount of torque at around 1500 rpm. Useable and you get to keep your fillings. No replacement for displacement.
If you like the Ridgeline, check out the new Avalanche without the body armor. Very clean. Decent fuel economy. You can lock your bike in the bed and sleep(or whatever) in the backseat. If size isn’t an issue, I guarantee the ride of the Avalanche to be superior.
I prefer Conan O’brians comment:
“Why don’t you just buy a shirt that says I have a small penis?”.
I’ve never seen one or even heard about until this thread.
Another $35,000 SUV?
Forget it, I’ll buy a another used Chevy extra cab p/u to replace the 2002 i have. It gets 20 MPG and cost me $18,000 3 years ago. A way better deal.
I’ll save the extra money for bikes, vacations, and college funds