The Ridgeline

[Catman]

Personally, I think the overall concept of the Ridgeline is fine.  I could definately see it being a pretty good vehicle for weekend camping trips, etc.  However, I think Honda went a little too far trying to be different with the styling.  I'm not sure alot of pick-up buyers want styling that's out in left field.  Had Honda stuck with a conservative front like the Pilot and designed the bed a little differently I think I would have liked it a little more.  Like I've said before, I don't hate the thing but it's annoying how Honda is trying to convince everyone that it's something its not.  And, I'm not convinced it need a V8.  If it gets the same mileage as a V8 than, yeah, maybe it does, but if it is somewhat efficient I think it has enough power to get the job done..

[Zcarnut]

Pretty funny article! "Class leading MPG"? This Honda rep is being "selective" on which class of truck benefits them the most in yet another argument.
21 HWY isnt class leading for the compacts as Frontier/tacoma do that and Colorado is rated at 24-25.
So it gets a few MPG better than the Fullsizers...at a cost in other areas!

[ifcar]

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050509/lam059.html?.v=7

2006 Honda Ridgeline is First Ever Four-Door Truck to Earn Top Government Crash Test Rating
Monday May 9, 12:02 pm ET


TORRANCE, Calif., May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2006 Honda Ridgeline has earned a 5-Star safety rating for both frontal and side impact crash test performance from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), American Honda Motor Co., announced today. The Ridgeline, Honda's first truck, is the first ever 4-door pickup to earn the government's highest crash test safety rating.


Honda has six vehicles -- more than any other vehicle brand -- that achieve a top rating for both frontal and side impacts under the federal government's NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) program. They are the Honda Ridgeline, Odyssey, Element, Civic Coupe with front side air bags, CR-V and Pilot.

"Consumers don't want to sacrifice safety for performance, functionality or fuel efficiency," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "The Ridgeline's unique design allows us to deliver on all fronts with great safety, class leading fuel economy and tremendous truck capability along with a fun-to-drive element unmatched in the pickup truck segment."

Completely new for the 2006 model year, the Ridgeline's integrated full- frame body structure is designed to help protect its occupants while reducing the effect of crash energy on opposing vehicles for improved compatibility with smaller vehicles. The Ridgeline, like most Honda vehicles sold today, is also equipped with an array of pedestrian safety features such as breakaway windshield wiper pivots; and energy-absorbing hood structure and hinges.

In keeping with Honda's industry-leading "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all Ridgeline model come equipped with a comprehensive list of advanced safety features including dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control; side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; driver's and front passenger's side airbags (passenger side airbag with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to prevent airbag deployment when a child or small stature adult is in the deployment path); anti-lock brakes; and electronic brake assist.

:D  :D  :D

The Ridgeline is one of only two or three four-door pickups to be given the front and side crash test. No surprise it was "the first" to get the highest ratings in both the frontal and side crash test, most pickups are only given the frontal test (the only other crew cabs given the side test have been the smaller Colorado and Frontier).

Nice spin, Honda.  

[CaseyNPham]

Give it a normal grille and make the sides of the bed leveled and shorter and it should be better. and those ugly handles....

I don't think its too bad even though it's...  weird.

[giant_mtb]

I saw another one today.  This one was like burnt red or brown or something...absolutely sick.  Although it does look better in dark colors than light colors, IMO.  It was still ridiculously ugly and disproportional...but oh well. lol ^_^

[DC3Skyliner]

To me the silliest thing about the Ridgeline is it's name which cracks me up. Sort of like Toyota's "Tundra". What's next, "Permafrost"? I think they're running out of names down at Honda and Toyota.

Names aside, I think the Honda is a nice although somewhat ugly multipurpose vehicle. I wouldn't call it a car and I sure wouldn't call it a truck but I think it's a good all-purpose rig for the person that either can't afford or doesn't need two seperate vehicles, a car and a truck.  The Ridgeline will haul the family and still be able to perforn those light hauling jobs that most people need to do from time to time like runs to the Home Depot for mulch, etc.

When it comes to towing there's more to tow ratings than just the weight of the trailer. There's wind resistance and altitude considerations to factor in. From what I've seen of the Ridgeline I wouldn't expect it to tow much more than a loaded enclosed U-Haul trailer in a stiff headwind or over a western mountain pass.  I sure wouldn't want to be towing a 5000 pound travel trailer with it under those condiditons.

For those of us that don't want our trucks to be "more car like" there are plenty of alternatives. You can buy a pretty nice Ford Powerstroke or Dodge Cummins for the price of a Ridgeline and that's where I'd put my dough.

[CaseyNPham]

I went to the Honda dealership the other day, and the interior of a Ridgeline is very usable. Everything is layed out nicely, it's all easy to reach, and although the mirror is really high (tall roof, durrh) you can see quite a bit through it. And the rear seat room is more than I expected, and the seats are very comfortable for short term trips. I'd say I can last about 5 -7 hours in them. The leather is also really nice.

Now speaking in terms of someone who tows a lot, I can't drive. So booyah.