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Comments
Does the left hand at Honda not know what the right hand is doing?
Vertrkr - Your trip computer may be integrated into the NAV.
As for wind noise, that is disappointing. Did you test drive the vehicle before purchase? Was it the same truck you bought? If not, was the noise present in the other vehicle? I'm surprised none of the reviews have mentioned it. On the other hand, Grayghost may be right. It's worth having it looked at.
3500 w/3 passengers
3000 w/4 passengers
2000 w/5 passengers
Doesn't anyone else find these tow ratings a tad strange? You lose 1500 lbs for a 3rd passenger? I thought that the original 5000 lbs rating included a certain amount of cargo weight too (along with 2 passengers)?
Hhhmmm, Let's see;
Based upon the loss in weight capacity, the third passenger must wigh 1500 pounds. (This is a high school nath problem right?)
The fourth passenger wighs 500 pounds and the 5th weighs 1000 pounds. Did I get the quiz right?
Seriously, I would love to hear why such dramatic loss in capacity.
(Now to fit these problems in on my student's next math test.
Bob
The only thing I can think that would cause such dramatic losses in towing capacity with passengers is that Honda is basing this on having some maximum load in the rear of the vehicle. If so, then adding passengers can have dramatic effects on how much weight is left over for the tongue weight associated with the towing load. If tongue weight is the governing constraint, then this can cause huge changes in allowable towing weights.
The rationale would go something like this: Honda has some maximum load in the rear of the vehicle. If you have just front passengers, then there is enough allowance in the rear for the tongue weight associated with the full 5K tow load, typically 500-lbs or so. But as soon as you start loading passengers in the rear, then the weight of these passengers, being more near the rear of the vehicle, starts cutting into the weight allowance for the tonque weight which starts governing the allowable tow weight. So a 200-lb passenger might reduce allowable tongue weight by 100-lbs which if tongue weight is governing, would reduce the total allowable trailer weight by 1000 lbs, since tongue weight is recommended to be about 10% of total towing weight.
That's all I can figure. But it still doesn't explain the very non-linear change in numbers with a progression of 1500-lb loss, 500-lb loss, then 1000-lb loss as passenger are added in the rear. If it was 1000-1000-1000, it would make a lot more sense. I wonder if the 3500 number is a misprint and it should be 4000?
Also, if my theory is correct, then cargo in the bed would have an even more dramatic effect on allowable towing weight since it is even more near the back of the vehicle. Put a couple 300-lb dirt bikes back there and you might not have any towing allowance whatsoever.
- Mark
- Mark
What you fail to realize is that ALL manufacturers say read the owners manual for further info on towing. That's where the "fine print" is located—and it's always there.
Virtually every truck/SUV that is rated for towing has towing restrictions, that aren't listed in their advertising or marketing brochures. A classic example is the unbraked tow ratings. Very few vehicle makers list that info in their general advertising, yet it's always in the owners manual.
Bob
What are you paying for your trucks?
Tylermade, is your moonroof a dealer installed item? I don't see it as an option for the RTS.
John
Checked it out in the showroom, it was kool, but they wanted $6000 over MSRP on the sticker.
What are you all paying???
And given that prices are typically higher for the first year or so, paying a premium for a more problematic car seems like a poor bargain to me.
- Mark
John
My Forester has the same options as the RT-L (heated seats, 6cd changer, auto-climate etc.) and gets 28 mpg. I can't see the bed feature being worth $15,000 more plus a significant mileage penalty. I would be willing to pay $30k, but right now this vehicle isn't worth current pricing to me.
John
Just find another dealer that doesn't play those games. Sooner or later you will find one.
Bob
220 ft-lbs torque at 1,000 rpm !
235 ft-lbs at 1,500 rpm !
Offroader and tower dream stats. Combine this with that low 1st gear and locking rear differential, and we are talking SWEET. I would like to see the number for the Triton at those rpms. These are out of the new Ridgeline pamphlet.
John
Honda made a real persons truck. And by that I mean that they saw how normal people use their trucks and SUVs. They did not look into specific demographics, such as a boating community, or a heavy construction zone area. They made a truck that the plain ol person can enjoy. Haul home repair items, move wood, and get outdoors to camp. These are the things Honda focused on. If you want a heavy duty work truck, then you will go get a inexpensive truck that you don't mind dinging and denting. Honda did this right! How will you really use your Ridgeline???
Bob
From all of the pictures I have seen, I did not like the massive front-end look, but in person the look grew on me. I love the bed area with lighting, the lockable trunk and two-way tailgate. Controls and operation were well executed. This is the greatest selling point for me.
The interior was a disappointment to me. Between my wife’s Toyota Camry, and my test drive experiences with the new Tacoma, the Honda interior materials are too plastic and lacking in quality feel. I was really disappointed in the quality of the leather. It did not have any thing approaching a feeling of luxury, and could be mistaken for vinyl, as far as I’m concerned. I am 5 foot 10 inches tall, and when positioned in the 6 way adjustable seat, many of the gauges and readouts were not conveniently visible to me at a glance. The dash instrument panel seemed to be to busy with the extra chrome trim. The large horseshoe door handles seemed out of place visually, but I must admit they grew on me quickly, and got an A+ from me for functionality. Nice grip to close the door with! The seats side bolsters seemed to be too intrusive for my larger than normal girth, so I would have to drive this again for an extended period before I could trust that the seats are going to be acceptable. I loved the functionality of the front center console. Huge storage capabilities and a lot of flexibility, despite the fact that the cheap plastic materials again disappointed me. I found the rear seats to be lacking in comfort. I wouldn’t want to ride any long distances. Very limited cushioning.
My limited driving experience consisted of 6-8 miles, mostly on an Interstate. I did not notice much wind noise. The suspension took the bumps and potholes well, but the Tacoma seemed to be more damped, and my overall ride impression would give the Toyota the edge as far as seat of the pants feel, and plush quiet ride. I did not really get a chance to exercise the overall handling in any lane changes or hard cornering. As far as Engine performance, the Tacoma definitely felt much more spirited from a standing start, and in a lane merge situation. The Honda felt sluggish off the line, with much less crisp shifts.
I am now in a quandary . I’ll have to go back to drive the Tacoma again. I wish the Ridgeline was made by Toyota, and then I would probably be happy. I’ll have to decide on tradeoffs between functionality and overall quality and comfort. I like the added safety features of the Honda, and in the New England area, they are not shipping any Tacomas with stability or side air bags. But, I can buy the Tacoma for about $3000 less. As expected, the Honda dealer wasn’t going to budge off of MSRP. At least he wasn’t adding any additional markup at this point. My final impression of the Ridgline was that for over $33,000, I expected a better quality impression.
Another point, I have been looking for factory fogs but I don't see them anywhere. Honda put them on the Element, you would think that an all-purpose AWD vehicle such as the Ridgeline would come with them standard on all models.
John
Off the line, the power was a little lethargic (keep in mind I was just recently gunning the Titan), but the power band grew quickly in the mid range and seemed fairly linear up to high RPMs. Overall the Titan, of course, is more powerful throughout the powerband. No big deal to me, though.
I had hoped for better MPG ratings, but again compared to the competition, especially the full-sizers (real trucks – haha) it’s good enough to keep me interested.
I paid attention to the wind noise at the wind shield and did notice it while heading south bound on I-35 at 75 MPH into 10 MPH head winds. I believe the rest of the vehicle was above average in quietness. A theory to consider: the windshield noise may seem amplified because of the contrast effect. In other words, it’s more noticeable because the rest of the vehicle has less noise output overall, compared to the vehicles I have experience with anyway(i.e. Titan, ’99 Accord, ‘94 Altima, ’04 Escalade ((friend’s vehicle that was used to haul six people from Oklahoma to Colorado and back for a snowboard trip.)) My wife didn’t notice any extraneous noise until I pointed it out.
The dealer is still in the process of learning about the SUT and unable to answer a question. If I got an RT, could I put on aftermarket alloy wheels and slightly meatier tires? They were concerned that the Tire Pressure Management System (TPMS) would be compromised and therefore void the warranty. Anyone know if that would be the case?
Here are the reasons the RT appeals to me: First, the wheel/tire upgrade would be through an aftermarket source, and I would only pay cost, or a just a smidgeon more. Second, I would rather put in an aftermarket sound system, as I have never heard a factory sound system that bests a middle-of-the-road aftermarket system, if prudently executed. Third, the other features found in the RT-S/L can either be achieved aftermarket or are not important to me (I plan on getting black so the non-painted door handles and mirrors don’t matter, don’t want a moon roof or nav). Lastly, in my opinion, $28K for an RT still represents a fairly significant price for a V6 SUT, to me.
Anyway, I have a lot more to write, but this post is already too long.
As a private business, the dealer is free to offer a car for any price they like. The customer is free to buy or not buy. It's called free enterprise. As long as they're open and honest about it and don't try to sneek the extra charges in at the last minute while in the finance mgr's office, I have no issue with a dealer setting any price they like.
And as a customer who doesn't buy a vehicle in that first high-demand/low-reliability year, I'm pleased that there are people who will pay a premium for a "hot car" when it first appears. It means that the dealership can offer deeper discounts on that same model when demand goes down and supply increases.
- Mark
Second, as far as towing, to add to a recent posters comment. The dramatic drop of 1500 pounds comes not from capability but change in rear suspension geometry by the added passenger weight. I have an independent rear suspension V8 Car and that is the number one reason they only recommend 1500 pounds for towing. You could probably get an after market kit in a year or two to add some helper springs (Athough I think it would be a first for an independent rear). Honda said it was designed to tow with two guys and gear. I think they made a nice compromise between ride and capability.
This truck is built for me. Urban/Dense suburban dweller, who goes to Home Depot to pick up a sheet of plywood or drywall everyonce in awhile, and when the kids come I'll take them to pee wee football.
I'm going to see one today, let's see if it becomes my second Honda
here
Bob
I am seriously considering RTL with moon roof but $2k more the nav seems overpriced for my use. The NAV does come with iPod port though, which I do like
Any other thoughts on how to add cassette deck or iPod port to RTL?
Dealer had not even done the prep stuff. Still had white plastic all over and no fuses.
Initial impression is, it is very Honda-esque. Materials are all similar to the wifes CR-V (Which is holding up very well). Lots of Doodads.
Tailgate rocks. Why is that so hard to do? Gotta love the in-bed trunk, as the pics do it no justice. It's huge! Center console is cool, it's expandable. The whole front telescopes forward. Those big D-handles make for great "oh-[non-permissible content removed]" grabbers. Lots of space in the back seat.
The lines are actually very nice. Executed better than the avalanche.
I don't want leather, so they're going to call me when they get a RT or a RTS in. He said Honda is only shipping RTL's the first month.
Once they prep the two they got they'll call me for a test drive. I'll look for the window noise, and let you know what I think.
Dealer is goofy. Local dealer has multiple RT and RTS in stock. Honda is shipping all trims.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I have no bias between Honda and Toyota, currently driving a Ford and a Buick, and formerly owning everything from a BMW to a Chevy.
My initial impression is that the Ridgeline is a better choice. The Honda's tailgate system cleans the Tacoma's clock - access to anything you are hauling in the rear bed is superior in the Honda. I'll wager Toyota copies Honda's dual-access tailgate system in less than two years.
The Ridgeline's cabin feels wider, which is always better, than the Tacoma. I did not notice any significant difference in acceleration, handling or braking. I did notice the Ridgeline comes with a LOT more standard safety features that you have to pay extra for in the Tacoma (multiple airbags, etc. ). I was dissapointed Toyota makes you pay more for what Honda thinks should be standard regarding driver and passenger protection.
Looks are subjective - the Ridgline is a more substantial looking truck, IMO.
However, for all it's got going for it, $33K for an RTL with moonroof is just too much for my tastes. Like so many of the reviews have said, the Ridgeline will appeal to Accord owners who need a truck bed for weekend jaunts to the Home Depot. That's true, and I'm an owner of a '99 Accord EX. However, I can buy a brand new Accord EX V6 with Leather for under $26K. Is a $7K premium for a truck bed worth it? Unfortunately, for me, no, it is not. I like the ride and feel of a sedan, and as much as I'd like the benefits of a truck bed to haul mulch, plants, etc. on the weekends, it's not worth $7K, the ride sacrifice of a sedan, and the increase cost in gas this truck will consume.
I think I'll consider getting another Accord, and buy an older pickup to do my "dirty" work on the weekends. In the end, I'll save some money and be able to maintain the ride quality of a sedan.