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Honda Ridgeline SUT

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Comments

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Kinda funny that we're speculating about future versions of the truck when it's barely two months old.

    Not really. Now that we've all had a chance to look at the vehicle, I think it's natural to comment on what we like and don't like. A "wish list" is just part of that process. I just hope some Honda product planners read these posts...

    Bob
     
  • quadrunner501quadrunner501 Member Posts: 94
    I'm kind of surprised to see the Ridgeline being compared to the Tacoma, or vice versa. The Ridge looks quite a bit more expensive than the Taco. The Taco has the same payload rating as my Titan, although only 42" between the wheel wells. How they managed to make Tacoma appear so big, and yet remain small is a mystery. The Ridgeline I'd have to say is not for me. Count me among those who think it's ugly in an Element'l sense.

    Anyway, it's the wife we're buying for. An AWD sport ute would be perfect for her needs, yet the boot kicker in her says no to everything that is soccer mom. She wants a kick-[non-permissible content removed] small truck. She really liked those S10-ZR2s when they were around, but not the Colorado. I'm not paying for another GM/Ford/Dodge. She doesn't like the Nissan Frontier. About all that's left that I would pay for is the Tacoma, I guess. I think it's grown too big. Toyota no longer has a small truck. 245 hp is what the original Tundra had. Thrifty has been replaced by guzzly. The 2004 Tacoma was a better size for her. The Ridgeline we're going to pass on, it's gimmicky.
  • treyh1treyh1 Member Posts: 34
    They're different trucks, but those are the two I was down to. I need four doors, mild off-road capability, moderate (5k is plenty) & occasional towing capacity, & an open bed. There are a lot of buyers just like me, and those two ended up at the top of the list.

    I ended up with a Ridgeline, but it was really close, and I probaly would have been happy (not to mention heavier in the wallet) with the Tacoma. I'm moving up from an extra-cab Ranger to get more interior room (3 kids) & that's what put the RL over the top. Don't need the 4wd, which is why the Taco would have been substantially cheaper. What I really needed was a $26k 2WD Ridgeline, but Honda didn't ask me.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Thanks. Somehow I figured you'd know. LOL
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    The Ridgeline we're going to pass on, it's gimmicky.

    Don't get me wrong, I completely support your decision not to buy a Ridgeline if it's not for you, but gimmicky. If ultimate everyday usability is a gimmick, sign me up.

    Did you drive one? You owe it to yourself to experience it in person before you make this expensive decision.
  • gd113gd113 Member Posts: 114
    After all Honda's are known for their gimmicks of reliability, safety, innovation, etc. Sounds like you don't like any truck. You should read about the Ridgeline to better determine what it is that you consider gimmicky. I have yet to read a negative reivew. I've got one and I 'm having fun. :P
  • quadrunner501quadrunner501 Member Posts: 94
    Honda's are known for reliability safety and innovation agreed. And also beautifully styled and crafted vehicles. Those are not gimmicks. But this recent emphasis on "ugly," as depicted by the Element, and now regrettably the Ridgeline, and I'm just being bluntly honest here...it turns me off.

    I realize I'm in a Ridgeline topic here, feel free to have the last word. And no, I have not driven it or the Tacoma yet. But that brings me back to my original surprise that people are making these two the finalists when they seem so dissimilar. They are not the same price, not even the same capacity. It just seems the lines are getting so blurred. I would have thought the Ridgeline would be compared to the other half tons, not trucks from the compact segment. More of just a preference for Honda or Toyota I guess.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    And no, I have not driven it or the Tacoma yet

    Go drive a Ridgeline. I would be really interested to hear your first hand experience with it in person.
  • teterteter Member Posts: 8
    ANYONE KNOW IF IT CAN BE LIFTED ? HAS ANYONE PUT OVERSIZED TIRES ON IT YET? IT NEEDS IT!
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Well ugly is relative. I'll admit I thought the Element was homely at first but it's grown on me. It's looks doesn't seemed to have stopped it from selling pretty well. The Ridgeline will do fine as well. It's not that ugly IMHO.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Well looks are subjective for sure. FWIW, I've been a graphic designer for over 30 years, and have been teaching design for over 10 years at one of the nations top art colleges. I'm not saying that to impress anyone here, but I do know a thing or two about design.

    What people are referring to here as "design" is really "styling." There is a difference. Styling is all about "eye candy," or what you see first—and this is what most people react to when they see something. Design, on the other hand involves everything. It includes styling, but also engineering, concept, and even marketing; it's the whole ball of wax, so to speak.

    Do I find the Ridgeline ugly? No, but I don't find it especially actracattractive. just say I find the looks to be "interesting."

    I think anyone who dismisses this vehicle because they find it ugly, is doing themselves a diservicdiserviceng else if you wish, but it's your loss, not mine. From most functional aspects, and daily usage, the Ridgeline is way ahead of its competition—and yes it is a midsize truck (like a Tacoma), and not a fullsize truck.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    What's going on with Edmunds posts here? Every time I make an edit, it gets screwed up. Also, I have to hit the return twice to get paragrah space? What's up Edmunds??? :mad: :mad:

    Bob
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Maybe they don't approve of your post's design. :P

    I don't find the Ridgeline ugly, but there's no doubt that it's odd. There are rules when it comes to making things look good. The Ridgeline doesn't really break many of them. However, working within the rules doesn't guarantee a good look.

    The shape of a typical pickup is an ugly shape. But it's become a shape we readily accept. The Ridgeline (and Avalanche, as well) use a different shape. While that shape isn't ugly, it's foreign to our visual vocabulary. It's not normal. But that doesn't make it ugly. That's simply odd.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I try to avoid what's "good looking," or "bad looking," as that involves what motivate people, and so forth. That's a level of expertise which I certainly don't have, nor do I pretend to have.


    I will say this," looks" is a moving target. Does anyone think that if Henry Ford introduced a vehicle in 1930, that looked like the the 2005 F-150, it would sucsucceedhe new F-150 is regarded my most truckers today has being a handsome vehicle. If that vehicle had been introduced 65 years (forget about that even being possible), it would have been rideculed. Anybody remember the '30s era ChyChryslerrflow models? They were very advanced for the time, in fact too advanced—and they flopped.


    The Ridgeline is right on the edge of being "too" advanced. No doubt Honda is pushing the envelope here. If you can get beyond the looks, you will see a truly supurbsuperble.


    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,701
    Definitely. I do not find the styling (thanks, Bob!) particulary pleasing, but darned if I will let that keep me from considering such a well-fitted vehicle for my needs when the time comes to purchase.

    Also, regarding the mid-size/full-size argument and comparisons... there really is no perfectly suited competitors for comparisons and that is because the Ridgeline fills a new niche within the realm of pickups. It is like the Yamaha FJR1300 - there is not a direct comparison, but you still have to compare it to something in order to weigh the best fit... the "bang for the buck" as it impacts YOUR wallet. The midsize pickup category, blow for blow, is the best category against which to compare and in which to place the Ridgeline.

    Honestly, I started comparing vehicles from midsize p/u, small/midsize SUVs, and wagons. Even though the Ridgeline, visually, is my least favorite of all the vehicles I have considered, it is right on the top for the best in nearly every other consideration (other than price!!!). Ugh. Anyway, it is a compelling vehicle and if I did end up buying one at some point, it wouldn't surprise me. :blush:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    for the long paragraph above, but Edmunds won't allow me to make paragraph breaks. When I do it screws up my spelling somewhere. Urgh! :mad:

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,701
    Bob, I have read far too many posts from you to think that you are simply having some typographic issues today. I have not noticed any problems with my interface, but I agree that yours is fubar'd! :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    just compose my posts in Word, do a spellcheck, then copy & paste in Edmunds. I'm not sure what's going on, but it sure is frustrating.

    Bob
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    I'm not experiencing that, so drop a note over at Forums Software in N&V or the Help link.

    kcram - Pickups Host
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Thanks KC. I did just that, and my post over there got screwed up too!

    It happens whenever I run the Edmunds spellcheck. If I don't run the spell check, it works fine.

    Bob
  • frieberg44frieberg44 Member Posts: 33
    An excellent Ridgeline review (by several different people) from another site:
    http://research.cars.com/go/crp/summary.jsp?logtype=6&aff=usatoday&call=crp&makeid=18&year- =2006&modelid=7791
  • eaglegeagleg Member Posts: 87
    Poor passing power,poor visibility,trunk is useless if box is loaded,wind noise,engine noise,too costly,really crappy rims for a $33,000 truck.Sounds like room for improvement.
  • gd113gd113 Member Posts: 114
    Yes I would advise buying a Tacamo. From what I have read on the various posts there has not been one single reported problem. Thats the way to go unless you actually read the Ridgeline reviews or test drive one yourself. But then again why bother, sit there frustrated about the Ridgeline instead. Not me.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    Poor passing power. From my direct experience, passing power is excellent.

    poor visibility, I find no problem with visibility.

    trunk is useless if box is loaded, You don't have a trunk at all on any other truck. So, when your box is empty, you don't even have a secure trunk. The trunk alone is worth buying this truck for. It's true, you might have to use your brain, and not load stuff in the trunk you think you might need when the bed is full. My bed is empty most of the time. Why? because the trunk is so huge, I can fit most things I carry in it.

    wind noise, I don't have wind noise. Not sure what your talking about here

    engine noise, This is the quietest vehicle I've been in.

    too costly, ........only if you can't afford it. I thought it was a bargain for what I got.

    really crappy rims for a $33,000 truck. I thought they were fine, but if your rapping with your homies on the weekends, you might want something different. This is a pretty lame complaint.

    Sounds like room for improvement. Let's talk about the competition that doesn't even come up to the Ridgeline's standards on their 27,000 dollar RT.
  • ihatenoiseihatenoise Member Posts: 1
    Recently purchased RTL with various accessories dealer installed, including roof rack, ski attachment and tonneau cover. At 35 mph whistling sound would be heard; at 55 mph rumbling sound like thunder or a boom box next door. Dealer says whistling sound is from roof rack needing rubber strips in cross bars. Rumbling sound is from ski attachment. Their solution take off ski attachment (that doesn't quite solve the problem on transporting skis, does it?) and install rubber strips on top of cross bars. With rubber seals and no ski rack still too noisy. In addition to whistling sound there is a rumbling sound that while not deafening does give drive and passengers headaches.

    Did anyone notice change when putting on roof rack (before / after)? I'm wondering if removal of rack will cure problems and deal with aftermarket racks later.

    thanks, ihatenoise.
  • wonderin_ywonderin_y Member Posts: 5
    I recently test drove the ridgeline and I would have to agree that the power of the V6 is lacking when trying to pass. I kept waiting for it to 'kick-in' but nope ... just a slow steady pick up.
    This made me wonder what it would be like if i were really hauling something heavy like dirt, gravel, rock, sand, lumber, etc.
    I didn't notice any bad wind noise or have any visibility problems.
    I think this truck is priced too high - should come with a V8 at this price.
    I'm looking at the avalanche now - more power and with all the rebates they always have, you can get one for the same price as the ridgeline and have the V8.
  • wonderin_ywonderin_y Member Posts: 5
    For the price of the ridgeline, you'd think they would throw in a full size spare but nope! Just what you need for a truck .... a donut for a spare. Hope you're not hauling nothing when you do get that flat. What were they thinking? Not only could you not get the spare out without dumping whatever your hauling, you're probably not going to want to try hauling anything on that donut spare anyway.
    Granted, you can choose to remove the spare when hauling but how many people are going to remember or want to do that everytime?
    The more I think about who the ridgeline was built for ... I think it's more of a womens avalanche. What do women really like more than anything ... more storage space ... hence the trunk in the bed. More places to put stuff when shopping.
  • gd113gd113 Member Posts: 114
    Flats are a legitimate concern I guess if you get lots of flats. I 'm going to guess if you the are the average driver you are not constantly getting flats where you need a full size spare ready to go at all times, hence Honda deciding on the temporary spare. I can't recall changing a tire in the last 20 years. I don't understand the woman comment, doesn't everyone want more strorage? Why are all the new pickups coming with additional storage, to apease woman drivers? The trunk is the most innovative thing going acknowledge by everyone. If you actually did test drive one you should try it again because your are the first person who has test driven one and didn't have something good to say. Check out the Avalanche. I see plenty of woman driving that one. Just watch out for all the recalls.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    I recently test drove the ridgeline and I would have to agree that the power of the V6 is lacking when trying to pass. I kept waiting for it to 'kick-in' but nope ... just a slow steady pick up.

    Actually, I feel the transmission on the RL is perfectly mated to the 255 bhp engine making it very responsive to the driver. Tap the accelerator, and the transmission down shifts smoothly giving the driver good torque for passing. It probably depends on what your driving now as to whether it feels under powered. I'm quite pleased with it.

    I think this truck is priced too high - should come with a V8 at this price.
    I'm looking at the avalanche now - more power and with all the rebates they always have, you can get one for the same price as the ridgeline and have the V8.


    A similarly equipped Avalanche comes in at 2,000+ more than the Ridgeline RT-L with Navigation's MSRP, and that's with rebates and incentives. If you need the extra towing capacity of the Avalanche, get it. The RL is a more agile, sporty vehicle, while the Avalanche seems much more lumbering and cumbersome.

    One of the bothersome things about the Avalanche is that they have to give really deep discounts to move these trucks reflecting the fact that people really aren't interested in this vehicle.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    Hope you're not hauling nothing when you do get that flat. What were they thinking?

    How many times have people heard this criticism. It's old and tired. Has anyone out there ever not bought a vehicle because of the spare tire placement. My god, just be a man and unload the bed and change your tire. What do you want? Angels descending from heaven to do it for you. Flat tires are rare and a [non-permissible content removed], always have been, always will be. This has always been the most desperate and rediculous RL criticism.

    The more I think about who the ridgeline was built for ... I think it's more of a womens avalanche. What do women really like more than anything ... more storage space ... hence the trunk in the bed. More places to put stuff when shopping.

    This comment is how we know we have real true RL basher. Implying any man that would want this truck is something less than a man LOL.Where does this even come from dude? Only women want a large secure discrete storage locker for their gear????? Real men don't shop???? What planet/time era are you from?
  • 5553543255535432 Member Posts: 150
    Flat tires are rare and a [non-permissible content removed], always have been, always will be. This has always been the most desperate and rediculous RL criticism.
    --------------
    I'm just 33 years old, and driving motorcycles since age 10.Thats about 23 years of no flat tire years.Wonder if it would happen now that I've got my Ridge.Ahhh well, I'll let AAA take care of that.Wonder if theirs anyone here who knows an algorithm or math formula to arrive at the nil percentage of how many flats one can get in a lifetime.This tire availability bashing in the event of a flat is another lame attempt to find fault in a commonsense practical feature started by Honda.

    I've got a Ridge, I love to shop, and I love the trunk space.Hmmmmm, I may not be a real man? Let me ask my hot hot wife if she agrees with this line of brilliant LOGIC :confuse: .Ridge as a girly trucks because of the trunkspace? What do you guys think of a person with this kind of thought pattern or presents this line of argument.BRILLIANT?. I think it's the exact opposite.
  • wonderin_ywonderin_y Member Posts: 5
    I didn't say the trunk wasn't innovative but that doesn't make it practicle. I just can't see using it to keep things in there for any length of time since hauling things would make it inaccessible.
    The V6 definitely has no passing power. I'm not sure what the previous poster was driving to think it has plenty but it sounds like it must have been a 4 cyl.
    I don't feel I could pass anything on the highway without a long straight and level stretch of road.
    I guess my dislike in the ridgeline reflects what my needs are which is to be able to haul a heavy load when needed and not be struggling.
    It appears the ridgeline is more for the suburbanite who wants room for the occasional light haul from the local home depot or garden center. I'm not saying that the ridgeline can't carry 1/2 ton load but I wouldn't want to have to take the load very long in that truck with its wimpy V6.
    As for the poster who warns to look out for all the recalls on the avalanche - what recalls?
  • gd113gd113 Member Posts: 114
    2005 Chevrolet Avalanche Recall ID from NHTSA: 05V043000
    Auto Recall Date: FEB 08, 2005
    Vehicle Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Estimated Vehicles Affected: 155465
    2005 Chevrolet Avalanche Defect Summary:
    CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
    Defect Consequence:
    IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • wonderin_ywonderin_y Member Posts: 5
    I was flooring the accelerator on the highway, not tapping, and I didn't feel it down shift much less feel any torque so it must be very smooth when down shifting. I've got 2 cars, one with a 4 cyl and one with a 8. My 4 cyl. has more passing power than the ridgeline. I'm not bashing the ridgeline as so many people here think - just giving my driving impression.
    That is what happened when I test drove the ridgeline.
    Everybody here seems to take my impressions as some kind of personal attack. I guess this forum is filled with ridgeline owners and aren't open to critizism.
    The spare tire in the trunk is, in my opinion, is a bad design - even if you have never had a flat, it's there if and when you need it. If it's sitting in a trunk under a load, you might as well have no spare tire at all - unless your load is a planter or something else that will easily unload. Would you drive your car/truck without carrying a spare? This is a legitimate concern.
    When it comes to innovation, I believe the avalance has more of that with the midgate. Now that is something practicle. Back seats fold down, midgate and window fold in to give you a full length bed and I don't have to spend another $1300 for a tonneau cover that isn't water-proof. With the midgate down, you can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the bed with the gate closed and fully protected!
    American car mfg.'s have long used rebates/incentives to move their cars/trucks. It doesn't mean that they are not good autos. With the current rebates/incentives on the avalanche, I can get an avalanche (V8) with the Z71 off-road package for the same price as the RTL.
  • wonderin_ywonderin_y Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for that post. I wasn't aware of any recalls with the avalanche.
    Has there been a history of recalls with the avalanche?
  • 4wdave4wdave Member Posts: 16
    I live 5400' up in the Sierra and commute 100 miles/day. The Ridgeline has fantastic power, gets 20mpg, I can leave my tire chains, boots, flares, etc. in the "trunk", it is extremely quiet and comfortable, has a great stereo -- what more could someone want in a vehicle?

    I do have one concern that I'm curious about. :confuse: I drive about 10 miles of fairly straight downhill road that most cars coast at 60mph. The Ridgeline downshifts to 3rd gear, and won't go over 45 unless I step on the gas -- which seems kind of stupid when going downhill. Anyone else experienced that?
  • once_for_allonce_for_all Member Posts: 1,640
    Dave, you live at Shaver Lake?

    John
  • jerrywimerjerrywimer Member Posts: 588
    That sounds like hill descent control or something similar. My father's '97 Subaru Legacy Outback does that too. It can help save the brakes a bit, but gets annoying when it kicks in too often (like in the situation you're talking about- where you want to coast at a speed that the regular OD would maintain without brakes.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The Ridgeline downshifts to 3rd gear, and won't go over 45 unless I step on the gas...

    That's Honda's grade logic system. If you hit your brakes going downhill, the vehicle will eventually downshift and hold it in gear to reduce wear on your brakes.
  • gd113gd113 Member Posts: 114
    2006 Honda Ridgeline is First Ever Four-Door Truck to Earn Top
    Government Crash Test Rating
    2005-05-09 12:02 (New York)

    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.

    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.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,701
    "I've got a Ridge"

    You do?! That's great. I thought you had just leased an '05 Frontier recently, so I was surprised to learn that you bought a Ridgeline so soon. Can you give us a rundown of how the transaction went and the fate of the Nissan? How do the vehicles compare in your experience?

    -Wes-
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • lumanluman Member Posts: 3
    Can't believe no one has mentioned this yet. Car and Driver finally did a comparison review of 5 midsize trucks and guess who came out on top? They tested the RTS.
    5. Colorado
    4. Dakota
    3. Tacoma
    2. Frontier
    1. Ridgeline
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    There's an issue with the seal around the windshield you might want to check out. I'm not sure if a TSB has been issued for it, yet, but have your dealer check for it anyway.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    It cracks me up when people complain that the Ridgeline's truck cannot be accessed when the bed is loaded.

    I mean, the only way to access the trunk in any other truck is to take a torch to the easily dented, thin sheetmetal floor and carve a hole in it. Then weld together a box frame and sink it into the floor. By the way, you'll need to remove your rear differential and find a new place for that. Grab a handful of bolts and install your trunk under the truck. Cover that frame with the bits and pieces of sheetmetal you cut from the bed. You won't have enough, so go to the store and buy more materials.

    To convert it back into a pick-up bed...

    Yeah, much easier than working with the Ridgeline. :confuse:
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    I mean, the only way to access the trunk in any other truck is to take a torch to the easily dented, thin sheetmetal floor and carve a hole in it. Then weld together a box frame and sink it into the floor. By the way, you'll need to remove your rear differential and find a new place for that. Grab a handful of bolts and install your trunk under the truck. Cover that frame with the bits and pieces of sheetmetal you cut from the bed. You won't have enough, so go to the store and buy more materials.

    Yes, this does seem inconvenient.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    I was flooring the accelerator on the highway, not tapping, and I didn't feel it down shift much less feel any torque so it must be very smooth when down shifting. I've got 2 cars, one with a 4 cyl and one with a 8. My 4 cyl. has

    Mabey other owners could post about the power in the RL for passing, and acceleration. I find it to be more than adequate. The RL is approx a second slower than the 05 Taco V6. The 05 Taco is considered to be one fast truck, and the RL is a tad slower than the 05 Taco. Tap on the accelerator and the RL will down shift, scooping out that torque required for good passing power. Anyone have a different experience than what I'm describing? Here's a recent review from Motorway excerpt that might address your towing and hauling concerns.

    http://www.presstelegram.com/Stories/0,1413,204~32658~2859161,00.html

    "SAN DIEGO, Calif. --- We steered the pickup through the cones in the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. The truck was loaded with 1,100 pounds of material representing rocks and bricks that a weekend do-it-yourselfer might pick up at Home Depot.
    There was no drama at speeds that would be foolish and perhaps illegal on public roads.

    As we accomplished simulated emergency lane shifts, the rear end followed the front in a predictable manner. We performed a panic stop in a squall of tires cementing valuable rubber to the parking lot asphalt.

    Once again there was no drama to the exercise; even with the near-maximum payload on board.

    Then we hauled a 5,000-pound trailer with little effort through another cone-marked course, designed to emulate highway speeds and lane change maneuvers. In fact, it was hard to detect we were pulling anything without an occasional look in the rearview mirror.

    These chores were not performed in a Ford F-150 or a Chevy Silverado. These feats were accomplished in a Honda. That would be a Honda truck to be more specific.

    The drivetrain too adds to the allure of the Ridgeline.

    Honda has used the 3.5-liter V-6 from the Pilot/MDX, but tuned it to 255 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque directed through a 5-speed automatic transmission.

    This gives the Ridgeline good, if not sterling, performance. Considering the truck’s 4,500-pound curb weight, it moves out quite adequately. Our seat-of-the-pants estimate is about 8.5 seconds from 0 to 60. "
  • dan_rtsdan_rts Member Posts: 1
    I have a RL and the passing thing is a bit tricky but it's not about power it's about the acceleration curve. If you just drop the hammer then the acceleration is fairly flat I think due to the tranny shift points when in overdrive. It is a different when it either downshifts or you are not in overdrive. My first weekend I did a two car pass (32 in a 45 situation) on a slight uphill 4 people & a full tank, when I just put it down it was flat, but I came off the gas and then punched it to make the downshift and was at 70 in very short order. For the normal around town stuff I like it suits my needs very well while comfortable and fairly reasonable on gas. I won't draw comparisons to a F-150 but those trucks are in a separate class from the RL. I would say thogh that it is the best in it's class and better looking than one of those Chevy snowpiles... ;) Just my $0.02 as an owner.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    Good point Dan, I don't stomp on accelerator. I depress it gradually. You gotta give this truck a chance to respond rather than just stomp on it. Treat it like a Lady and it will give you what you want.
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Being a truck owner exclusively for the last 15 years, I'd be extremely hesitant about putting a donut on any truck, full-size or compact. The standard rubber on a Ridgeline is 245/65R17, which is 29.5" tall unloaded. Three tires at that height plus one donut will so severely affect the safe operation of the truck, that I personally would just have it towed and the flat fixed. We're talking ABS issues, vehicle computers sending warnings, a severe drop in ride height at that corner making the steering unstable, and unless you go through the extra trouble of putting the donut up front when you have a rear flat, a big problem is power delivery and road speed because the donut wouldn't match the revolutions per mile of the other tire on the drive axle.

    A donut on what Honda is marketing as a full-size truck is just being cheap.

    kcram - Pickups Host
  • cridercrider Member Posts: 8
    The Ridgeline spare IS NOT A DONUT,Honda learned from Chrysler's mistake of equiping their 4W.D. Cherokee's with mis matched spares resulting in all sorts of driveline problems when they were utilized as intended.
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