Honda Ridgeline SUT

gearhead1

Over the holiday I had 3 adults traveling over 4hrs in the back 19yr old male, 38yr old woman, senior woman, and they all found it very spacious and comfortable. it's quite roomy back there especially for two becuse there's a nice center console that flips down.

rsholland

I just took our '04 CRV in for its 15K service. While at the dealer I checked out a fully loaded Ridgeline. This baby was loaded—it stickered for $44K!!! Major OUCH! Part of that was an $1,800 ADM, however, but even still...

This was the first Ridgeline I have seen with the optional hard bed cover (also ~ $1,800 IIRC!). A pretty nice feature (it ought to be for that kind of money!), but with one major flaw:

You can't secure anything in the bed from thieves with it in place! Yes, you can lock the bed cover, so that you can't open it, but—you can still open the tailgate, as that doesn't lock! Boy is that ever DUMB!

So if you have anything valuable, put it in the under the bed floor "locking" compartment.

Bob

KCRam

I just took our '04 CRV in for its 15K service. While at the dealer I checked out a fully loaded Ridgeline. This baby was loaded—it stickered for $44K!!! Major OUCH! Part of that was an $1,800 ADM, however, but even still...

Wowza! My 05 Ram 3500 Quad Cab 4x4 dually with the Cummins diesel stickered for $44... I'm thinking I got the better buy for the price - I got WAY more truck for the buck!

kcram - Pickups Host

once_for_all

That is a major omission. I guess that a lock on the rear gate might be too complicated given the two-way directional on the gate. Still, there could be some way for the hard cover to lock the gate at the same time. That shouldn't be too hard...

$44k won't last. The others are blowing their pickups out at miniscule prices right now. With gas going up, forget it.

The local dealer is very keen on getting me into an RTS at $28k. They have 12 Ridgelines sitting on a full lot. Even offering me $1,000 over for my trade-in. Essentially ends up being $500 below invoice.

John

rsholland

I almost doubled over when I saw the dealer price, but it was a RTL with NAV and it had just about every dealer option Honda offers. I'm sure they will find some sucker to buy it.

Bob

geo9

nowakj66

Often they create these optioned out trucks at the dealer not with an eye to sell but more to have one vehicle to show customers accersories. Eventually they do sell them but their main purpose is accesory gallery in many instances.

rsholland

I know, but even so, if you're not careful in checking off what options you want, you might end up with a case of terminal sticker shock.

Bob

bcp1

I was wondering if sales have fallen off since the 1st month which was almost 4,000 units nationwide.
I purchased a Silver RTL with moonroof and several accessories and went on a 2710 mile trip from SW La. to IL,WS,MO,AR and back home. During that time my family and I didnot see on other Ridgeline on the road. Passed several dealers and they had 2-4 units on the lot.
Where are the Ridgeline owners? We love our Ridgeline and it has performed greater than our expectations. I had to shop for 5 weeks in 4 cites and 6 dealerships before I found a deal I could live with.

europ91

I was wondering the exact same thing as bcp1. I have been monitoring the Ridgeline market since March 1st and I still have not seen even one Ridgeline on the road (except the one that I test drove).

About two weeks ago I called the dealer where I took the test drive in March and I was quoted a price of 28,000 for the RTS. I'm guessing that I can get it even lower when I'm ready to pull the trigger. I'm trying to decide whether to lease or buy.

rsholland

Not according to this recent June 2nd article. Honda has just increased production from a predicted annual sales of 53,000 to 80,000, to meet demand.
 
http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/news,view.spy?artid=41862&pg=1
 
Bob

njdevil5

The Tonneau cover is designed to lock the tailgate shut as well. A hinged bracket is mounted onto the tailgate and can be set to lock when the tonneau cover lock is activated. It's possible that the dealer didn't have the bracket installed or perhaps you missed it. It's not very big. It actually works very well.

I would still agree with your comment however of putting anything valuable into the locking trunk.

rsholland

Really? How would you unlock it? Is there a key or something?

The one I looked at did not have any tailgate locking device, or none that I saw. You could lock the bed cover, but not the tailgate.

Bob

robr2

This press release shows the actual sold in May:

http://www.hondanews.com/CatID1007?mid=2005060148809&mime=asc

3297 sold in May, 10,670 for 2005.

rsholland

True, but those are USA sales only, and don't include Canadian sales. Granted those aren't that much, but it does add to the total figure.

Obviously Honda is tip-toeing into the pickup truck market. Even their revised estimates of 80K is very low, but probably about right since they are entering uncharted waters here.

Bob

gearhead1

I was wondering the exact same thing as bcp1. I have been monitoring the Ridgeline market since March 1st and I still have not seen even one Ridgeline on the road (except the one that I test drove).

I've been seeing more and more. I came out of a store once and there was even one parked next to me.

robr2

True, but those are USA sales only, and don't include Canadian sales. Granted those aren't that much, but it does add to the total figure.

Just passing on a link Bob - not trying to prove anything or anybody wrong.

But the link you posted noted Honda's target for Canada was 3K units annually - that's 250 per month.

I've only seen 3 or 4 Ridges out on the road.

once_for_all

well, it is the ol' chicken and egg problem.

You can't get high sales with $44k vehicles. Might make tons of money though.

But, we are seeing the RT at $26k, the RTS at $28 k.

This will jump start sales again. Honda played the market right to maximize returns.

John

njdevil5

There is a key and lock positioned under the back right cap of the cover. To lock the cover to the tailgate, you first make sure the hinge(on the tailgate) is flipped up and second push down the lock (positioned under the cap). When you then close the tailgate, the hinge and lock meet and you're good to go.

rsholland

Thanks. I'll have to check that out.

Bob

rsholland

Just passing on a link Bob - not trying to prove anything or anybody wrong.

I know.

Bob

thbarrett

If you go to collegehillshonda.com and go to ridgeline exterior parts, they have a pdf file with installation instructions that show the lock.

Tom

guidog

thanks for the update. if you hear of a new roof rack available that is not noisy, please let me know.

njdevil5

Is it me or do others think Honda's windshields are too cheap? I picked up a pebble the size of pencil eraser and now have a 18" crack across my Ridgeline windshield. You can't even see an impact point. This will now be my 4th replacement Honda windshield. (2 on our 2000 Odyssey and 1 on our Accord). Can't imaging what one of these costs!

once_for_all

there is no relation to the glass quality and Honda, or any other manufacturer.

However, if the glass and vehicle are not precisely matched, the install could create stress that makes it more prone to splitting.

John

stevedebi

"However, if the glass and vehicle are not precisely matched, the install could create stress that makes it more prone to splitting."

Right, that happened to the first year Element. They had all sorts of problems with the windshield cracking. Too much stress due to a poor install.

njdevil5

I recently had my windshield resealed by the dealer due to wind noise. Do you think I might have a case that stands a chance or were your comments more related to factory installed or sealed windshield?

homersridge

I have on order a Steel blue EX-L with moon roof. Told its in transit from Ontario to BC today. Can't wait. I canceled the Tonneau cover after reading about the trunk not opening all the way and the near impossible removal of the second half to be able to use the cargo area. Have now ordered the trailer hitch package, and the body side mouldings instead. Going to wait for the roll top cover to come out, it makes more sense to me.
I tried all three models and found the moon roof to make a huge difference in visual space not to mention its as close as I'm going to get to my wifes PT Cruiser convertible. Didn't like the fact that I had to take alot of other toys to get it and no XM radio in Canadian models . Navi system not worth the extra $ 4700.00 since I have several hand held units. I like the over all look of the truck and it is shorter than it looks in the pictures. The dual action tailgate and the in bed trunk is the best practical feature of this vehicle. I have an out sight dry lockable area to keep my search and rescue gear.Its like getting the long box storage wise.The 60" cargo box I feel is just fine for those once and a while Home Depot trips as mentioned.
We are going to try and see if an Avalanche tent system will fit with some slight modifications.
I don't like the small spare tire. It will be gone the second I have it. I don't change tires, Spare in a can with some plugs and a BCAA card works just fine for 30 years and I get the extra storage space. The large silver interior door closer handles I am hopeing will grow on me or an after market change will come available. These really should of been leather to match the steering wheel.

The ride handling and stability I found to be the best of all the trucks I tried out.
Dodge, Toyota, Chevy, Nissan and Ford. Mid and full size.Not to mention the safety features on the Ridgeline being five star and extra on all the others. I burned a little of the dealers gas and several days doing it.I will report my first week of driving when I get it and we are going on a cross Canada trip in six weeks so that should give it a good test.

BC Canada MSRP prices LX $ 36,225, EX-L $ 40,625, add $ 1200 moon roof, EX-L Navi $ 45,325.

MSRP includes frieght P.D.E.( pre dealer spit and polish)

I payed $ 40,845 CDN with moon roof and accessories for an EX-L and leased it as a company right off. Sold off my old lease and made $ 980.00 cash.

njdevil5

Congrats on your new addition! Great choice. A bit of info I found on a previous post that may help. Aftermarket bed cover available if you don't need OE.

http://www.rolltopcover.com/

I have the Tonneau and don't have a problem with accessing the trunk. Obviously you have to flip up the back half of the cover to access it, but the trunk is fully accessible. It take 4 bolts to remove the cover completely. Not too bad, but if you plan to do it alot, it will be a pain. Good luck with the new truck. Let us know how you like it.

stevedebi

The Element was a factory flaw. You could ask your dealer about it; if he is honest he will make it right.

oakwilt

Anyone in the 6' 6" or taller category had any experience with the Ridgeline for
head and leg comfort?

Thanks

rsholland

Great find on that Ridgeline roll-top bed cover! Here are Ridgeline pixs & info from that site:

http://www.rolltopcover.com/pr/pr005.htm









Honda should make this type of bed cover standard on the Ridgeline!

Bob

csmith6

which dealer did u buy at in BC. Also, what is the lowest price u have seen for an LX in Canada.

mike7842

I am not sure the purpose of a bed cover? It restricts you if you decide to purchase a big item while travelling. In that case, what do you do with the bed cover? If you need to keep your luggage dry, put it in the back seat or under the bed storage area?

BTW, do you think the extended warranty is worth it? It costs about $1200 for 100,000 miles?

jay_24

Bed covers:
- allow slightly better gas milage.
- roll up and DON'T restrict big items while traveling.
(they rool neatly up and fasten near the front of the bed. takes up about 8 inches.)
- keep snow and rain out (and most dust)
- keep large outside toys out of sight and slightly locked.
(ice fishing portable shack, ice augers, tree stands...)
- keep large and light weight objects in the bed and off the highway. like coolers.

My dad has used the cheaper vinyl ones with velcro on the sides. The don't do much of anything for security, but it works extremely well otherwise. The metal roll-up models are more $$$ but are nicer.

Now the large single piece fiberglass bed covers, that I could see being an issue.

rsholland

This bed cover retracts, much like the widowshade-like cargo covers found on wagons and SUVs. The difference is that this cover is hard plastic. It also locks so that it offers secuity. Check out the construction on this link:

http://www.rolltopcover.com/

With a roll-top cover like this you can have an open bed and a secure bed. It's like having your cake and being able to eat it too. It's the best of both worlds.

Here's a video:

http://www.rolltopcover.com/demo.asp

Bob

rsholland

I would hope that they would integrate the "case," which the cover retracts into, into the rear bulkhead, under the rear window. Right now that case is free-standing, and it eats up some valuable bed space.

Bob

varmint

That first one is a myth. Bed covers do not increase gas mileage. Neither will those nets people have used in place of a tailgate.

A number of years ago, they did tests using a covered bed, a net, and an open truck (tailgate in place). The aerodynamics of the open truck were better than the net and about the same as the covered bed. The top edge of the tailgate acts as something of a spoiler and improves airflow over the top of the vehicle. That's why you see a flat surface on the top edge of the tailgate on trucks like the Ridgeline and Avalanche. I've seen the same design on other trucks, just can't recall exactly which ones.

But the rest of your list is fine. I just wanted to correct that one minor detail.

njdevil5

You've got to be kidding! Did you see how easy the thing opens and closes? Now I'm wishing I would have waited, instead of buying the OE flip type. Lesson learned.

homersridge

Thanks for the website address. Its what I'm looking for. Looks great. I'm really glad I canceled the Honda tonneau cover. It looks now like the Honda cover is a bit of a rip off for the price. They need to go back to the drawing board on that one. What did it cost you? Is there any water leaks? First White one I've seen looks great.

Homer

homersridge

I leased from Jim Pattison lease. All the dealers will not go below suggested list since they sell most before they arrive like mine. Mostly LX units on the lots on Vancouver Island. EX and EX-L are sold before they arrive. I wanted Red but settled on blue or had to wait till September. I think now that I will be happier with the blue.

Homer

stevedebi

Hmm, I wonder how many are being produced in Canada (I looked at the origin assembly plant on one this AM). Too bad it's not like here in LA, the dealer had about 6 on the lot.

homersridge

They are only going to allow 3500 for Canada of the 50,000 slated to be made this year. But I just heard they are increasing production to 80,000 so maybe we will get a bigger slice of the pie. But they are only being made in Alliston Ontario so shipping can be a factor.

But note that compared to the Ridgeline, Toyota Dodge and most of the others are more or about the same price here and don't have comparable safety features. Also Hybrids and the smart cars sell really good here as well. To each its own market.

From what I'm reading sales of the Ridgeline seam to be slow in the USA but here in BC our economy is going gang busters. Can't get enough workers. I turn down half as much work each day because I can't find enough gas fitters to get the jobs done.

Homer

rsholland

Homer, I don't have a Ridgeline. Those Ridgeline photos are from the company's web site. I just thought I would pass this info on to those who do have one. I'm a big fan of these roll-top bed covers. I just wish Honda had the foresight to do a factory unit. Who knows, maybe they will someday...

Bob

mike7842

What has been your experience with extended warranties for Honda vehicles? Is it a waste of money?

Mike

tex8

I am not employed by this bed cover company. But if you become a member (no fees) of ridgelineownerclub, and when placing an order with the company, you mention you are a member, you will be given a hundred dollar discount. Your welcome.

treyh1

It really depends on the vehicle & the price. We got one for our 2000 Odyssey for $835 (7 yrs, 100k mi). It paid for itself with one door repair, and had Honda not extended the warranty on the transmission it would have covered that. I bought it because Odysseys were new (platform, drivetrain, everything) & I didn't trust the doors. I trust Honda in general, but anybody can screw up on a new model.

I didn't get one on the Ridgeline, which they wanted $1300 for. They've had the engine & drivetrain components for several years, and the MDX & Pilot both have very high quality ratings. It's not as complex as the van (power doors, 2 A/C units), and the odds of a major repair between 3 years and when I'll probably sell it (10?) is low in my opinion. Your money, your gamble.

njdevil5

Thanks, but I've got too much invested in the Honda cover to switch. If I ever do this again, I'm going to be much more patient. Great finds like this won't be overlooked. Again thanks for the tip.

homersridge

I received an email from RETRAX bed covers today. "The price for your Honda Ridgeline is $889. We do have a $100 discount if you mention a Ridgeline Forum." They are in stock. A lot less than the Honda Tonneau. Even in CDN dollars.

http://www.rolltopcover.com/

No holes are required to be drilled and are an easy install in an hour.

I have ordered one for My new Blue Ridge coming. It should arrive about the same time and I will report on how the installation went.

Homer

atlgaxt

I have a Roll N Lock on my Mazda B4000. I love it. But, it does eat space, which I think is a problem when you have a crew cab with an already shortened bed. Which is why I thought the Ridgeline was interesting, because with some locking storage I figured that I could get by without a cover of any kind.

I like having a pickup, but I am not a hard core pickup guy. Right now I am torn between buying a Ridgeline (which I thought was too expensive, but may not be as I read about low sales and falling prices), buying another crew cab pickup and spending the bucks to get a bed cover, or buying an SUV and getting a utility trailer. Right now, the Xterra with its simple wipe down interior seems to be my top choice. It seems I can get a used trailer for less than the cost of a good bed cover.