Honda Ridgeline SUT

ridgeline07

I am looking for a ridgeline in NY and VT. I got a price for 30,950 with Navi RTL-s. the salesman told me that they had a "grey" on coming in this month. I said you mean silver? and he said its grey, its an 07. he said he does not have pricing or a list of any changes but he knows they are coming in and that grey will be a new color. hope this helps. please let me know what the other changes are????

footer

I drove my Ridge from the Twin Cities to Madison, WI over the Memorial Day weekend and back (nearly 500 miles round trip) and experienced the same thing as jay_24. Other than mine, there were zero sightings for the trip. I didn't even see any in Madison. They definitely haven't taken the Midwest by storm ... yet.

rsholland

Well, consider yourself as a trendsetter for your neck of the woods.

Bob

mknight73

As for the "Heartland", there are quite a few Ridgelines on the streets in the Kansas City area. I will usually see 2 or 3 a day. RL drivers tend to wave at other RL drivers around here too. :shades:

mknight73

Yup, same story as the others. I had a rattle coming from the drivers side visor that resolves if I flip it down & up again. It seems to be common.

rsholland

Good to hear.

Bob

footer

Well, maybe not so much any more ... Saw two this morning on the way in to work ... silver and black ... The black one was nearly following the silver one ... maybe they knew each other? I haven't seen any in weeks and then I see two back to back! So perhaps they are becoming more popular here in the Twin Cities of Mpls/St. Paul.

jerrywimer

Here in western NC I see one about once a week - not the same one either. I've seen multiple colors, so unless my vision is going bad, someone in this area is buying them. I won't, but mainly because I want a bit more towing capacity (er, actually closer to 3k lbs more). 07 Av for me!

My wife was riding with me when I saw the last one, and she thought it was an Avalanche. I had to clue her in that the Av is a smidge bigger vehicle, and has black plastic on the upper rear area. I guess that means the Ridge's looks have grown on her quite a bit, because I know she likes the new Av.

rsholland

Again, I think it's regional. I saw a couple yesterday, none yet today—but the day is still young...

Bob

rsholland

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Ridgeline

New RTX model added just above base RT model. It comes standard with tow package, unique grille, and painted gray alloy wheels.

Bob

once_for_all

That's a good combo--I am still looking for the addition of foglights.

John

moparbad

Anyone notice the sides of the Ridgeline are a direct copy of the Pontiac Aztek? Rideline even has the little creases in the lower doors like the Pontiac Aztek!! Couldn't Honda find design inspiration elsewhere?

aspesisteve

yea, gotta say, those panels on the side don't do it for me. I'd love to see the Ridgeline get a serious face lift next design.

Anyone know when the next design change is for the Ridgeline.

also I'd like to see a pass through slot from the bed to inside the rear of the cab so I could keep my skis in the bed when headed for the mountains.

footer

You're kidding right? What year Aztek? I just looked at Edmunds photos of the 2001-2005 Aztek and the doors don't look anything like the Ridgeline's! Please reply with a link to a photo of an Aztek that looks like a Ridgeline.

Thanks!

moparbad

Kidding? If, only I was. Same rectangular wheel wheels. Same ridges on the doors. Heck, both the Aztek and the Ridgeline have the same "ridgelines" on the doors.

gd113

Ah.. yuh, The Ridgeline and the Aztek look exactly the same. Your late for Ridgeline bashing, that was 6 months ago. Boring. :sick:

footer

I'm still waiting for the link to the picture of the Aztek that looks like a Ridgeline.

master1

lol, me too... :P

rsholland

They like it. A lot...

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060703/FREE/60623004/1004

Bob

master1

Why are they, and some other reviewers saying that the Ridgeline is ugly? I don't find it ugly, it looks modern and dicent to me. Does anyone agree with me or do most of the people think it isn't pleasant to look at? :confuse:

rsholland

I like the truck a lot, but the styling as it currently stands is rather awkward at best.

The basic shape is okay, but the details are heavy-handed and/or just don't flow right. I don't care for the headlight and taillight shapes. The "B" pillar is huge and doesn't work well with the door window shapes. The flared arches around the wheels are just awful. I'm really surprised, as Honda over the years has turned out some very handsome vehicles. This isn't one of them.

It's nothing a midseason (or earlier) makeover couldn't cure.

Bob

gearhead1

Well, I guess we'll agree to disagree Bob. I've owned a Ridgeline for over a year, and the more I look at it, the more I like it..........alot. I think it has a very high tech look and suitable for a Honda. To make the Ridgeline conform to conventional truck aesthetics would be a disservice to all the innovation that went in to it. I think it looks sleek in it's own boxy truck like Honda way. I'll let the kids at Auto Week sum it up.

Finally, though some staffers are warming to the Ridgeline’s exterior styling—and some kids in the extended AutoWeek family even think it looks cool

rsholland

To make the Ridgeline conform to conventional truck aesthetics would be a disservice to all the innovation that went in to it.

I didn't say that, nor am I suggesting that. What I said is that many of the shapes just don't work. It doesn't have to be "conventional" or play to accepted design standards to be good styling. I love the new Land Rover LR3 styling, and that that is far from being conventional—but it's both good design and good styling. The same holds true with most Volvos and Audis, which have both excellent design and styling.

I'm coming at this from having spent 30+ years in design and 10+ as a design educator at one of the nation's leading art colleges. I only mention that only because I do know something about design—or in the Ridgeline's case, styling. Feel free to disagree.

So what is "good" styling as applied to the Ridgeline? Well, as someone once said about pornography—you'll know it when you see it. Right now I don't see it.

BTW, the "design" of the Ridgeline is great; it's the "styling" leaves a bit to be desired IMO.

Bob

rsholland

I saw a new '07 RTX and RTL w/NAVI yesterday.

The RTX I think will be a big hit, as it comes with a standard tow package including the tow hitch receiver and 4/7 plug wiring. The gray alloys and simplier grille also look good. It's priced just above the base RT. If I were in the market, the RTX would be my choice.

Bob

footer

Sorry Bob, I have to agree to disagree as well. I can't get enough of this truck ... I've owned mine for just over 3 1/2 months and I think it looks better by the day. I got black since it was the only color I really liked in this truck (never owned a black vehicle before) and when this thing is clean, it REALLY shines. I understand your points about styling and it sounds like you have a lot of experience but ... As the commerical for the 2006 Motor Trend Truck of the Year says: "Even those who have spent their entire lives around trucks ... have never seen a truck like this."

Gotta love it!

rsholland

Don't confuse my comments about the styling and the vehicle itself. One has nothing to do with the other. I too love the truck, just not the styling.

"Even those who have spent their entire lives around trucks ... have never seen a truck like this."

That comment has little or nothing to do with the styling, but more with the concept and execution of the vehicle. Taken in that context, I agree with them.

BTW, I'm not advocating trashing the current styling and starting over with a clean sheet of paper. No, what I'm saying is with a few subtle revisions of the existing sheetmetal, it could be come very handsome in my eyes. It doesn't require major surgery, just a tummy-tuck here and there.

Bob

jerrywimer

Yup. Do something for the wheel openings- I prefer more rounded in most cases- the Pilot looks great. Then address the headlights, where I'm 100% with you. Also, deal with the bedsides / back of the cab. This is one thing I like MUCH better with GMs treatment on the Avalanche / Cadillac Escalade EXT; the covers (painted or otherwise) disguising the area somehow streamline the appearance. And finally, something a bit better looking for the "side moulding" option would be nice. Functionally the current option is great, but it really looks tacky with the two rows of wide horizontal area.

Basically I'm of a mind that being unique and special doesn't mean looking out of place. Honda could've used most of the styling queues from their other vehicles, especially the Pilot, and still kept the functionality and design and it would've been perfect. FWIW, many Avalanche fans have a similar mentality though- they love the (ugly, imo) cladded Avalanche because it is not only unique, it looks totally unlike any other vehicle out there.

rsholland

The following link shows the upcoming facelifted BMW X3. The wheel arches are subtle yet powerful looking with a gradual swelling as they meet the tires. In addition they have a black protective plastic edging. This edging extends down and runs along the lower edge of the vehicle to the rear wheels. Another excellent feature here is the way BMW designed a fully integrated running board. This, IMO, is excellent design. It looks good, and it functions beautifully. Best of all it doesn't hit you over the head with forced gimmicky styling.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/1181

Another example which is almost exactly like the above BMW is the '07 CRV. The only thing missing here is the running board. Note: You may(?) not be able to see this link, as I posted it to run in the Straightline blog for tomorrow (Thurs. 7/6). So if you can't see it now, tomorrow you will be able to see it.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/1212

If Honda had chosen to "style" the wheelwells of the Ridgeline like either of these, I would have no complaints about that aspect of its styling.

Bob

robr2

Bob:

IIRC, the squared off styling of the wheel wells on the Ridgeline was to emphasize a ruggedness. The original Dodge Ram had the same styling on the wheel wells.

rsholland

Yes, and no.

Yes, the squared off wheel arches do look more rugged.

No, in that it works on the Dodge, but not on the Ridgeline—and it's not because they're square. I have no problem with "square" (that can work too, as the Dodge has shown). What doesn't work on the Ridgeline is the odd shaped bulges that surround the wheel arches—and that's what ruins the design!

Also—Ford uses round wheel arches on their pickups, and they certainly look rugged. Here's the Super Chief concept with round wheel arches. There's nothing weak looking about those wheel arches.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/.ee8e562

It all comes down to "emphasize" the wheels by making them look strong, and yet not go overboard to the point where it becomes cartoon-like.

Finally, offering larger 265/65x17 tires would also go a long way to making it look more macho. Why Honda elected to go with 245/65x17 tires is beyond me. The only thing I can think of is that maybe the smaller tires actually work better than larger ones, in terms of handling, gas mileage, etc.

Bob

footer

OK, I grant you that it probably has more to do with concept and execution than styling ... But the use of the silhouetted lady sort of has a "sexy styling" connotation don't you agree? Styling meets concept and execution if you will (she climbs in the truck with the "Back Off" tough guy and they ride off in to the sunset together).

Oh well, it's all in the eyes of the beholder ... I'm still very glad to see one sitting in my garage every morning.

varmint

I think the use of those two mud flap icons was saying something along the lines of traditional truck buyers liking this new vehicle. It's essentially, the same concept as the "H" logo belt buckle from their first two ads. It speaks of a new spin on old truck values.

rsholland

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/LongTerm/articleId=105797

jerrywimer

Nice wrap up. I disagree with the article on two points, though. The first is the efficiency (mpg) comments. Many full sized trucks now achieve over 20 mpg highway. The Ridgeline's numbers are pretty much exactly on par with 1/2 ton trucks from the other companies. Ex.: My 2004 extended cab Chevrolet Silverado Z-71 4x4 with 5.3l V8 and four speed automatic transmission has had higher maximum observed mileage (21.7 vs. 20.7), higher minimum mileage (13.6, recorded on delivery when the dealer had to jump the battery and then let the truck idle for several hours to make sure it properly charged vs. 9.6), and higher overall average mileage (18.9 so far, vs. 16.9 for the Ridge in the wrap-up). My numbers are a bit higher on the high side than many other full sized Silverado owners see, but the Ridgeline is almost exactly on par with those others, especially for the average.

The second thing I disagree on is the comment about the cost of the Ridgeline being easier to take than a full sized truck. It's great to see that you can expect get a Ridge at a few thousand under MSRP now, but an equivalently equipped full sized truck can be had for the same or less. And if you decide you want certain options (most of which are "dealer" installed with the Ridgeline), the disparity grows at an amazing rate.

I will say this. If you want 9/10ths of a full sized truck's capabilities (and far more than most will ever use in any case), have a problem with the full sized truck's size , and / or prefer Hondas whatever the reason (not gonna try to change perceptions- normally a losing battle), the Ridgeline is a perfectly acceptable light truck. That's something I didn't expect to think about a year ago. Just don't kid yourself on its strengths and weaknesses. (Or go ahead, we all rationalize when we've spent big money! :P)

once_for_all

alright, I'll bite...

what are these prices that are a few thousand below MSRP?

It's been a year since I shopped and at that time they were about $700+ over invoice for the RT.

John

KCRam

The main reason designers go with round wheel arches is if the vehicle will likely be lifted or otherwise modified with larger tires. Because the squared arches come straight down, they are far more likely to reduce the available clearance for oversize tires... it would require either a taller suspension lifr ort an additional body lift compared to the same body with a round arch.

kcram - Pickups Host

steve98

I bought a brand new 06 RT last month for $21,600. I have had 98 F150 SC, 01 F150 Supercrew, 02 F250 SC and 04 Ram 3500 QC (all 4WD)and this is the best handling, riding and safest (cause of all the airbags and VSA) truck I have ever had. I been averaging around 20mph and about 80% is highway running 75-80mph. You can get a 06 RTL for $26k even if you find the right dealer. I am very glad to have bought the RL!

moparbad

Ah.. yuh, The Ridgeline and the Aztek look exactly the same. Not exactly the same. Similar though.
Your late for Ridgeline bashing, that was 6 months ago. Boring. :surprise: I'll bash the styling until the styling is corrected. The functionality, however, is very good. Ridgeline is an excellent choice those blind to styling. :shades:

The Ridgleline is STILL as UGLY now as it was 6 months ago.

moparbad

Finally, offering larger 265/65x17 tires would also go a long way to making it look more macho. Why Honda elected to go with 245/65x17 tires is beyond me. The only thing I can think of is that maybe the smaller tires actually work better than larger ones, in terms of handling, gas mileage, etc.

Bob

If the Ridgeline had square tires and wheels instead of round the styling of the wheel arches would be fine.

moparbad

Autoweek ugly quoteFinally, though some staffers are warming to the Ridgeline’s exterior styling—and some kids in the extended AutoWeek family even think it looks cool—most of us still hide our faces until we can get behind the wheel.

“At some angles, it actually hurts the eyes,” noted one editor. “But from behind the wheel, I like this just as much as any truck I’ve driven.”

Put another way, as long as we don’t have to look at it, we can certainly live with it.

Hmmmm.....perhaps I am not the only one that finds the Ridgeline is the ugly baby of the Honda family.

moparbad

USA Today Healey quoteReasonable people often disagree on matters of taste, so Honda could be right when it says the blunt, butch styling will make buyers swoon with desire. But it also seems possible that Ridgeline could replace the Pontiac Aztek as the automotive metaphor for ugly.
Troubling the eye:

• Sloping panels on the rear of the passenger cabin, combined with slanted top edges of the cargo bed, give a bulky, clunky silhouette.

• The top of the tailgate is about 2 inches lower than the top of the cargo bed. Improves rearward visibility, Honda says. OK, so slope the cargo bed rails down to meet the tailgate. As is, it looks like the factory put on the wrong part.

• Honda visually pounds round pegs — the wheels — into squarish holes. Jeeps and other credible machines use squared wheel openings, so Honda's not a solo sinner. But that doesn't make the wheel-well styling proper or attractive.

• The shiny part of the grille resembles a huge heating element or radio antenna.

The design elements are all wrong on the Ridgeline. At least it has a nice personality.

rsholland

For '07 the moonroof is now standard on the top RTL model.

Bob

rsholland

I've spent my entire professional life working in design. Even though the Ridgeline has some styling warts, it would not keep me from buying one if I were in the market for a truck.

If you want to be happy...

http://home.hetnet.nl/~kjoe65/LYRICS/1963/6308001326.html

That song says it all. The ugly woman may be the Ridgeline, but it will make you happy for the rest of your life.

Bob

once_for_all

$21.6k for an RT!!!

I almost want to say I don't believe it, as I remember the invoice at $25.8.

Tell me more about your deal--out the door cost, rebates, incentives, etc. PLEASE. I wouldn't hesitate (long) to pick one up at that price.

John

steve3589

$21,600 is what I paid!! I never thought I could afford one because I knew what their prices were but I saw a post here, someone paid or posted a price of $22k even for one. Then I emailed about 10 dealers seeing if they would sell for $22k even and one bit back. Somehow I got them to $21,600 plus tax and $199 doc fee. There was a $2k honda to dealer rebate but it not showing here on Edmunds for this month but I would think Honda would give something since the 07's are out.

Check out this web site, guys near Ma can get one for $20,888 at one dealer up there.

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=4

jerrywimer

I'm strictly taking the authors of the long term wrap up at the word for the prices, once_for_all. In the wrap up there's mention of it being below MSRP now.

bolivar

I bought mine in December for about $1,200 under INVOICE!

jfritsch

From motoralley.com (posts newspaper ads from dealers around the country ) several have had RTs for 21-22000. This is about $3800 under invoice.

There appears to be $2000 in hidden dealer cash out there if not more. Perhaps agressive buying (like getting 10 bids from dealers like our previous post) will reveal it. It appears gas prices have helped reduce the demnand for lotsa vehicles like this and maybe left masochists like us an opportunity.

No previous year on this in Kelly Blue book so the depreciation of this model is ???

Look forward to posts of other peoples results in aggressive buying.

Also-- anyone have any experience with the price and utility of the hard Tonneau cover from Honda?

--jjf

jfritsch

Also, did anyone buy the bed extender? How much and Was it worth it?
--jjf

brewerk12

Motortrends only mistake was giving the Ridgeline truck of the year. It is underopowered and gets same gas mileage as an F-150. The EPA mileage dosen't account for regular driving conditions. The ride quality is not as good as the Nissan Titan. The suspension is poor. It can't bear a load, let alone tow as much as the competition. Honda should stick to economy cars.