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Comments
kcram - Pickups Host
The current Ridgeline has a GVW of 6K. I would hope (expect!) that Honda would beef-up the vehicle to handle 6.5K or even 7K GVW if they add a longer bed, and still keep it a crew cab.
Bob
I've been looking for a pick-up since I sold my Vibe to my nephew last week. The Vibe was a good little wagon, but I had a hard time hauling wood, mulch, etc in it. The tiny 4 cyl just couldn't cut it. Turn on the A/C while hauling 500 lbs of "stuff" and I often wondered if the engine would seize up.
Anyway, all week I've been test driving F150s, Dodge RAMs, Silverados, Tundra.....and yes, a Ridgeline and Tacoma. I've heard too many bad things about the Titan to consider those.
For my use, the Fords, Dodges, Chevy full size trucks were a bit too big (F150 being the best of the lot). The Ranger, Colorado, etc were a bit too........well.......too little of what I want.
The Ridgeline is interesting. It does indeed feel like a "truck version" of a Honda car. Don't know if that's good or bad. It's probably good if I were looking for a car version of a truck, not so good if I were going to bang it around (like I plan to do) in the mud, snow, dirt roads. I'm ambivalent about the style, but that's not a chief priority. It has interesting features. None that I would consider "must haves" or ones that I would use a whole lot.
The Tacoma "feels" more substantial if you get it with the 4X4 packages. Ride and handling are fine (like a truck). I like the composite bed, a lot. I'll also use the rear electrical outlet. The Tacoma I test drove had the TRD package #2 (something like a $4,000 option). Interior is nice and comfy. Probably more interested in the access cab as opposed to the 4-door version. The biggest downfall was the feel of the brakes. DO any of you know whether the brakes always feel so "spongy"? Is this a trait of the Tacoma or was the one I test drove a bad example?
Then there's the fact that the Tacoma is less expensive than the Ridgeline (as I would equip it) by about $3K. I think I'm talking myself into the Tacoma if it weren't for the brakes.
"
Try others. The two I've driven didn't feel spongy, compared to my Subaru (which is known for a relatively spongy pedal) and my Jeep TJ. I have a company provided Chevy Cavalier that sets a new standard for spongy everything.
Keep in mind that I'm a weirdo who still buys manual transmissions, which aren't even available on a Ridgeline (or the F150). The Toyota may have brake system differences, depending on transmission, that may create a different feel. My truck is a 2005 Access Cab, V6, 4x4, TRD w/ tow, 6 speed manual.
Besides the Hummer H1/Humvee, check out the following Oshkosh severe-duty trucks that have fully independent suspensions"
It's a fact that solid axles articulate better, are less prone to damage, tow better, and require no alignment. Thus better off road. I can probably accurately guess how many Oshkosh’s have been through Moab or traveled Death Valley, zero. These vehicles were made for well-kept roads like runways and such.
And the funy thing is the Tacoma posted the best numbers of the buch. From max speed avoidace manuvers to MPG to handling, it was the superior vehicle.
Even if the safty features were important, Toyota is one of the pinoneeers of VSC, and brake force distribution. In fact Tacoma had the best numbers in braking distance in the CR article.
"You're not part of Honda's target market for the Ridgeline."
Honda's target is car and SUV people looking for a new ride, not rough or heavy duty truck work.
Wrong. Many of these are military vehicles, designed to carry supplies to the troops over any and all kinds of terrain, anywhere in the world. Others are used by the Forestry Department for fighting forest fires, again over any all and all types of terrain.
Bob
Honda's target markets are, and in this order:
1) Current Honda car owners who may need a pickup, or who already own a pickup.
2) Current Japanese brand car owners who may need a pickup, or who already own a pickup.
3) Current Japanese brand midsize truck owners.
4) Current domestic brand midsize truck owners.
5) Current Japanese and domestic brand fullsize 1/2-ton truck owners.
6) Last but not least, full-size HD pickup owners, who still want a truck, but no longer need a HD truck and/or no longer want to put up harsh ride, etc. that you find with HD pickups.
So heavy-duty work truck owners are dead last on the Ridgeline's target audience list.
Bob
Don't laugh, I've seen that happen! It was a short-bed F-150 with a bed loaded to the gills with 4x8 paneling, 2x4s, etc. What a mess it made, and I'm sure the driver was pretty embarrassed too.
Bob
--------------------
If towing, exterior looks, mpg, avoidance and handling where the only criteria in C and D and CR's SEPARATE test, Tacoma would have been top dog. But the test involved, allaround versatility, and hands down the RL is the best choice.Just like an MVP of any game, the RL does well in everything, not just towing, mpg, speed and looking pretty.
C and D Ranking
1. RL =211 points
2. Frontier=197 points
3.Tacoma= 192 points.
Between the Tacoma and the RL theirs a whopping 19 point difference.The only legit threat is the Frontier.As a former owner of a leased Frontier, the point difference between the RL and Frontier should have been closer, maybe 5 points or less.
Tacomas? Please forget it.The only thing it could do better than those two is maybe last 2-3 years longer than the RL and 5 years over the Frontier.Longevity/reliability wise, Toyotas rule, I'll give you that.However, theirs no doubt that my RL can last 8-10 years easy. On the 11th year, am just gonna donate it.
Consumer Report rankings
1. Ridgeline
2.Frontier
3.Tundra
4.Avalanche
5.Ford F-150.
6. Tacoma
Tacoma aint even in the first five. In basketball parlance the Taco is just the sixth man.
Motortrend awarding the Truck of the Year to the Tacoma is a joke. Toyota has the nasty habit of hugging the spotlight in the absence of a Honda competitor.Just like the Sienna which was the best minivan for a short time till the redesigned Odyssey put it back in it's right ful place:SECOND FIDDLE. And dont forget the Highlander, it was the crossover hotshot till the Pilot was born 1-2 years later and just took over.
Tacoma superiority is pure hype :shades:
No, You may want a six foot bed, but you don't need one to to haul 4x8 building material. The RL is better for hauling 4x8 plywood because it will lie flat in the bed. It won't do that in your Taco. I'd rather have aprox a foot of overhang, have it lie flat and strap it in. The RL is superior for hauling 4x8 no question.
So (by your definition) those vehicles you just listed aren't "real" trucks?
Bob
So where do these silly comparisons stop? As you correctly stated, no midsize truck can compete with a full-size HD pickup; that was never part of their mission statement. Ever. Most everyone on this thread knows that. So why keep beating a dead horse?
Bob
I swear to god, if this turns into a "what's a real truck discussion?" I'm going to scream. Who the hec cares? There's big trucks, little trucks. Pick one that will do the job you want it to do. They all have different capabilities! The RL will function for many real truck tasks. If I want to remove a stump, I'll dust off my stump grinder.................and MJ is innocent.
Bob
kcram - Pickups Host
It's like a bad accident. You shouldn't look, but I keep on looking anyway. :sick:
It's like a bad accident. You shouldn't look, but I keep on looking anyway."
AGREED! You Tacomites have virtually put an end to any sort of intelligent conversation here. Bye now!
I was referring to both sides.
The newish turbo diesels are good. Bring 'em, says Prez. Bush. Toyota is responding...
John
It seems like the Ridgeline's MPG is better is better than the 4L V6 Tacoma. Do you owners find that to be true? Taco'sAT 4 cyl get abou 20MPG+.
-but maybe I should start another thread...
(Plus, the trunk and sideswing tailgate would be perfect for lots of stuff.)
car and driver compares ridgeline,tacoma,frontier,dakota and colorado.
this is the most well thought out vehicle i have ever owned.
And now...Tacos are being made in Tijuana? WTF?!?
The tranny in the Ridgeline is exclusive to the Ridgeline and is considered heavy duty for the towing and hauling that trucks do. It is the most rugged transmission that Honda makes.
I have to agree. Awarding truck, car, SUV or anything else of the year is a joke. Every manufacture is going to get their chance when they create new vehicle, even if it is a copy of the previous winner with a sunroof added to make it better. The magazines won't get advertisers if they don't share the glory with them all. Quite frankly I don't subscribe to any of these magazines because I choose to get my info from owners who drive the truck in their daily lives , not someone who drives the truck a couple hundred miles while sharing it with several other people who all get payed to come up with the answer that the editor wants to hear. I have not read any of the mag reviews, but comments I have heard only solidify my point. Comments like the radical new tail gate (which was standard on station wagons in the early 70's) that folds down or to the side. How about the trunk in the bed (also under the cargo area of the wagons back then) but is useless if the bed is being used to carry stuff as it was intended. And the new design of the Ridgeline (I thought it was a small Chevy Avalanche until I saw the name). It's a rip off of other vehicles, but it is new to Honda, so it will get unwarranted attention. So, yes you are right. The truck of the year program is a joke.
Dang, I guess I won't be going to the towing drag races this weekend. Joking aside, The RL owners that I've heard relate their towing experiences are very pleased with its towing ability, and I have been more than happy with my direct experience off road with the RL. More clearance would be good but not necassary for me. You seem to be into racing towing vehicles so I'll mention that the RL kept up nicely with Fords best V8 towing a 5,000 lb load. Not bad since the Ford was only pulling half of its capacity and the RL was towing at capacity. The Ford still couldn't pull away from it.
Edmunds?
Seems they blew out ALL 4 struts traveling on a washboard road at
10-15 mph. during one of their tests. :lemon:
Edmunds?
Seems they blew out ALL 4 struts traveling on a washboard road at
10-15 mph. during one of their tests
You have to remember that the Ridgeline was designed to carry momma and a couple kids with groceries in the "trunk" through the jungle of suburbia, not the forests of America. However when they start blowing struts on washboard roads (think potholes), it becomes obvious that they will not even handle the city streets that they were designed for. 4 wheel independant suspension belongs on cars. not wannabe trucks. The only true stock 4wheel ind susp. contender for off road use is the military Humvee which is so heavily reinforced, that it would not be practicle for everyday use.
Honda states that they have a 5K towing capacity stock, while the Tacoma has a 1500 pound capacity stock. My Tacoma arrived at the dealer set up to tow 6500 pounds. The Hondas show up at the dealer with no hitch. If your Ridgeline has a hitch, it was aftermarket installed. Is it capable of towing 5K without a hitch? No it isn't. That shows the integrity of Honda.
Did you forget about the Land Rover LR3, Range Rover, VW Touareg or a host of other truck-based SUVs with IRS? ...And please don't tell me that IFS/IRS-equipped Land Rovers or Touaregs don't ever go off road. Maybe here in the USA, but these are "global" vehicles, and are used in Africa, Australia, etc., where people buy them for their intended usage.
Bob
now let me ask you one question have you ever seen a unibody frame on a big rig?
No! Really?!?!
The Touareg is a step below the Chevy S10 Blazer, and that is low.
Tell that to 4WD & Off Road magazine, which named it "4Wheeler of the Year" last year; a truck magazine targeted specifically at people like yourself. Oh, I forgot, you don't read or believe truck magzines. Sorry...
BTW, the Ridgeline's vehicle payload is 1,550 "stock," not 1,100 pounds as you stated. The 1,100 you mentioned is "bed payload," not total vehicle "payload;" so it's right there with your Tacoma.
http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2140?mid=2005011039339&mime=asc
Unibody? Try unibody combined with a frame—just like the Jeep Commanche, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and their new Commander. I believe the Land Rover LR3, Range Rover and Touareg also uses this set up too.
Bob