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Midsize Pickup Comparo

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Comments

  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Thanks for the much more thorough post (as compared to mine). You really did some homework, varmint!

    It looks to me, based on your info, that Honda falls pretty much in the middle of the pack for these numbers.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    The Honda is actually quite good for max payload. The only vehicle with a higher rating (couplah pounds) is the Dakota. But the Dakota I chose is actually the V8, not the V6.

    As discussed in the other thread, the Ridgeline's payload is actually on par with the full-size 4X4 crew cabs (even with a V8). Compared with the F150, it is slightly lower than the styleside and slightly higher than the flareside.

    The place where the Ridgeline falls short is towing. No doubt about that. But when you take into account that the others must subtract for gear and passengers, it's not as big a difference as the numbers suggest.

    Toykick is correct in saying that most vehicles have the *potential* to haul and tow more than the Ridgeline. But he is only looking at the best possible ratings. If he were to read the fine print, he'd learn that 4WD and crew cab configurations reduce the capacities of these vehicles. Extras add weight. Weight reduces capability.
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    I didnt say Crew cab Ranger... i said Ranger.. A access cab 4.0 v6 ranger with 4.10 gearing installed by ford is rated at 6100 pounds.. do some more research... The ridgelines payload capacity is 1100 with 5 adults... as for who has more payload etc... unlike struts tacoma owners could upgrade their leafs and have another 2-300 pounds of payload cap... ;)

    as for which V8 truck wastes less gas then the ridgeline... The vvti v8 tundra... 18/22 for Access cab 16/21 for Double Cab tundra go to a dealership.. True mpg mileage isnt posted on toyotas website... :P Chevys Ext.cab silverado 5.3 4x2 310hp 335ftlb of torque gets 16/21 mpg... owners average 18-19 mixed.. lol do some more research GUY!
  • grove4grove4 Member Posts: 95
    Varmint good job.Nothing but the facts.Truth is if you look at what motor trend did while drag racing the trucks for toty,the RL was in the middle of the pack with V-8"s.Thats with 5k in each bed if I"m correct.Not to bad for a wee 6. :P
  • grove4grove4 Member Posts: 95
    Maybe I"m missing something, but I dont think you could get 5 people in the Ford.So whats the point?
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    here something you guys havent pointed out.

    Gross combined vehicle weight rating:

    Double cab v6 Tacoma 4x4 : 11,100

    Ridgeline :10,085

    So The Tacoma can handle more weight per Axle then the Ridgeline...

    Nissan hasnt posted the frontiers #
  • grove4grove4 Member Posts: 95
    So the Ridgeline is lighter and has a higher payload to boot.I get it.Woo Hoo go Honda.Great job.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Subtract passenger weight from any of the other 4X4 crew cab vehicles and see if it matches the 1,100 lbs payload for the Ridgeline.

    If your point is that an empty truck is going to have a higher payload than a Ridgeline with five passengers, then... whoopee.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    The only Tundra I can find with an 18-22 mpg is the 2WD V6, not the V8.

    You're going to need to provide something to back up those numbers. The Green Vehicle Guide lists the Tundra at 15-18 mpg. Even without 4WD, it's only rated 16-19. Those numbers are echoed by every page I've found, including the EPA's site.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Same rules apply to you, toy. We aren't talking about aftermarket parts. We didn't say the RL payload outdid the "upgraded strut" Tacoma. Just as you didn't say "Crew Cab" Ranger. When a Crew-Cab Ranger comes out, then talk about it.
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    lol the ridgeline isnt lighter. hahah you honda guys crack me up... "Gross combined weight" thats payload, passengers and anything being towed combined...
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    Tacomas dont have Struts, They have Leaf springs. When i see struts on a Big rig then i will be convinced, Or unibody frames lol...
  • grove4grove4 Member Posts: 95
    Toys have struts too.Do your homework GUY.Leafsprings dont replace struts.
  • grove4grove4 Member Posts: 95
    You have made alot of false points about a tacoma vs ridgeline.You have been proven wrong over and over again.Your tacoma has a little more tow capacity and is better suited for hardcore off road.Beyond that, you cant really pick apart the ridgeline.So lets move on,your argumentative nature is lame really.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Gross combined vehicle weight rating:

    Double cab v6 Tacoma 4x4 : 11,100

    Ridgeline :10,085

    So The Tacoma can handle more weight per Axle then the Ridgeline...


    More weight per axle? The GCVR is the max capacity assuming a loaded trailer. It has nothing to do with weight per axle.

    The advantage for the Tacoma is it's higher tow rating. But that has nothing to do with its axle ratings. The number you're looking for is the GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).

    You can't get away with just making stuff up. We're going to check it.

    Here are the rear GAWR figures for a few of the trucks from the discussion, so far. I was not able to find information for the mid-size Toyota and Nissan. (They only publish that information for their full-size trucks.) If someone with an owner's manual could provide that, it would be appreciated.

    Colorado = 2,896 lbs
    Sport Trac = 3,200 lbs
    Ridgeline = 3,252 lbs
    Dakota = 3,600 lbs
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Comparing any of these trucks to a big rig. Real cute, toy.
  • 2005lekc2005lekc Member Posts: 145
    I checked my Frontier LE KC and it has 3296 GAWR FR and 3265 GAWR RR. It was not shown in the owners manual which referred you to the sticker on the left rear door.

    OkieScot
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    Thanks!
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    What does everyone feel GM has to do to become more competitve in this market? I know they carry a good deal of rental sales, but I see as many Ridgelines as I do non-fleet Colorado's, which isn't supposed to be the case. IS it strictly a horsepower problem with Chevy/GMC?
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    I think they should take the same route as Nissan. The Frontier is a shrunken version of the larger Titan. Instead of pulling a platform from the small trucks of Thailand, they should work with the assembly lines where the big trucks are produced and make them more flexible. North Americans already know and love Chevy's big trucks, so the association with them is a good thing. With the extra width, they could fit that wonderful I6 engine under the hood and power a heavier-duty mid-sized vehicle. The market for truly small trucks is evaporating. A step up to Dakota territory is in order.

    The monocoque/frame design used in the Ridgeline is actually something GM played with back when Honda's Gary Flint worked for GM. However, I think going that route would too expensive for them, even though it would probably result in a much more balanced and modern vehicle. Hence the suggestion for the Nissan approach.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I'd like to say, respectfully, that while I know the Colorado is much better than the old S-10, many (including myself) feel the Tacoma/Ridgeline/Frontier/Dakota are even better yet against the Colorado (although, several cost more than the GM twins when comparably equipped). You DEFENITELY owe it to yourself to drive several of these contenders.
  • atlgaxtatlgaxt Member Posts: 501
    Besides the engine and low tow rating, I think the interiors look cheap on the Colorado / Canyon. And although this might be a small item for most, I have two big dogs that I am not going to carry in the bed. The back seats of the Frontier and Ridgeline pop up nicely creating a good space for dogs. The fold down seats in the Colorado / Canyon are not useful.
  • ustazzafustazzaf Member Posts: 311
    Toys have struts too.Do your homework GUY.Leafsprings dont replace struts

    You are right. Leafs don't replace struts. They cannot be used togeather on the same axle. The rear of Tacomas (where the weight is handled) is leafs and SHOCKS. The front has struts. When the rear gets struts, my business will go domestic. I don't see any quality trucks going with struts on the rear in the near future because you can't get the weight capacity and torgue out of struts. Honda is seeing that with the history of failure of their rear struts when they try to carry weight or tow. Being in the automotive repair business, it is nice to see the Hondas keep me busy replacing struts, but it is not something I would invest in.
  • gearhead1gearhead1 Member Posts: 408
    Honda is seeing that with the history of failure of their rear struts when they try to carry weight or tow.

    Please post links to history of strut failure on Ridgeline outside of Edmunds test drive.
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    lol thanx for that clarifying that... i guess i wasnt clear enough... I meant rear struts not struts all around.
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    lol what happened to the Silverado? didnt you say the only way it could get better mileage was if it was going down hill?

    And EPA Ratings of the 05 tundra are the same as the toyotas website. The non vvti 00-04 has the same epa ratings as the 05-06. No one has tested the new 05 tundra. Edmunds, C&D, motor Trend, etc.. But theyve tested the ridgeline and edmunds posted an average of less then 15mpg mixed driving.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    I've got a buddy with an S10 and he and I have used it for several projects. I've never driven the Colorado, but based on reviews and a few stationary "test drives" I think it's a much better sorted vehicle.

    My problem with the Colorado isn't so much that it's a bad little truck. The problem (IMO) is that it's a little truck. Right now, the consumer market is to be shifting toward "mid-sizers". While small trucks are rental fleet fodder. Of course, not everyone wants a mid-size, but I think Chevy would reach a larger more profitable audience with a mid-size.
  • rubiconxpressrubiconxpress Member Posts: 6
    Toykick,
    After reviewing many of the conversations that you participate in, I have come to the conclusion that you are not a fan of the Honda Ridgeline. My question to you is, from what qualified educational institution (college or university) did you acquire your engineering degree from? You seem to be extremely passionate about your Toyota Tacoma, which in the correct forum would not underestimate the intelligence of your intended audience, as you have attempted to do in this forum. You clearly feel that "your" facts are true, however they appear to merely be opinion. Evidently, your distaste for Ridgeline influences your ability to have a intelligent discussion. In other words these are big boy discussions try not to let that overwhelm you. Thank you, I look forward to hearing more from as you have made these discussions entertaining.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Toykick,
    After reviewing many of the conversations that you participate in, I have come to the conclusion that you are not a fan of the Honda Ridgeline. My question to you is, from what qualified educational institution (college or university) did you acquire your engineering degree from? You seem to be extremely passionate about your Toyota Tacoma, which in the correct forum would not underestimate the intelligence of your intended audience, as you have attempted to do in this forum. You clearly feel that "your" facts are true, however they appear to merely be opinion. Evidently, your distaste for Ridgeline influences your ability to have a intelligent discussion. In other words these are big boy discussions try not to let that overwhelm you. Thank you, I look forward to hearing more from as you have made these discussions entertaining.


    I second that.
  • 5553543255535432 Member Posts: 150
    Toykick,

    After reviewing many of the conversations that you participate in, I have come to the conclusion that you are not a fan of the Honda Ridgeline. My question to you is, from what qualified educational institution (college or university) did you acquire your engineering degree from? You seem to be extremely passionate about your Toyota Tacoma, which in the correct forum would not underestimate the intelligence of your intended audience, as you have attempted to do in this forum. You clearly feel that "your" facts are true, however they appear to merely be opinion. Evidently, your distaste for Ridgeline influences your ability to have a intelligent discussion. In other words these are big boy discussions try not to let that overwhelm you. Thank you, I look forward to hearing more from as you have made these discussions entertaining.

    I second that.

    And if theirs such a thing as I third that then I third that.

    No matter how passionate Toykick is with his Tacoma, theirs no way in this world that any Toyota product could touch the Ridgeline in terms of awards and and all around versatility ON IT'S FIRST TRY.AND I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT MOST OF THESE AWARD GIVING BODIES ARE REAL GENUINE AUTHORITIES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS AND NOT SOME self proclaimed ENGINEER.

    TOYKICK TRY MATCHING YOUR TACOMA WITH THE FOLLOWING, LET ME START WITH 2005 MT TRUCK OF THE YEAR, WHAT NEXT?

    THE RIDGELINE ON THE OTHER HAND.

    1-Motor Trend truck of the year 2006

    2-Detroit News truck of the year 2006

    3-Consumer Reports top rated truck

    4-JD Power & Associates 2005 APEAL award for the Honda Ridgeline

    5-Autobytel 2006 Editors' Choice Award: Truck of the year 2006

    6-Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Best New Pickup 2006

    7-On Wheels Incorporated: Ridgeline 2006 Urban Wheel Award for the Urban Truck of the Year

    8-best rollover resistance rating of any pickup tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

    9-first-ever 4-door pickup to earn a 5-star safety rating for both front and side impact crash test performance from the U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

    10-Car And Driver Rates Honda Ridgeline #1 Pickup.

    11- AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award as the 'Most Significant' new vehicle in the show.

    12.Society of plastic engineers 2005 awards.
    :shades:

    NOW TRY MATCHING ALL THOSE 12 MANO A MANO. :sick:

    GOOD LUCK.
  • ogre01ogre01 Member Posts: 15
    Toykick, you have provided quite a bit of entertainment and also plenty of misinformation along with it. As a proud owner of a '06 Tacoma 2x4 DC LB, I too love my Taco but not to the point of being blinded by the equally talented Ridgeline. The Ridgeline is meant for the city truck market and it delivers in spades. I loved the roominess, who doesn't love that smartly engineered "trunk"+tailgate and all the standards at their base level. Went with the Taco since it sported a slightly better MPG rating, didn't really need the AWD or 4x4 ability, and longer bed for the times I run around with 8 ft. stock.

    Variety in products is what makes having choices great. Don't get blinded by a brand, you'd just be sucked into corporate hype not to mention Bush facts as you already have a penchant for quoting just to make your case. Although I'd never stray far from a Honda or Toyota since their reliability is legendary, witnessed first hand by the 87 accord and the 92 corolla in my stable.

    I do hope Honda provides a non awd version. I feel that unless one is really in the deep stuff, 4x2 is all that's really needed and for the slightly more challenging situation, a pair of chains will come in handily. Especially when that pushes the MPG higher for the majority of drivers who drive paved roads.

    Just my 2 cents.
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    05 motor trend truck of the year was the Tacoma. 06 is ridgeline... Motor trend didnt bother adding the tacoma into the comparison.

    Car and driver.. well i've posted #s and other figures look them up.

    "First-ever 4-door pickup to earn 5 star safety rating" - Well the 05 tacoma double cab & nissan frontier havent been tested as extensive as the ridgeline on the NHTSA website. Reg cab and extended cab version of the tacoma were only tested and got 5 stars frontal and 5 stars side impact, frontiers crew cab was tested, 05 High way crash tests ranked the tacoma best pick over the frontier, dakota, ranger, colorado & canyon. Ridgeline hasn't been yet tested...

    i'll post the rest later ;)
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    i wouldnt say i'm blind loyal... i've posted several facts and most people like to believe its b.s.

    for example those 12 sites... is where most of the info/specs i've posted is provided.
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    hmmm... Great first post. Nice marketing ogre01
  • ctalkctalk Member Posts: 646
    High way crash tests ranked the tacoma best pick over the frontier, dakota, ranger, colorado & canyon. Ridgeline hasn't been yet tested...

    Actually, it didn't get a best pick. It just got a "Good" rating.

    Reg cab and extended cab version of the tacoma were only tested and got 5 stars frontal and 5 stars side impact

    I can't seem to find this information. Please supply the site. I didn't know the Tacoma had 5 star's on both front and side.

    i've posted several facts and most people like to believe its b.s.

    It seems the information you've just posted are merely baseless statements.
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    link title

    yep baseless statements i guess...

    "Not yet tested"
    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/ncap/Index2.cfm

    first ever pick up to get 5 stars front & side?

    05 same results... Nissan only has its crew cab tested and not ext. or reg cab. and ranked 4 stars frontal & 5 side for gov. tests

    link title
  • ctalkctalk Member Posts: 646
    I apologize, I actually couldn't find the safety test.

    I searched on the site
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    rubiconxpress - great first post... you almost put the fake members on nissans forum to shame... i like seeing the endless posts of opinions and made up stories. it makes great marketing.. APC Perfomance products are looking for people like you!

    you should contact them

    link title
  • rubiconxpressrubiconxpress Member Posts: 6
    Toykick,
    Responding to this post is a challenge, for the mere fact that is senseless babble, as are most of your responses when you are questioned on your information. For someone who apparently knows little to nothing about the vehicle they are driving, you certainly have a lot to say. Clearly, you struggle with innovation and technology, which is ok the rest of us will provide factual information to post. One more tip, try using capitals when beginning a sentence, it will make easier to see where the b.s begins and ends. Thanks again for the entertainment.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    If we can get back to the trucks, though, without the baseless comments? I saw this on another board, and it seemed to calm things down. Feel free to participate.

    :D First, state your favorite truck of the five listed.

    :cry: Second, name two things you'd change about it if you could.

    :surprise: Third, name one good thing about each of the competitors.

    :blush: Fourth, take a deep breath, and get over yourself, you are one in many posters!

    Have a nice (I don't mean a good one, I mean NICE) day, guys (and girls if there are any in this forum).
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    My favorite truck here is the Ridgeline.

    I wish it delivered better gas mileage and had smoother front end styling.

    The GM twins are a value priced midsize truck.
    The Dodge delivers big V-8 torque at V-6 prices.
    Nissan is the best looking truck here.
    The Toyota has multiple configurations to make it easy to pick the model you need.

    DONE!
  • woodshop28woodshop28 Member Posts: 74
    Great idea!
    For my current needs, I like the Frontier SE 4x4, which is why I have one.
    I would change about my Nissan:
    Tires. I hate low-quality tires.
    Paint: I hear this about many new vehicles. Due to environmental concerns (So I've read), paint has some different content that makes it easier to chip. Though it is not a huge concern, I'd like tougher paint.

    Good things about other trucks:
    Colorado: I like how they look with the black fender flares. The front end is nice, too.
    Toyota: It'll be durable over the long haul, most likely. I used to have a Tacoma, and still would if it wasn't totaled.
    Ridgeline: Well suited for city-duty and family-duty, which for many is necessary. Long-term Honda reliability is great. I have had many Hondas.
    Dakota: Has a good payload rating, I think.
  • varmintvarmint Member Posts: 6,326
    The vehicle I admire most would probably be the Tacoma. It takes the basic truck recipe and improved it without taking anything away. It's not the most innovative, but it also has the fewest compromises. The package as a whole is well-balanced.

    I think the handling could be improved and there's a list of safety features which should be standard.

    (The truck I'd buy is the Ridgeline. While I admire the Tacoma, I just don't need all of its utility.)

    Happy thoughts...

    The Frontier appears to be the queen of the dirt trails.

    The Dakota sort of invented the mid-size truck category.

    The Colorado is a terrific value for those on a budget.

    The Ridgeline simply outclasses the rest on the road.
  • 5553543255535432 Member Posts: 150
    05 motor trend truck of the year was the Tacoma. 06 is ridgeline... Motor trend didnt bother adding the tacoma into the comparison.

    Car and driver.. well i've posted #s and other figures look them up.

    "First-ever 4-door pickup to earn 5 star safety rating" - Well the 05 tacoma double cab & nissan frontier havent been tested as extensive as the ridgeline on the NHTSA website. Reg cab and extended cab version of the tacoma were only tested and got 5 stars frontal and 5 stars side impact, frontiers crew cab was tested, 05 High way crash tests ranked the tacoma best pick over the frontier, dakota, ranger, colorado & canyon. Ridgeline hasn't been yet tested...

    i'll post the rest later
    -----------
    LATER? WHEN? IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS? A CENTURY MAYBE.GOOD LUCK :sick:
  • ogre01ogre01 Member Posts: 15
    First, my favorite would have to be the Tacoma, much more selection to get the truck you want or need.

    Second, I would like to see a manual for the V6 available with better mileage and for the 2x4. More visibility out the front would be great as well, The way it's currently configured, the rear view mirror get's in the way if you are peeping right at a four way stop and it's pretty much a front down view, have to duck to see up. (Good thing it's high up as a PreRunner ;))

    Third, Ridgeline: I like the storage bin in back and the unique tailgate. Frontier: Lots of options and almost went with that. American Entries: Not much to say, had a '89 S-15 and loved it.

    Fourth, deep breath taken. :)

    Toykick, I apologize if it seemed like I was marketing for Honday and Toyota, that was just my opinion. However I do support and like the variety available for everyone to pick what they like. Everything else is just opinion and asinine "marketing figures". Above all, I don't want the same car on the road, everywhere. It would be a terribly bland landscape if that were the same case.
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    Responding to this post is a challenge, for the mere fact that is senseless babble, as are most of your responses when you are questioned on your information

    yep i guess its babble. Even though i have several sources to back it up :P

    which is ok the rest of us will provide factual information to post.
    ok smart guy tell me what false information i've provided?
    best pick was erased for 06 on hwy crash tests on their website. i'll admit 05 mpg mileage for the vvti tundra are wrong "online". drivers average 19+, dont believe me go to Tundrasolutions.com. As for the v8 silverado. well i'm still waiting for a response..
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    C&D tested the long bed version of the tacoma which has a larger wheel base then the crew cab titan. Any idiot knows a long [non-permissible content removed] truck isnt going to handle as well... and the funniest crap was the #s. Slalom times were better for the Long bed double cab tacoma then both frontier and ridgeline... but was scored third for sloppy handling lol give me a break.

    Trailer boats has 1/4mile and 0-60 towing times for all midsized trucks. The Ridgeline was praised on their site also but they pointed out that the ridgeline wouldnt of won towing truck of the year because it was the slowest in the comparison vs. the previous tested midsized trucks... They tested the dakota, tacoma, frontier, ranger, colorado and the tacoma had the best towing times of the bunch... even edmunds admits that... The ridgeline is an urban truck for soccer moms. Its only useful for groceries and small home depot runs... Offroading is off limits, washboard roads arnt ;)
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    hey ogre01 great 2nd post!!! Welcome to edmunds!
  • toykicktoykick Member Posts: 104
    hey varmit... so does the v8 silverado waste more gas then the ridgeline?
This discussion has been closed.