Some of the most respected "stock" off-roaders have IFS/IRS: Hummer H1, Land Rover LR3, Range Rovers, and VW Touareg. Not only that but the military uses a number of severe-duty vehicles built by Oskosh that have fully independent suspensions.
What it comes down to is how were the IRS systems engineered, and not just the fact that they are IRS-equipped.
The trend towards moving to IRS in trucks continues. We're seeing it on full-size SUVs like the Armada and Expedition. I expect to see IRS on Titans and F-150s some day. It's more a matter of getting customers used to the idea that IRS is indeed a good thing, than anything else. It can be done. Selling the idea is another thing altogether. Now that the Ridgeline has broken the ice, I expect more to follow—and soon.
I would place the Hummer (original, not knockoffs) in a seperate catagory from normal IFS/IRS.
Onthe Hummer the axles don't go from the diff to the centerline of the rim like on a normal car. There are gears behind each wheel and the shaft is mounted up from the centerline on each wheel because of this, thus allowing more clearance.
As for Ridgeline I think the ground issue problem is a combination of Honda's fear of rollovers and related PR along with trying to focus on handling. I do wish Honda would at least protect the belly and offer some sort of skid plates, even if just for packed snow protection
(my wife's Outback has better clearance AND a OEM rear diff skid plate then my RL)
I have wind noise and no roofrack. It has been to the dealer twice to have the noise source fixed without success. Last time they added sealant between the windshield molding where it touches the roof molding strips, but it still whistles at 50 mph. When I cover this area and the upper corners of the windshield molding with tape the noise stops. I plan to take it in again so the dealer can fix it right.
Motor Trend Names 2006 Truck Of The Year With two full weeks of thudding over concrete, howling around tight curves and bouncing over rocky roadways, Motor Trend editors unanimously awarded 2006 Honda Ridgeline to be Truck of the Year. December 20, 2005
Considering all the innovations, the Ridgline deserves the award by Motor Trend. The trunk, ample interior space w/o overly large exterior size (finally, a true mid size truck), handling, all great.
Tweaks I'd like to see in the coming months/years: maybe a couple more miles per gallon, official comment on the strut issue, better under carriage skid plating, correction of the floorboard leaking and windshield noise issues, and inclusion of the trailer hitch standard (or much cheaper as an option).
All in all though, I think Honda paved the way for some very good ideas for trucks that I hope the other makers pick up on.
Nope, I'm not in the truck market at the moment. And if I were—as much as I like the Ridgeline—I'd probably get a Titan, because of its superior off road capability. Maybe in a few years, once I see where Honda is taking this truck.
Besides, I just bought a new '06, black, 5-speed, WRX Limited wagon last week, so Santa has already been to my house.
Wow...now that the Ridgeline has been awarded the "Truck of the Year award" there are going to be a lot of dissapointed people on this board...or maybe they just got quiet all of a sudden?
I am also experiencing the right drifting problem. Took a long drive on a straight and flat road, and constantly had to hold the wheel slightly left of center to counteract the pull to the right. So it would be nice if this group had any serious ideas. But the posts so far seem not to believe that this is a real problem. Maybe someone other than the previous posters has something worth while to say about the issue. What should I expect in terms of service? Is this something that can be resolved?
Am I the only one that can't get comfortable in the drivers seat? Since the wheel does not telescope and the seat is 4 inches to far from the window frame it just seems that I have not found the right 'spot' even though I have the 8 way seat.
Years ago I had the same problem with a Sarbrau and was told by the dealer that they built the 'drift' in so if you fell asleep you would drift to the side and not traffic. I have not experienced that on my Ridgeline except when the tires were low. Not much help but fun being part of the posting.
I know what you mean! It is amazing what can happen when you start buying struts made by Delphi...should have stayed with Showa struts since the start. These are the ones they are using now... By the way, how many Chevy Cavaliers have you had? These were great cars. I remember the Caddy model GM made in the early 80's that was a re-badget Chevy 4-cyl car. Man, where people pissed off when they found out! I also remember the GM 8-cyl engine that would convert into a 4-cyl. at highway speed, and also their great diesel engines from the late 70's (re-converted gas engines). ALL CRAP...BIG TIME! That is why they are doing so poorly now a days. How many people are being laid off by Ford and Chevy? Isn't it like 30,000 each? It's a darn shame that they are being blasted by imports and they still don't get it. They have to start realizing someday that we, Americans, work hard for our money and we are tired of paying for lack of quality in our vehicles. And please, you can't say anything against this. I don't see many Fords or Chevy's in the top-10 quality list every year and that is a darn shame! I work hard for my money, don't blame me for trying to buy quality and peace of mind! Also remember, most of these cars are being built in the US by Americans. Toyota Camry's, Honda Accords, and many other models. They have almost 80% American made parts. Many, many Chevys, Fords and Chryslers are being built in Puebla, Mexico and other foreign countries including Canada. I don't blame the American workers, I blame the American owned companies that don't keep better quality controls and under estimate the American consumer. Why? How come these other foreign companies in the US can put a quality product with American workers and Detroit can't? I just don't get it??? Until then, I been burned so many times that my American money goes to buy quality! :shades:
Yes, your are right. The reason that GM is in bad shape is their management. Their management agreed to the UAW demands far to many times in the belief that they would grow market share and not have a problem. It never happened. The UAW and retirees suck up far to much of the cash flow from GM. Blame the American workers, no. Blame GM management and the UAW, YES.
I just heard a cracking sound on my undercarriage, after helping my bro move interstate (860 miles) pulling a 4800 lbs trailer,and doing some offroading with him,me and my RL and him and his 06 Frontier.Upon closer inspection I noticed a 1/2 inch tear between the mudguards and a portion of the bumper where the mudguard was attach.Foolish me had forcibly back up on some hardened snow while backing up.
I'm sad that it's not a strut that I blew coz am really trying hard to blow one on my RL to help Geos case.Geo I'll update you when I blow a strut. Wait for the update on your next life.
Visiting the Delphi website it DOES NOT supply honda with ANY parts let alone struts.........
As we all know honda uses non union suppliers in most cases...........
Funny I have seen some posts on the honda suv site and posts here with a few strut failures also.....
But you folks have seen them here......Just scroll back a bit............
And now bad mud flaps too ?????????
Hmmmm..........The problems are just starting for some folks. One of the car sales/head guy over at the Smart Shopper thread reports the POOR rl sales with a excess of a 90 day plus supply.
Oh my gosh!!! Bad mud flaps too? I am going to have to cry over this one...
A 90-days supply of Ridgelines? Wonder how may days for Explorers, Expeditions, Tahoes, Suburbans and the likes.
Maybe they can give them to the poor laid-off workers as a farewell gift, (might as well since they can't sell them).
Come on..you know you want a HONDA Rideline...just get up and go buy one. You won't regret it! After all...IT IS THE TRUCK OF THE YEAR. Don't you want one? Yes you do. :shades:
Come on..you know you want a HONDA Rideline...just get up and go buy one. You won't regret it! After all...IT IS THE TRUCK OF THE YEAR. Don't you want one? Yes you do.
You seriously think he's old enough to drive? If he is, he's even sadder than I thought.
It rained today and my Ridgeline got dirty. Don't buy one. God I hope anyone considering the Ridge sees the obvious crap posts(someone praising the Calivier, I see alot of those around) and the ones that provide real information. Or better yet, someone quoting some guy on another board said something about something. Lets all listen. :P
I have 2006 RTS (3600 miles on it) and tonight I attempted to pass a flooded road where the water just came to the bottom of the door jam. I backed out of the road once I realize the cabin was taking water. My elapsed time in the water was not more than 2 minutes after I saw the water coming in. Anyone had a similar experience?
Hi Scowboy. I realize you tried to cross a flooded road, but when water gets high enough to start coming in, than it's too deep. I've been through some areas with high water, but none higher than the frame. Remember any vehicle will have that problem unless extra care was taken to waterproof it from the bottom up. Granted you do sit alittle higher than most other vehicles, but you still need to be careful. Just think if a sudden surge came along as you were trying to cross that road. It could have been alot different. Hopeful nothing was damaged and the mats/carpets, etc will dry out and not cause any rust.
Hey Geo, not to make it any worse, but Dephi is having some major money problems and layoffs. So lets not talk about all the folks that may, but will be laid off. Yea, there's alot of Ridgelines in the lots, but than Honda is only making 50,000 and not laying off anyone or closing down any plants. Plus the Big 3 have alot more vehicles on their lots, that are still sitting there too. So I think, inspite of it all, the Ridgeline is doing just fine and has taken "Truck of the Year" too. It's never a good sign to hear the Big 3 are losing market share. So if and when they can match or beat the quality and value of the foreign makers, may by than I'll buy. but for now I'll stay with my Ridgeline.
My Ridgeline engine starts when I crank it up. I'm selling, this is it!!! (It also moves when I put it in gear and give it gas. It goes backwards when I put it in reverse and worse of all; the A/C cools the air and the heater heats it). What a freaking shame for Honda! :P
This thing is not a truck. I have nothing against this car, it is an interesting concept, but it is hardly a truck. Any "truck" that gets rated last in off-road ability can't be a truck of the year in my opinion. And a trunk in the bed? C'mon, that is a joke, truck owners usually have stuff in the bed when the truck is in use, and feeding a bear some fish from the commercial and the gear is convienetly pushed to the side, what a joke. This concept vehicle will be short lived. IT is an Avalanche rip-off with functionality, just buy a pilot, and call a spade a spade, or a car a car.
just wanted to say, first of all, i actually do agree with part of your assessment. The Ridge isn't a heavy-duty truck (although it never tried to be).
However, the trunk is a great idea, for one. Just because you can't use both the bed and the trunk at the same time is no reason to dismiss it. Seems to me about 90% of trucks run around 90% of the time with nothing in their beds anyway. During my 80 miles on the road a day, I could count on my hands how many pickups i see with stuff in the beds ... while i would need a calculator to keep track of those trucks with one lonely commuter and a completely empty bed.
"an avalanche rip-off with functionality." Hahaha. Is that supposed to be a dig? Seemed like a compliment to me. There is nothing wrong with improving on another design. As a matter of fact ... all vehicles are merely an improvement on an old design!
Lastly ... buying a Pilot is not an answer for someone who uses this vehicle to its fullest potential. I should know, we owned a Pilot for a few years. I've tried putting tall items in there, and, wouldn't you know it, that pesky roof just doesn't give way.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
One of the reasons we bought the Ridgeline was because of that little "trunk". We love that space, we can throw stuff in there and be good to go without having to worry about stuff blowing out onto the road. When we had "real trucks" we barely carried anything them anyhow. You can still fit a deer in the bed and the gas mileage is decent.
Ever wondered why mail trucks are always behind tow trucks? A little S-10 engine lives inside. I miss driving my dad's old Chevy Astro or his girlfriend's cavalier wagon. I thought it was brilliant how GM designed the Check Engine light to come on when I pressed the gas pedal past 1/4 throttle to keep me alert and law abiding.
How many awards & honors has the Ridgeline won anyway? Hmmmm......let's take a look
-Motor Trend truck of the year 2006 -North American Truck of the year 2006 (pending, but expected ) -Detroit News truck of the year 2006 -Consumer Reports top rated truck -JD Power & Associates 2005 APEAL award for the Honda Ridgeline -Autobytel 2006 Editors' Choice Award: Truck of the year 2006 -Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Best New Pickup 2006 -On Wheels Incorporated: Ridgeline 2006 Urban Wheel Award for the Urban Truck of the Year -best rollover resistance rating of any pickup tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) -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). -Car And Driver Rates Honda Ridgeline #1 Pickup. - AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award as the 'Most Significant' new vehicle in the show -Maxim Truck Of The Year 2006
seems like your argument is mainly regarding the proper definition of a "truck". I don't think you will ever find resolution and agreement on that issue.
Can you recall when the Japanese introduced small pickups back in the '60s with the Datsun? They really didn't fit anyone's description of a "truck" either other than they had a bed in the back.
Is an El Camino a "truck"? How about the Ford Econoline Pickup from the 60's?
To get critical about someone defining something different from your belief isn't worth the effort.
You'll find this award usually goes to whatever vehicle is the newest--or had the latest redesign. The new Civic wins COTY this year, the new Chrysler 300 won last year and the new Prius won the year before. In TOTY, the new Ridgeline won this year, the new Tacoma won last year and the redesigned F-150 won the year before that.
Over the years, though, this award has not been much to crow about, IMO. For TOTY, the first 10 years they handed the award out, only 2 trucks won the award. Toyota won the first award in 1989 and the F-150 won in 1997. The rest went to SUVs--except in 1990 when the Ford Aerostar won (what?!). Just think, the Honda Ridgeline has now won as many TOTY awards as the Ford Aerostar!
There have been some interesting COTY winners, as well. For 2002, it was the T-Bird (now dead). 1995 through 1997 saw some good choices: Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Caravan and Chevrolet Malibu. How about the 1983 award going to the Renault Alliance? Or the 1981 award going to the K-Car? How about in 1980 when the Chevy Citation won--or the Plymouth Volare in 1976? In other words, Of the Year awards are just marketing tools--not anything special. If the award makes you feel better about your Ridgeline, then great. However, it should not entice anyone to rush out and buy one, either.
However, it should not entice anyone to rush out and buy one, either.
Much to your disappointment—it will. Awards like this always increase sales for the winners. Those winners who do indeed have "substance," will survive. Those who don't, won't. The Ridgeline WILL survive.
I would not call it disappointment. I find it amusing when someone points to a superficial award as validation for the purchase of anything--car, dishwasher, anything. It's like "Yeah, no one is buying these for various reasons, but it won an award so I guess I was right after all."
Comments
What it comes down to is how were the IRS systems engineered, and not just the fact that they are IRS-equipped.
The trend towards moving to IRS in trucks continues. We're seeing it on full-size SUVs like the Armada and Expedition. I expect to see IRS on Titans and F-150s some day. It's more a matter of getting customers used to the idea that IRS is indeed a good thing, than anything else. It can be done. Selling the idea is another thing altogether. Now that the Ridgeline has broken the ice, I expect more to follow—and soon.
Bob
But in the current affordable vehicles is it engineered correctly? Is it a ground clearance issue in current SUVs?
Maybe to get more room inside for fold flat seats or trunks like the ridgeline, ground clearance needs to suffer?
I don't think that's the problem. I think extremely long-travel shocks are needed, more than anything.
Bob
Onthe Hummer the axles don't go from the diff to the centerline of the rim like on a normal car. There are gears behind each wheel and the shaft is mounted up from the centerline on each wheel because of this, thus allowing more clearance.
As for Ridgeline I think the ground issue problem is a combination of Honda's fear of rollovers and related PR along with trying to focus on handling. I do wish Honda would at least protect the belly and offer some sort of skid plates, even if just for packed snow protection
(my wife's Outback has better clearance AND a OEM rear diff skid plate then my RL)
With two full weeks of thudding over concrete, howling around tight curves and bouncing over rocky roadways, Motor Trend editors unanimously awarded 2006 Honda Ridgeline to be Truck of the Year.
December 20, 2005
sorry, i just wanted to say it before geo did. haha.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Tweaks I'd like to see in the coming months/years: maybe a couple more miles per gallon, official comment on the strut issue, better under carriage skid plating, correction of the floorboard leaking and windshield noise issues, and inclusion of the trailer hitch standard (or much cheaper as an option).
All in all though, I think Honda paved the way for some very good ideas for trucks that I hope the other makers pick up on.
Standard foglights is my only addition.
John
Bob
Besides, I just bought a new '06, black, 5-speed, WRX Limited wagon last week, so Santa has already been to my house.
Bob
http://www.motortrend.com/av/112_0601_toty_winner_video/
.. an article on why the Ridegline is truck of the year.
http://motortrend.com/features/news/2005/112_news051220_truck_of_the_year/
Enjoy.
• The Ridgeline as "Truck of the Year."
• The Civic as "Car of the Year."
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051221/AUTO03/512210333
And this is from "Motown," home, heart and soul of the domestics!
Bob
I think I can hear quiet sobbing and the sound of tears hitting the ground.
I have no idea how widespread this problem is, nor do I care; it was corrected with no inconvenience or cost to me, so I'm happy.
That's the only time the car has been back to the dealer (16k miles)
http://www.dundasstarnews.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=brabant/Layout/Ar- - ticle&c=Article&cid=1135291817653&call_pageid=1069851996007&col=1073476868082
Note: This a report from a Canadian newspaper, hence the rather high MSRP mentioned.
Bob
John
most bought from new and kept 5-6 years.........
Never had to replace one in ANY of my Caviliers either.
Just makes me wonder why honda is having strut problems
in a "truck".........oh....and their minivan too.
By the way, how many Chevy Cavaliers have you had? These were great cars.
I remember the Caddy model GM made in the early 80's that was a re-badget Chevy 4-cyl car. Man, where people pissed off when they found out! I also remember the GM 8-cyl engine that would convert into a 4-cyl. at highway speed, and also their great diesel engines from the late 70's (re-converted gas engines). ALL CRAP...BIG TIME! That is why they are doing so poorly now a days. How many people are being laid off by Ford and Chevy? Isn't it like 30,000 each? It's a darn shame that they are being blasted by imports and they still don't get it. They have to start realizing someday that we, Americans, work hard for our money and we are tired of paying for lack of quality in our vehicles. And please, you can't say anything against this. I don't see many Fords or Chevy's in the top-10 quality list every year and that is a darn shame! I work hard for my money, don't blame me for trying to buy quality and peace of mind! Also remember, most of these cars are being built in the US by Americans. Toyota Camry's, Honda Accords, and many other models. They have almost 80% American made parts. Many, many Chevys, Fords and Chryslers are being built in Puebla, Mexico and other foreign countries including Canada. I don't blame the American workers, I blame the American owned companies that don't keep better quality controls and under estimate the American consumer. Why? How come these other foreign companies in the US can put a quality product with American workers and Detroit can't? I just don't get it???
Until then, I been burned so many times that my American money goes to buy quality!
:shades:
I'm sad that it's not a strut that I blew coz am really trying hard to blow one on my RL to help Geos case.Geo I'll update you when I blow a strut. Wait for the update on your next life.
honda with ANY parts let alone struts.........
As we all know honda uses non union suppliers in
most cases...........
Funny I have seen some posts on the honda suv site
and posts here with a few strut failures also.....
But you folks have seen them here......Just scroll
back a bit............
And now bad mud flaps too ?????????
Hmmmm..........The problems are just starting for
some folks.
One of the car sales/head guy over at the Smart Shopper
thread reports the POOR rl sales with a excess of a 90
day plus supply.
A 90-days supply of Ridgelines? Wonder how may days for Explorers, Expeditions, Tahoes, Suburbans and the likes.
Maybe they can give them to the poor laid-off workers as a farewell gift, (might as well since they can't sell them).
Come on..you know you want a HONDA Rideline...just get up and go buy one. You won't regret it! After all...IT IS THE TRUCK OF THE YEAR. Don't you want one? Yes you do.
:shades:
You seriously think he's old enough to drive? If he is, he's even sadder than I thought.
I have 2006 RTS (3600 miles on it) and tonight I attempted to pass a flooded road where the water just came to the bottom of the door jam. I backed out of the road once I realize the cabin was taking water. My elapsed time in the water was not more than 2 minutes after I saw the water coming in. Anyone had a similar experience?
It could have been alot different. Hopeful nothing was damaged and the mats/carpets, etc will dry out and not cause any rust.
However, the trunk is a great idea, for one. Just because you can't use both the bed and the trunk at the same time is no reason to dismiss it. Seems to me about 90% of trucks run around 90% of the time with nothing in their beds anyway. During my 80 miles on the road a day, I could count on my hands how many pickups i see with stuff in the beds ... while i would need a calculator to keep track of those trucks with one lonely commuter and a completely empty bed.
"an avalanche rip-off with functionality." Hahaha. Is that supposed to be a dig? Seemed like a compliment to me. There is nothing wrong with improving on another design. As a matter of fact ... all vehicles are merely an improvement on an old design!
Lastly ... buying a Pilot is not an answer for someone who uses this vehicle to its fullest potential. I should know, we owned a Pilot for a few years. I've tried putting tall items in there, and, wouldn't you know it, that pesky roof just doesn't give way.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
As long as you are happy with your purchase then that is all that matters. To each his own.
-Motor Trend truck of the year 2006
-North American Truck of the year 2006 (pending, but expected
-Detroit News truck of the year 2006
-Consumer Reports top rated truck
-JD Power & Associates 2005 APEAL award for the Honda Ridgeline
-Autobytel 2006 Editors' Choice Award: Truck of the year 2006
-Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Best New Pickup 2006
-On Wheels Incorporated: Ridgeline 2006 Urban Wheel Award for the Urban Truck of the Year
-best rollover resistance rating of any pickup tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
-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).
-Car And Driver Rates Honda Ridgeline #1 Pickup.
- AutoWeek Editors' Choice Award as the 'Most Significant' new vehicle in the show
-Maxim Truck Of The Year 2006
That's all I have so far.
Can you recall when the Japanese introduced small pickups back in the '60s with the Datsun? They really didn't fit anyone's description of a "truck" either other than they had a bed in the back.
Is an El Camino a "truck"? How about the Ford Econoline Pickup from the 60's?
To get critical about someone defining something different from your belief isn't worth the effort.
John
Over the years, though, this award has not been much to crow about, IMO. For TOTY, the first 10 years they handed the award out, only 2 trucks won the award. Toyota won the first award in 1989 and the F-150 won in 1997. The rest went to SUVs--except in 1990 when the Ford Aerostar won (what?!). Just think, the Honda Ridgeline has now won as many TOTY awards as the Ford Aerostar!
There have been some interesting COTY winners, as well. For 2002, it was the T-Bird (now dead). 1995 through 1997 saw some good choices: Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Caravan and Chevrolet Malibu. How about the 1983 award going to the Renault Alliance? Or the 1981 award going to the K-Car? How about in 1980 when the Chevy Citation won--or the Plymouth Volare in 1976? In other words, Of the Year awards are just marketing tools--not anything special. If the award makes you feel better about your Ridgeline, then great. However, it should not entice anyone to rush out and buy one, either.
Much to your disappointment—it will. Awards like this always increase sales for the winners. Those winners who do indeed have "substance," will survive. Those who don't, won't. The Ridgeline WILL survive.
Bob
I guess, in your opinion, the fact that the Ridgeline has won a ton of awards from other respected automotive experts (sse link) is also worthless?
gearhead1, "Honda Ridgeline SUT" #2028, 27 Dec 2005 5:20 pm
Bob