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I went to a number of manufacturer websites and the wiring for a brake controller was included only with the tow package. It wasn't standard.
Edit: Based on the description here http://www.handa-accessories.com/ridgeline.html the Ridgeline is the same. The tow package includes the pigtail to plug-in for the brake controller.
And that IMHO, is all that should be come from the factory. There's no need for the brake controller itself to come with the vehicle.
Bob
Wow. I just criticized all trucks but the Super Duty, and not just the Ridgeline!
If I'm to be critical of Ford at all here, is that they "only" offer this feature on their Super Duty models, and not across their entire truck/SUV range.
Bob
Anyway, I still think the tow package (hitch and wiring) is overpriced on the RL. I could see a couple hundred bucks, but over $500 is too much.
Bob
Bob
I have an F150, but want more comfort for the backseat occupants. Looking at Edmunds numbers for Ridgeline Cargo space at 9 cu. feet!? makes me think the bed is very tiny?
Am I better off with the Pilot for cargo space?
I occasionally haul things like a pressure washer and carpenter tools - just how much will the Ridgeline hold?
Bob
The bed in the Ridgeline is only 5' long. Typical for a crew cab pickup, but that's not saying much. The bed is wider than any other mid-size at 49".
Toyota offers a 6.5' optional bed for the double cab Tacoma, but I didn't find the rear seat in the Taco to be all that comfortable.
I think your best bet is to follow Bob's advice and go check one out in person.
while hauling kids in the back of the F150 they sit really low where they can't see out the front - and get car sick easy. Anyone have experience driving kids in the back of the Ridgeline on long road trips?
aspesisteve - You might also consider a Pilot. Its up to you and what you want to do. Do you need an enclosed cargo area? Will you ever need a 3rd row of seats? I easily hauled a pressure washer, push mower, and radial arm saw all in my Pilot at once (with one side of the 2nd row still in the up position), and could have easily stuck more tools in there.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I guess sometimes a vehicle maker can be too clever.
Bob
Although they do have compartments in the walls of the bed. At least one of them is big enough to fit a six pack. (ooooh... ahhhh... ohhhhh) :P
I am happy that Ford is getting it right with IRS. I just wish GM would follow suit.
John
I've been trying to figure out what kind of drive train the Ridgeline has, but haven't had any luck.
It *sounds* like it uses the Honda full-time AWD system, and that there isn't a conventional 4Hi-4Lo-2Hi selector. Is that correct?
A sales guy said you could kind of force it into 4Lo by turning off something like ABS, but I never trust the guys in the ties...
Can someone toss me a clue?
If I understand it correctly, it is FWD until slippage is detected and then power is routed to the rear wheels. There isn't a conventional 4hi-4lo-2hi selector.
A sales guy said you could kind of force it into 4Lo by turning off something like ABS, but I never trust the guys in the ties...
There is a VTM-Lock option that locks the rear wheels to provide addtional traction on loose surfaces. It stays activated up to 18 MPH.
The sales guy doesn't have a clue.
Bob
Put the truck's transmission in either low1 or low2 (locking it in first of second gear). Then depress the VMT-4 lock button. The rear differential will lock the two half-shafts together in the back end. That way a single slipping tire will not get all the power. This also locks the AWD system into a 50/50 powersplit.
It's like have a traditional 4X4 system with a locker in the rear diff, but without the 2-speed transfer case.
You should also deactivate the VSA (vehicle stability assist) as that will cut power from the engine when wheels start slipping. This is probably what the sales guy meant when he mentioned ABS.
For hard core off roading the RL's system is a poor design and the other trucks (Toyota, Ford, ect) are much better.
In the end it depends on what driving you so (not what driving you wish you were doing)
-W
I find my Hondas are cold in the winter. Have to keep turning the heat up. On sunny days it is worse.
No problem with summer cooling either.
Canada
I still say one of the few things Honda doesn't do 'better' is their auto temp control system.
I've never seen my Honda auto fan speed come on at what I consider a 'high speed' in an attempt to rapidly heat or cool the car. My Fords and GMs would do this, and then start slowing the speed as the temp inside closed in on the set temp.
Also, the issue on sunny days: There is a sunlight sensor on the dash which tells the A.C.Ctrl that sun is shining on the car. It will increase Airflow in summer, and likely decrease heat-flow in winter. This is exasserbating your "cold car" issue.
Another problem with the Ridgeline?
Bob
Other than that its been great. It drives well in the snow here in Tahoe. Very sure footed with the Michelin LTX tires. Like the back-up camera, sexy female voice activated NAVI and controls, plus the XM Sat. radio. Nice job Honda.
I don't know how they can predict (the vehicle) will have average or better reliability, based on our latest Annual Car Reliability Survey when the vehicle hasn't even been around long enough to be tested.
It's just the same with the new Civic... which doesn't seem to be average or better in reliability when all of the owner are complaining about an awful lugging in their engine.
Just stick with REAL reports from actual car and truck journalists. :lemon:
I'm sure there are lots of things you don't know. But if you read their publication, you might find out.
It's just the same with the new Civic... which doesn't seem to be average or better in reliability when all of the owner are complaining about an awful lugging in their engine.
Come out of your glass house for a minute please...
I'm not sure how you think you could be more objective...
CR is more objective and scientific in their testing than any Car and Driver or Motor Trend writer could ever hope to be.
To answer your question of how they could predict reliability...
Could it be that it shares most of its basic mechanicals (transmission, 3.5L engine, part of it chassis) with the Pilot and Odyssey, both of which have been around a while.
As far as the Civic is concerned, I think you need to think before you speak. "All owner(s) are complaining of lugging..."
Really? I haven't seen 55,000 people complaining about that. Maybe a dozen on the Edmunds forum. You must realize that there are people that will never bother to give a report that "nothing is going as unexpected" but much more of those that will look for help if a problem is experienced.
Also, I'm not quite sure that the lug problem is a reliability issue, is it? Could you show me a post where the lugging has led to unreliable service or left someone stranded?
Don't bother hurrying up with a response. I'm headed to the Gulf for the weekend, and won't be back until Sunday night. Everyone else have a good one!
thegrad
By Dee-Ann Durbin
ASSOCIATED PRESS
03/01/2006
The owners did reliability rankings?!
Only one of all those rankings is truely a quantiative value. Fuel Economy. And thats only if you blindly look at the EPA number only.
Crash-protection ratings (to a point) and some track tests (braking distance?) are fuzy.
The rest are very subjective to the person doing the review or the owner.
I've bought items ranked highly by consumer reports only to have them fail misserably. Other things like my 91 GMC Jimmy performed way better than CR ever dreamed it could.
CR needs a big * - Results may vary.
Results may vary....
Better to stick with the car magazines with much more car expertise(multilple if you wish) and get more perspective than one all inclusive report and then follow blindly.
I take the car mags with a "grain a salt". CR is probably the most important mag when consider in buying a car. Their data is good and analytical not biased as others I've seen.
---------------------------
Heck no, I wouldn't trust anyone 100% when it comes to influencing my car choice.I gladly bought a sizzling hot mazda RX8 over the CR recommended boring Accord.
ABSOLUTELY NO REAL REPORTS FROM ACTUAL CAR AND TRUCK JOURNALISTS IS WORTH LISTENING TOO WITHOUT A GRAIN OF SALT.WAIT MAKE THAT A BIG SACK OF SALT. :sick:
However I would trust CR maybe around 80% when it comes to rating cars for the following reasons:
1. It does not accept advertising money from any car maker.NOW SHOW ME A CAR MAGAZINE WHICH DOES NOT ACCEPT ADVERTISING MONEY AND MAYBE I WOULD TAKE THEIR ADVICE JUST LIKE CR'S.
2.CR evaluates cars based on the real world needs of most average Joes.
3. CR's test results are almost identical to that of Car and Driver and Motortrend.
Lets not forget it's not just CR which highly regards the Honda Ridgeline, for starters check this out and put your doubts to rest.
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
Seems to me CR is on the same page with all the award giving bodies when it comes to evaluation results of the Ridgeline.Even the Highly regarded MOTORTREND is also in agreement with CR on which car should be the MT car of the year, the Civic.
THEREFORE EVEN IF I DON'T TAKE CR'S REPORTS AS GOSPEL, TO ME IT STILL GIVES OUT THE LEAST UNBIASED EVALUATION WHEN IT COMES TO CARS.ALL THE OTHERS AS LONG AS THEY ACCEPT ADVERTISEMENT DOLLARS ARE A FAR FAR SECOND AND THIRDS. :shades: