by "CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
Published 06/09/2017 at 08:56
by "CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
Published 06/09/2017 at 08:56
Tags: Thins my wife says
STARS: 1
I like to point at cars and ask my wife, “What do you think of that thing?” She always has interesting viewpoints and pulls no punches.
I’ve been thinking that the new Ridgeline would be a perfect next vehicle for us. All the truck we’d ever need. Room for the kids and dog in the cabin and plenty of watertight storage for field hockey goalie gear.
So I point one out to her and without hesitating she says that if you’re going to get a truck get a truck and don’t half-ass it with this SUV/Truck thing. So there it is folks. Not truck enough.
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
06/09/2017 at 09:02, STARS: 7
except its more truck then most people with “real” trucks actually need
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 09:04, STARS: 17
Do you want to argue with my wife about this, because I don’t.
"Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street." (demon-xanth)
06/09/2017 at 09:07, STARS: 4
I’ve actually thought about it, the Avalanche is actually pretty close to perfect for my needs truck wise. Though I’d love an RC ‘04 4.7+5 speed Dakota.
"HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles" (hondasfordsvolvo)
06/09/2017 at 09:15, STARS: 2
My wife feel the same way. She just doesn’t understand.
She also hates half ton pickups with beds less than 6 feet. But that one I understand.
"adamftw" (adamftw)
06/09/2017 at 09:17, STARS: 1
HA. I asked my wife the same question a while ago and she had the same response. I like the Ridgeline on paper but I’d destroy one in practice.
"adamftw" (adamftw)
06/09/2017 at 09:17, STARS: 2
I wanted an Avalanche so bad when I was looking. They are pretty perfect as far as usability goes.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
06/09/2017 at 09:19, STARS: 1
Exactly. My wife has pretty much the same opinion about it.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
06/09/2017 at 09:22, STARS: 2
As someone who owns a 1/2 ton pickup with a 5'8" bed ... she’s right. It’s too damn short. I can’t even haul a 10' stock of pipe without flagging it. I can’t put a mattress in it and close the gate. The only advantage is it makes it slightly easier to park. My next one will have a 6'6" bed. That extra 10" makes a big difference.
"Matsayz" (matsayz)
06/09/2017 at 09:25, STARS: 3
I like the idea of it and it looks better in this revision but still kinda fugly. I agree with your statement that’s it’s enough truck for your needs. My problem is the cost of the version. I want, the awd and whatnot is just about the price of a well off Tacoma! Why are these vehicles so damn expensive!?
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
06/09/2017 at 09:28, STARS: 3
Th ats what she said.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
06/09/2017 at 09:32, STARS: 0
That’s why they call me thwack.
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
06/09/2017 at 09:33, STARS: 2
as someone who has had one in the family since 06 sure. ahaha
"E92M3" (E46M3)
06/09/2017 at 09:36, STARS: 4
**buys F-150**
“We’re taking my car! I hate getting in and out of your truck, and it rides like shit”
"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
06/09/2017 at 09:39, STARS: 2
Well if that’s the case better get an F450 diesel crew cab long bed
"Ssfancyfresh" (scotttt)
06/09/2017 at 09:40, STARS: 1
My wife said the same thing. She maybe even called me a pussy.
"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
06/09/2017 at 09:54, STARS: 1
They’re about the same price as the Pilot they are based on, which still seems a bit expensive. I agree though, the Ridgeline should undercut the Taco and Colorado by 2-3k and as it is the Taco is about the same price for similar configuration (i.e. 4 doors)
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/09/2017 at 09:54, STARS: 1
It still doesn’t make sense to me. Gonna break this down category by category:
- It can’t do HD truck stuff. Sorry. Can’t.
- I think Toyota and GM have the midsize segment pretty much sorted out. They are, by and large, genuine play trucks. Recreational vehicles. And those people want something the can stick almost anywhere. The Ridgeline has the correct size for the job but not the capability. I don’t go off the road much, but I do enjoy it from time to time. The rest of the time the midsize does the em-pee-gees thing better than a full-size (not me so much, but with that engine up front I just don’t care... mmm).
- Half-tons. Left these to the end for a reason. As much as I like the offerings, there doesn’t seem to be much point for these. 3/4 or 1-tons will be the better towing option, MPG’s shouldn’t be that much more terrible either (prepared to be corrected here). Those sold to commercial users, largely, are people for whom the Ridgeline would make more sense. Those sold to private users aren’t usually doing truck stuff and many are pure penis extenders. They don’t have the practicality of the HD’s or of the midsizers.
I don’t have a problem with the Ridgeline, though it’s not and will never be the vehicle for me. I do, however, think they’re trying to sell to the wrong crowd. They aren’t, in my opinion, going to break into the private market very easily. They are mostly using capability the Ridgeline doesn’t bring to the table or using it as a codpiece—another thing the Ridgeline doesn’t bring to the table. Of course there’s another factor too, that it seems so many people can’t wrap their heads around—These people, by and large, are driving these vehicles because they genuinely like them! The horror! Someone driving something they like! It’s the same story with the Miata, actually. It’s a pointless car. But if you get enjoyment from driving it, and there’s no reason that you shouldn’t have it, what’s wrong with that?
Anyway, back to the point I was on initially there... I think the Ridgeline should be as it is, with FWD/AWD, but it needs a 4-banger and a stripped-out base model. To my mind, it’s a fleet vehicle. It’s got the efficiency, the city manners, and the capability to do what a good number of fleet (or commercial pickups in general) trucks are used for around the city. Another thing, in fleet use you have drivers who aren’t looking for something they like—they’re looking to get the job done. And most of them will probably appreiciate something that drives a bit more like a car in the city. And the people actually doing the buying aren’t concerned with image, they’re concered with $$.
I’ve said this before and will probably say it again—I will never own a Ridgeline. Not for me. But if I was provided one as a company fleet vehicle to use around the city, I’d be absolutely tickled.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/09/2017 at 10:04, STARS: 2
With you. Even though I prefer crew cabs and they’re long enough as it is.
I can deal with plywood because of the second clip on the tailgate cables, but other stuff... nope. And while it’s good for stuff like beach gear and luggage, and it doesn’t do real “work” often, it’s no damn good for bikes. 1 mountain, ok. 2 BMX, ok. I had to put 5 mountain bikes in last weekend... the bed is about 3-6" too short to work nicely.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/09/2017 at 10:06, STARS: 0
Mission accomplished
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
06/09/2017 at 10:11, STARS: 1
MARRIAGE
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 10:22, STARS: 1
Gotta pick your battles.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 10:23, STARS: 1
You are what you eat.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 10:23, STARS: 0
I’m pretty sure she’d be on board with this.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 10:24, STARS: 0
My wife loves trucks and bench seats.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 10:25, STARS: 1
I’d be looking at getting a used one in a couple years so pricing should be leveled out by then.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 10:26, STARS: 1
I was pretty disappointed it really does seem like the perfect do everything vehicle for us.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 10:28, STARS: 8
That extra 10" makes a big difference.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
06/09/2017 at 10:30, STARS: 1
Precisely.
"You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much" (youcantellafinn)
06/09/2017 at 10:32, STARS: 0
If you’re hauling lots of bikes regularly, tailgate pads seems to work well. I’m not sure how they are on paint long term, but it’s definitely better than forks on the paint short term.
I’ve got a short bed on my F-150 and you can do two mountain bikes pretty easy. I put some pipe insulation on the tonneu cover rails, then lean a bike against each side and bungee them in. It’s fast and secure enough if you don’t drive like a jackass.
"MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s" (mastermario)
06/09/2017 at 10:36, STARS: 1
https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/hvo/6115288464.html
Even has vinyl seats so when the kids and dog make a mess it will be easy to clean.
"BIGBLOCK472 - wide and bizarre" (bigblock472)
06/09/2017 at 10:55, STARS: 1
It’s enough truck for easily 80% of buyers’ needs. But truck buying is way more about emotion than anything else and this truck doesn’t appeal to emotions.
I’d drive a Ridgeline even though I prefer the first gen’s boxy looks better. The pilot front end turns me off on this 2ng gen.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/09/2017 at 10:55, STARS: 0
I’m not... but that’s an interesting idea. I was actually thinging of making a bracket that would latch onto the front tiedowns with a piece of threaded rod and some wingnuts. The theory goes you take the front tires off and secure them on the rod with the wingnuts.
...but like every other project I’ve dreamed up, it’s never got off the ground.
"Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner" (gavinharter30)
06/09/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 1
My mom all day long. She now thinks that my dads ‘15 f-150 is a monster truck just because he evened out the suspension by putting a one inch lift on the front. 1 INCH!!
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
06/09/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 1
its not toted as an HD, but you know what it does do? haul stuff/tow stuff that wouldnt otherwise fit in a pilot aka i dont know any pilot that can fit two dirt bikes in the back and still be able to carry 5 adults. and it has the sweet in bed water tight trunk for gear or to use as a cooler which comes in handy for tailgating. its the perfect truck for most suburbanites who mostly deal in the ocasional home depot run. and the V6 is so so so smooth. that said im completely biased haha
"Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner" (gavinharter30)
06/09/2017 at 11:20, STARS: 0
Those things are frikin cool
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/09/2017 at 11:38, STARS: 0
And who currently have a 1/2-ton. But like I said, try to sway them. Honda’s going about this the wrong way. If they want to sell to people who want a truck, they should have made a traditional truck. This, really, was MADE to be sold to commercial consumers.
It’s in no way related to the auto industry, but we had a kinda similar situation where I work recently. We created a product that should have made life easier for our customers. Very few bit on it. The issue was a) it wasn’t as flexible as what they were doing before and b) it was a TOTALLY new way of going at the issue. The planners loved it, the users weren’t interested. Eventually we had to give in and make something that could be used more conventionally, it’s flying off the shelf by comparison.
Basically, people in direct contact with our product (who are the current truck owners), unless they were new to the industry (those who didn’t have a truck before who bought a Ridgeline), largely wanted something nice and familiar. Those at an arm’s length (which would translate to the fleet procurement people) loved it. When we changed to the second version we got all three camps.
Like I said I don’t have a problem with it existing, but it doesn’t make sense to me.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 11:46, STARS: 1
Deutz or GTFAC
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 0
I don’t like the new looks but I thought it might appeal to my wife more.
She had the same opinion of the previous gen and the Avalanche.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/09/2017 at 11:59, STARS: 2
1st-gen Ridgeline looks waaaaaaaaay better.
"Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer" (smallbear94)
06/09/2017 at 12:00, STARS: 1
HEY-OH
"WiscoProud" (wiscoproud)
06/09/2017 at 12:17, STARS: 1
I have to say I agree with your wife, but I also think they have a strong niche. I actually recommended my mom get one last weekend. She loves her local Honda dealer, and wants something to haul her kayaks and mulch for gardening. Seems like a clear cut winner to me.
I actually kind of want a pickup, but not as a DD, just for hunting, winter, haulding, etc. I kinda want to go full bore and get a Ram 2500. The 1500s have the same payload as my land cruiser (if not significantly less), and they’re roughly the same size.
"gawdzillla" (gawdzillla)
06/09/2017 at 12:42, STARS: 0
i’d take a silverado over a Avalanche
"Matsayz" (matsayz)
06/09/2017 at 12:51, STARS: 1
Yeah I doubt they’ll hold their value like the Taco’s...
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/09/2017 at 13:05, STARS: 0
No Toyota tax.
"E92M3" (E46M3)
06/09/2017 at 13:08, STARS: 0
It kind of is. Lol. Modern 1/2 tons are just too damn big, and todays garages are too damn small. My 66 F100 longbed only has 2 inches in front to spare as it is. Can’t even walk around it with the garage door closed.
"Forrest" (forrest)
06/10/2017 at 17:43, STARS: 1
I really like the new Ridgeline. I am contemplating buying one of these used in a couple of years.
Then again... I like suit-hoodies. I like slippers that look like dress shoes. I like houses that look historic on the outside but new and sleek on the inside. So, the Ridgeline’s “minivan dressed up as a pickup truck” nature would suit me well.
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
06/12/2017 at 08:10, STARS: 1
How do you feel about hats with fake hair?
"Forrest" (forrest)
06/12/2017 at 13:54, STARS: 2
Pretty good. Especially if it is a mullet.
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
06/13/2017 at 14:14, STARS: 1
Car buying in general is more about want vs need. I understand your point, though.
"BIGBLOCK472 - wide and bizarre" (bigblock472)
06/13/2017 at 18:19, STARS: 0
You are totally right. My brain says I could get by with a Ridgeline by my heart wants a diesel Ram dually. Actually my brain says Camry Hybrid because I have a trailer I can haul things with using my Jeep.