My big problem with the ridgeline..

"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa) 03/18/2016 at 09:51 • Filed to: None

2

45

This, ladies and gentleoppos, is the new Honda Ridgeline. It looks like a truck, it has a bed like a truck, it’s tall like a truck, but in actuality it is a car, the idea being you get car-like fuel economy, handling, ride quality, etc. with the utility of a truck bed and mild off-roading abilities.

This is a photoshop of a Honda Accord. It looks like a car, drives like a car, has all the interior space of a car, but also has a bed. Possibly, it could have a similar four wheel drive system that could “trickle down” to the coupe or sedan body style in some sort of sports AWD system (is there already an AWD accord? I don’t know).

This is what Honda needed to do. Since the Ridgeline is not a truck it will be made fun of for all of the ways it falls short compared to the things it looks like, such as this Chevy Colorado which is an actual body-on-frame truck with a car-like seating position, loads of interior space, a bed, decent fuel economy, and fairly good ride quality.

I really don’t understand where the new Ridgeline will fit in with the current market. Sure, with the crossover-obsessed the high and “powerful” ride height will give a commanding position on the way to soccer practice, but I’m not sure if the rest of the cartruck-buying public will “get it”. What we really need is a more attractive version of this:

I honestly can’t believe there isn’t an American ute. Take an existing AWD sedan, lop off the C pillar and trunk and add a bed, call it a “light truck” and reap the CAFE benefits of having such a fuel efficient “truck” and satisfy the market for something between a hatchback and a Colorado.

Ash78, voting early and often > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 09:57

0

If I were better at Photoshop, I would just cut to the chase and make an Odyssey with a bed. You know, something capable of hauling 15 bales of pine straw or 1500# of concrete. Wait, the Odyssey already does that! I totally agree that Subie needs to reintroduce the Baja with a better price point and features. Utes need to become America's thing, too. Why let Australia have the niche to themselves?

Nibby > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 09:57

5

I talked to a retired Oppo member about the Ridgeline and he completely tore it apart, justifiably so. It was awesome.

“It’s an Accord station wagon dressed up like a pro-wrestler so the people who buy it can feel good about looking the part without actually having to be the part.

The Honda Ridgeline embodies everything that is wrong with America.”

“They may have cute little things like an “in bed trunk” or a stereo system in the bed and whatever other malarkey they are selling as features but that still doesn’t change the fact that the thing is one big compromise. If you want a sedan, wagon or crossover, fucking buy one. Don’t buy a fake truck, call it a truck and then never do anything more than you would with a car with it. That’s a waste and if it’s what “people” “need” then those “people” have no need and no business owning a “truck” or a truck for that matter.”

“RWD is not a “feature” that is “nice” in a truck. RWD is used in trucks because that is where your payload goes. That’s also where your towing weight goes. Having the drive axle closest to the weight the vehicle is handling is important for loaded vehicle stability and payload/towed weight control. 4WD is acceptable as well but FWD and AWD do not put the power where it needs to be nor do they have the strength to haul anything more than a set of jet skis or a yard equipment trailer.”

“FWD bias in a truck is a bad thing. AWD isn’t any good either. The purpose of RWD and 4WD drive is because you can get locking diffs that allow you to transfer all the power of your truck evenly across an axle to pull a load evenly and keep it balanced. Open diffs will do it too unless a wheel starts spinning. But, in every case, weight gets transferred off the front axle and on to the rear. If your drive wheels are at the front axle then your traction is reduced when the weight transfers to the rear thereby reducing the amount of power and control of your weight you can exert on the surface you are on. A FWD truck is a waste of time and honestly, fairly dangerous when trying to haul any kind of substantial load which is the purpose of a truck.

Nothing wrong with unit bodies. All the American trucks are unit bodies bolted to frames. However, you DO NOT want your load carrying bed attached to your passenger compartment. In fact, making a truck super rigid is a bad idea IMO because heavy loads will flex your truck. If the truck is so rigid that it doesn’t flex, loads will bend shit or crack shit in a majorly bad way. Having them attached, like the Chevy Avalanche was, creates a problem where you have to restrict payload capacity because it has the potential to make stuff like windows and door unusable or compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. Hence the reason why an Avalanche, even though it’s built on a 3/4 ton chassis, is less capable than a Silverado 1500 in regards to payload capabilities. It’ll still tow 7000+ pounds because your tow bar is attached to your frame.

The problem with the Ridgeline being based on a car is that it is not going to be able to stand up to the stresses and abuses a truck is typically intended to take. So yeah, it is a problem.”

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 10:00

1

I’m actually okay with the looks of the new Ridgeline, and if it rides “right” I could see myself recommending it to people. Why can I, who totally endorse utes and actually kind of like the Aztek for being outside the box, not really stand the look of the old Ridgeline? I don’t know, but I bet I’m not the only one, and the ride just comes off as wrong. It’s like super-hard minivan ride. Either squishy or bouncy like a truck or something would be right, but it just feels really weird somehow how it is.

d15b > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 10:02

0

That Accord shop looks good.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 10:05

0

Except nobody in the US would buy a ute. It will definitely fall flat if it doesn’t beat the Colorado though in fuel economy, since that’s the whole point of a FWD truck.

Stapleface > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 10:06

0

There’s just something about the new Ridgeline that I really don’t like, and I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe because it kind of looks like a photoshop to begin with? I liked the design of the first Ridgeline much better. This one just isn’t right to me.

I'm all for Utes to make a comeback. Or, at the very least, give us the Ram 700.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Nibby 03/18/2016 at 10:07

4

Honda’s Ridgeline is a truck for practical people who maybe tow a pop-up camper, maybe haul some mulch once a year, or take a 4 wheeler out to a trail. It’s not meant to be a heavy hauler so doesn’t need to be one. It’s really a more practical CUV, not a “truck”. Very few people actually tow or haul enough to need a true truck (body on frame, rwd, etc)

nafsucof > Nibby 03/18/2016 at 10:08

0

Wait are those actually quotes?

Nibby > nafsucof 03/18/2016 at 10:08

0

yes

Party-vi > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 10:16

6

The Pilot is just as stupid as any other truck with a 5‘ bed, only you’ll get better gas mileage while you DD it to work just like everyone else that bought a “truck” with a 5' bed. Because people that do truck shit don’t have trucks with 5' beds.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 10:23

1

Well, there’s the “compact weight, big crew” thing, but that’s hardly common. Then there’s several different definitions of “sport truck” that prove it get’s used but that isn’t really truck stuff in the accepted sense.

I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it again—drop “truck” and just call anything half ton or smaller “pickups”. It’s a more accurate description more of the time.

Slant6 > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 10:24

2

It’s for most truck owners that don’t have to compensate for something. They like having a bed for when they need it 4 times a year but having a car for the other 99% of the time, with the added bonus of the bed being a cool place to hang out.

Of course it won’t sell. I’d easily take one over my Ranger though.

Nibby > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 10:36

3

I’m pretty happy with the 6'4" box since it’s big enough to haul my ATV in without a trailer.

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > Slant6 03/18/2016 at 10:55

2

I think it might sell this time around, mostly because it isn’t f*ck ugly like the last one. People who buy Hondas typically don’t want to stand out*, so why make it a category-bending utility vehicle look like a reject from Transformers? The conservative lines of the new Ridgeline will allow it to slip more or less unnoticed into suburban driveways and parking lots, while still looking like a ‘truck’ from 20 feet away. I think that’s what many light duty truck buyers would want.

*Except for the tuner crowd, who go to great lengths to make their Hondas not look like Hondas anymore.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 11:14

0

What “truck” stuff can’t you do with a 5' bed?

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 03/18/2016 at 11:18

0

I really liked the looks of the old Ridgeline, especially the interior.

Party-vi > Future next gen S2000 owner 03/18/2016 at 11:27

2

Literally all the truck stuff that doesn’t fit in a 5' bed.

HammerheadFistpunch > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 11:28

0

Given that the BAJA sold even worse than the Ridgeline, I don’t think that its the answer. American’s don’t want cars with beds, which is exactly why the ridgeline looks more like a truck than ever, right down to the fake bed line.

HammerheadFistpunch > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 11:36

0

bruh.

There is plenty of 5 foot bed truck stuff. Granted the Ridgeline wont be doing any of this...

BigBlock440 > Nibby 03/18/2016 at 11:37

0

Nothing wrong with unit bodies. All the American trucks are unit bodies bolted to frames.

Huh? I’m not sure what this statement’s supposed to mean. What’s a “unit body”? If it’s another term for uni-body, it’s not a true statement as the cab and bed of American trucks are literally two separate pieces. If it means the bodies are separate “units”, then I’m not sure what the point of bring it up is because the Ridgline is one piece.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 11:40

0

Like what? A motorcycle? A load of wood? Sand? Gravel? A couch? Camping supplies?

Party-vi > HammerheadFistpunch 03/18/2016 at 11:46

0

Going off road is not truck stuff. It is usually within the capability of a pickup, but trucks are meant for hauling and towing.

HammerheadFistpunch > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 11:47

1

Not mid sized trucks, mid sized trucks are for play, not to mention that hauling was exactly what these trucks were doing. There was at least 900 lbs in each bed.

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 03/18/2016 at 11:50

1

The exterior looks were...divisive. The later ones, with a simpler grille design and larger wheels looked better, but I wouldn’t consider them attractive. The interior was fine though. It’s just a pity that Honda let it die on the vine rather than tweak it.

Party-vi > Future next gen S2000 owner 03/18/2016 at 11:50

0

All of those things can fit in a 5' bed.

Party-vi > HammerheadFistpunch 03/18/2016 at 11:52

0

Then that is good truck stuff.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 11:54

0

You still haven’t said any actual truck activities that won’t fit in a 5' bed.

HammerheadFistpunch > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 11:59

0

I know the ridgeline doesn’t into offroad but the 5 foot bed is pretty much the only way you can take more than 2 people and their gear off road in a pickup given the terrain of many places. longbed is just too long.

Party-vi > Future next gen S2000 owner 03/18/2016 at 12:02

1

Hauling two pallet shipped items, or moving a bedroom set, or discussing that fact that anyone who purchases a fullsize truck with a 5' bed did it to just drive a truck and say “oh I have a pickup”. The same people buy a 7-seat crossover for their two kids and dog.

Party-vi > HammerheadFistpunch 03/18/2016 at 12:10

1

The Ridgeline doesn’t need to into off road. It’s not for people who buy pickup trucks. It’s for people that have the need for a 5-seat SUV that also want to go to Home Depot and not worry about taking out headrests and rolling down windows to get plywood or lumber home. It drives me bonkers reading articles from truck people saying the Ridgeline isn’t a good truck. No shit. It’s not a truck. It’s an SUV with a bed. Having someone compare a Ridgeline to any other mid-size or full size truck is as dumb as having an ALMS driver review a Corolla; the Corolla is not a good Le Mans car.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 12:16

0

So your main premise is that a truck with a 5' bed can’t do real truck stuff because it can’t fit two pallet shipped items - which it could depending on what is shipped - or move a bedroom set - which it could depending on the set and how you packed.

That is how you define real truck stuff? Moving a bedroom set in the bed?

HammerheadFistpunch > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 12:20

0

I agree 100% with the words your typed. People who legitimately need a truck wont be bothered to look at a ridgeline because there are better trucks, and people who think they need a truck wont bother because its “not a truck” but the smart consumer that knows that they don’t need a truck but it would be nice to have a little extra utility will flock to this thing...I hope.

Party-vi > Future next gen S2000 owner 03/18/2016 at 12:24

0

Yes. Only the realist of trucks can handle the moving of an whole bedroom.

But really I’ve boxed myself into a corner and rather say “you’re right, Somethin-Clever-Here, tiny trucks can do useful things” I will go out tooth and nail, ever rejecting the fact that a full size pickup with a 5' bed is a good idea.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 12:28

0

You are really going to hate this guy.

Party-vi > Future next gen S2000 owner 03/18/2016 at 12:29

0

Obviously has 5 kids and two or three great danes.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 12:33

0

Don’t know, but he can pack in 8 people and tow an 11K lbs boat with it.

Nothing > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 12:35

0

There is an American Ute. The Ridgeline. For the American market, they made it appear more truck like, as that’s what the market wants. Things with beds should appear as trucks. If car-like (appearance wise) trucks sold well, we’d still have Sprints, El Caminos, Rancheros, and Rampages.

Party-vi > Future next gen S2000 owner 03/18/2016 at 12:44

0

8 people and 11,000lb of boat and trailer, which seems odd considering a stock F250 could tow just a bit more. Or can this one actually tow more?

Future next gen S2000 owner > Party-vi 03/18/2016 at 12:48

0

Probably. That is just what his boat weighed. I pulled this off of a boating thread while slacking off at work.

Tohru > Future next gen S2000 owner 03/18/2016 at 13:02

0

Banging your girlfriend at the drive-in movies with a topper on and a mattress in the back.

Dave the car guy , still here > Nibby 03/18/2016 at 13:06

1

One of my friends had a Ridgeline until he got a flat in winter with a load of wood in the back and it was snowing. The fact that it was in heavy traffic on a city expressway didn’t help when they had to clear most of the load out of the bed to get to the spare tire under the load floor. He and his son had to stack the firewood beside the jersey barriers and leave it there. They were afraid to drive the truck with the full load on just a space saver tire. When they returned with a real truck to get the wood within an hour the wood was gone. This was even more frustrating when you consider there was about 6" of snow and the wood was for heating part of his century home. The Ridgeline was traded a short time after that.

NPM96 > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 03/18/2016 at 19:10

1

There is indeed an AWD Accord and that would be the Crosstour (which began life as the Accord Crosstour). It's rare to see these on our lot.

Not everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to looks but you won’t be let down by how well they drive.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > NPM96 03/18/2016 at 19:37

1

I think they would look awesome on some all-terrain tires. Or slammed. Either way.

Nauraushaun > NPM96 03/20/2016 at 06:47

0

Hang on, this has been done before. The car-based version of a capable work horse. Did people complain about reduced capability? No! They lauded their creature comforts and driveability, and enjoyed the capability that was there rather than the other way around.

And that concept became the world’s best selling category of car, finally stripping sedans of their title. And every manufacturer scrabbled to produce 2, 3 or 4 variants of the same thing in an effort to scab every sale they could. Porsche created one, Jaguar created one, BMW created about 30.

The Ridgeline won’t change the world like the SUV did. But I’d think twice before calling the strategy ridiculous. Like the Civic-based CR-V, I think creating a distinct body will be key to its success. Key in selling the thing as clearly more capable than a car, even if it’s less capable than the absurd Ford F250 and friends.

JonRobert > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 02/17/2019 at 20:36

0

I drive a 99 Ford Taurus wagon. The R idgeline will be my new station wagon with much better capabilities in all respects. It will tow my 3800 pound RV which the wagon can’t, haul stinky gas generator, snow blower, wood, golf clubs and yard sale finds, and other such tasks my wagon was used for. The R idgeline will be my new wagon on steroids. I don’t need a truck and the wife hates driving trucks. The Ridgeline is perfect.