Ridgeline discussion

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch) 05/09/2016 at 12:12 • Filed to: None

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The front page is being...front pagey. So here on Oppo, what are your thoughts on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ?

FWD/ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

5000 lbs towing (all configurations it seems)

1584 lbs payload

18/25/21/ (city/highway/combined) mileage

Some sort of exciter in the bed *snicker*

other stuff.

Will it compete in the midsized segment? Will it start a new trend of crossover trucks? Or will it be utterly dismissed out of hand past a handful of loyalists like the previous version? Takin’ all bets!

TheHondaBro > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:18

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eh

For Sweden > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:18

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It’s a rolling compromise, so it will sell some units to people who can’t decide between a van or a pickup.

The Dummy Gummy > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:19

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Ugly, but has cool features.

Will it start a new trend of crossover trucks?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:20

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Mileage means it doesn’t makes sense. You get the same mileage and better towing capacity out of a Colorado/Canyon, what’s the point of it? Neither have been out long enough to make a reliability claim to say the honda lasts longer vs the GM.

To me if I’m buying a Truck it needs to be capable. Sure 5,000 will pull most stuff, but why would you put it when you can have 7k in the GM twins?

CalzoneGolem > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:20

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This would fulfill all my truck needs and I feel like it would be a decent DD.

Frenchlicker > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:21

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There will be people that buy it. Just like people buy Chevy Sonics and Toyota Yaris’.

HammerheadFistpunch > For Sweden 05/09/2016 at 12:21

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but...isn’t the ENTIRE crossover market a rolling compromise? People can’t get enough of those suckers.

Cé hé sin > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:22

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None. (lives in Ridgeline free zone)

For Sweden > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:22

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isn’t the ENTIRE crossover market a rolling compromise?

yes

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:22

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It exists and I bet it’s a perfectly fine thing just like its predecessor and its experience in the marketplace will be markedly similar to that of its predecessor because I still can’t figure out what changed. It’s a pragmatic solution for an impractical segment, but brand loyalty will carry it further than you might otherwise think.

HammerheadFistpunch > CalzoneGolem 05/09/2016 at 12:22

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yup. It doesn’t really work for what I need, but if I didn’t into offroading it sure would.

TheHondaBro > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:22

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It’s the right amount of pickup truck for most pickup truck buyers, but people who buy pickup trucks tend to get more than what they think they need on the off-chance that they’ll need to do more.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:23

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All the inconvenience of a truck with none of the benefits.

BigBlock440 > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:23

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It may sell a few more based on the improved looks, but it’s still likely to be relegated to the “truck for people who only buy Hondas”.

HammerheadFistpunch > E30Joe drives a Subaru 05/09/2016 at 12:24

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says the guy with the slammed crossover...

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:24

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I know one thing for sure, when my Dad starts looking into replacing his Ram 1500, I’m going to tell him to test a Ridgeline. I’d be willing to bet that the smooth ride will win him over in his old age. The only problem I foresee is the lack of a 6ft bed. My Dad choose the Ram quad cab over the Crew Cab, so that he could get the 6ft bed in his price range. but with his grand kids getting older he my end up wanting that extra cab space in the future.

Future next gen S2000 owner > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:25

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Lifted ute. Not a bad thing. Mileage seems a bit low compared to competitive mid-size trucks with more capacity.

It will be bought. Not enough to make GM or Toyota take notice. It will be more of a niche like the previous gen.

CalzoneGolem > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:25

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Yeah, offroading is not a truck need that this can fulfill.

Birddog > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:25

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I have a feeling it’s going to be an also-ran. Especially at the proposed pricing.

I’m kind of wondering if Honda is paying Jalopnik for the hype surrounding this thing.

CalzoneGolem > E30Joe drives a Subaru 05/09/2016 at 12:26

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What inconvenience would a truck cause?

Nibbles > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:27

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It doesn’t do anything that my 20-year-old Dakota can’t. I’m sure it’s going to be a neat vehicle, and I can count on one hand the people I know that are excited for this truck, but I can’t find any justification for considering a purchase.

HammerheadFistpunch > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/09/2016 at 12:27

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My father in law would be an ideal candidate...though he would need it to be covered in the back (no, its not the same as having a pilot). That being said...he rocks the minivan hard as a utility vehicle and it works for him.

Nonster > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:28

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I think it will slightly better than the old Ridgeline, but it won’t compete with the more traditional trucks like the Tacoma or Colorado.

A lot of people just like to drive trucks because they’re trucks. Up until a few months ago I always had a truck and I find myself missing driving a truck. Not just because I needed it to haul something, but also because I just like driving them. But then I drive my tiny little MR2 around the much tighter downtown area that I call home and I’m reminded of why I got rid of the truck lol.

I personally like it though. I’m reserving final judgement until I see it in person and drive it. If it can haul the MR2 or my SV650 to a track, move my band equipment to gigs, and be a comfy daily driver it may be on my list in the near future

HammerheadFistpunch > Birddog 05/09/2016 at 12:28

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pffft, that ol hype train. Its new and different, and worth getting excited about if only for a change of pace.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:29

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I just spent two days behind the wheel of a base model “tradsman” edition Ram 1500 4-dr 2WD with a hemi. I got 21 mpg combined in southern california drivng. It would be a tough sell to go to a Honda over a real truck that actually halls balls, and was very nice to drive pretty much everywhere, and costs about the same.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > CalzoneGolem 05/09/2016 at 12:30

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maybe some really light offroading. Like the same offroading an old Camry could do if you were mean enough to it.

HammerheadFistpunch > Nibbles 05/09/2016 at 12:30

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it can not suck for ride or interior comforts. Seriously, I used to drive a 20 year old Dakota and it sucked. No offense to your ride...for truck stuff its got this licked...but for being livable? nah.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:30

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My sentiment on the previous Ridgeline before I’d been in one: ugly, neither fish nor fowl - certainly capable, but not a big fan of the FWD nor of the GIANT BUTTRESSES. After having been in one/around one/loading stuff in one, I developed a completely different set of observations. Still ugly, but you don’t have to look at it while driving. On the other hand, the interior is weird. The huge buttresses aren’t a visibility problem as such, but they make loading it wonky. It drives just fine with the FWD-basis, but what it drives *like* is a top-heavy minivan - an Odyssey with 200lb in a roof rack tote. No me gusta. It’s got enough bed (which surprised me), but the beltline height and overall size in consequence of that make it awkward and ragingly unsuited for any kind of tight space.

In other words, the previous Ridgeline managed to assuage all my concerns at the same time as finding entirely new peeves to fuel dislike. I went from a concise purely intellectual dislike to a mild emotional dislike with some grudging respect. Can the new Ridgeline do better across the board? Well, maybe. I’ll have to actually have contact with one to know, if history is any guide.

HammerheadFistpunch > Nonster 05/09/2016 at 12:31

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I think the biggest challenge to this vehicle is overcoming this idea that it NEEDS to compete with other trucks. No, its not like other trucks...and that can be a good thing if you can get past the idea that its a crossover and not a traditional truck. I’m pessimistic that can happen for many people.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > TheHondaBro 05/09/2016 at 12:33

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Quite right. It’s also too much truck for insane people who like El Caminos.

PatBateman > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:33

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It needs more “umph” and character. The truck, regardless of color scheme, just looks beige to me.

Party-vi > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:34

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I like it. I think it makes more sense as a family vehicle than a Tacoma or Colorado because of its onroad manners. For me it would be the perfect truck since I have the Willys for off-roady stuff (which is rare), and it would be great on my ski trips.

Nibbles > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:35

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Being that the Dak isn’t a daily driver and it gets its use doing only truck things, the comfort isn’t that much of a deal. As well with captains chairs and SLT-Plus appointments, ours isn’t that bad. I’d say it’s par for the course for when trucks were just trucks.

I still couldn’t justify the Ridgeline in our life. No point buying (and making payments) on something that sees maybe 2500 miles per year.

youshiftem > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:35

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My concern is longevity. Do you think the Ridgeline could tow 5000lbs for long distances without a huge amount of wear? It would be nice to believe that I could spend less on a truck and have a comfy ride but do you think it would last using it to it’s rated limits?

CalzoneGolem > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/09/2016 at 12:35

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Well anything can offroad to some degree just have to point it in the right direction.

Nibbles > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:36

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I forgot to add: 4x4, V8, manual > F/AWD, V6, automatic.

HammerheadFistpunch > PatBateman 05/09/2016 at 12:36

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its on the softside. I think that will play well into the counter-truck type buyers hands though. I think truck people are upset that this kind of vehicle exists...as if it somehow threatens their trucks purity or something...strange stuff. In any case, I agree with you that if I were buying it I would prefer a little less “car” in the styling, but, I think it will work to their demographic.

HammerheadFistpunch > Party-vi 05/09/2016 at 12:37

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yeah, as a family vehicle this makes a lot more sense than either a midsized or fullsize.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:37

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Truck guys aren’t going to buy it, so that only leaves the people who bought the previous version.

My brother in law has the previous one, it’s terrible. Bed is too small for anything useful and it rides like shit when you load stuff in said bed. It’s a rolling compromise, but not the good kind. It’s like saying tofu steak is a good compromise to a Kobe Beef Porterhouse steak (actual Wagyu beef from Tajima not the fake stuff), yeah okay buddy keep telling yourself that and maybe one day you’ll convince yourself.

DynamicWeight > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:39

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My problem with the ridgeline is it’s just not better enough. It costs about the same as a full size truck. It gets about the same mileage as a regular truck. It has an inferior drive train compared to a regular truck. It is less off roadable than a truck. It may ride better, but I haven’t driven one. Also, IIRC, the bed height is higher than a regular truck, so it would be harder to load things into.

In a lot of ways I really like it, and I even think I could be really happy with it. Maybe if they based in on a CR-V instead of a Pilot and gave me a thinner bed that was longer? And a subaru-esque AWD system? And 25 mpg combined? For 32k? YES YES YES. PLEASE. Throw in a column shifter and a usable back seat and I’ll need a new pair of pants.

I want to want a Ridgeline!

HammerheadFistpunch > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:39

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It occurs to me that if Honda wants any measure of success with this vehicle they need to play down the “we’re a truck too...see?” and pull a volkswagen 70's ad campaign move and play it up as “the truck for car people”

or

“Its not a truck its a Honda”

or something like that. Trying to go blow for blow in the truck segment with a crossover isn’t the brave strategy they need.

Good point Hammerheadfistpunch!

Thanks!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > CalzoneGolem 05/09/2016 at 12:40

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And test out that really soft looking ground first. hahaha. Last time I took my old Civic really offroad I came up to a soft looking part of the trail, but just said “eh I’ll give it some speed and see if I make it.” well I ended up in wet clay past the lug nuts. had to walk back to the house get the skidder and pull her out.

HammerheadFistpunch > Nibbles 05/09/2016 at 12:40

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right...it would make a lousy part time vehicle.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:41

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FWD based right?

No bueno

HammerheadFistpunch > youshiftem 05/09/2016 at 12:41

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I don’t see any reason It couldn’t.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > CalzoneGolem 05/09/2016 at 12:43

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Big, hard(er) to park than a car, gas mileage, people ask you to move shit for them.

I live in Minneapolis and I have a 2015 F150 super crew and that’s not big as far as trucks go and it’s still hard to drive it in many parts of downtown, parking ramps are often too short for it, doesn’t fit well in small parking spots which most lots seem to have.

HammerheadFistpunch > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 05/09/2016 at 12:44

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So is an Mitsubishi EVO, or Focus RS, or...etc. Yeah its front drive based but...why does that matter?

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:44

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I wouldn’t really consider my gen a cross over. My roommates A4 is longer than it.

HammerheadFistpunch > E30Joe drives a Subaru 05/09/2016 at 12:45

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having owned your exact same car...its a crossover.

youshiftem > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:45

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I find that 5000lbs is right around what I end up towing most of the time so I think they nailed that rating perfectly. However, in the past I have found that to tow 5000lbs reliably I have had to buy a vehicle that has about 25% more capacity (like the colorado at 7700lbs) to not overheat the transmission and go through brakes every few months.

HammerheadFistpunch > youshiftem 05/09/2016 at 12:47

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I generally agree that you should buy up about 20-25% of what you will regularly tow (up to a point of course...you can’t and shouldn’t do 25% more than 25,000 lbs, but 2,000 lbs overhead might be a good idea). So if you are towing 5000 lbs a lot, then yeah its going to be hard on it.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:48

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My title says station wagon, same chassis as the impreza, weighs less than an STI, in it’s current state lower than my roommates A4 also. Semantics really, but whatever. The car isn’t a compromise between an SUV and a Car like a crossover is.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:48

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yea those are AWD cars. Not trucks. Trucks do truck things and AWD is not greatest for towing either.

Tripper > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:48

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I’m betting that it goes the way of the old Ridgeline. It shouldn’t as it’s a fine truck, but it will because people that buy pickup trucks will blindly dismiss it. In addition, I don’t think it has the juice to convert SUV/CUV buyers.

Nonster > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:50

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you’re right its not like other trucks so it shouldn’t be directly compared, but nevertheless it will be because it looks like an spec’s out like a mid-sized truck.

I usually generalize truck buyers into two groups, the ones that really need a truck and those that just want a truck. Nothing is wrong with either group’s reasoning behind their purchase, but I think the Ridgeline will only get sales from the more pragmatic “Need” group as it doesn’t have the “truck-y-ness” to appeal to the “want” group.

But now that I think about it, the Ridgeline might get some people who want a truck but not the crappy ride and driveability that comes with it. So now I’m just talking myself in circles.

HammerheadFistpunch > E30Joe drives a Subaru 05/09/2016 at 12:50

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I’m pretty sure I know what compromises the FXT has (yes its still comprimised), but I agree its mostly semantics. For example, my car is also titled as a wagon

HammerheadFistpunch > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 05/09/2016 at 12:51

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why not?

HammerheadFistpunch > Nonster 05/09/2016 at 12:52

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Me too

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:53

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After 2008 it was no longer branded as a “passenger car” by FHI it was a “multi-purpose passenger vehicle”

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:53

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Either way, my Forester is irrelevant, it’s clearly built to do a very narrow range of things and it is not my only car. I also own a full size pickup so I have some say in the matter.

Scott > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 12:55

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It’s an SUV with an open Cargo area, attempting to pretend it is a truck. Anyone looking for a truck will see that it is not a truck and keep looking. Anyone looking for an SUV will never look at it as they will think it is a truck. Other SUV’s with open cargo areas like the Ford Explorer have not done well at all.

The best thing it has going for it is the Honda badge, which is also the worst thing it has going for it. Virtually nobody thinks Trunk = Honda, and this does nothing to change that. However Honda has a small following of Loyalist that will see the Honda badge and that will be enough.

HammerheadFistpunch > E30Joe drives a Subaru 05/09/2016 at 12:56

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Sure, it makes sense to get in on the light truck categorization train for EPA and CAFE purposes. again, semantics.

HammerheadFistpunch > E30Joe drives a Subaru 05/09/2016 at 12:57

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not trying to be a dick, I just found the humor in it. I’ve never understood the idea of dropping a FXT since you loose a lot of what the vehicle was built around: versatility and rough road capability. So dropping one...to me...feels like a similar kind of “loose/loose” situation.

HammerheadFistpunch > Scott 05/09/2016 at 12:59

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I agree its a crossover but I think if Honda plays it bold and smart in its marketing, it will find buyers.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:02

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breakage of parts. And towing in 2wd is much better for economy.

CalzoneGolem > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/09/2016 at 13:02

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You know its a good day when you need to pull your car out of the mud with a skidder.

Shift24 > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:04

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I liked the old Ridgeline. It’s was Hondas typical response to entering a market. Base it off something else they already make but design it for that segment and teat the waters. It’s what they did for the CRV, Pilot, and even the original Odyssey. But it was different enough to tell the difference between the line up.

But with the new Ridgeline, I was hoping Honda would take more risk taking then a pilot with a bed. Dont get me wrong it looks decent and like they have said on the FP it will be all the truck you’ll ever need but it’s just ehh. It’s kind of a worn out trend for Honda. It will do well compared to the previous gens but won’t be as big of a mover as the Taco or Colorado twins. But then again maybe all Honda wants.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:05

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I don’t need the versatility or offroad capability, I live down town. I got it because everyone has a WRX, and after owning it for a while and driving tons of other subarus, it literally is a WRX with taller springs, plus my insurance is far cheaper. I wouldn’t compromise with a truck personally, since I use mine as a tool.

vicali > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:05

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When my inlaws totalled their Accord they needed something to drive between the farm and the town.. Ground clearance, winter stability, heated seats, room for the grandkids. They loved their accord, and wanted something familiar.

I suggested that they test drive the old Ridgeline but they couldn’t get over the wierd the looks.. and went with a Pilot instead.

It’s been awesome for them - drives like an Accord - goes through the snow well - has bun warmers and third row seats. A bed would be nice to carry around farm stuff sometimes, but they keep rubbermaid totes in the way back for that now.

I think if they were shopping now they would probably get the new Ridgeline.

HammerheadFistpunch > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 05/09/2016 at 13:07

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Breakage of parts? pfft. Nonsense. As for economy, yeah...which is why its pretty much FWD until needed (though I think it still preloads the clutches for some traction at all times)

Nibbles > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:07

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In my household, it would make a lousy full-time vehicle as well. Like crossovers and most SUVs, this middle-of-the-roader doesn’t really fulfill any of our purchasing criteria.

As I said above though, I know at least four people personally who are looking forward to this vehicle. It fits their bill and I’m certain there are others feeling the same way. It’ll do a good job of ferrying their children around and carrying the occasional Home Depot load / ATV / supplies-for-the-annual-church-potluck. It’s just not for us.

HammerheadFistpunch > E30Joe drives a Subaru 05/09/2016 at 13:08

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Again, no offense, just the way I see it. I don’t even disagree with you but there are parallels here that I think are funny.

HammerheadFistpunch > Nibbles 05/09/2016 at 13:09

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its not for me either, since It wouldn’t into offroad the way I would need it to be, but I do think there are buyers out there that see the value of a nice ride and plenty of utility.

Nibbles > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:11

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You’re probably right. However you asked for my thoughts on the truck, not how I expect it to do in the market as a whole ;)

HammerheadFistpunch > Nibbles 05/09/2016 at 13:11

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fair point. Either or is fine.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:17

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I understand I’m just making my point. I get plenty of flack from the local subaru drivers because they think I wasted my money lol.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:19

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for me it wont do the truck things that i want a truck to do so i give it thumbs down

HammerheadFistpunch > E30Joe drives a Subaru 05/09/2016 at 13:20

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I can’t say (at some level at least) that I disagree with them...but...I do think you are fully entitled to tell them and me to cram it with walnuts, because its what you like.

The truth is that its the same kind of “I drive what I drive and nuts to you and what you think about it” mentality I think Honda should capitalize on in their marketing with the ridgeline.

HammerheadFistpunch > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 05/09/2016 at 13:22

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Im not saying that you are wrong, I just want you to define said “truck things” because I think if your “truck things” are to haul and tow below 5000 lbs then I think its perfectly adequate. I will say it doesn’t do the truck things that I need it to do (go off road) so Its a pass for me as well, but to dismiss it out of hand for other tasks is silly.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:24

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The fact that it doesn’t get any better MPG’s than a normal 1500 is what kills it IMO. If you’re making a FWD based truck, it should have FWD economy. Plus, the majority of truck buyers like the image as much as the utility. This has no image, or an image problem I guess.

Finally, the new trucks ride damn well. Ram has full air suspension and coils in the back. I see the same thing happening as last time, they won’t sell very many except in Cali.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:24

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My usual response is “pound sand”

JustAnotherG6 > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:38

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Do they have a lift kit for it yet? I’m gonna need one for all this Force Wheel Drive I’ll be putting down all over town...

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:38

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It should embrace the fact that it’s unibody and not try and cover that with a bit of plastic trim.

HammerheadFistpunch > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 05/09/2016 at 13:41

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Well, that bedline is a bit of a cheat (there is no bed separation) which is unfortunate but I think its a net gain for them as not very many people would notice or care.

shop-teacher > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:41

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I think Andrew’s article really nailed it on the head. It’s really very good, and it’s all the truck your average suburban home owner/truck buyer really needs. If it weren’t for the tow rating, I’d consider buying one. That said, I don’t think it will be any more of a success than the last one. That soft round front end has doomed it to be another “cult hit”.

HammerheadFistpunch > shop-teacher 05/09/2016 at 13:42

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sad, right? They still have a chance if they market the hell out of it in the right way. I think the world is finally ready for a crossover truck.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:43

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My issue is that they’ve made an attempt to look like a body on frame truck.

HammerheadFistpunch > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 05/09/2016 at 13:45

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yes they have. If I’m honest with myself...I think they had to. First impressions and all are really important to the average buyer. They won’t know why trucks look like that, they wont care, but there will be a part of their brain that has aversion to something that doesn’t look like they expect it to. I don’t like the deception and the lies either, but if a compromise had to be made to sell more units...this isn’t the worst one they could have made.

shop-teacher > youshiftem 05/09/2016 at 13:45

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Yeah, the tow rating is what would keep me from considering it. 5000 pounds in and of itself is fine, but I like to keep a nice safety margin between what I tow regularly, and what the rating is.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:45

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That is a valid point.

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/09/2016 at 13:47

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The point of the Ridgeline over the Colorado is ride quality. The Ridgeline can’t tow as much, but it’ll be more comfortable to drive. For me (like you), the Ridgeline’s tow rating is too low for me, but if all I towed was a pop-up camper or something like that, I’d consider one.

shop-teacher > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 05/09/2016 at 13:49

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You shut your mouth about El Caminos! They’re AWESOME!

(OK, I’ve never actually owned one, but I will someday! I swear!!)

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:49

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This is what I think is Honda’s biggest mistake. In the traditional sense, it’s not a truck. Stop pretending it is. You aren’t fooling the guys who like trucks, and you’re alienating the guys who’s needs it would fit nicely but don’t want to associate with the “truck image”.

Honda should be marketing it as something DIFFERENT, something NEW, not as “you don’t need a normal truck, this does truck stuff and is all you’ll ever need” but rather as an SUV with a bed, which is closer to what it is.

For what it’s worth, I prefer the old one. Full time AWD as standard and imo looks way better. To be honest though, I don’t see it succeeding. The Avalanche, the Envoy XUV, the last Ridgeline all point in that direction. It’s hard to drive a wedge into a market that thinks in black and white.

Personally, it’s not and will never be for me. It would fit most of my needs just fine. However, so would a Toyota Corolla. I don’t tow much, I don’t haul a lot, one thing I do carry is people, I don’t (haven’t) done much off roading... looks like it fits. However I don’t like the looks (old one was better), don’t like the engine (I’ve been rather spoiled. I don’t like the Colorado’s 3.6 either), like RWD dynamics and while I don’t venture off the beaten track much I do like to be able to just meander where I want to when I find an interesting track. That and I happen to like the way trucks feel to drive.

Pickup_man > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:50

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I like it and I’m glad it’s on the market, I genuinely hope Honda sells a lot of them. To put my thoughts simply though, I think it will be a great utility vehicle, but not a great truck*.

*To satisfy those who ask “Well what is a truck?” or what is “Truck stuff”, I define a truck as a vehicle which design and primary purpose is to haul, tow, and handle rough terrain, while being capable, dependable, and durable. Characteristics such as comfort, mileage, and ride quality come second. The Ridgeline reverses those characteristics. It is a car/crossover that was designed to ride well, be comfortable and get good mileage (which it doesn’t really) that happens to be able to haul, tow, and handle a little rough terrain on occasion. I’m not saying that’s bad, in fact, for a lot of people it’s good, it just doesn’t fit my definition of a truck.

shop-teacher > Party-vi 05/09/2016 at 13:50

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I agree, although or me it’s tow rating is too low. Otherwise, it’d be on my shopping list.

HammerheadFistpunch > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 05/09/2016 at 13:51

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I agree with you re: honda needing to pitch it as different.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > shop-teacher 05/09/2016 at 13:52

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Not too sure on that point, unless the new Ridgeline rides much better than the old one. I’d but the old Ridgeline at about par with the new Colorado, and if anything the Colorado takes it.

shop-teacher > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:53

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That’s a good idea. I’ve always bristled at the “Honda Trucks” ads, even though I’m aware that the Ridgeline is a perfectly fine and capable vehicle for many people. Those ads just feel ... dishonest? ... missing the point? ... not right?

shop-teacher > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 05/09/2016 at 13:57

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I’m going off of Andrew’s review on the FP. He’s always seemed pretty on-point to me.

shop-teacher > HammerheadFistpunch 05/09/2016 at 13:58

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Yep. I liked your marketing ideas down in the comments.