Honda Ridgeline?

[thatoneguy]

Just wondering if anyone out there has any firsthand experience - good or bad - with a Honda Ridgeline. My 2002 Trailblazer probably won't last for than another year or two, so the missus and I are starting to do our homework for a replacement.

We test-drove a Ridgeline, and loved the way it handled and liked the roomy quad cab. I really like the locking "trunk" built into the truck bed - great for stowing ice fishing gear! It also gets good mileage for a truck.

The tradeoffs, as I understand them, are lower towing capacity (but I don't tow anything bigger than my 16' SmokerCraft aluminum) a smaller engine than most comparable trucks, and lack of low-end gearing that might (?) make it less groovy an option for taking out ice fishing?

If anyone has any experiences/thoughts to add either way, I would really appreciate it.

[Jeremy airjer W]

You can think of the ridgeline as nothing more than a honda Pilot with a bed. Its still a front wheel drive vehicle and even though it may be enough to pull your boat its going to be hard on the front wheel drive drive train.

Other than that the bed is not big enough for anything.

I always said I would be the first to buy a Honda truck. Unfortunately they have not made a "mens" model yet!

[CJH]

Airjer nailed it. I believe its based of the Pilot/Odyssey (minivan) platform. Its a car dressed as a truck. The locking compartments are nice, but that's about it.

The performance/mileage is actually poor for that size of vehicle. It barely gets better mileage than most full size trucks. Definitely would not take it off roading or busting through snow banks on the ice.

Honda makes some good vehicles - this is not one of them.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I always said I would be the first to buy a Honda truck.

I'll be behind you

[rundrave]

a few years ago when i looked at them, for the amount of towing, hp and bed size that you would have to give up, it should have much better mpg and a lower price

so instead I went with a dbl cab tacoma with a 6ft bed and have had no complaints.

[Jeremy airjer W]

and then you have a full frame rear wheel drive that will pull till there is no tomorrow and stop it on a dime as well!

[CJH]

The Tacoma would be my choice for a smaller truck and the activities you want to do.

Good Luck!!

[BH5218]

"I always said I would be the first to buy a Honda truck. Unfortunately they have not made a "mens" model yet!"

[thatoneguy]

BH - your situation sounds a lot like mine. I've got a family of four as well, so one of my main questions was whether or not it would have enough space when we pack up to visit the in-lawsdown in Andover. Sounds like that wouldn't be a problem.

I don't need the towing capacity of a full size truck - my 16' boat isn't that heavy - but I am a little concerned as to whether the 4WD on the Ridgeline would let me get off the beaten track when I'm ice fishing.

Sounds like there's ups and downs to it...have to do a little more research I guess. I was hoping to make a purchase this weekend when we're down in the cities. Thanks for the thoughts, guys.

[muddpuppy]

Take one for a spin in the snow and see how you like it

[BH5218]

I agree with Muddpuppy. Take one for a drive this weekend in the snow. I'm sure you'll be able to find plenty of it down here! As for getting off the beaten path, it's worked for me on Upper Red in the past. Of course, like any truck it has it's limitations in the real deep stuff.

WIth the snow we had last weekend, I had to borrow the Ridgeline to my Father so he could get to work on Sunday morning since his streets weren't plowed yet. So then it went through 12+" at that point.

Ultimately just kick some tires and go with your gut.

[Tator2k]

I was looking at the same thing. In the end, because I needed to pull a 17' fishing boat. Instead I was able to go with a used F150 for the same cost.

[thatoneguy]

Well, I decided to (hopefully) hold off for awhile. I'm going to drive my Trailblazer until it dies or until the body falls apart, whichever comes first (at this point it looks like it will come unglued before the engine quits).

I did drive a Ridgeline, though, and really like it. Great ride, went through the snow and ice with no trouble, and has plenty of space for what I need. If the Chevy suffers a career-ending injury this winter - which is not out of the question given its Favre-like condition - I'll probably pick up a Ridgeline off waivers.

[brrrr]

I've owned a Pilot for about 4 years now, Its been the wifes vehicle for about the last 2-3 years and typically our family vehilce for extended trips. I've said to all that ask, it's almost a perfect vehicle for 99% of the time. the only downfall is it is not up to serious off-road conditions, that being said it handles snow and ice (with good tires) very well. never had a problem on a frozen lake. It is a light vehicle (compared even to a trailblazer) and at higher speeds in slippery conditions you will feel that but it still hold the road well. I've tested it on some off road (summer)trails and obsticles to lift a tire off the ground to see how well it does. Lets just say it it not designed for off road manuevers. keep all 4 on the ground and it does ok. I pull a light 16 ft boat or a single snowmobile or atv on occasion and have no problems. I get 20-21 mpg with it on the highway. The ridgelinge is not a replacement for a truck, but it will handle trips out to the lake and light towing ok. I have a close relative that is a Honda Tech, and he has replaced many trannies in that line of vehicles due to a poor design. ( I think most of the issues were resolved about 07 models) he recommends very regular drain and fill service on the tranny to prolong the life. I do mine now every 30K after Honda replaced my original tranny.

I will also say that the Service Dept of Honda has been the best service experince of ANY manufacturer I have ever been to. Had me at a loss for words the way they handled the tranny issue (long after orig warranty expired and purchased from a different dealer). I'll buy another Honda for sure just based on the service.