New Honda pickup truck

short box workaround....

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...psnni80wpe.jpg

I like it. Doesn't suit my current needs, but in slightly different circumstances it would. As was said, probably 50% of full size owners never come close to using the full capacity of their truck, another 25% only occasionally.

Seems to be a lot of testosterone when it comes to trucks, but 1600 lb payload, 5-6K towing and AWD meets most trucks purposes as they are currently used. Also a very large demographic that simply like the functionality of an open cargo bed for simplicity and cleanliness (like carrying bikes or other outdoor gear). There's a reason people like trucks and lots of other people want that functionality but in a more rounded, all purpose package.

But as was said, they need to get the fuel economy (and price) beating the fullsize market significantly before the medium (or small) truck market will really take off again. Not sure that is going to happen anytime soon.

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Originally Posted by terrym

I also drive a 2015 Ram 1500 with the hemi. I am amazed at the mileage I get with that thing. I average 12/100 very easily and if cruising on hiway only it drops down to 9-10/100 at 115KMH speed.

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You're doing better than NRCan and Chrysler. City = 15.7, Hwy = 10.9, Combined = 13.6

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/fcr-rcf/publi...Search#aSearch

I'd like to see the REAL world numbers on the new(?) 3.5 V6 that Honda put in this truck. Unless it is groundbreaking, I'd guess around 12 or 13 combined. Below 14 in the winter.

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Originally Posted by Wahoo

You're doing better than NRCan and Chrysler. City = 15.7, Hwy = 10.9, Combined = 13.6

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I was amazed when i saw the mileage these Hemis now give. And this is with a 6 speed tranny. They also make an 8 speed which may even be more efficient. This thing has so much torque that you never have to be a lead foot to get around. Sometimes the bigger engine actually helps mileage.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by terrym

I was amazed when i saw the mileage these Hemis now give. And this is with a 6 speed tranny. They also make an 8 speed which may even be more efficient. This thing has so much torque that you never have to be a lead foot to get around. Sometimes the bigger engine actually helps mileage.

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Had a buddy ditch his V6 4x4 Tacoma (which he really liked, bulletproof) for a 4x4 V8 GM. He ended up with the same mileage while getting a much nicer, larger (obviously), better towing vehicle (which he does a lot). It must be a case of diminishing returns with the 3.5 litre V6 sized motors in heavy vehicles - just not worth the R&D to squeeze 1/10ths of litre mileage improvements. V8's are where it is.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wahoo

Had a buddy ditch his V6 4x4 Tacoma (which he really liked, bulletproof) for a 4x4 V8 GM. He ended up with the same mileage while getting a much nicer, larger (obviously), better towing vehicle (which he does a lot). It must be a case of diminishing returns with the 3.5 litre V6 sized motors in heavy vehicles - just not worth the R&D to squeeze 1/10ths of litre mileage improvements. V8's are where it is.

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I agree. Sometimes a truck should just be a truck. The direction Ford went with Aluminum and Turbos scares me. My mechanic told me it can cost North of $5k to replace the turbos if they blow. How many body shops have the expertise to properly handle aluminum body parts? Is the minimal extra mileage worth it?

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Originally Posted by Wahoo

Had a buddy ditch his V6 4x4 Tacoma (which he really liked, bulletproof)

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I had coffee with a guy this morning and we had this discussion, he looked at the Ridgeline but decided, all else being pretty much equal, to go with the Tacoma.

I've been in his truck a few times and it's to small for me, especially when your in your winter work cloths etc. I'll suck up the cost of fuel in exchange for a truck that is comfortable to sit in and drive.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by terrym

I was amazed when i saw the mileage these Hemis now give. And this is with a 6 speed tranny. They also make an 8 speed which may even be more efficient. This thing has so much torque that you never have to be a lead foot to get around. Sometimes the bigger engine actually helps mileage.

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I have the new 8 speed tranny in my Ram 1500 & it really sips the fuel. I have a 6 year bumper to bumper warranty so even if things crap out on me I am covered. So far so good...

What sealed the deal also was getting 6 years @ 0% interest. I can just imagine what the payment would be on the Honda Ridgeline....

I got the Honda Ridgeline for my parents but to me it's a toy truck. I drive a Dodge Ram 1500 and the next one coming later this year will be the same. Once you start driving a full size pick up you never go back.


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Tacoma's are smaller. They were designed and intended to be that way. Smaller has some advantages and some dissadantages. They cannot be compared to full size vehicles, because they are not full size.
If you want to compare full size trucks then compare them to the Toyota Tundra. Their 1/2 ton offering is a well made truck.
Most 1/2 ton comparison tests are between the big 3 . I suspect many times Ford, Dodge and Chev are afraid to include the Tundra.
The down side of the Tundra is they don't make anything larger than the 1/2 ton. Also, they are very expensive.

With respect to the new Ridgeline - its really nice looking. Honda is a top notch auto/truck maker but I suspect the Ridgeline is more suited to picking up the groceries than pulling a good size boat or trailer.