New Honda pickup truck

Honda just redesigned it's Ridgeline truck. Interesting that Honda doesn't decide to get into the real truck category since it's such a huge market in NA. This new truck has a unibody design so would be limited in payload and capability to take abuse but reality is most truck owners never use them for what they were designed. I doubt the people who hang here are the typical truck users. I wouldn't buy this but might be a better choice for many who just use them as daily drivers and not beasts of burden or fashion statements.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-relea...300202254.html

Usually these mid-sized pickups aren't very comfy for us full figured guys. I test drove a few last year and found them to tight. Have to wait to see how their new designed cabs pans out.

Not to impressed with a 5' truck bed either....I'm still upset that I sacrificed 2' for a crew cab on my truck. :)

why would you even make one in pickup category when comparing to others you can't beat them in torque or power ratio. I wouldn't want it even as my daily driver, not practical enough.

The cost and fuel efficiency aren't significantly, if at all better, on the small sized trucks either

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Originally Posted by green_head

The cost and fuel efficiency aren't significantly, if at all better, on the small sized trucks either

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That certainly used to be the case. Maybe this next generation will change that?

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Not to impressed with a 5' truck bed either....I'm still upset that I sacrificed 2' for a crew cab on my truck. :)

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You can get a real 8 ft bed and the quad cab. My 3/4 ton dodge diesel has a 8' and quad. Couldn't see myself with a wantaby truck. I like seeing the big lifted 4x4 grocery getters parked at the mall, never leave the pavement as they might get dirty.

I can't remember what colour my Chev is??:whacked:

I owned a 2009 Ridgeline up untill Aug of 2015.

It was a nice daily driver & traded it in for a new 2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn. :)

However it started to go downhill @ only 150,000km.

The inbed trunk is great except when you have a load of drywall in the back...LOL
It was a pig on Gas especially when towing my little 16ft boat. My Ram get's better gas milage & it's got a HEMI!!
Bed was painfully small when I went on hunting trips.
Started to rust around the wheel wells.
AC crapped out on me.
Air bag sesnor came on.
Rear windows stoped working.
Hard starting in the cold.
The maintenance cost on the Honda trucks are a killer. The fluids used are like liquid gold & need to be changed often.
Very low ground clearence.

I did get a really good trade in value so all was not lost in the end.

Would I buy another one. Nope I am a Dodg man now & loving the Hemi!!

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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

Would I buy another one. Nope I am a Dodg man now & loving the Hemi!!

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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. The power on this thing is very addictive. Doesn't break a sweat towing my boat, ever. I'm near 60K on it now and other than routine oil changes and a tire rotation that revealed lots of life left on the brakes not a single hiccup so far. That 5.7 Hemi is about the perfect engine in that size truck. Great on gas and tons of HP and torque. I had always heard Dodge products sucked but this thing has not had a single issue in 12 months and almost 60k.

I see more Ridgelines in the city then out here in the depths of rural Ontario.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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.

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Originally Posted by mike

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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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I'm on my first full sized truck and have to admit I like it. My wife got my jeep and it feels like a gocart now.

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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

I owned a 2009 Ridgeline up untill Aug of 2015.

It was a nice daily driver & traded it in for a new 2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn. :)

However it started to go downhill @ only 150,000km.

The inbed trunk is great except when you have a load of drywall in the back...LOL
It was a pig on Gas especially when towing my little 16ft boat. My Ram get's better gas milage & it's got a HEMI!!
Bed was painfully small when I went on hunting trips.
Started to rust around the wheel wells.
AC crapped out on me.
Air bag sesnor came on.
Rear windows stoped working.
Hard starting in the cold.
The maintenance cost on the Honda trucks are a killer. The fluids used are like liquid gold & need to be changed often.
Very low ground clearence.

I did get a really good trade in value so all was not lost in the end.

Would I buy another one. Nope I am a Dodg man now & loving the Hemi!!

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My son bought a Dodge Ram 1500 a few months ago, sticker price $52.000.00 after all the BS employee discount number from a friend and other incentives out the door price #37,000.00.

Three weeks ago got a re call notice in the mail, rear axle prone to falling off, will need to bring her in for inspection and possibly replacement. OMG

Was supposed to bring her in two weeks ago for a scheduled appointment and the dealer called me and told him to wait as they "didn't have the fluids in stock".LOL

No wonder I,am a Toyota guy all the way,

For those interested in the re call

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2015...e-problem.html

the most reliable car I ever owned was a Camry XLE ( made in Japan ). Never even burn't a lightbulb in 350,000 kms. Fabulous car. My buddy drives a Tundra which has been a nightmare. Transfer case, diff, and thousands in repairs. We don't even let him drive on our moose hunts because we don't trust it. They all have lemons and recalls.

http://media.toyota.ca/categories/recalls

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Originally Posted by terrym

the most reliable car I ever owned was a Camry XLE ( made in Japan ). Never even burn't a lightbulb in 350,000 kms. Fabulous car. My buddy drives a Tundra which has been a nightmare. Transfer case, diff, and thousands in repairs. We don't even let him drive on our moose hunts because we don't trust it. They all have lemons and recalls.

http://media.toyota.ca/categories/recalls

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I agree with you,one of my first cars was a Toyota Corona rear wheel drive,went everywhere with the thing,bullet proof.Then I got a Tercel,again great car,then a Celica,again great car.

I think the test should be the re sale value especially in trucks, the comparison between Toyota and domestic is huge.I know they are more to buy initially but there is a reason for that.

Probably the same reason why Toyota almost never has to post TV commercials for their trucks, they sell themselves.

I'm on my second ridgeline. They are no cheaper on gas than a full sized truck, but when the wife wants a mini-van and is happy to compromise and settle for the ridgeline, but won't even consider a full sized truck, the ridgeline is awesome.

My first one was in excellent condition when I traded it in with 258000 Km on it. I had only changed the tires, brake pads and once I had to replace the starter. I did change the oil every 10000 Km religiously. Other than that, It needed no repairs. I am on my second one now and its just as good. The only reason I got a new one was because I was worried that, with that many miles on it, I would soon have to start replacing parts.

My 700 cc Yamaha grizzly fits in the box, so do deer, moose, and bears. The wife thinks its just as good as a van. With those few points considered, its perfect for me. Although I do wish for a jacked up full sized truck.

MC

In the end if it will haul an ATV in the bed and have at least 6000lbs towing capacity it would serve me fine but if it's the same money to buy and feed as a full sized truck I will opt for the truck. Once you live with one for a while they grow on you. Still, a Ridgeline is probably all the truck 75% of buyers need.

The Toronto Star has a write up about it in today's wheels section.Only part they missed was price,maybe not set yet.

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Originally Posted by mastercaster

I'm on my second ridgeline. They are no cheaper on gas than a full sized truck, but when the wife wants a mini-van and is happy to compromise and settle for the ridgeline, but won't even consider a full sized truck, the ridgeline is awesome.

My first one was in excellent condition when I traded it in with 258000 Km on it. I had only changed the tires, brake pads and once I had to replace the starter. I did change the oil every 10000 Km religiously. Other than that, It needed no repairs. I am on my second one now and its just as good. The only reason I got a new one was because I was worried that, with that many miles on it, I would soon have to start replacing parts.

My 700 cc Yamaha grizzly fits in the box, so do deer, moose, and bears. The wife thinks its just as good as a van. With those few points considered, its perfect for me. Although I do wish for a jacked up full sized truck.

MC

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Same newspaper today profiles the new Nissan Titan,take a look at this brute.

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Originally Posted by Gilroy

My son bought a Dodge Ram 1500 a few months ago, sticker price $52.000.00 after all the BS employee discount number from a friend and other incentives out the door price #37,000.00.

Three weeks ago got a re call notice in the mail, rear axle prone to falling off, will need to bring her in for inspection and possibly replacement. OMG

Was supposed to bring her in two weeks ago for a scheduled appointment and the dealer called me and told him to wait as they "didn't have the fluids in stock".LOL

No wonder I,am a Toyota guy all the way,

For those interested in the re call

http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2015...e-problem.html

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I got the same re-call notice for my Ram 1500...

They just inspected mine & no corrosion was found so they didn't touch it. I was happy they didn't have to tear in to my axle on my new truck... :) LOL

I'm on my second Tacoma with the new 2016. I drive Tacoma cause I like the reliability and features. I know that I don't get better gas mileage compared to full size. The V6 just works harder. If I take it easy the mileage is great but once I push it I really start to notice.

Some of the reasons I don't go full size is primarily for size. Full size doesn't fit in my garage. I need the added security of parking in the garage for what i leave in the truck. I also frequent the Gowganda/Shinning Tree/Grassy area for back lake fishing and hunting. There are not to many goat trails I can't get down up there. I have towed boats, pontoons, campers, and been to some far out places with the Tacoma where people have shaken their head that I got there. She isn't the prettiest girl at the dance with all the scratches but you'll have the most fun with her. We have full size Chevy and Dodge truck guys in our crew and sometimes they are just too wide.

I have been stopped by Atv'ers who say a truck can't get down a trail but I amaze myself with what that truck can do.

2005 vs 2016 I like the older one better so far.

Nice little truck, plenty of power to tow pretty much anything an outdoor guy needs and you get the Honda quality.

Regarding a Tacoma, my dad and a guy at the camp have one, so a full size belly and both have no problem going in an out. I would consider going from a full size 1/2t to a Tacoma when mine is done.

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Originally Posted by green_head

The cost and fuel efficiency aren't significantly, if at all better, on the small sized trucks either

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The technology has gotten a lot better but they have the same fuel consumption and give you more power. I looked at the new 4Runner about a month ago, the thing is massive, it would never fit into a normal garage and gets the same fuel economy as my 1998 4Runner that I had to get rid of a few years back.

I have a 2010 Matrix now, the last 2 fill ups were under $30 and I have no problem putting 400lbs of wood pellets or feed in the back, that is the same as 2 average guys in the back seat. I have also put a deer in there, we got a cheap truck now but that hatch was my pickup for a couple years.

:silly:

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...a2bb48b2cd.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...710c813d54.jpg

This new Honda Ridgeline is going to be available in a quad cab with a 5'4" bed on the back. The main feature I would say is this truck is going to be available in front wheel drive. This is a nice option for fuel efficiency and a bit of ground clearance, so with a good set of snow tires it will be great in the winter. If this set up is priced around $26k to $28k that makes a pretty nice little pick up for someone who doesn't need full size v8 or 4x4. Don't kid yourselves a front wheel drive truck like this and a good set of snows will be great. At $28k it's a hell of a lot better than a $40k F150 XTR, just my opinion.

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Originally Posted by Max-4

This new Honda Ridgeline is going to be available in a quad cab with a 5'4" bed on the back. The main feature I would say is this truck is going to be available in front wheel drive. This is a nice option for fuel efficiency and a bit of ground clearance, so with a good set of snow tires it will be great in the winter. If this set up is priced around $26k to $28k that makes a pretty nice little pick up for someone who doesn't need full size v8 or 4x4. Don't kid yourselves a front wheel drive truck like this and a good set of snows will be great. At $28k it's a hell of a lot better than a $40k F150 XTR, just my opinion.

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The problem is that nobody pays 40k for a basic F150. I paid 26k for mine, brand new, 300hp V6, 4x4, and a 6.5 bed.

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Originally Posted by Max-4

This new Honda Ridgeline is going to be available in a quad cab with a 5'4" bed on the back. The main feature I would say is this truck is going to be available in front wheel drive. This is a nice option for fuel efficiency and a bit of ground clearance, so with a good set of snow tires it will be great in the winter. If this set up is priced around $26k to $28k that makes a pretty nice little pick up for someone who doesn't need full size v8 or 4x4. Don't kid yourselves a front wheel drive truck like this and a good set of snows will be great. At $28k it's a hell of a lot better than a $40k F150 XTR, just my opinion.

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Base price is showing around $30,000.00 US or $42,000.00 Canadian. My 2009 Ridgeline EXL was around $36,000.00. It will be priced around the same as a Tacoma. Mucho coin for a little truck.

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Originally Posted by 3Wheelerdude

The problem is that nobody pays 40k for a basic F150. I paid 26k for mine, brand new, 300hp V6, 4x4, and a 6.5 bed.

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The worst part of this statement is that you ended up with a Ford :)

Ha ha, kidding, kidding.

I cannot believe how expensive trucks have become, when I was a kid trucks were the cheap vehicles, people got trucks because they were plain and they were cheap, not to drive but to own. Trucks now are the most expensive option out there and the ones that are made to do every job are generally not very good at either.

The worst part about the Honda is that the spare tire access is through the bed, think about that one, even my 4Runner had a spare drop below. Have fun unloading a bed full of gravel, dirt of lumber on the side of the highway before you change you flat.

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Originally Posted by Fox

The worst part of this statement is that you ended up with a Ford :)

Ha ha, kidding, kidding.

I cannot believe how expensive trucks have become, when I was a kid trucks were the cheap vehicles, people got trucks because they were plain and they were cheap, not to drive but to own. Trucks now are the most expensive option out there and the ones that are made to do every job are generally not very good at either.

The worst part about the Honda is that the spare tire access is through the bed, think about that one, even my 4Runner had a spare drop below. Have fun unloading a bed full of gravel, dirt of lumber on the side of the highway before you change you flat.

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LOL when I had my RL that never happened but I am sure it was just a matter of time. The nice thing is the spare was kept just like brand new away from the elements... :)

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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

The nice thing is the spare was kept just like brand new away from the elements... :)

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Both my 4Runners and my last GMC required blow torches to remove the spare tire...not the best for side of the road repairs...but then I have always had CAA so it was not really an issue :)

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Originally Posted by bellerivercrossbowhunter

Base price is showing around $30,000.00 US or $42,000.00 Canadian. My 2009 Ridgeline EXL was around $36,000.00. It will be priced around the same as a Tacoma. Mucho coin for a little truck.

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So if your EXL (top of the line) was $36 grand V6 and AWD, wouldn't a 2017 FWD V6 LX (middle trim) be around $28k to $30k Canadian? Assuming they keep the same pricing model as previous generation. There is no way the base price is $42,000 Canadian as you stated above.....

cute superbowl commercial for the Ridgeline ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTaCT8ZmdJA

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Originally Posted by Fox

The worst part about the Honda is that the spare tire access is through the bed,

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I hadn't realized till I watched the video that there is a 'hidden' trunk in the bed..what a great idea...don't know how many time I've had feed in the open bed of the open P/U and it has started to rain.

http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/69/69e95...6bcaa70739.jpg

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Both my 4Runners and my last GMC required blow torches to remove the spare tire...not the best for side of the road repairs...but then I have always had CAA so it was not really an issue :)

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It is part of the maintenance, when I rotated the tires I would drop the spare, check it for pressure and lubricate everything before lifting it back up. I am surprised though how many people do not consider their spare until they are stuck on the side of the road.

Lithium grease is my friend, every joint gets a shot.

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Originally Posted by Fox

It is part of the maintenance,

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They all came that way..damage already done :)

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Originally Posted by Fox

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Both my 4Runners and my last GMC required blow torches to remove the spare tire...not the best for side of the road repairs...but then I have always had CAA so it was not really an issue :)

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It is part of the maintenance, when I rotated the tires I would drop the spare, check it for pressure and lubricate everything before lifting it back up. I am surprised though how many people do not consider their spare until they are stuck on the side of the road.

Lithium grease is my friend, every joint gets a shot.

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That's a good idea.

After getting a flat bottomed out I also keep a spare jack. Getting that tire out on some trails can be tricky.

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Originally Posted by Mdiddi

That's a good idea.

After getting a flat bottomed out I also keep a spare jack. Getting that tire out on some trails can be tricky.

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On the trails I have a 48in farm jack too, works well to pull you out as well, the bottle jack goes in too and a few boards in case you are in soft stuff.

I miss my 4x4

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Originally Posted by Max-4

So if your EXL (top of the line) was $36 grand V6 and AWD, wouldn't a 2017 FWD V6 LX (middle trim) be around $28k to $30k Canadian? Assuming they keep the same pricing model as previous generation. There is no way the base price is $42,000 Canadian as you stated above.....

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Base price is $30,000 US for the lowest trim level.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...ng-for-feature

This makes sense as the Pilot (Honda SUV) that is the platform for the Ridgeline starts at $37K Canadian for the lowest trim 2WD version.

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Originally Posted by Species8472

Base price is $30,000 US for the lowest trim level.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...ng-for-feature

This makes sense as the Pilot (Honda SUV) that is the platform for the Ridgeline starts at $37K Canadian for the lowest trim 2WD version.

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Did I mention I am glad I bought a 2015 Ram instead of waiting for the new RL to be in stock? LOL Maybe in the long run I will have some regrets but for now I am loving the room & oh ya Hemi power with decent fuel economy!!!!!! :)

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Originally Posted by green_head

The cost and fuel efficiency aren't significantly, if at all better, on the small sized trucks either

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I drive Rigeline 2010 and it is very fuel efficient. The average consumption is 11-13L/100km, depends on outside temperature, in mixed environment (city/highway). Of course, I bough it for hunting and do not need use it for heavy work.

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Originally Posted by cuulguy

I drive Rigeline 2010 and it is very fuel efficient. The average consumption is 11-13L/100km, depends on outside temperature, in mixed environment (city/highway). Of course, I bough it for hunting and do not need use it for heavy work.

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Actually my Dodge Ram averages @ 12-13 overall and will cruise at 10 on the highway. That's with a 5.7 Hemi and a 10,000 lb tow capacity. The new full sized trucks aren't your father's gas guzzlers.

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Originally Posted by cuulguy

I drive Rigeline 2010 and it is very fuel efficient. The average consumption is 11-13L/100km, depends on outside temperature, in mixed environment (city/highway). Of course, I bough it for hunting and do not need use it for heavy work.

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Originally Posted by terrym

Actually my Dodge Ram averages @ 12-13 overall and will cruise at 10 on the highway. That's with a 5.7 Hemi and a 10,000 lb tow capacity. The new full sized trucks aren't your father's gas guzzlers.

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One of my company trucks is a 2015 1-ton Sierra Diesel. It get 10L on the highway (cruise at 103) and 14L in town and combined is 12-13. It's got a 5,000 lb payload and tows umpteen thousand (it pulls my fifth wheel and the company mini-ex). The only real trade offs are upfront cost (that's a big one), it's a bit of a pain to park, and I suspect your Dodge probably rides nicer. Oddly the insurance is pretty reasonable as well - less than my wife's minivan. Things certainly have come a long way.