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I strongly consider getting a Honda Ridgeline truck, since in reality I only need to carry stuff once in a while.
It is the best compromise in my opinion between luxury SUV and truck and can carry family and small loads.
Love the driving feeling (SUV like), very quite, luxury cabin (RTL model) and easily fits 4 people.
I also considered other small trucks (Tacoma, Frontier, etc) but none has the nice SUV drive feeling and/or large enough cabin or bed.
I expect good reliability (since it is a Honda product), anybody has any feedback on it?
I think this truck is a solution looking for a problem. It's not a real truck, it's not a SUV so it doesn't do either very well. IMO it's an example of how Honda lost its way.
Is the best riding, best handling, and probably most reliable four door vehicle with a sizable bed. It can tow 5000 lbs, has great room for 5, has a waterproof and lockable storage compartment under the bed.
It looks a bit weird, and probably doesn't get the fuel economy it should.
But I am very happy with my 2006 model. Bought in late 2005, and has been bulletproof for 99,000 miles so far. Not long ago I replaced the original brake pads (at 89,000 miles). Replaced the battery 76,000 miles. And I am on my second set of tires (my original Michelin LTX rear tires lasted 97,000 miles - I don't rotate).
I occasionally tow jet skis and it works fine to get my Mastercraft boat to the dealer for servicing. The AWD system works very well. I haven't driven in snow, but it apparently does quite well. I have hauled a flatbed with sod, filled the bed with dirt, and of course it carries furniture to my kids college dorm.
The audio system is not state of the art. So I replaced it.
I think this truck is a solution looking for a problem. It's not a real truck, it's not a SUV so it doesn't do either very well. IMO it's an example of how Honda lost its way.
Most "real" trucks are at least 500 lbs overweight. Today's half ton is what 1 ton trucks did ten years ago. And most "SUVs" are pretenders.
I am surprised that Honda hasn't updated the Ridgeline yet. That has kept the used Ridgelines' prices high. I looked into it since I was in the same boat as OP but decided to get a CUV instead since I only really need the carry capacity rarely.
I am surprised that Honda hasn't updated the Ridgeline yet. That has kept the used Ridgelines' prices high. I looked into it since I was in the same boat as OP but decided to get a CUV instead since I only really need the carry capacity rarely.
I think Honda, as many have noted, has struggled with strategy and decision making the last few years. The new Accord looks like a winner, so maybe Honda is getting back on track. Many thought the Ridgeline would go away, but they have kept it alive. I suspect Honda thinks that there will be a market for a non-traditional truck as fewer people buy big half tons. I think they are right - but they need to get better fuel economy than it has today.
Honda did some minor updates, both to the powertrain and styling, in 2009 (I think). MPG was improved slightly and the front end was sharpened a bit.
Several things about a Ridgeline that you may not find outstanding. The YM 2014 will be the last year of production so you'd be buying into a future dinosaur. Sales of the Ridgeline are dismal at best mostly because they're grossly over priced as compared to a real truck. The Ridgeline is not an SUV but and SUT and is alone in this dying class. It does maintain typical Honda quality and they are a long life vehicle with the only caveat being the transmission. Maintain it per owners manual and it's fine but fail to change the transmission fluid on time and it's unforgiving. If it fits your needs better than a Frontier, buy it. If you expect to put only a few miles a year on it, I'd suggest avoiding it as parts may be an issue 5+ years down the road. Resale/trade in may also be an issue later. Why the Honda Ridgeline pickup is driving off into the sunset - Autoweek
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