Honda Ridgeline, MT TRUCK of the year

[Chuck Daily]

Tom - "My money says the RL will be an embaresment to Honda and they will build the next truck with an actual frame like the others do."



Hey Tom, while you're looking into the future, could you give me the winning numbers for the next Powerball drawing? Thanks.



Seriously, now why would Honda, who has a super reputation on building solid reliable vehicles, take a chance by not putting a solid reliable pickup on the market? That makes absolutely no sense.



True, anything new needs to be tested in the "real world" to determine it's realiability but, to tell you the truth, I have no worries about my RL. Part of the reason I bought it was because of Honda's reputation on reliability. Everyone I talked to who have owned a Honda, have nothing but good things to say about their vehicle, and have remarked that they plan on being Honda owners forever. Say what you want, but that speaks volumes.



I got tired of driving "Big 3" vehicles, having them nickle and dime me to death, and I was sick and tired of the less than average realiability. People vote with their feet. If my RL is a disappointment down the road, I will have no qualms about going to another model/maker. I just don't think that is gonna happen.



Man....you guys really know how to kill a thread, don't you?!? :blink:

 

[Deleted deleted]

Reading this thread definitely makes me want to remove the bookmark to MYST and not come back.

 

[Chuck Daily]

Darin, I agree!

 

[TrainTrac]

My money says the RL will be an embaresment to Honda and they will build the next truck with an actual frame like the others do.

Seriously, now why would Honda, who has a super reputation on building solid reliable vehicles, take a chance by not putting a solid reliable pickup on the market? That makes absolutely no sense.

Tom may have a point. I don't think the reliability of Honda products is being disputed, but Toyota's first attempt at a larger-than-compact truck (T100) just couldn't compete, and therefore didn't sell all that well after it's initial introduction. Subsequently, they went back to the drawing board and came up with the Tundra.



Only time and the marketplace will tell about the Ridgeline. I'm glad you like yours, RL, and wish you great success with it. I'm sure others here have similar sentiments, but they just don't care to own a RL themselves right now.

 

[Gavin Allan]

Tom may have a point. I don't think the reliability of Honda products is being disputed, but Toyota's first attempt at a larger-than-compact truck (T100) just couldn't compete, and therefore didn't sell all that well after it's initial introduction. Subsequently, they went back to the drawing board and came up with the Tundra.

Toyota purposely was very conservative with the T100 because they wanted to ease into the American market and win acceptance that way. They knew going in that the T100 would scare the socks off the rednecks and traditional pickup buyers, so they made a very plain, innocuous truck to give the public time to get used to the idea. Then, they unleashed the Tundra and started to put the real hurt on the US automakers.



The big three's market share isn't declining because their products are so good.



I like my SportTrac, but I sure will give the Ridgeline a good hard look when it comes time to trade. The legendary reliability of Honda, along with the way they hold their value is very attractive.

 

[TrainTrac]

They knew going in that the T100 would scare the socks off the rednecks and traditional pickup buyers, so they made a very plain, innocuous truck to give the public time to get used to the idea. Then, they unleashed the Tundra and started to put the real hurt on the US automakers.

That just might be stretching it a bit. I don't think they've put a serious hurt on Ford, Dodge, GM, or Nissan truck sales. The F-150 is still the best selling full-size truck on the market.



From Edmunds' review of the '06 Tundra:

What Edmunds.com Says

If you have to drive a truck every day and heavy-duty towing isn't a concern, a Tundra should be in your driveway.



Pros

Smooth and refined V8, Toyota build quality and reliability, nimble off-road, most carlike of the full-size trucks.



Cons

Lacks serious brawn for towing and hauling, narrow cabin, mediocre seat comfort.



Introduction:

The Tundra, Toyota's full-size truck, has been on sale since 2000. The Tundra competes against the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra twins, the Dodge Ram, the Ford F-150 and the Nissan Titan. The Tundra has been a successful vehicle for Toyota. But it hasn't always been this way. Toyota's first attempt at a full-size truck -- the T100 -- wasn't well received by the American public when it debuted in 1993. Upon introduction, the T100 was offered only as a regular cab without different bed lengths. It also lacked a V8, a serious shortcoming in the eyes of power-hungry, load-towing truck buyers.



While the T100 continued to tank, Toyota engineers and designers began working on a better, more powerful truck that they thought would be more appealing to U.S. buyers. Early on, Toyota figured out that a V8 engine was vital to any full-size truck's sales success in this country. The carmaker also discovered that many pickup trucks are actually used for serious work and play, meaning that payload and towing capacities had to be increased.



At the end of the day, the Tundra still isn't as big and strong as the domestic trucks or Nissan's Titan, nor does it have the usual mind-numbing array of features and options. But for many people, those extras could be superfluous. Toyota's first full-size truck is a very good one, especially for the general consumer rather than the contractor or construction worker. However, the company is well aware that there are plenty of people who would buy a bigger, more powerful Tundra, and you can expect the second-generation truck, due for 2007, to be a true full-size in dimensions and strength.



Powertrains and Performance:

Two engines are available: a 4.0-liter V6 and a 4.7-liter V8. The V6 makes 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, while the V8 musters 271 hp and 313 lb-ft of torque. The V6 comes with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The V8 is offered with the five-speed automatic only. Either engine can be had with four-wheel drive. Maximum towing capacity is 7,100 pounds.

Only 7100 pounds?:huh: The Tundra's competitors have max tow ratings between around 8000 to 9600 pounds. And heck, the forthcoming '07 Sport Trac will have a max tow rating that's only 300 pounds less than the full size Tundra. I'd say Toyota still has a ways to go. Maybe they'll get it right the third time around.

 

[Chuck Daily]

TrainTrac - "Tom may have a point. I don't think the reliability of Honda products is being disputed, but Toyota's first attempt at a larger-than-compact truck (T100) just couldn't compete, and therefore didn't sell all that well after it's initial introduction. Subsequently, they went back to the drawing board and came up with the Tundra.



Only time and the marketplace will tell about the Ridgeline. I'm glad you like yours, RL, and wish you great success with it. I'm sure others here have similar sentiments, but they just don't care to own a RL themselves right now."



Yes, I like my RL, espeically on a day like today, when every 1/4 mile or so, there was a vehicle in the ditch. We got about 5 inches of snow here today, in about 3 hours, and all kinds of people were sliding off the road. I felt safe and secure in my RL, that's for sure.



I can't argue with one thing you said there, TT. Well put. There is always the possibility that the RL could be a flash in the pan, nothing more... or could be Honda's version of the T100. Then again, it could be a highly successful vehicle. Who knows? Like you said, only time will tell.



Gavin - "The big three's market share isn't declining because their products are so good."



And why do you think that is? Part of is because the average American car buyer is pretty loyal to the Big 3, especially pickup and SUV owners (Which is the highest profit margin in the auto industry). But also.....Maybe a little competition from over seas? I'm not just talking Asian products, I'm talking about vehicles coming from Europe too. The American Auto Industry was putting out crap, until they noticed that people were buying foreign vehicles in large numbers because they were well built and reliable. In order for the B3 to compete, they had to match the quality and reliability of the vehicles being shipped here. That's why they are better now. I still think they have a ways to go, but they are better.



Gavin - "I like my SportTrac, but I sure will give the Ridgeline a good hard look when it comes time to trade. The legendary reliability of Honda, along with the way they hold their value is very attractive."



Exactly my sentiments. As I mentioned above, this is my first vehicle that wasn't built by the "Big 3". Nothing against the SportTrac, and not trying to convert anybody, but I think if you take a test drive you will like it a lot. As I mentioned in one of my posts above, I test drove vehicles for over a year, narrowed my selection down to 3 and, after I took that 2nd test drive in the RL, I realized there was no comparison.



Oh, by the way Gavin, TT..... Now this is the way people are supposed to exchange ideas/express their opinions! No name calling or personal attacks. Much appreciated.



RLOwner

 

[Gavin Allan]

I was trying to point out that the reason the big 3's market share is declining is because their products are crappy. Look at the build quality, all the defects, and the poor reliability. Hell-- Ford puts a piece of crap in the SportTrac instead of a real transmission. The rubber elbows were made by monkeys out of chewing gum, The leather steering wheel covers were made from sick cattle. The radio bezels were painted with finger paints. Oh, and the shocks were obviously made by Morton Thyocol, the same company that made the O-rings on the space shuttles that blew up.

Although old school truck purists may sneer at its lack of a solid rear axle and V8 power, the vast majority of modern-day pickup buyers should appreciate the Ridgeline's many attributes. With its manageable size, solid performance, carlike ride and handling and all-around quality, the Honda Ridgeline should be another successful market segment invasion for Honda.

 

[Chuck Daily]

Well, you won't get any argument from me there, Gavin. I guess I misunderstood your meaning (Sarcasim doesn't translate well through the written word).... Plus, I was just trying to be a little politically correct, but yeah, like I said, the B3 have a ways to go.



The reason I got rid of my other truck is because it was literally falling apart. I would close the door and door panels would pop off. The passenger bucket seat back would only stay upright in one position. Seals went. The 4x4 system went to hell and it cost me $1000 to get it fixed. I mean, come on, should a $25K truck be falling apart after 85K miles? I think not! :angry:



That is part of the reason I went with a Honda. I have never owned a Honda before and I am hoping owning a Honda will be more enjoyable than owning a vehicle from the B3.



"Although old school truck purists may sneer at its lack of a solid rear axle and V8 power, the vast majority of modern-day pickup buyers should appreciate the Ridgeline's many attributes. With its manageable size, solid performance, carlike ride and handling and all-around quality, the Honda Ridgeline should be another successful market segment invasion for Honda"



I like that quote.

 

[Josh Langel]

I liked my ST and my Titan, but the <i>second</i> ST was awesome until it started stalling and be WAYYYY unreliable. Now I drive my Tundra. Sure it can be quoted a "not full size" or to some the appearance may not be "I big macho man," but hell... if it lives up to it's reputation then I'll be very happy. So far, so good!!!



RLowner, if you like your truck then thats all that matters. Most here obviously loves their ST so their going to defend it (Hell people are defending it compared to the 07 ST). If they're going to cry over the 2007 ST from FORD, then I think their going to do the same (if not more) for a domestic vehicle that could to give FORD a run for it's money (maybe not now, but you'll see), not to mention Ford quality compared to Honda is... well, I really can't compare . I say if Ford doesn't shape up and stop using cheap-plastic crap for interiors and other parts, then they better be ready to follow GM. SHAPE UP FORD!



From a guy who owned 2 ST's---- Josh

 

[Tom Schindler]

We complain about our Tracs. I do agree, they do have thier problems.



Read on other boards. People complain about many problems they have. Not dissing the RL, but read around that website. You can see they are having thier share of problems with it.



Not every Trac owner has problems with the tranny. Not every Trac has problems with the vacuum elbow cracking. My Trac does not have those problems. The 5R55E tranny in the Trac is the same one they put in the Ranger and the older gen explorer. The Mustang V6 is getting a version of our tranny's.



If the problems were as widespread as we feel they are, Ford would do something about them. It does not make business sense to keep producing an inferior product. The Explorer is the best selling SUV...ever. The sucess was not a sucessful marketing campaign. Sure, market a vehicle right and people will buy, but if every Explorer had tranny problems, the sales would fall from it.



The Explorer has always been the SUV others try to model after. That is thier target point. Explorer sales are only slipping because of high gas prices.



I have seen many Explorers with well over 150,000 miles on them and they keep running. My brothers 1999 Explorer has over 160,000 miles and it shows no signs of not making it to 200,000 and beyond.



As I have said before, Honda is marketing the RL as something I feel it isn't. They claim it is a 1/2 ton truck, but they have set thier sights on the Sport Trac. How can they call it a 1/2 ton truck when it doesn't compare to a 1/2 ton truck like the F-150, Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, or even the Toyota Tundra?



If Ford, GM, or Chrysler did that, the media would be all over them.





Tom

 

[Chuck Daily]

Mud Flap - "RLowner, if you like your truck then thats all that matters. Most here obviously loves their ST so their going to defend it ....."



MF, I didn't come here to cut down the ST. If you read all of my posts, there is not one of them where I trash the ST in any way. I did not come here to trash the ST....that was not my point/purpose. I stumbled on this site, noticed people where making uneducated/unwarrented statements against the RL, and decided to take a stand. That's it, nothing more, nothing less.



I never said the RL was perfect. Well, I did say it is perfect for me, but I never said it was a perfect vehicle. I am sure it will have some issues, as most 1st year vehicles do, and I am sure Honda will address them and make the RL even better the next year it comes out.



Tom - "As I have said before, Honda is marketing the RL as something I feel it isn't...."



I have no problems with that. If you don't like it, you don't like it. To each his own. I mean, variety is the spice of life, and we all have our likes and dislikes. Some of us like blondes, some of us like brunettes, redheads, some like women with big breasts, some like small ones, etc., etc. But I am not about to sit there and rip on another man's woman just because her legs aren't as long as I lilke. Also, I would not rip on another man's vehicle because it doesn't "fit my eye" or fit my particular needs. I respect other people, other people's things, and other peoples' choices. Just becauses I personally don't like something, doesn't make it junk, crap, or a piece of sh!t.



Tom - "If Ford, GM, or Chrysler did that, the media would be all over them."



Now, Tom, you have been one of the more level-headed, reasonable folks that I have had discussions with, but don't you think this statement isn't a bit silly? Do you honestly think there is some sorta media bias towards Honda? You honestly think if Honda were to make outrageous claims, the media wouldn't tear them a new one?



Their claim of the RL being a 1/2 ton pickup is technically correct. I think even you cannot argue that point. So, they can claim it. That's it, nothing more, and nothing less. Now just because it doesn't have the towing capacity of many of the 1/2 ton pickups out there, or have a V8, it may make it less of a towing maching, but it doesn't make it less of a 1/2 ton pickup. Like my comparison above with the F-150 STX.....the STX is gonna out-tow the RL, I don't contest that point, but as far as other options, payload capacity, etc., they are pretty much even. But in saftely, handling, and ride, the RL excells. The RL does everything I want it to do. Now is it any less of a 1/2 ton pickup just because it isn't a "stump puller".... I don't think so.



As the quote that Gavin posted, "Although old school truck purists may sneer at its lack of a solid rear axle and V8 power, the vast majority of modern-day pickup buyers should appreciate the Ridgeline's many attributes. With its manageable size, solid performance, carlike ride and handling and all-around quality......".



I do "appreciate the Ridgeline's many attributes". I does what I want it to do. Just because you particualarly like it, that doesn't make it a piece of junk (Not saying that you said it is a piece of junk....just stating that because some folks posting have).

 

[Tom Schindler]

Actually, I do honestly think the media is biased towards the Japanese automakers.



Take, for example, interference engines. When Ford first built the Escort in 1981, if the timing belt snapped, you destroyed valves. There was such a media uproar about it, Ford from what I last heard, does not make an interference engine with a timing belt.



Honda, Toyota, and VW, to name a few, still build interference engines. Why doesn't the media say anything about that? Why is that acceptable for Honda, Toyota, and VW to build them, but Ford can't without someone reminding them about it?



I could see it now, Ford's 2007 Sport Trac, a true 1/2 ton truck.



The media would say "Ford calls the new Sport Trac a 1/2 ton truck, but it really isn't. Compare it to Dodge, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, and even Fords own F-150, and you will see it is not a 1/2 ton truck.



The Next article. "Honda's 1/2 ton truck is amazing. So comfortable and can keep its own with Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Nissan, and Toyota."





Tom

 

[Chuck Daily]

Maybe the real problem is.....you're biased AGAINST Japanese Automakers?



Personally I don't that that the media is biased towards the Japanese Automakers, but they could very well be. I am not an expert on that subject.



But I think the JA are held to to a higher standard. I mean, they have a long history of putting out very good/reliable vehicles and, if they come out with something that isn't so good, the media is quick to say things like, "It's nice, but it's not as reliable as the previous model".



My .02.

 

[Tom Schindler]

I am biased to anything import. I admit that. I can also smell a rat.





Tom

 

[Gavin Allan]

Nothing wrong with interference engines. Just maintain them properly and don't worry.

 

[Tom Schindler]

Gavin,



I could not agree more. How many people really take good care of thier vehicles? How many people abuse the vehicle they drive then scream foul when it fails?





Tom

 

[Chuck Daily]

Yeah, I figured as much, Tom. Nothing wrong with that. As I have said several times, this is the first import I have ever owned, so we'll see how it goes. I have always believed in "keeping our money at home", but the line between "domestic" and "import" are getting so blurred these days (with domestics using so many foreign made parts), some domestic vehicles are almost as foriegn as some foriegn vehicles. Anyway, I am gonna give Honda a shot......if it don't work out, I guess there's always German vehicles.....although I don't think they make trucks.



Yep, it's always the manufacturer's fault when somebody beats the crap outta vehicle, and never maintains it, and it goes to crap on them. I have run vehicles to over 180 miles by not abusing them and changing the oil every 3000 to 4000 miles. I have been told by some folks that you can go up to 6500 miles on a "dino" oil change and 10K on synthetic. Well, that's all well and good, but I don't mind spending the extra money on a few extra oil changes per year, instead of spending 1000's of dollars on a major mechanical failure.

 

[Tom Schindler]

I change my oil once a year. I drive my vehicles hard and take corners way too hard. I figure if I have any problems, it is my fault. I have seen many GM cars taken my abuse at work and last 200,000 miles. Others did not fare as well, but that is the way it goes.



Cars from Europe are less then reliable, but I have seen more VW's with over 200,000 miles then I have seen Japanese cars with that many.





Tom

 

[Wes Davis]

You don't even want to bring up Volvos. I think they hold the record for the most cars over a million miles.