2017 Honda Ridgeline- First Review

[jerem0621]

Link

I like this little truck...seems pretty capable of handling most duties that home owners need. 5,000 lbs towing isn't class leading but it's pretty reasonable for the class. 1550 ish lbs of payload is better than a lot of half ton trucks.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[atreis]

IdaD wrote:
... As a pickup, my main beefs are the lack of a locking differential ...

Is this really true? I've not read up much on the '16s or the new Ridgeline, but the earlier ones (up to the '15 Pilot) had locking differentials.

[RobertRyan]

Bedlam wrote:
The VW Caddy (Pickup) is still very popular and commands a high resale. Some guys are buying them and dropping in later model TDI engines (pre-DEF scandal). I could see taking a Saw-all to my TDI and converting it to a truck, but it wouldn't make DW too happy.

VW Caddy has morphed into something like the Ford Transit Connect here with a 2 Litre diesel, it is the segment leader

[rjstractor]

PAThwacker wrote:
Diesel rabbit trucks were the bomb!

I remember them well. Great mileage but had the acceleration and exhaust smell of an 18-wheeler! 🙂 A modern one with either the TDI diesel or the TSI gas would be sweet. Heck, my Passat has a payload of over 1100 pounds! 😉

[jerem0621]

bigbullelk wrote:
I like the old style better. The new style just looks too car like for me. Though the all black style looks pretty cool.

I'm kind of opposit. I always thought the earlier Ridgeline looked like a mini Chevy Avalanche...like something from a matchbox set.

Although they did look much better after the 2010 facelift.

The new one looks great to me...but I tend to like Honda's current styling.

Now if they would just put a little Diesel in it.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[bigbullelk]

I like the old style better. The new style just looks too car like for me. Though the all black style looks pretty cool.

[Bedlam]

The VW Caddy (Pickup) is still very popular and commands a high resale. Some guys are buying them and dropping in later model TDI engines (pre-DEF scandal). I could see taking a Saw-all to my TDI and converting it to a truck, but it wouldn't make DW too happy.

[jerem0621]

Well said Bill,

Not everyone needs or wants a giant truck. Yes for massive RV's you need a massive truck...but not all RV's are massive. There are many towable recreational vehicles that are a great match for these midsize trucks.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[PAThwacker]

jerem0621 wrote:

Bedlam wrote:
The same can be said about these Subaru's:

Those remind me of the Volkswagen Rabbit truck back in the late 70's early 80's... They were great little trucks!

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Diesel rabbit trucks were the bomb!

[IdaD]

Terryallan wrote:

RWDIII wrote:

Terryallan wrote:
The 5000lb towing capacity is typical of a Front Wheel Drive based SUV, like the Pilot / Ridgeline. IF it was RWD the tow cap would be higher.

No because the FWD version is 3500lb,the All wheel is 5000 lb

In truth. It is FWD with power takeoff for the rear wheels. Instead of RWD with a transfer case, and driveshaft for the front wheels.
RWD based is MUCH more stronger, and capable for towing, off roading and hauling, than FWD based. That's why true 4x4s are RWD based

The previous generation Pilot/Ridgeline has a transfer case - I've even changed the fluid in it. I'm not sure about this new version.

[rv_bill-e]

About all those big tough manly trucks, you may have noticed that we already have plenty of those! Honda is offering something different for those who want something different. Why this seems to bother people or compel them to make fun of it is beyond me. I drive a Silverado in my business to haul bulky but not particularly heavy items. The Ridgeline would handle all of MY needs while providing a nicer ride with better fuel economy, and be easier to park in tight spaces. It would also tow anything that I plan to tow, having no use for huge trailers. Some of actually can use a light truck, believe it or not.
I don't buy my sense of manhood with a ridiculous giant chrome grill and a bed too high to be useful. I'm going to take a close look at the new Ridgeline when it arrives. I'll be sure to keep checking in my pants to make sure that there are no ill effect. If it gets smaller down there then I'll have to run out and buy a Ram Longhorn Edition!

[Terryallan]

RWDIII wrote:

Terryallan wrote:
The 5000lb towing capacity is typical of a Front Wheel Drive based SUV, like the Pilot / Ridgeline. IF it was RWD the tow cap would be higher.

No because the FWD version is 3500lb,the All wheel is 5000 lb

In truth. It is FWD with power takeoff for the rear wheels. Instead of RWD with a transfer case, and driveshaft for the front wheels.
RWD based is MUCH more stronger, and capable for towing, off roading and hauling, than FWD based. That's why true 4x4s are RWD based

[Frostbitte]

At least it looks more like a truck. I'm sure it'll work for a lot of folks out there.

[jerem0621]

Bedlam wrote:
The same can be said about these Subaru's:

Those remind me of the Volkswagen Rabbit truck back in the late 70's early 80's... They were great little trucks!

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[rhagfo]

Mike Up wrote:

RWDIII wrote:

Terryallan wrote:
The 5000lb towing capacity is typical of a Front Wheel Drive based SUV, like the Pilot / Ridgeline. IF it was RWD the tow cap would be higher.

No because the FWD version is 3500lb,the All wheel is 5000 lb

It's still a car based vehicle with the AWD biased toward Front Wheel Drive when there's no tire slip or power applied to combat tire slip. Wife's Explorer is the same way.

That's why the truck based RWD midsize SUVs and the current midsize RWD Durango have 7000# towing.

LOL, to those who have never driven one! :S

My DD 2006 at 88,000 mile towed over specs, 4,800# U-Haul enclosed trailer, three adults, two large 100#+ dogs, bed and trunk near full, weighed trailer, didn't get GCVW. :S

Portland, OR to Bolder, CO, pulled like a champ! Winter driving in Colorado, zero issues with AWD!!!