Most pickup guys and gals will tell you that you can't really do anything “serious” with this wannabe truck, but I would beg to differ. With a lock mode for the VTM-4 and a limited-slip rear differential, the Ridgeline can actually tackle some mild off-road situations. As previously noted, the vehicle's towing and payload capacities are very decent and can suit most average tower's and mover's needs.
But where the Ridgeline shines is in its road manners. Its fully independent suspension, the only pickup to offer this setup, conveys the truck with a somewhat compliant ride which does not sacrifice handling or hamper its abilities to do work. In fact, the Honda puts up the sportiest drive of all light-duty trucks, mid- and full-size. Steering is well judged and the brakes are very strong. Easily, a daily commuter with benefits.
Would I buy one?
I'm presently jonesing for a pickup. I've come to that point in my life where my old veedub just doesn't do it for me anymore. I want more – well, something different. Best scenario is to get something to tow, haul, carry and be driven with little thought to ground clearance, oil leaks, brakes seizing and whatnot (who am I kidding, I love my old gal...) and a pickup would fulfil all my needs, including towing the car.
During my week with the Honda, I lugged stuff off to the dump and drove myself to and from Costco with passengers; everything just fit. However, paying nearly $35K for a base Ridgeline seems like a little much (never mind $43,690 for an EX-L NAVI) but it depends on what you need. With the present rebates, similarly-equipped GM Colorados and Canyons and RAM Dakotas are less expensive, equally or more capable but nowhere near as refined. A Ford Ranger or Mazda B-Series are much cheaper but are archaic by comparison.
Given that the Ridgeline is a gifted vehicle, perhaps less in the looks department, I firmly believe that it is ahead of its time. I'm willing to bet that if Honda gets the next generation of the Ridgeline sheet-metal right, it will sell well.
But where the Ridgeline shines is in its road manners. Its fully independent suspension, the only pickup to offer this setup, conveys the truck with a somewhat compliant ride which does not sacrifice handling or hamper its abilities to do work. In fact, the Honda puts up the sportiest drive of all light-duty trucks, mid- and full-size. Steering is well judged and the brakes are very strong. Easily, a daily commuter with benefits.
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| The Ridgeline shines is in its road manners. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Would I buy one?
I'm presently jonesing for a pickup. I've come to that point in my life where my old veedub just doesn't do it for me anymore. I want more – well, something different. Best scenario is to get something to tow, haul, carry and be driven with little thought to ground clearance, oil leaks, brakes seizing and whatnot (who am I kidding, I love my old gal...) and a pickup would fulfil all my needs, including towing the car.
During my week with the Honda, I lugged stuff off to the dump and drove myself to and from Costco with passengers; everything just fit. However, paying nearly $35K for a base Ridgeline seems like a little much (never mind $43,690 for an EX-L NAVI) but it depends on what you need. With the present rebates, similarly-equipped GM Colorados and Canyons and RAM Dakotas are less expensive, equally or more capable but nowhere near as refined. A Ford Ranger or Mazda B-Series are much cheaper but are archaic by comparison.
Given that the Ridgeline is a gifted vehicle, perhaps less in the looks department, I firmly believe that it is ahead of its time. I'm willing to bet that if Honda gets the next generation of the Ridgeline sheet-metal right, it will sell well.
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