Long time Honda owner impression

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I've owned four Hondas, including two right now. ('02 Odyssey and '02 Accord) Yesterday my wife set up a test drive of the Ridgeline so I was sort of locked in.

First of all let me say I also have a Toyota pick-up and I have been contemplating replacing her. It has been very dependable, but small and underpowered. (1994)

I've been watching the details from Honda as they have emerged over the last two years on the web. Wish it hadn't taken so long too.

As for the test drive, it wasn't love at first sight. It sort of reminds my of I believe it's the Chevy Avalanche, only shrunk down in size. A little bulky, high hood, a few blind spots because of the body, strange lines on the box and tailgate, big tires and a fair step up to get into.

Had a chance to look at three in Redrock, White, and Black. Test drove the black, an RTS. Interior was very impressive, comfortable and roomy. The salesman was more interested in talking about the radio than providing any pertanent details, though I think I knew more about the truck then he did.

As for the ride and performance, it would beat my 2002 Odyssey. Very responsive, quiet, great handling, good on the turns. I flipped a u-turn at about 35 mph and it hung right in the without a lot of leaning and tire squealing. Tried a few high speed circles and was impressed with the turning radius.

As you can tell, performance won me over, but not yet ready to buy. I'd like to see three to six months of sales to see if any problems develop, although as the saleman and his manager said when they put the squeeze on, you can bet there will soon be a waiting list and just like so many Honda cars and vans before it. When I do decide, I may be waiting months to get one and paying over sticker. This morning the dealer called back for a little more arm twisting, but I held strong.

I'm undecided on model, but I suspect I'll be buying one within a year. Now if it was only a hybred!

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

I am right there with you on the hybrid. I am glad I can't afford one right now anyway, since I really want better gas mileage. I am glad it's the first ULEV truck though.

Honda MUST make this a hybrid, for many reasons other than better fuel economy. For one Toyota already has the Highlander hybrid, the Lexus SUV hybrid will be out soon as well.

D

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

As far as waiting to see what problems pop up. I don't think we will really se any. The entire drivetrain has need in the Pilot since 2003. The only change for the Ridgeline is the rear diff lock. The engine has been in use in the Odysee and the MDX for even longer than that.

If the Ridgeline catches on like they hope, the salesman is right. Within 3-6 months there will be a 3 month or more wait to get one.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

RE AND CHERYL wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")As far as waiting to see what problems pop up. I don't think we will really se any. The entire drivetrain has need in the Pilot since 2003. The only change for the Ridgeline is the rear diff lock. The engine has been in use in the Odysee and the MDX for even longer than that.

If the Ridgeline catches on like they hope, the salesman is right. Within 3-6 months there will be a 3 month or more wait to get one.

My $.02:
We will see a few first year problems - just like the Pilot. Nothing major like the tranny - but there will be some.

Not sure what you are referring to when you say the RidgeLine has a rear diff lock and the Pilot does not. AFAIK, they are exactly the same. They will both lock the rear diff at any speed up to 18mph as long as you are in either 1 or 2 gear (or reverse).

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

colorider wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
RE AND CHERYL wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")As far as waiting to see what problems pop up. I don't think we will really se any. The entire drivetrain has need in the Pilot since 2003. The only change for the Ridgeline is the rear diff lock. The engine has been in use in the Odysee and the MDX for even longer than that.

If the Ridgeline catches on like they hope, the salesman is right. Within 3-6 months there will be a 3 month or more wait to get one.

My $.02:
We will see a few first year problems - just like the Pilot. Nothing major like the tranny - but there will be some.

Not sure what you are referring to when you say the RidgeLine has a rear diff lock and the Pilot does not. AFAIK, they are exactly the same. They will both lock the rear diff at any speed up to 18mph as long as you are in either 1 or 2 gear (or reverse).


They both have VTM-4, but according to the Honda specs., they tweaked it a bit for the Ridgeline.

From the detailed spec sheet:

"While the powertrain is similar to the Acura MDX; the engine, transmission and Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4) have been extensively calibrated and strengthened to meet the more rigorous demands of truck buyers including greater towing and cargo hauling duties."

I hear you about the first year problems colorider, it's going to happen, even with Honda or Toyota. This is one reason why I am waiting. The only 1st model year I ever bought was my 1995.5 Tacoma, the steering rack had to be replaced (under warranty). I believe it was an isolated incident, regardless it's the most major repair I've ever had with either manufacturer.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

CBR600rr wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
They both have VTM-4, but according to the Honda specs., they tweaked it a bit for the Ridgeline.

From the detailed spec sheet:

"While the powertrain is similar to the Acura MDX; the engine, transmission and Variable Torque Management 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4) have been extensively calibrated and strengthened to meet the more rigorous demands of truck buyers including greater towing and cargo hauling duties."

I hear you about the first year problems colorider, it's going to happen, even with Honda or Toyota. This is one reason why I am waiting. The only 1st model year I ever bought was my 1995.5 Tacoma, the steering rack had to be replaced (under warranty). I believe it was an isolated incident, regardless it's the most major repair I've ever had with either manufacturer.

Yeah - as far as I know it is only a tweak (hard to measure those things!!!). Almost as hard to measure as a RCH!!!

:shock:

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

A comment after reviewing the board: Looks like an issue, albeit a minor one, has developed regarding some water leakage. I agree that's the kind of thing you can expect, and by the next model year, those issues should be eliminated.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

[quote="colorider";p="4174"]
My $.02:
We will see a few first year problems - just like the Pilot. Nothing major like the tranny - but there will be some. [quote]

Reading a lot on this blog seems to only reveal a windsheild wind noise problem that is pretty consistent, and some minor trim problems. I don't see a lot of other problems unless I am reading the wrong threads. I think that as long as Honda took to design and produce this truck, and the experience it has gained in other off-road applications, we will probably not see anything bad enough on our Ridgelines to deserve a recall. Every manufacturer is going to have a certain amount of defects, there is no getting around it. Especially if they are a supplier-oriented company like Honda and Toyota are. But Honda has the reputaion of taking care of it's customers. I believe that if our Ridgelines come up with defects, Honda will do it's best to rectify them.