I normally don't complain but, this irks me.....

[Rodek]

I'm not the type that normally complains but:

Why do stock and RTX Ridges not come with MP3 stereos? Even bargain basement model vehicles from other makes come stock with MP3 capable radios. What gives? :? The Ridge is not a low end vehicle so why are we stuck with low end stock radio's?

The add on MP3 unit is priced way out of proportion. Retail is 533.00!!! for the "add on unit". The stock radio retails at 613.52. Add those two together for a whopping 1146.52. Thankfully, I did not purchase an add on MP3 unit!

Honda should make a "no radio" option available. Saving all the money from the subpar overpriced lo-fi stock unit could have allowed me to purchase a radio more on par with the Ridgeline itself.

[tomcat]

They should make a no tire and wheel option also for those that want different ones. Did you look into a used RL that would have saved you thousands. :wink:

[Rodek]

tomcat wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
They should make a no tire and wheel option also for those that want different ones. Did you look into a used RL that would have saved you thousands. :wink:



Tom,

I was actually in a grumpy mood when I posted my topic about the audio unit in the RTX.

The wheel and tire option is viable but, not as viable as the stereo. You have to have wheels/tires not a radio. A used RL to save thousands for a better stereo? How about a higher quality stereo to match the quality of the Ridge?

The low level stereo seemed like an after thought to an otherwise excellent audio system. Care was taken to design a decent speaker arrangement so why skimp on the audio unit? I've owned numerous Hondas over the last nearly 20 years and I'm loyal to the brand.

I'm simply disappointed in the fact that there's alot of advanced technology in the RL. Multiple airbags, 4wd system, Stability control, sensors in the seats that tell the airbag system which bags to inflate at what force, Roll sensors, ladder frame integrated into a unibody design, oil life monitors, trunk in the bed etc... only to have them install an early 90's era audio unit.

Troy

[Rodek]

Audio system issue resolved. I replaced the stock radio with an aftermarket one. The OEM speakers actually came to life. All is well in my Ridge. :D

[Ultra-Hog]

I find the Navi based audi system to be excellent. Not that it couldn't stand to be tweaked a bit (no pun intended). I do find that the XM radio user interface is severely lacking. I also have an XM Roady II and it has far better features than the Honda unit has. As to the factory speakers, they are the best sounding $3.29 speakers that I have ever heard! I am simply amazed that Honda would put such cheap crappy speakers in a vehicle like the Ridgeline. I replaced mine with Infinity 6012i 2-way speakers and it made a HUGE difference. The factory sub-woofer is poor at best but with the Infinity speakers I usually have the factory sub turned off or at least way down all the time.

[alsridgeline]

I'm 54 years young and I can remember, buying a car from the factory (american made cars), that you can order with different radio or no radio, different rim and trims. You had a chose of Vynl seat or material cloth. You also could match the inside and outside color. You also could pick you engine and transmission out. The only problem was that the car was made like sh-t.
Rust, rear bumpers coming off, (1973 Old Cutless Supreme) Wrong engines install and was told it was a Old's 350 rocket. but it was a Chevy.
Today it's Package A B C etc. :twisted:

[Moby1]

I asked a buddy of mine at Ford why Honda is somewhat limited regarding stereo choices. He replied that this is one small way to keep down production costs. If each model comes standard with a certain stereo then assembly doesn't slow down, options will be installed at the dealer after you purchase the vehicle. He believed it is along Honda's way of thinking keep it simple and well made, don't produce products within your company that compete with one another. I believe he was hinting at how some Domestic manufacturers produce vehicles under different badges that compete with one another within the same demographic market. That the reproduction of labor is inefficient.

I really don't know if his opinion is valid as he studied engineering in school... I would prefer to spend my money on an aftermarket system, get more bang for your buck.