Thoughts after a week

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

This was the most researched purchase I've ever made. I test drove it 5 or 6 times and had it over night twice. In all, I thought about this purchase for over a month.

Till last week I drove a 4WD Dodge Ram Hemi. It was big, imposing, and I loved it. As big as it was it was a bit impracticle and a overkill for my actual needs. Although I liked it, there were numerous small things that bugged me about the truck. At the top of the list was it got about 10 MPG city and no better than 14MPG on the Hwy. A nice truck, but it was costing to much to operate and I wasn't enjoying it.

Fast forward to the Ridgeline. I LOVE TO DRIVE THIS TRUCK! It's a blast to drive and I actually enjoy driving to work. So far in town it's getting about 15MPG. A 50% increase over the Dodge. It's easy to drive. It fits in parking spots easier, is quite nimbal and has a much better turning radious than my Dodge. This makes city driving much easier and enjoyable. The interior is very well laid out. Most switches and controls are well placed and easy to reach. I would however move the sunroof switch and I think the steering column needs to be about 2 inches closer to me. I feel like I'm reaching too far for the steering wheel. I'm also not sure if I like the rubber floor mats. I know it's a truck, but I want carpet.

The ride of the RIdgeline is good for a truck. It's a bit rough on bumpy roads, but what truck isn't. My Dodge handled a bit better, but it also had the 20" wheels which made it handle like a car. I love the way that truck handled. I'm not gonna lie and say it has plenty of power, it could use a bit more. Consittering my needs and limited light towing I do. It will be fine. For the most part, it's a typical Honda. It's very good in most areas. Honda never claims to be the best, but almost all car manufacturers are comparing their one of their cars to something Honda makes. While I don't beleive the Ridgeline will scare the other car companies. I do beleive it will cause them to rethink some of their trucks and maybe influence new designs on the drawling board. Who would have thought someone would have built a front wheel drive mid size pickup.

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

Glad you like the Ridge. My opinion may vary a little from yours as I think the other auto manufacturers are scrambling to redesign more versitility into their 06 models to compete with the Ridge. GM cant take anymore of a hit, they are getting hammered right now and you know they will do anything to keep in pace. This truck that we own is changing one of the oldest auto markets right now as we read these posts. Not sure about the " Honda never claims to be the best " ... Have you seen an Accord commercial? That was their flagship car not to mention Motorcycles and lawn equipment etc etc. Honda is the best at many things.

Again some of this is JMHO, bottom line.. glad you like the Ridge, I love my Ridge too !! :D

[Ridgeline4wd_Archive]

By now everybody's 06 models are set in stone. Honda may cause revesions to 07 or beyone models and could absolutely effect model changes still on the boards.

You never really see Honda comapring their cars to other manufacturers. They have their "After all, it's a Honda" slogan which implys a "as good as our cars are, why would you buy anything else" sort of thinking. Which works for me. If I can spend 27k for a loaded Kia Sorento or 30k for a Pilot. It's no contest, I'm spending the extra money for the Honda.