Topic: Test Drive: 2017 Honda Ridgeline

[AutoTrader.ca]

All-new Ridgeline maintains handy touches from the original, drives like a great big Honda Accord.
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[Noto]

I always love your reviews, Pritch.  Some comical relief a la:

I’m regularly called rude names, offered cupcakes with pink frosting, pressed about man-satchel ownership, and accused of a questionable use of glitter.

(and what's wrong with getting free cupcakes?  Who cares what colour the frosting is!!), a thorough review of the vehicle's standards, and then your opinion on the things that a brochure can't tell you (i.e. driving characteristics, niggles, and great use of features contrary to their original intention (using that storage bin as a giant cooler for tailgating?!  EFFING BRILLIANT!)).  I love that you made a smoothie in the bed of a truck - who does that?

*props*

[HeliDriver]

...and great use of features contrary to their original intention (using that storage bin as a giant cooler for tailgating?!  EFFING BRILLIANT!)). 

Great idea, but it was Honda's. They even say on their website that the trunk "includes a drain plug, so you can use it as an ice chest..."

[KD]

Playing the Lambo soundtrack through the truck bed audio speaker!  Lmao....   Good review! 

[safristi]

BUT It's NOT A DUCK..!!!  but it has a pond in the back..............

[Solstice2006]

Very informative review.  Reinforces my position, if I was in the market for a mid size, it would be the GMC Canyon V6, more value.

[ArticSteve]

Had a drive in one of these.   The base has the Honda/Acura basket of self steering, self braking and self following which really work; combo of radar and cameras.   Heated seats and remote start.  Great base radio.  $36,600.    Grand Slam!

[2JDM]

I love this truck. It actually makes sense for many truck buyers that haul air on a daily basis.

[rrocket]

I love this truck. It actually makes sense for many truck buyers that haul air on a daily basis.

Which is to say...most of them.

[2JDM]

I'm not a truck guy either, but I also LOVE the Tacoma. If I were to test drive both, I'd want the Ridgeline for its refinement and car like handling. The Tacoma wins for overall reputation and youthful looks.

I wouldn't mind a silver Ridgeline, or a red Tacoma Access Cab, V6 4x4 TRD pkg, 6MT!

[84im]

Very informative review.  Reinforces my position, if I was in the market for a mid size, it would be the GMC Canyon V6, more value.

I like this truck too, but not until GM improves its quality control and reliability.  Having said that, from what I've read the new Ridgeline has its share of 'new vehicle' problems.
The first generation Ridgeline was built when Honda was still building high quality and reliable vehicles.  The new Ridgeline-not so much.

[ArticSteve]

I was knocked out regarding how well it drove.  My son's 2017 RDX is infinitely better than his 2013 V6 version.  Other than perhaps the TLX transmission(s) fiasco, I think Honda is killing it in all respects.

Finding no issues @ ridgeline owners.  Speaking of the Colorado, here are a few assuming posts: 

 http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/138-second-generation-2017/145905-should-have-waited-new-owner-thoughts.html


Post #1
Been Interested in the new Ridgeline, since it's announcement, but I got ants in the pants and bought a 2016 Chevy Colorado in May, a LT 4wd, Red Rock Met. in color, 4dr crew cab. It turns out not to have been a wise decision. We like the truck, it's super sharp, etc... but..., it has a host of issues, transmission shifting, engine rattle at start-up & several other things, (my dealer & GM is useless on). My other issue is getting in & out, mostly in. Even with the seat mostly all the way down & back (power) I still hit my head getting in. I thought I could get use to it/live with it, but I can't. I have some back problems, and it just isn't working out. I know the RL has a great ease of entry/exit in comparison. Wished I had cooled my heals & waited on the RL, although I know it has had some issues too. Is it worth the plunge?
 Thanks!

Post #6
I too was in the market for a Chevy Colorado (having had my Avalanche for eleven years). I wanted to downsize from the Tank but still needed a truck and wanted the tech as I was still only able to play CDs (no Bluetooth). The Colorado seemed the best transition and test drove just fine until I drove the Ridgeline. It was like night and day... Like driving a luxury vehicle! Much more headroom, backseat legroom, and it was he only midsize truck with rear seat A/C. Plus the cargo options are better. I've had it now for three weeks and no issues and look forward to driving it everyday. I haul around a lot of musical instrument gear and it's less cumbersome than with my Avalanche. If your looking for a commuter and utility truck it's a no brainier. But you'll have to test drive to see for yourself.

PS

Here is another regarding the Taco.  It's dead on.

Post #8
I test drove a Tacoma 2016 limited before the RL... While it was a solid feeling truck, when I first got in the drivers seat, my head was immediately touching the ceiling even while tilted (I'm 6'3). I had to lean back the seat just to not touch my head. It was uncomfortable. I too had an older ('91) Toyota pickup and didn't remember it being that bad... The Tacoma just felt so cramped!

[Solstice2006]

Very informative review.  Reinforces my position, if I was in the market for a mid size, it would be the GMC Canyon V6, more value.

I like this truck too, but not until GM improves its quality control and reliability.  Having said that, from what I've read the new Ridgeline has its share of 'new vehicle' problems.
The first generation Ridgeline was built when Honda was still building high quality and reliable vehicles.  The new Ridgeline-not so much.

Even the old GM made trucks/suvs well.  With some minor exceptions. The 3.6L is a proven powertrain.  I wouldn't hesitate to buy either of these in terms of reliability. 

[OliverD]

Was telling a good friend of mine the other day that the Ridgeline would be the perfect vehicle for him. He's on his second leased F-150 Crew Cab EB and doesn't "need" a truck per se but his family has a camp that he's been doing renovations on so he hauls tools and supplies to it and he can access it in the off-season and he tows occasionally. He lives downtown so he doesn't drive a ton either.

He's open to checking it out when his lease is up but no way will the Ridgeline be as cost-effective from a leasing standpoint and I suspect he'll end up in another F-150.

[safristi]

All along the Ridgeline ...the answerver my friend is blowin in tha windlass..........

[evil_twin]

I love this truck. It actually makes sense for many truck buyers that haul air on a daily basis.

Agreed.   But similar to the new Pilot, I just can't get behind the looks.   That bland, smushed front end does not inspire any thoughts of masculine design.   Which, IMO, I'd want in a truck.  Vain or not...

Tundra looks much better.

[SaskSpecV]

I really like the new RL.  Now that the flying buttresses are gone, styling is fine.  And the functionality is still top-notch.

More than ever I'm gravitating towards the midsize truck class - especially RL and Coloranyon.  Right sized cabin, more than enough capability for most ppl, and the narrower width (and shorter height) appeals to me.  The 2500 is so awkward in comparison - a beast to get the kids in and/out of, rough riding, has little room in the back, such a fuel pig, etc. 

But damn can it tow 9000+ lbs of horse & gooseneck trailer!

[KD]

I really like the new RL.  Now that the flying buttresses are gone, styling is fine.  And the functionality is still top-notch.

More than ever I'm gravitating towards the midsize truck class - especially RL and Coloranyon.  Right sized cabin, more than enough capability for most ppl, and the narrower width (and shorter height) appeals to me.  The 2500 is so awkward in comparison - a beast to get the kids in and/out of, rough riding, has little room in the back, such a fuel pig, etc. 

But damn can it tow 9000+ lbs of horse & gooseneck trailer!

My last work truck was a 2007 2500HD and it did haul well, and liked to swill gas for sure. It also had a small tank, so I was filling up almost daily, and often twice.  Great sounding engine though! 

The seats were some of the worst I've ever sat on though, which made it uncomfortable as hell on a long trip. 

The flying buttress was the achillies heel of the last RL design for me, so nice to see that gone, and this one looks much better in the flesh.

[Solstice2006]

I really like the new RL.  Now that the flying buttresses are gone, styling is fine.  And the functionality is still top-notch.

More than ever I'm gravitating towards the midsize truck class - especially RL and Coloranyon.  Right sized cabin, more than enough capability for most ppl, and the narrower width (and shorter height) appeals to me.  The 2500 is so awkward in comparison - a beast to get the kids in and/out of, rough riding, has little room in the back, such a fuel pig, etc. 

But damn can it tow 9000+ lbs of horse & gooseneck trailer!

Holy $hit! Twice in a day!  Never done that.  Ya I know, I don't drive an HD truck....Or a tank!

My last work truck was a 2007 2500HD and it did haul well, and liked to swill gas for sure. It also had a small tank, so I was filling up almost daily, and often twice.  Great sounding engine though! 

The seats were some of the worst I've ever sat on though, which made it uncomfortable as hell on a long trip. 

The flying buttress was the achillies heel of the last design for me, so nice to see that gone, and this one looks much better in the flesh.

[KD]

I really like the new RL.  Now that the flying buttresses are gone, styling is fine.  And the functionality is still top-notch.

More than ever I'm gravitating towards the midsize truck class - especially RL and Coloranyon.  Right sized cabin, more than enough capability for most ppl, and the narrower width (and shorter height) appeals to me.  The 2500 is so awkward in comparison - a beast to get the kids in and/out of, rough riding, has little room in the back, such a fuel pig, etc. 

But damn can it tow 9000+ lbs of horse & gooseneck trailer!

Holy $hit! Twice in a day!  Never done that.  Ya I know, I don't drive an HD truck....Or a tank!

My last work truck was a 2007 2500HD and it did haul well, and liked to swill gas for sure. It also had a small tank, so I was filling up almost daily, and often twice.  Great sounding engine though! 

The seats were some of the worst I've ever sat on though, which made it uncomfortable as hell on a long trip. 

The flying buttress was the achillies heel of the last design for me, so nice to see that gone, and this one looks much better in the flesh.

Not hard to do when hauling 7000 lb trailer a few hundred kms and back the same day.