Honda Ridgeline

JasG · Mar 22, 2013

Just wondering if anyone has a Honda Ridgeline and what they are like. How well the hold up and what kind of MPG they get in the real world.

Looking for a replacement for my current truck and have it down to a F-150 is I stay full sized or Nissan or Toyota if I go with a compact, or I'm open to Ridgeline. I just don't know anyone with one, do know a lot of people with Honda CRV's and cars and all seem happy.

I don't tow much weight any more, I still need a truck but not the full use of a full size.

Peacock · Mar 22, 2013

Reliability is great. Very practical. Smooth, nice riding vehicle. The fuel economy isn't much better than a full size truck, though it does easily beat the EPA estimates. They aren't going to be a strong tow vehicle or excellent off road, but they are a pretty good compromise.

I'm a Honda Master Technician and work on these things everyday.

Diamondpilot · Mar 22, 2013

We looked at one maybe 8 years ago. My only complaint was tow capacity and payload. We ended up with a V8 Mercury Mountaineer.

Chris

Bob77064 · Mar 22, 2013

We had a 2007. The tow rating was 5000 and it will do that with no problem. They ride and handle more like a car than a truck, and the full time 4 wheel drive is great on slick roads like ice or light snow.

Halftrack · Mar 22, 2013

I still have a 2006 from new with 145,000 on it. Replaced the original tires on it at 105,000 and the brake pads. Thinking about having the timing chain/water pump replaced. No other problems what so ever and regularly get 19 to 20 mpg. I occasionally put my TC33D on the neighbors 7,000 GVWR 2 axle trailer and go less 30 miles one way, just have to watch hitch weight. You need 250 to 350 on the hitch, lighter and it will sway and heavier, the steering gets light. I noticed about a 1.5 mpg improvement with my homemade bed cover. I have driven many different 4x4's in the snow and this is by far and away the best handling truck of all and there are no buttons to push or levers to pull to confuse the wife. She had a CRV prior to the Ridgeline and after 2 car/deer crashes and 176,000 miles we finally put a set of plugs in it. If you only do occasional towing and not over 5,000#, stick with the Honda. I don't work on or sell Hondas.

Peacock · Mar 22, 2013

Halftrack said:
I still have a 2006 from new with 145,000 on it. Replaced the original tires on it at 105,000 and the brake pads. Thinking about having the timing chain/water pump replaced. No other problems what so ever and regularly get 19 to 20 mpg. I occasionally put my TC33D on the neighbors 7,000 GVWR 2 axle trailer and go less 30 miles one way, just have to watch hitch weight. You need 250 to 350 on the hitch, lighter and it will sway and heavier, the steering gets light. I noticed about a 1.5 mpg improvement with my homemade bed cover. I have driven many different 4x4's in the snow and this is by far and away the best handling truck of all and there are no buttons to push or levers to pull to confuse the wife. She had a CRV prior to the Ridgeline and after 2 car/deer crashes and 176,000 miles we finally put a set of plugs in it. If you only do occasional towing and not over 5,000#, stick with the Honda. I don't work on or sell Hondas.

Your Ridgeline has a timing belt. I highly recommend replacing it soon. Also plan on replacing the plugs, coolant and adjusting the valves.

Halftrack · Mar 22, 2013

Thanks Peacock, I was hoping you would respond. I have finally got some time off next week and anticipate getting that and a number of other odd jobs accomplished.

Peacock · Mar 22, 2013

No problem. Hit me up if you have any questions.

s219 · Mar 22, 2013

I looked at the Ridgeline last year when I needed something for my business that could also tow my tractor. My conclusion is that the Ridgeline wasn't as good for truck stuff as a real pickup, and not as good for SUV stuff as a real SUV. Not sure what the sweet spot is, but it wasn't for me. I ended up with an SUV (Acura). I am a big fan of Acura/Honda vehicles though -- have owned seven of them, and all have been outstanding.

JasG · Mar 23, 2013

Thanks for the input.

If it were not for a few farmers I help I would probably be looking/leaning more at an SUV. It's just too handy to throw my welder or a tire, tools etc in a bed. Many of the SUV's I've looked at the back area doesn't seem very strong in the floor area.

I love my current truck, but CNY winters are hard on vehicles. The state about 12-15 years ago went to "dry roads" which they pound the salt down. The power train is in good shape, but the rest of the truck is really rusting out badly now.