Spied: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

[Variance]

Spied: 2009 Honda Ridgeline

Honda's Ridgeline pickup truck is due for an update, and spy photos prove that an overhaul is on the way. A new front-end design consists of a new grille and a revised front bumper, which looks similar to an early prototype of the next-generation Honda Pilot.

Edmunds

[Paolino]

Yawn

[Camino LS6]

Looks like they're trying even harder to make that silly POS appear to be a truck.

[toesuf94]

wow?

Edited June 25, 2007 by toesuf94

[Drew Dowdell]

FTA:

What this means to you: The truck business is highly competitive, and Honda knows it needs to keep the Ridgeline fresh in order to play with the big boys.

Fixed:

What this means to you: The truck business is highly competitive, and Honda knows it can't play with the big boys.

[Intrepidation]

The aren't fixing the bed design, which is what really makes it ugly.

It's still 100x better than the Tundra, even if it's not a true truck.

[regfootball]

ugly pile of steaming turd

[Drew Dowdell]

100% of the cost of an Avalanche with 30% of the utility.

[RandyMN]

I was hopeful for more of an update to the Ridgeline--maybe the changes will be under the hood with a diesel or a hybrid???

I've owned my Ridgeline RTL for over a year now with 21,000 trouble-free miles. Prior to me owning my Ridgeline, I owned 6 Chevy Silverados (circa 1991 through 2004) and the Ridgeline's versatility, car-like driving, and awesome utility are far superior to the Silverado. Honda is not afraid to think and build outside of the box. Where oh where is the in-bed trunk in the Chevy and Fords?

I live in small town Americana (rural Minnesota--the heart of Chevy and Ford truck country) and I still get a lot of looks and "wow, that pickup is cool" comments.

The Honda is a very fine pickup--the other pickup manufacturers can learn a lot from Honda. Innovation sold me on the Honda. Lets see some serious innovation from the US pickup manufacturers now!

[Delta Force79]

I was hopeful for more of an update to the Ridgeline--maybe the changes will be under the hood with a diesel or a hybrid???

I've owned my Ridgeline RTL for over a year now with 21,000 trouble-free miles. Prior to me owning my Ridgeline, I owned 6 Chevy Silverados (circa 1991 through 2004) and the Ridgeline's versatility, car-like driving, and awesome utility are far superior to the Silverado. Honda is not afraid to think and build outside of the box. Where oh where is the in-bed trunk in the Chevy and Fords?

I live in small town Americana (rural Minnesota--the heart of Chevy and Ford truck country) and I still get a lot of looks and "wow, that pickup is cool" comments.

The Honda is a very fine pickup--the other pickup manufacturers can learn a lot from Honda. Innovation sold me on the Honda. Lets see some serious innovation from the US pickup manufacturers now!

You've got to be kidding me, and if not then pass whatever it is that you're smoking....cause I gotta get me some of that

Edited June 26, 2007 by Delta Force79

[Drew Dowdell]

I was hopeful for more of an update to the Ridgeline--maybe the changes will be under the hood with a diesel or a hybrid???

I've owned my Ridgeline RTL for over a year now with 21,000 trouble-free miles. Prior to me owning my Ridgeline, I owned 6 Chevy Silverados (circa 1991 through 2004) and the Ridgeline's versatility, car-like driving, and awesome utility are far superior to the Silverado. Honda is not afraid to think and build outside of the box. Where oh where is the in-bed trunk in the Chevy and Fords?

I live in small town Americana (rural Minnesota--the heart of Chevy and Ford truck country) and I still get a lot of looks and "wow, that pickup is cool" comments.

The Honda is a very fine pickup--the other pickup manufacturers can learn a lot from Honda. Innovation sold me on the Honda. Lets see some serious innovation from the US pickup manufacturers now!

Where are the in bed trunks in the Chevys? In an infinitely more convenient location.

I keep an air mattress, pillow, and sheets in one side, and there is enough room for a small duffel bag on the other side. It locks. It can be used as a cooler if you fill it with ice. It has a drain hole for said ice. It's lighted and weather proof.

Where is the innovation from Honda I ask you? Why didn't they make the Ridgeline with a midgate that folds down to allow a full 4x8 bed?

Why doesn't the rear window come out... and still have a rear defroster?

Why does the Ridgeline with 247hp and 245ft/lbs only get 16/21 with a 5,000lbs tow rating when an Avalanche with 320hp and 340 ft/lbs gets 15/20 AND runs on an Alternative fuel with an 8,000lbs tow rating......

Where is the innovation indeed?

[Delta Force79]

Where are the in bed trunks in the Chevys? In an infinitely more convenient location.

I keep an air mattress, pillow, and sheets in one side, and there is enough room for a small duffel bag on the other side. It locks. It can be used as a cooler if you fill it with ice. It has a drain hole for said ice. It's lighted and weather proof.

Where is the innovation from Honda I ask you? Why didn't they make the Ridgeline with a midgate that folds down to allow a full 4x8 bed?

Why doesn't the rear window come out... and still have a rear defroster?

Why does the Ridgeline with 247hp and 245ft/lbs only get 16/21 with a 5,000lbs tow rating when an Avalanche with 320hp and 340 ft/lbs gets 15/20 AND runs on an Alternative fuel with an 8,000lbs tow rating......

Where is the innovation indeed?

[Camino LS6]

Thanks for saving me the effort, Oldsmoboi!

I don't know what exactly the Ridgeline is, but it isn't a truck.

[Drew Dowdell]

81,000 trouble free mile actually hauling heavy $h! ftw

[deftonesfan867]

I was hopeful for more of an update to the Ridgeline--maybe the changes will be under the hood with a diesel or a hybrid???

I've owned my Ridgeline RTL for over a year now with 21,000 trouble-free miles. Prior to me owning my Ridgeline, I owned 6 Chevy Silverados (circa 1991 through 2004) and the Ridgeline's versatility, car-like driving, and awesome utility are far superior to the Silverado. Honda is not afraid to think and build outside of the box. Where oh where is the in-bed trunk in the Chevy and Fords?

I live in small town Americana (rural Minnesota--the heart of Chevy and Ford truck country) and I still get a lot of looks and "wow, that pickup is cool" comments.

The Honda is a very fine pickup--the other pickup manufacturers can learn a lot from Honda. Innovation sold me on the Honda. Lets see some serious innovation from the US pickup manufacturers now!

In this forum we don't pay the "Troll" to cross the bridge.

[Intrepidation]

Where are the in bed trunks in the Chevys? In an infinitely more convenient location.

I keep an air mattress, pillow, and sheets in one side, and there is enough room for a small duffel bag on the other side. It locks. It can be used as a cooler if you fill it with ice. It has a drain hole for said ice. It's lighted and weather proof.

Where is the innovation from Honda I ask you? Why didn't they make the Ridgeline with a midgate that folds down to allow a full 4x8 bed?

Why doesn't the rear window come out... and still have a rear defroster?

Why does the Ridgeline with 247hp and 245ft/lbs only get 16/21 with a 5,000lbs tow rating when an Avalanche with 320hp and 340 ft/lbs gets 15/20 AND runs on an Alternative fuel with an 8,000lbs tow rating......

Where is the innovation indeed?

|-|4RD(0R3 P\/\//\/4G3

Don't forget that the Chevy's frame probably won't bend in half.

Edited June 26, 2007 by Dodgefan

[RandyMN]

Here's a few innovations that I appreciate in my Honda:

>--dual action tail gate,

>--in-bed trunk

>--independent rear suspension

>--25% better mileage than my 2004 Silverado

>--my Trek Madone bicycle can fit in the back with the seats raised, and not broke down

>--can pull my lawn mower trailer and boat with no problems

>--tight steering, taught suspension (no couch-on-wheels feeling)

Chevy also frustrated me (and my pocket book) with all their screwing around with rebates, lowering sticker prices, etc. In 2 year's time, my $37,000 list Silverado with 35,000 miles sold for $19,000. Sad, sad, sad.

I'm not hear to argue the benefits of the Honda versus the Avalanche, but just to point out what sold me on the Honda. Both are great vehicles. It all depends on how a guy uses his truck and what the needs are.

The freedom of choice is what makes America great.

P.S. I will buy an Avalanche when the dual mode hybrid becomes available!

[Camino LS6]

That's beacuse the Chevy actually has a frame, Dodgefan.

[Drew Dowdell]

Here's a few innovations that I appreciate in my Honda:

>--dual action tail gate,

>--in-bed trunk

>--independent rear suspension

>--25% better mileage than my 2004 Silverado

>--my Trek Madone bicycle can fit in the back with the seats raised, and not broke down

>--can pull my lawn mower trailer and boat with no problems

>--tight steering, taught suspension (no couch-on-wheels feeling)

Chevy also frustrated me (and my pocket book) with all their screwing around with rebates, lowering sticker prices, etc. In 2 year's time, my $37,000 list Silverado with 35,000 miles sold for $19,000. Sad, sad, sad.

I'm not hear to argue the benefits of the Honda versus the Avalanche, but just to point out what sold me on the Honda. Both are great vehicles. It all depends on how a guy uses his truck and what the needs are.

The freedom of choice is what makes America great.

P.S. I will buy an Avalanche when the dual mode hybrid becomes available!

You didn't actually pay list on a Silverado did you?

Did you ever test drive an Avalanche? They don't handle like the Silverado.

As far as those innovations, none are Honda's except maybe the in bed trunk... which is surpassed in usefulness by the Avalanche's "saddle bags". The dual action tail gate dates back to the 60s or 70s on the GM wagons.

[Camino LS6]

Well Randy, you obviously use your Ridgeline for very light duty - and that's a good thing. It's good because that is all that is safe to do with one. It is nothing but a minivan with a trucklike body and reinforcements added to its unibody. It doesn't qualify as a truck because of its structural and mechanical limitations. It is a pretender.

I'm glad to hear that you are interested in an Avalanche - there is hope for you yet!

[RandyMN]

No, I didn't pay list, but when Chevy lowered the sticker prices on all their trucks, my truck lost 2 grand in value. Hellava deal in my book....NOT.

[Camino LS6]

No, I didn't pay list, but when Chevy lowered the sticker prices on all their trucks, my truck lost 2 grand in value. Hellava deal in my book....NOT.

Think that's bad?

Just wait 'til you try to sell that Ridgeline.

[Camino LS6]

Oh yeah, one more thing.

IIRC, Chevy trucks have the highest resale in the market.

[RandyMN]

Well Randy, you obviously use your Ridgeline for very light duty - and that's a good thing. It's good because that is all that is safe to do with one. It is nothing but a minivan with a trucklike body and reinforcements added to its unibody. It doesn't qualify as a truck because of its structural and mechanical limitations. It is a pretender.

I'm glad to hear that you are interested in an Avalanche - there is hope for you yet!

Like I said, I've owned 6, yes six, Silverados so I'm no stranger to Chevrolet. Chevy has a fine product, no doubt about it. Sometimes change is good. The same-ole, same-ole gets boring after a while.

For now I'm happy to be driving my truck "pretender"!

Like I said, I'm not hear to argue one truck over another, but simply to share my experience.

Gotta love pick'em up trucks!

[Robert Hall]

Oh yeah, one more thing.

IIRC, Chevy trucks have the highest resale in the market.

Yes, but Hondas have higher resale than anything, right?

[Camino LS6]

Like I said, I've owned 6, yes six, Silverados so I'm no stranger to Chevrolet. Chevy has a fine product, no doubt about it. Sometimes change is good. The same-ole, same-ole gets boring after a while.

For now I'm happy to be driving my truck "pretender"!

Like I said, I'm not hear to argue one truck over another, but simply to share my experience.

Gotta love pick'em up trucks!

Well, you do have a good attitude about it all.

Now that we have welcomed you C&G style, enjoy your stay.

BTW: I have you beat on the Silverado count. :AH-HA_wink:

[RandyMN]

Well, you do have a good attitude about it all.

Now that we have welcomed you C&G style, enjoy your stay.

BTW: I have you beat on the Silverado count. :AH-HA_wink:

Thanks Camino!

I've been reading Cheers and Gears religiously for a couple years now and always enjoy the forums and information.

Hum, guess I better get a buying some more Chevy's to catch up with you! :AH-HA_wink:

[Camino LS6]

Thanks Camino!

I've been reading Cheers and Gears religiously for a couple years now and always enjoy the forums and information.

Hum, guess I better get a buying some more Chevy's to catch up with you! :AH-HA_wink:

My current full-size Chevy count is up to 11 (one was a GMC).

Unless we are counting Suburbans...

[Flybrian]

Welcome to the posting world of the forums, Randy! As Camino said, we certainly do appreciate your spirit and candor (and willingness to put up with our gentle nudging )

[FAPTurbo]

At least Honda actually made an effort with the Ridgeline, and did a decent job the first time. It is definitely more innovative than the new Tundra, and that is Toyota's THIRD attempt.

[91z4me]

Here's a few innovations that I appreciate in my Honda:

>--dual action tail gate,

That isn't new the Envoy XUV had that first. And WAY back in the day Station wagons had tail gates that did this.

>--independent rear suspension

Might want to check out the Explorer Sport Trac for that one.

>--25% better mileage than my 2004 Silverado

Sure but its newer. Compared to a same year Silverado and it gets beat.

>--can pull my lawn mower trailer and boat with no problems

And so could a Trailblazer, whats the big deal?

Not trying to be difficult but more to inform.

[ocnblu]

Minnesota Randy will think of innovative new ways to cuss when he has his Ridgeline bed loaded one day and he has a flat tire along a busy road. Where's the spare?

[C.H.U.D.]

Minnesota Randy will think of innovative new ways to cuss when he has his Ridgeline bed loaded one day and he has a flat tire along a busy road. Where's the spare?

Hahaha! God that would suck!

[CARBIZ]

Here's a few innovations that I appreciate in my Honda:

>--dual action tail gate,

>--in-bed trunk

>--independent rear suspension

>--25% better mileage than my 2004 Silverado

>--my Trek Madone bicycle can fit in the back with the seats raised, and not broke down

>--can pull my lawn mower trailer and boat with no problems

>--tight steering, taught suspension (no couch-on-wheels feeling)

Chevy also frustrated me (and my pocket book) with all their screwing around with rebates, lowering sticker prices, etc. In 2 year's time, my $37,000 list Silverado with 35,000 miles sold for $19,000. Sad, sad, sad.

I'm not hear to argue the benefits of the Honda versus the Avalanche, but just to point out what sold me on the Honda. Both are great vehicles. It all depends on how a guy uses his truck and what the needs are.

The freedom of choice is what makes America great.

You're absolutely right. Makes me want to move to Japan and buy an Avalanche - OOPs, that's right. I can't. They wouldn't be allowed. Maybe I'll just make a nice pile of dollars on my front lawn and set fire to them.

P.S. I will buy an Avalanche when the dual mode hybrid becomes available!

[Camino LS6]

All true, but play nice now guys - we have already welcomed Randy in the proper fashion.

[dimitri0917]

I see the bed sides are still annoyingly high.

Isn't that what keeps it from being even MORE ho-hum than it already is? I don't like that new Honda Truck front end. It looks worse than the CRV's, and that's very bad indeed. In fact the only handsome front end they has had in awhile is that of the Accord concept, and I was hoping that would spread across the line-up.

I think they should help Ford and Chevy stomp out Toyota instead of pumping out this minivan based pretender.

[jbartley]

friend of mine put some gear in the below-bed compartment. he then proceeded to load up his "truck" with lots of stuff from his apt to drive to his new place. suddenly, the keys were no where to be found.

the were in the below-bed compartment. everything had to be removed from the truck to get the crap out of the bottom.

stupidest design ever.

Edited June 26, 2007 by jbartley

[Cadavillac]

Well, you do have a good attitude about it all.

Now that we have welcomed you C&G style, enjoy your stay.

Welcomed = hazed LOL

RandyMN certainly didn't get defensive when his vehicle was lambasted. I probably wouldn't have remained that cool.

That said, my Town Car has truckier stats [save for not having a bed] than does the Ridgeline...however, I'm quite sure that most Hondas the same age as my Town Car that beat it at resale. I'm not saying what I paid, but it was a ridiculously low amount for a five-years-young low mileage Lincoln. Something's got to be said for Honda's resale...

Edited June 26, 2007 by Cadavillac

[eldiablobanshee]

I think randy said it best when he said he just needed a change from the same old stuff that has been in his yard. You do have to admit that with money no object that the Ridgline is an ok light duty option to an Avalanche plus it is very unique looking so you will stand out in the parking lot.

With all those Silverados under his belt we all know randy is a true Chevy lover that will see another top rated Chevy in the drive way one day.

P.S. : that resale value thing goes to GM when it comes to trucks and its only a mater of time before GM catches up in cars.

Edited June 26, 2007 by eldiablobanshee

[siegen]

I was hopeful for more of an update to the Ridgeline--maybe the changes will be under the hood with a diesel or a hybrid???

Hopefully a diesel V6 will be added. The smallish V6 isn't a good engine choice for this vehicle.

Why does the Ridgeline with 247hp and 245ft/lbs only get 16/21 with a 5,000lbs tow rating when an Avalanche with 320hp and 340 ft/lbs gets 15/20 AND runs on an Alternative fuel with an 8,000lbs tow rating......

The same can be said about GM's 4.3L V6 available in its base model trucks. It only achieves 1-2mpg better than the 5.3L/6.0L engines.

[Drew Dowdell]

The same can be said about GM's 4.3L V6 available in its base model trucks. It only achieves 1-2mpg better than the 5.3L/6.0L engines.

those are for your PennDOT contractors getting the absolute cheapest full sized truck possible.

[Flybrian]

The 4.3l V6 is not only a loss-leader, but an engine meant for fleet buys and contractors and Oldsmoboi mentioned. Its not meant for efficiency, but for price. Ridgeline's V6 is the only powerplant available.

[CARBIZ]

those are for your PennDOT contractors getting the absolute cheapest full sized truck possible.

And the Mercruiser guys who don't want to get stuck in the middle of Lake Michigan with a overly complicated Honda outboard...

[GMman]

Ridgelines ROCK.

I love that honda didn't really mess with the natural good looks of the ridgeline. What a truck!

I threw up a little while writting this.....

[I hope GMRULES again]

I'm sure the Ridgline is a great vehicle and is a good choice for some people its just the looks that ruin it for me, I think it looks hideous. I would take a Tundra over it.

[Intrepidation]

I'm sure the Ridgline is a great vehicle and is a good choice for some people its just the looks that ruin it for me, I think it looks hideous. I would take a Tundra over it.

[NOS2006]

I thought they canceled this POS...?

[Intrepidation]

I thought they canceled this POS...?

The Ridgeline or the Tundra?

[siegen]

The Ridgeline or the Tundra?

Pretty sure he was referring to the Aztek.

[ocnblu]

This is just an MCE, isn't it? Hopefully, Honda will keep its promise and not produce a fully redesigned, 2nd gen Ridgeline.