Focus Group

I have been asked to particpate in a Focus Group by Honda next Wednesday her in Dallas. Does anyone have anything they would like me to say on the Ridglineownersclub behalf. The intention of this as it was explained to me is to help Honda improve the ridge.

Thanks


Baja

Please ask them if they plan to correct the Side Steps from chipping the powder coating off! Many thanks.

I will ask Ridge Runner. I am going to print off all threads that pertain to any comments or questions members have to take with me. If you have a thread in mind please cut and paste it to your question ..

Thanks


Baja

I don't know if this is just for you to express your views/opinions or if you'll get a chance for some Q&A with Honda reps, but if it's the latter, could you maybe get some info on some of the major issues we've faced with the vehicle so far? In no particular order, maybe some "official" Honda feedback on wind noise, water leak, creaky steering wheel? Nothing in-depth, just maybe a confirmation Honda is working on it/will have something for us in the near future kind of deal? Thanks!

1) Door lock issues--i.e.-unlocking more than just teh drivers door when going into park. My wife really dislikes teh current setup!
2) Automatic headlights
3) Side Step paint problems and noise problems when going through puddles
4) Better antenea--mine is really bad only about 1/2 to 2/3 reception ability compared to any other vehicle I have owned. (and I do not want XM) Please correct!
5) Make trunk lid a little narrower--so trunk will open conmpletely with different covers installed. Only need about 1/2" less on each side.
6) Price OEM plastic accessories more reasonable. i.e. door bumpers, wheel flares..... ($400 plus-you have to be kidding) Way too expensive for a few plastic parts. A lower Honda price will keep aftermarker competition out. Now I hope for aftermarket because Honda is trying to rake us over the coals on some of the accessories. I don't mind them making a profit but a few of the prices are completely overboard.
7) Lock on rear tailgate that operates with the power locks.
8) Cruise Control ON/OFF on the sterring column with rest of controls.

My opinion--hope this helps!

I have an rtl, no sun roof no nav stuff. I bought it mid July paid full price, but
received full trade in value as per Kelly blue book on a 2005 4 Runner. My credit union miscalculated my pay off by $50 and Honda of Morganton, NC misplaced $10 for a total of $60. I got a call from my sales person at Morganton Honda that I owed $60 more. Being and honest senior citizen I sent them a check for $60. BUT, WHAT FROSTS ME IS THAT HONDA HAD INSTITUTED A DEALER $1000 REBATE AN THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE, BUT WERE SO PICKEY THAT THEY WANTED THEIR ADDED $60. :mad: :mad: :mad:

Look under Hey Honda, there's tons of stuff there.

Also, I forgot. My "Toyota 4 Runner" allowed me to leave my parking lights
on and turned them off 30 secs after leaving the car, Or, if I was driving at
night, my head lights stayed on and gave me light to unlock my downstairs door before extinguishing the lights automatically. The Ridgeliner dings you insessently if you open the door without turning the lights off; therefore, consequently, you forget to turn your parking lights on in the AM to make yourself more visible. The 4 Runner automatically turned off the lights and automatically turned on the lights when you started, as long as the switch was left in the proper setting. ;)

Give Us Our Trip Computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1) ipod hookup.
2) power adapter in the truck bed.
3) door protectors like every other vehicle has.
4) four tie downs in the pack of the bed not just two.
5) heading controls in the back seat.
6) memory drivers seat.
7) cooling in the seat as well as heat.
8) better passenger seat.
9) xm radio credit if you dont want it.
10) limit how much dealers charge for "fees" / or make them known the daybefore.
11) support for other nav solutions
12) Phone Mikes / speakers for hands free. (blue tooth?)

Oldguy, let me get this straight, you want Baja to go to the focus group and complain about your $60?

I think ROC would be better served by a more focused communication to Honda. Perhaps we could "vote" on a list of concerns, an ongoing poll, and when members are called into these focus groups they could use it as a guideline. Honda would then be hearing a consistent message.

Trip Computer
Option for daytime running lights. They have it on Canadian RL's should be able to have them on ours.
Consider a V8
Rainsense wipers. These are friggin' awesome.
Power passenger seat. No reason why when paying over 35K for a truck, they can't make the passenger seat the same as the driver's seat.
Have the trailer hitch factory standard equipment. Stupid to have to have it as a dealer installed option, IMO.
Bluetooth enabled
The controls on the navi radio are difficult to reach. Should be easier to use.

Overall a great truck :)

I think that among all the other things, I would really like Honda to send all of us a copy of the latest version of ivaN. To give us a state of the art vehicle at the start of 2005 with a 2006 sticker on it and a 4 year old gps program is just wrong. I have proof it's at least 4 years old because I went to a location where there was suppose to be a Giant Eagle and it had been gone for almost 4 years. Please ask them when I can expect my copy and when they will be sending me my invitation to the Focus Group in Cleveland. They really need to hear from me!! ( I'll be nice, I always am )
:D Thanks Baja.
Oh..yeah..
1. Decreased volume on stereo system when RPM's drop. ( in my 2001 Pontiac Sunfire )
2. Shows radio station and song. ( in my 2001 Pontiac Sunfire )
3. Day Running Lights ( in my 2001 Pontiac Sunfire )
4. Fog Lights run without headlights. ( NOT in my 2001 Pontiac Sunfire )
:p

While good for a factory system, the sound system is out of date. A new design -- like the ridgeline -- should have standard ipod port, bluetooth, a radio display that provides all info (i.e. smaller text), and speakers with good quality. I understand that Honda is the engineering giant of the world but it wouldn't kill them to consult with motorola, apple, and bose. There is no reason that this system is not more state of the art. It would cost Honda nothing to have done these things.

The door lock system needs to be explained conceptually to me. Maybe, then, I could operate it without waking up the entire neighborhood.

The latch on the sliding door of the consol should be at the front rather than the back of the door.

The hood should be aluminum and have gas struts.

I think it's important to note that these are issues that have no attendant cost -- there is not excuse for Honda not having accomplished these things except rushing to market. Others have suggested things that will increase the cost of the vehicle. I'm happy with current cost and value, just annoyed by the shortcuts that were taken on some of the engineering. :cool:

TRIP COMPUTER--PLease activate
MP3 Player working with NAV Screen
Updated DVD Mapping system, our is 4 years old
Adjust text size on NAV screen

I want a mic button on the passenger side so I can give voice controls to the NAV. Have you ever tried to type something out while riding along? (NEVER do this while driving!)

I'd like something extra on the RTL on the exterior to make it easily distiguishable from the RTS. Perhaps better trim, emblems, or some of the options coming stock.

I'd like a power outlet in the truck bed and another socket up by the auxillory jack. My iPod fits perfectly in the tray and I have a tiny jack cord, then I have to have a long power cord strung down across the front. I'd like it to be more tidy.

There are a lot of other great ideas and comments on the Hey, Honda threads.

Does Honda have anyone monitoring these discussions? They would learn a lot.

My last big question is how do we get one of these focus groups in more regions of the country? I would love to participate in one.

I just want to be able to clean under my windshield wipers easier - that's all, it's simple! DO IT!

I just want to be able to clean under my windshield wipers easier - that's all, it's simple! DO IT!

What, so you mean turning on the engine, then the wiper blades, waiting for the blades to reach their apex, then shutting off the engine, then cleaning isn't simple enough? How demanding! Next thing you know, you'll want your $60 back too!

[Tongue planted firmly in cheek] <-- Means I'm kidding. :)

Yes - I shouldn't have to turn on the engine to clean under the blades (IMHO). I park under a tree.

Body side molding and fog lites are a must for 2007. A little more head room for diriver entry would be nice. I am only 5' 11" and usually have to lower the seat before entry. A front wheel drive only would be great, with AWD an option. I have been in Accords since '81 and never had a traction problem. With 2WD the gas milage should be close to the Oddessy and 28 MPG on the hwy. That would really be nice!!!!!!!!!

INTERIOR

1. Redesigned Rear Seat Headrests - Rear seat headrests reduce visibility through rear window. Center headrest is hidden (form-fitted to seat) and outer headrests should have been designed with the same concept.
2. Audio Controls on Steering Wheel - There is no way of selecting different CD's (6 CD Changer) using the audio controls on the steering wheel. There should be a "Prog" button along with the "Mode" button to allow you to cycle through CD 1 thru 6 without on the steering wheel (Sierra vehicle has this).
3. Rear Audio Controls - Headphone jacks, volume control, station selection & media for backseat passengers.
4. Speed-compensated Volume - Noted on GM vehicles.
5. Improved Sound System - Many RL owner's have replaced factory speakers due to poor quality audio.
6. Radio Mute/ATT Button - Need this button on the steering wheel.
7. AUX Input Port - Should be standard on all models.
8. All Door Unlock Option - Should unlock all doors and not just driver side door when in Park.
9. Trip Computer - Incorporate into dash menu for non-Navi option.
10. Tire Temp & PSI - Remove "dummy lights" and incorporate into dash menu.
11. Powered Passenger Seat (make standard) - If you have driver side power seats, passenger side should have the same.
12. Power Lumbar Control - RTS model has power seat but lumbar control is manual. Why stop halfway with this power control?
13. Driver Seat/Steering Wheel/Pedals/Mirror Memory
14. 14-pin connector to Head Unit - Should include this connector for PnP (iPod, Sirius, MP3, etc.)
15. One-touch automatic window button for passenger side (should be same as driver side)


EXTERIOR

1. Daytime Running Lights
2. Full Size Spare Tire
3. Prewire for Towing (all wires, not halfway)
4. Bed Top Coat - Need thicker coat to provide more grip and reduce cosmetic scratches.
5. Automatic Folding Side Mirrors
6. Heated Mirrors
7. Locking Tailgate
8. Fog Lights (make standard)
9. Reduce Accessory Pricing!

-SixOpRidge

I provided several posts under the "Hey Honda !!" thread in hopes that Honda would see them some day.

* I would like Honda to make the following improvements :) to the Ridgeline ...
1) Rear Mud Guards and Body Side Molding standard RTS & RTL equipment.
2) Better low speed acceleration/torque, and 0 to 60 MPH performance under 8 seconds.
3) Cargo protection similar to "Line-X" as standard.
4) Remove the back seat folding legs.
5) Multiple spare switch knock-outs on dashboard for future accessories.
6) Factory back up sensor pre-wiring as standard in RTL.
7) Improved stereo audio speakers in RTS & RTL.
8) Audio Aux input in RTL not limited to Navi option.
9) Use rain sensing windshield wipers in RTL.
10) Turn signal indicators on underside of side view mirrors for 180 viewing.
11) Present interior color choices are good, but permit more variations with exterior colors. Would like an Electric Blue exterior color.
12) Cargo brackets needed for tonneau covers (6) should be standard equipment, and not require panel removal to install.
13) Ridgeline brochure should bring out more of the SUT features provided.
14) I would prefer the transmission shift to be in the center console area for a more sporty look.
15) Intrument panel icons should not be visible unless active.
16) Trip computer with Ave MPG and Time Duration standard in RTL.
17) Reduce vehicle weight by 500# minimum.
18) Improve 60 MPH brake stopping distance by 18 Ft.

* Dear Honda Engineers/Designers ...
1) The overall vehicle length and width are good. My RL just fits in my garage. Thank you ... :).
2) The radio signal strength needs work ... :(. I prefer having an invisible antenna, but I also like a strong signal. Please provide a signal boost.
3) Provide a telescope adjusting steering wheel.
4) Since the RL is speed limited, change speedometer range to 120 MPH max with more calibrations seperated by more space between indicated numbers.
5) Provide more calibration marks on the fuel gauge ... such as, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1/1.
6) How many useful gallons of fuel are in the tank when the low fuel warning light comes on? ROC members estimate it at 3 - 4 gal.

* Dear Honda Engineers/Designers ... :)
Provide 1 Sales and 1 Service video for the consumer.
Provide 1 Mfg video showing the RL being fully assembled.
Could be interactive if used with a PC.

There is too much quality variation in the presentation of vehicle information at Dealerships.

The Sales video should present in detail ALL the vehicle design features including options and accessories. I would recommend ~60 Minute length. Should be easily available at Dealerships or sent free to consumers upon request.
This presentation would supplement/enhance the Dealership presentation, and stimulate interest when Dealers overlook/miss many features, and provide incorrect information (that occurs frequently).

The Service video should present in detail the "how/what/where" of proper care and maintenance. Include oil/filter and air filter changing, tire changing, checking/adding fluids, interior/exterior care, tire pressure monitoring system, VSA use, etc.

While I read the Owners Manual "cover to cover" many people do not, and a video may improve interest in vehicle service and proper use.
When I purchased my RL the Dealer went over nothing on the RL.
When I purchased my VW GTI I was impressed that the Dealer spent ~1.5 hours going over all the service and use aspects of the car in detail. I left the VW Dealer feeling that they loved their vehicles, and wanted me to treat the vehicle with proper care.

I want my trip computer back!
I want my trip computer back!
I want my trip computer back!
I want my trip computer back!

Give us a decent XM user interface with features similar to the XM SkyFi2. The existing Ridgeline XM feature set is very disappointing.

As many of us have mentioned in the past, please re-design the in bed trunk lid to allow tonneau covers to clear the side rails. While the slight limitation that they impose, it would still be better if the lid would clear them completely.

Provide more bed tie down points. Better yet, provide an adjustable bed rail system the same as or similar to the Tacoma. Yes, please design it to work with Honda as well as aftermarket tonneau cover rail systems. Honda could also design an accessory "Hitch-Hand" type device (with built-in lights) that could be permanently attached and extended when needed.

Did anyone mention the design of the back license plate position? You can't frame the plate without modifications.

Did anyone mention the design of the back license plate position? You can't frame the plate without modifications.
Doesn't sound familiar. Good one Gretchen.

Hay guys!!!

My $60 isn't the point. I probably used reverse Polish notation;BUT, Honda, when they convayed their rebate to their dealers should have split it with
their resent buyers... BUT NO, Honda should not have to rebate me my $60.
I WAS JUST VENTING, but Honda should view this sight and address each individual about their conserns and possible remedies. HAY, I'M A BIG BOY! and I will let my sales person ( in this case a male, so females don't get in an uproar) know my displeasure when I take my Ridge in for service...

Trip computer enable for navi
all door unlock
fog lights and rear mud flaps standard on RTL

The only comment I would like to make is the people that do attend the focus groups, will they please post as much info and share with the rest of the group at ROC.

Also have a single thread (Focus Group Results) or something that will be easy to find. I still have problems with my computer because I donot understand how to use all of its tools.

ThankYou!:)

Here's a short personal list.

1) more downward movement for tilt wheel
2) MAKE ALL BODY PANELS COLOR MATCHED EXACTLY TO ADJACENT ONES! No excuse for this!
3) more REALISTIC Honda accessory prices! Geez!
4) the ability to keep trans from shifting into 5th. Nicer and easier on the trans when towing. A lot of vehicles have the ability to restrict the transmission from shifting into it's tallest gear.
5) display model designation on tailgate. ie: RT RTS RTL
6) better looking cast alum. wheels on higher end models.Those silver painted ones look WAY boring. Hell, the Pilot has some very nice looking wheels, why not the Ridge?

Lot's of good points but let me just say ditto to Steve's point 6.

For $30k one of the few disappointments is the mundane looking wheels.

How does one go about becoming a member of a Honda focus group? Any information on this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.