I have a few ????'s before I buy.

[HBM]

I live in Southern California. I currently own a GMC Diesel 1 ton dooley, which pulls a 40' 5th wheel trailer. I love the truck, and what it does....AMAZING! Were selling both to my inlaws, who fell in love with the tractor/trailer combo. So now I'm in the market for a new car/truck.

I have narrowed my search to 2 smaller trucks.

Tacoma

Ridgeline

My questions are as follows, any help/advice would be great!

Would i need the AWD the ridgeline offers, since i live in So Cal? I love its safety features, and its trunk, and all the other neat stuff this truck offers.

I Also really like the looks of the Tacoma. I believe its a bit smaller inside. Might get better gas milage.

I dont off road much. I want a smooth roomy ride. I want storage, and the best gas mileage possible. I want a reliable truck, and one with good resale value. oh and one thats safe as well

What would you all do?

Notice I post this in a Ridgeline fourm. I am sorta leaning towards a ridgeline, but would love your input as well.

Thanks for all the great articles, and info on this site. Now, help me convince myself, I'm making the correct purchase!

[meanmachine19]

These were my final two choices.....test drove both, the rest is history. And no regrets.....I don't off-road either. And, lots of folks here from SO Cal that have Ridgelines....

Welcome to ROC!

You may wanna check out the chat room for live feedback...go to the quick links on above tool bar, scroll down and go to chat room.

[locdoc]

ridge 1
tocoma none:D

[RidgeOwner3]

I think you've answered your own question. And you can imagine the advice you will get here, I'm sure.

But here goes anyway.

Both the Tacoma and Ridgeline would be strong choices. If you test drive both, you will know the difference, as I did. The Ridgeline does seem bigger inside with much better room in the back seats, and those seats fold up and lock in place much better and easier than the Tacoma. Tons of storage space. My in-laws say there's more room back there than in any car they've been in, and they always want to take the truck whenever we go anywhere.

You'll love the in-bed trunk.
You'll love the smooth ride. Everybody I take for a ride does.
The 4 wheel drive will come in handy for added safety in bad weather and emergency situations, and you never know, you might want to look into some new hobbies down there in the desert. It's especially useful while on vacation and want to explore unknown routes.

As far as gas mileage...my friend has an '05 Tacoma that does get slightly better mileage, but it's only an Access Cab, manual tranny, cramped inside, and rides more like an old fashioned truck. The Crew Cabs MPG will be similar for both the Tacoma and Ridgeline, although any difference in MPG will be more than compensated for by comfort, convenience, and versatility of the Ridgeline.

Good luck! Go test drive them. You'll know.

[RidgeOwner3]

And by the way, you can't buy the safety features that a Ridgeline has from Toyota.

[KG4BCN]

I don't off road very much either, only when my dad and I go hunting but I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. As far as the ride goes, I don't think you could do better than the Ridgeline. I can only echo what RidgeOwner3 said, you cant buy all the safety thingys from Toyota.

[Boogity]

I dont off road much. I want a smooth roomy ride. I want storage. I want a reliable truck, and one with good resale value. oh and one thats safe as well

All the reasons I bought the ridgeline,
and its a Honda

[sunils75]

I was down to frontier, tacoma, and ridgeline and chose the ridgeline because for $31,009, I got a 4 door V6 with Navigation, dual climate control, 4wd, sunroof, and XM radio built in...best value by far is the Ridgeline. All three trucks are VERY different, so you should know which one you want if you have seen all 3 becasue 1 of them should stand out.

[mayfielh]

Ditto.

My final 2 were that same Taco and RL.
I didn't really like the redesign of the new Taco plus its not as roomy inside. I have a 4 yr old and a booster to consider.

Everyone has already said most everything except: Truck with a Trunk and Dual Action Tailgate. The Ridgeline's got back and a sweet little engine to boot.

Did I mention it was just about everyone's truck of the year?

The MPG is rated slightly less than a Taco but that has A LOT to do with driving habits. Mine seems pretty stable at 16 City and 21 Hwy, I have 14.5k miles on my RL now.

BTW - If you are looking for a comfortable ride the Taco just won't compare.

[Ultra-HOG]

I also agree with what has been said so far. Both the Tacoma and the Ridgeline are going to be very reliable because they are both made by excellent companies that have a very high standard for product quality. I find that the Ridgeline is one of the most comfortable vehicles that I have ever owned. It is as quiet as the olds Aurora that we had and handles far better than any SUV that I have ever owned. The feature list speaks for itself. One big difference between the two is that the Ridgeline is not a "me too" truck. It is different in some very good ways. If you want to blend into the crowd, the Tacoma is a fine truck. If you are not afraid to be a bit on the edge and like having something that is just a bit different than everyone else, the Ridgeline is that truck. I have had mine for about 9 months and continue to be very happy with it. And another thing, the Ridgeline has the ROC. I will match the ROC against any other site out there. Poke around a bit on the different forums and it won't take long to get a sense that the ROC is a very special and friendly place. Bear with us as we are presently going through some temporary turmoil that has been caused by a few trolls The ROC adds to the fun of owning a Ridgeline more than you might think.
Thanks for registering and welcome to the ROC!:)

[swampler]

This probably doesn't apply in Southern California either, but my RWD truck I used to have spun terribly bad in the rain. Don't have that problem with the 4WD Ridgeline.

[cdepuydt]

I dont off road much. I want a smooth roomy ride. I want storage. I want a reliable truck, and one with good resale value. oh and one thats safe as well

All the reasons I bought the ridgeline,
and its a Honda

I can't add much to what Boogity said, because that is pretty much exactly why I bought my RL. And I have to agree with just about everthing that folks here have said about the Toyota, because the Taco is a nice truck, and it came down to the Taco and RL for me also.

The only thing I would like to add.....is if a smooth ride and excellent handling are toward the top of your priority list, this is a no-brainer....the RL rides/handles much better than the Taco. Took the '05 Taco for many test drives and, in certain situations, I felt as if I was going to loose control (Namely on washboard type roads and going over bumpy ground while taking a corner), but I felt solid and confident when taking the RL over the same terrain.

Long story short, either choice is an excellent one....take them both for a test drive on the same day, over the same roads, and choose.

[Hooha12]

This probably doesn't apply in Southern California either, but my RWD truck I used to have spun terribly bad in the rain. Don't have that problem with the 4WD Ridgeline.

I had the same problem with my Tacoma because there was no weight in the back-end, even though I had a hard tonneau cover. I decided it was time for a new truck. I had a 2003 Tacoma Pre-runner Limited double cab TRD. Excellent truck and the first place I went to look at new trucks was the Toyota dealer. I also stopped by the Honda dealer. After a drive in the Ridgeline, I didn't bother to go back to the Toyota dealer. I don't off road but I know the 4wd is great for slick roads and the occassional dirt roads that I drive on. There are a number of things on my RTL that you can't even get on a Taco. But if I hadn't bought a Ridge, I would have bought a Tacoma.

[RidgeLI]

Good truck, bad water leak......see prior posts related to water leaks. Check vin of truck to TSB on this site, make sure dealer has serviced this problem. And check the carpets thoroughly for water!


RidgeLI


I live in Southern California. I currently own a GMC Diesel 1 ton dooley, which pulls a 40' 5th wheel trailer. I love the truck, and what it does....AMAZING! Were selling both to my inlaws, who fell in love with the tractor/trailer combo. So now I'm in the market for a new car/truck.

I have narrowed my search to 2 smaller trucks.

Tacoma

Ridgeline

My questions are as follows, any help/advice would be great!

Would i need the AWD the ridgeline offers, since i live in So Cal? I love its safety features, and its trunk, and all the other neat stuff this truck offers.

I Also really like the looks of the Tacoma. I believe its a bit smaller inside. Might get better gas milage.

I dont off road much. I want a smooth roomy ride. I want storage, and the best gas mileage possible. I want a reliable truck, and one with good resale value. oh and one thats safe as well

What would you all do?

Notice I post this in a Ridgeline fourm. I am sorta leaning towards a ridgeline, but would love your input as well.

Thanks for all the great articles, and info on this site. Now, help me convince myself, I'm making the correct purchase!

[flridgey]

I live in Southern California. I currently own a GMC Diesel 1 ton dooley, which pulls a 40' 5th wheel trailer. I love the truck, and what it does....AMAZING! Were selling both to my inlaws, who fell in love with the tractor/trailer combo. So now I'm in the market for a new car/truck.

I have narrowed my search to 2 smaller trucks.

Tacoma

Ridgeline

My questions are as follows, any help/advice would be great!

Would i need the AWD the ridgeline offers, since i live in So Cal? I love its safety features, and its trunk, and all the other neat stuff this truck offers.

I Also really like the looks of the Tacoma. I believe its a bit smaller inside. Might get better gas milage.

I dont off road much. I want a smooth roomy ride. I want storage, and the best gas mileage possible. I want a reliable truck, and one with good resale value. oh and one thats safe as well

What would you all do?

Notice I post this in a Ridgeline fourm. I am sorta leaning towards a ridgeline, but would love your input as well.

Thanks for all the great articles, and info on this site. Now, help me convince myself, I'm making the correct purchase!

OKAY I test drove the new tacoma too and I also love the look, and it was okay, but flooring that thing was like flooring a metro, but that's how most toyotas are, in my opinion. It just doesn't feel like it has much power overall. I owned a 98 and was happy with it, but since owning the ridgeline, and testdriving it, I have fallen in love. I originally went to buy an s2k (A COMPLETELY different vehicle) but came home with the RL. I don't regret it one bit. All you have to do, is test drive it. Oh, and the five star safety ratings all around. :) not to mention north american AND motor trend truck of the year... how can you go wrong

[werewolf_klr]

I just bought a RTS, If you want a smooth ride and good handling get the Ridgeline. I have put 700 miles on mine in about a week and would not trade it for the world. After a hard days work it is like sitting in a lounge chair on the way home.:)

[HBM]

WOW,

Thanks for the great reponse! I wanted to go to SD last weekend, to your meeting, and actually meet you owners, and ask 1st hand, but heck, I dont know any of you!

Anyways...I might go test driving next week.

I stopped by dealer, and was quoted 35k for rtl with moonroof/navi.
Why does that price sound so much higher then some of the quotes I've heard on here? Does Ca have any extra omision equipment vs other states?

I'm thinking of the blue/silver model, as I'm a huge Chargers Fan, have season tickets, and it would match our throwback colors well:)

Will internet pricing be better? What are the advantages/disadvantages of internet sales with dealers?

Thanks again everyone! I owe you all an ice cold BEER!

[hagerswami]

I've had mine for 11 months now and 32,500 miles and I still love it. Nothing wrong with either choice, but my prejudiced opinion is the Ridge.:)

[mayfielh]

WOW,

Thanks for the great reponse! I wanted to go to SD last weekend, to your meeting, and actually meet you owners, and ask 1st hand, but heck, I dont know any of you!

Anyways...I might go test driving next week.

I stopped by dealer, and was quoted 35k for rtl with moonroof/navi.
Why does that price sound so much higher then some of the quotes I've heard on here? Does Ca have any extra omision equipment vs other states?

I'm thinking of the blue/silver model, as I'm a huge Chargers Fan, have season tickets, and it would match our throwback colors well:)

Will internet pricing be better? What are the advantages/disadvantages of internet sales with dealers?

Thanks again everyone! I owe you all an ice cold BEER!

HBM - You should have gone to the meet. Remember none of us really know each other until these meets. Plus what an opportunity to see, touch and probably get the bestreal advice on the RL, probably could have got a sweet test drive too.

Yes Internet pricing will be better, plus you don't have to sit for hours battleing the Sales Person / Sales Manager / Finance Manager. Send out your request to 10-15 dealers (be willing to drive a bit to pick it up) then take the best offers and work them against each other until you find the best deal. Do a search on buying there is a ton of good info.

[COZABRI]

I would agree with all the other posts, both trucks are by very reputable companies with track records for quality. Test drive both and see which one impresses you the most. Of course nearly everyone here at the ROC will tell you its the RL but test that out for yourself.

I also agree that the price seemed high. It is hard to compare Indiana to California but I was quoted an internet price for the RTL with sunroof and navi for $31,673 including the destination charge and this dealer put the mud guards on all their vehicles.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[25 Year Honda Owner]

The choice is obvious! Get the NAV, I did not and have been p*ssed off ever since.

[sunils75]

FYI - I paid $700 below invoice - $31,009 including destination and the mudguards. I used my Sam's membership to get the Sam's Club special pricing. I think it was a good deal because 2 other dealerships in the area would not match it.

[CUinaRidge]

Thanks again everyone! I owe you all an ice cold BEER!


EXACTLY!! This should be the decision breaker!! What other truck has a built in BEER cooler to share a BEER with your friends...

:)