4 months and 8,000 miles later...

[mtrotman]

The first time I ever saw this truck I thought it was ugly, but felt like it was designed specifically to fit my lifestyle. I was ready to buy one in March, 2005, but greedy dealers were pricing them above MSRP and I'm not one of those folks with more money than patience, so I waited until the hype died down. I bought a new Honda Ridgeline in October, 2005. The list price was ~$35,000 and I negotiated a great deal and drove out the door for ~$31,000. My hunch is that I couldn't get this deal today since it's won so many awards. I replaced a 1999 Mercedes ML320 with the Ridgeline and I have never looked back. The ML320 costs $15,000 more (50% more) and actually has less functionality.

I bought a steel blue RTL equipped with the following:
• Power Moonroof (Take it or leave it)
• XM® Satellite Radio (Gotta have it on my long drives)
• Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition (At first I thought it was a toy, now I can't live without it and bought a TomTom 700 for rental car use)
• MP3/Digital Media Auxiliary Jack (Works great so don't bother with the iPod Music Link)
• Dealer installed mud flaps front and rear
• Dealer installed moonroof wind deflector.

I personally installed the following options:
• OEM Roof Rack (Really improves the look of the truck. Gotta have it to haul my windsurfing gear)
• OEM Aluminum Step Rails (Also improves the look of the truck. Comes in handy when loading gear on the rack and when washing the truck)
• OEM Tow Package with wiring harness (Now I have to buy a boat!)
• iPod Music Link Adapter (Worthless overpriced piece of junk that was over-hyped and sorely under-delivers. I want a refund!)

And I plan to add:
• OEM Fog lights (I'm one of the few Americans that knows how and when to use them)

I've driven her 8,000 miles to date and I can honestly say that this is the best overall vehicle I have ever owned. My mileage over 8,000 mostly highway miles has averaged about 20 MPG. The worst mileage I've calculated so far was 17.5 MPG. The best mileage I've calculated so far was 22.5 MPG. The looks have grown on me, especially since I've dressed her up a little with the roof rack, step bars, and hitch. She's mine now, so how can I call her ugly?

For Play
I'm an avid backpacker, mountain biker, windsurfer, and motocross rider so I need a vehicle that can haul my toys. The Ridgeline carries it all with aplomb. Furthermore, when my gear comes home wet and/or dirty I can store it safely and securely in the truck bed trunk without fouling the interior. If the bed trunk gets dirty I just unscrew the plug and hose it out. I used to hate putting smelly backpacking gear in the rear of the ML320 because it would take days for the odor to dissipate. That's never and issue with the Ridgeline. I love that trunk! The trunk was the deal maker for me, honestly. Without the trunk, I might have bought a Toyota Tundra. Without the trunk, I might have bought another... who knows?

For Work
I'm in outside sales and drive about 500 - 1,000 miles a week. I often take clients out to lunch or dinner and I have transported five grown men in comfort. The interior fit and finish is better than the 1999 Mercedes ML320 it replaced. The Navigation System is a must have that I don't know how I've lived without. Even in my hometown it's shown me short cuts that I didn't know existed. When I'm out of town I feel comfortable venturing out now more than ever before because I know I can easily find my way back to the hotel. The dealers really don't know how to sell Navigation. After using it, I could sell these all day long. Note to dealers - train your sales people how to demonstrate the Navigation!

[25 Year Honda Owner]

Excellent report and I concur with all you say. Everytime I hear someone brag aboout the navi I wish someone would kick my a** for not buying it. Like you say, the sales people suck when they describe the navi. My salesman was hung up on voice activation in general and not the benifits of the navi, a turn off to me. I guess I will end up with a TomTom 300 or a Garmin 330 and still be p*ssed off that I did not get the factory navi. Thanks again for your excellent report.

[fins2theright]

The dealers really don't know how to sell Navigation. After using it, I could sell these all day long. Note to dealers - train your sales people how to demonstrate the Navigation!

You are so right! I have said before, and will say again, Navigation will one day be as common in cars as Air Conditioning. You hit the nail on the head. Only the sales force of this technology can affect it's success. The gizmo itself is a must, if you are properly introduced to it. Tell 'em it's an extra $2,000 and of course most people will pass. Show them how it works, and what it can do, and the objection is easily over come for most.

Great write up, thanks for posting!

fins

[5S Dude]

Wow mtrotman, your story sounds like you may be my long lost twin! This mirrors my feelings exactly. Great to hear I'm not alone....

[ridgeNH]

Good write up.

"The first time I ever saw this truck I thought it was ugly, but felt like it was designed specifically to fit my lifestyle."

This is how i felt, now i think is looks great.

[2006Ridgeline]

Excellent report and I concur with all you say. Everytime I hear someone brag aboout the navi I wish someone would kick my a** for not buying it. Like you say, the sales people suck when they describe the navi. My salesman was hung up on voice activation in general and not the benifits of the navi, a turn off to me. I guess I will end up with a TomTom 300 or a Garmin 330 and still be p*ssed off that I did not get the factory navi. Thanks again for your excellent report.

I've always passed on the nav, even when I got my MDX in 02. Everyone always brags about it, but I don't see that it's a needed accessory, especially for a couple thousand bills! There was one time I wished I had it, but I had my garmin etrex with me and made do with that. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with the nav, just that I have better things to do with my money!

Great report, by the way! I have to agree that this is the most versatile vehicle I've ever owned, and I've owned quite a few! :)

[HondaJet]

I was ready to buy one in March, 2005, but greedy dealers were pricing them above MSRP and I'm not one of those folks with more money than patience, so I waited until the hype died down.

Congratulations on purchasing a vehicle that is such a good match to your needs! I bought my RL in August and have only put about a third of the miles on it that you have, but I am extremely pleased with it. (I wish I could get your mileage, though.)

I take exception to your description of the dealers as "greedy". You apparently feel they were asking for more money than they "need or deserve" (a dictionary definition of greedy). Who are you to make that decision? The dealers are in business. They have costs, which must be paid from income from sales. Some of their products are more attractive to consumers than others and this varies over time, also. It is quite possible that during any given period, a dealer might LOSE money on some slow moving product lines. Why should they not try to maximize their return when they have a highly desireable product that is in short supply? If they price it TOO high, they will not sell it. If they price it too low, they will have more willing buyers than they can satisfy and will have missed an opportunity to increase their income. They could only sell the first RLs above MSRP if there were willing buyers, in which case the needs of all parties are satisfied: the dealer maximizes income, which may enable him to sustain, improve or even expand his business; the buyer who "just can't wait" has his new RL, which he obviously values more than the extra cash; and even the needs of those like you (and me ;) ) are served, since your priorities permit you to wait for a lower price, which eventually happened. Ain't capatilism grand?

[2006Ridgeline]

I take exception to your description of the dealers as "greedy". You apparently feel they were asking for more money than they "need or deserve" (a dictionary definition of greedy). Who are you to make that decision? The dealers are in business. They have costs, which must be paid from income from sales. Some of their products are more attractive to consumers than others and this varies over time, also. It is quite possible that during any given period, a dealer might LOSE money on some slow moving product lines. Why should they not try to maximize their return when they have a highly desireable product that is in short supply? If they price it TOO high, they will not sell it. If they price it too low, they will have more willing buyers than they can satisfy and will have missed an opportunity to increase their income. They could only sell the first RLs above MSRP if there were willing buyers, in which case the needs of all parties are satisfied: the dealer maximizes income, which may enable him to sustain, improve or even expand his business; the buyer who "just can't wait" has his new RL, which he obviously values more than the extra cash; and even the needs of those like you (and me ;) ) are served, since your priorities permit you to wait for a lower price, which eventually happened. Ain't capatilism grand?

That's often a fun topic to discuss, but probably not here (don't want to hijack this thread) :)

[mtrotman]

HondaJet you make several valid points to which I agree. Hey, I'm in sales and make a nice living in our nation's free enterprise system. As a matter of fact, years ago I had a profitable hobby of flipping high demand cars - without an ounce of guilt. Every car I sold fell into the hands of a very happy new owner and their money fell into the wallet of a very happy me. No harm, no foul - I'm glad we found each other. Isn't the internet wonderful!

Your only error was assuming that I used the word "greedy" as a pejorative. I simply meant to point out that the dealers greed didn't match my need. Oh, and patience is a virtue. The dealers were asking about $2,000 over sticker in March of '05 so the way I see it, I saved ~$6,000 or ~$850 per month by waiting 7 months to buy. Not a bad return for sitting on my haunches. Although I probably spent an extra $800 on repairs to my ML320 that I could have avioded, but now I'm rambling...

The truth is, if demand continued to be strong and there were no deals to be had, I would have gladly paid MSRP for this truck. It is, after all, the best vehicle I have ever owned. In some way, I'm disappointed that the Ridgline isn't flying off the lots. I hope this truck is on the market for a long time because when this one wears out I want another one, and another...

[LadyRidge]

Yes..great write up mtrotman....thanks for taking to the time to share it with us. :)

[basils]

I agree with most of what was expressed here. I really enjoy my Ridge and it does seem to be the best vehicle I've ever owned (so far).
I didn't get the navigation aid though. I know exactly where I am any time I drive (give or take a block or two). While I think it would be fun to have it on long trips, I still know where I am even when driving across the U.S. (something I've done several times....with a map). The idea of looking at my dash while driving seems a tad reckless, but certainly no more so than looking at a paper map. The other thing that concerns me about it would to be too dependent upon it. What if it goes down and you don't have a map? What if the satellite goes down? I don't know, I guess I'm old school on this issue. I've hiked hundreds of miles in the western wilderness with only a map in hand. I've always been leary of anything that requires dependence on power or an outside source.
Just my opinions...;)

[tadtam]

When I was deciding if I should buy a Ridgeline or not, I heavily perused this forum for several weeks. I noticed everyone talking about this NAVI thingy (LR calls it IVAN). Once I decided the Ridgeline was for me, I did not know if I would like or use a NAVI. So I posted this thread. After all who better to ask than the members of the ROC !

Here is thread and based on this I got the NAVI and still learning the intricacies about it since I have had my Ridge for only 2 weeks today:

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3964

[SmokyMtnRidger]

A couple of observations of my own:

Last night hubby and I went to a party at the home of a doctor that I work with. He lives kinda out a bit - even by our country standards; still we were only 30 miles or so from home. I had been there in the daytime but not at night. Leaving there I made a few turns and thought I was doing ok until I came to a 4 way out in the middle of nowhere. I was so happy to go ahead and tell NAVI to take me "Home". Instantly, it told me to turn Right and we were on our way! At midnight on a cold, winter night I was so glad that we had the Navi. I think Navi can also be considered a great safety feature, not just a "toy".

As for "greed". There is a Chevy dealership in Knoxville that has a brand spanking new candly apple red Corvette on their showroom floor. The sticker on it is around $62K or so. The dealership is taking bids on the car and so far it is up to around $95K !!!!!! Isn't that wild?!?!

Happy Trucking :)

[2006Ridgeline]

I can relate to the "middle of nowhere" situation when you think you're doing just fine and then, all of a sudden you're plopped down by aliens into a strange land where left means right and right means left and there's no way to get home from here....usually I drive around in circles until the aliens relinquish control of my mind and let me drive home...of course it would be easier and faster to just use a navigation system!:eek:

As fas as the reasons for not getting nav are concerned, why hasn't anyone mentioned big brother tracking you! :o

Greed is a matter of opinion in many cases -- of course if someone thinks a $62K car is worth $95K, well then I guess there's no greed there, is there? :p Maybe a little stupidity or maybe greed, I don't know!

[W7LV]

The first time I ever saw this truck I thought it was ugly, but felt like it was designed specifically to fit my lifestyle.

Back in college (1969 or so) I had a girlfriend who had a pronounced overbite and one amblyopic eye. The REST of her, though, including the quality of her company, her intellect, figure, dancing and cooking skills, were REAL fine.

I was gonna name The REDA$$ after her, but that might have led to Domestic Non-Tranqility...

[CoyoteMo]

• MP3/Digital Media Auxiliary Jack (Works great so don't bother with the iPod Music Link)

Hi. I actually don't have my Ridgeline under my control yet since I don't take delivery until tomorrow, Fri Aug 25, but I would like to know as much as you can tell me about the MP3/Digital Media Jack and what I should know about hooking the IPOD to it. Also, what is the problem with IPOD Music Link adapter and should I install the Honda TTS software on my computer? ANY information that you think would help me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Coyote

[brich]

• MP3/Digital Media Auxiliary Jack (Works great so don't bother with the iPod Music Link)

Hi. I actually don't have my Ridgeline under my control yet since I don't take delivery until tomorrow, Fri Aug 25, but I would like to know as much as you can tell me about the MP3/Digital Media Jack and what I should know about hooking the IPOD to it. Also, what is the problem with IPOD Music Link adapter and should I install the Honda TTS software on my computer? ANY information that you think would help me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Coyote
Welcome to the ROC CoyoteMo....
All I can tell you is I have Navi and the accessory jack. I simply plug in my iPod with a cheap cable and use my Monster FM transmitter just as a power supply and the sound is fantastic. It really sounds good in my opinion. Of course we're talking quality along the lines of the stock audio system. I haven't read a great deal of positive reviews of the iPod Music Link. Not sure what the real reasons are as it doesn't effect my steup... Good luck with your truck and enjoy yourself when picking it up... Take the long way home!! ;)

[CoyoteMo]

Thanks for the welcome and information BRICH. I almost had them install the Homelink, but then called the salesman and cancelled it after I found that the MP3 Aux jack was already in place [apparently standard with Navi]. Then I read mtrotman's evaluation of the Homelink and thought that maybe I had done the right thing by accident! Sinice I made the deal on Tues, I have been researching the internet for any and all information Ridgeline and I happened across this site. Once I get it, it will be easier to learn all the features of it. Thank you for your TIMELY comeback [since I am picking up my Ridge in about 2 hours]. I will be baaachk!

CoyoteMo

[Promarkt]

I agree with most of what was expressed here. I really enjoy my Ridge and it does seem to be the best vehicle I've ever owned (so far).
I didn't get the navigation aid though. I know exactly where I am any time I drive (give or take a block or two). While I think it would be fun to have it on long trips, I still know where I am even when driving across the U.S. (something I've done several times....with a map). The idea of looking at my dash while driving seems a tad reckless, but certainly no more so than looking at a paper map. The other thing that concerns me about it would to be too dependent upon it. What if it goes down and you don't have a map? What if the satellite goes down? I don't know, I guess I'm old school on this issue. I've hiked hundreds of miles in the western wilderness with only a map in hand. I've always been leary of anything that requires dependence on power or an outside source.
Just my opinions...;)


The Navi on the RL is more than just knowing where you are. A paper map won’t tell you where the closest gas station is or ATM, or hotel, restaurant, etc. etc. Nor will it look up your nearest store or business by name (in the event you are looking for a specific shop/business). Once you find it you can get directions to the nearest one. If you’re not familiar with restaurants because your in a new area, you can check restaurant reviews, look for specific kinds of food (ie. Italian, Mexican). It tells you time to destination, miles to destination. However, the best part is that it’s all integrated into just about all other features of the RL via voice recognition. So you can ask what time it is, how long to destination, turn on or off the A/C, adjust the cabin temp, change the radio station, enter an address, you name it, you can probably do it by voice. Not having to take your hands or eyes off the road is quite a good safety feature if you ask me, as well as very useful and practical. A paper map can’t do any of this. I also believe it will probably become as common as A/C in future vehicles.

As far as the Navi system failing and or becoming dependant on it. Well, it’s no more likely than the RL breaking down or your cell phone, computer etc.etc.

[BIGGUY]

• MP3/Digital Media Auxiliary Jack (Works great so don't bother with the iPod Music Link)

Hi. I actually don't have my Ridgeline under my control yet since I don't take delivery until tomorrow, Fri Aug 25, but I would like to know as much as you can tell me about the MP3/Digital Media Jack and what I should know about hooking the IPOD to it. Also, what is the problem with IPOD Music Link adapter and should I install the Honda TTS software on my computer? ANY information that you think would help me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Coyote
I have the navi with iPod and find nothing wrong with the iPod link;) We've used it alot when we get in places where we can't get the radio links:) Personly I prefer anything made by Macintosh:cool: