Wanna buy one...but should I?

I have my eye on a Ridge when my Dodge Caravan finally gives up the ghost (I hope it takes a while as I hate car payments), but looking at the issues presented here is making me think twice. Stuff like leaks in a-pillars, trip computers disabled. AC not integrating with the NAV. Bumps, grinds, wheezes and other noises. I know people really love these trucks, but is this a harbinger of things to come?

Check one out for yourself! Take a test drive and you'll also be sold on the Ridgeline. I have none of these problems and i love mine greatly!!! Simply a fantastic truck to say the least. (though i think they should all come with the towing package)

I have now 30,000 miles on my truck since Jan 2006, the only issue I had was the steering wheel TSB.


No leaks, no bumps, no noises, nada....


great gas mileage 19+mpg, awesome ride, great utility..

many of the "problems" listed on this site are stories made up by insecure Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Nissan owners.

You know Honda did it right with how much the GM, Ford, and other truck owners hate it. They can go pound sand...

4,500 mile on mine and no problems! The first production year of any new vehicle is going to have bugs to work out as things come up in the real world that the engineers never predicted. Honda's reputation is sterling.

7000 miles on mine and two issues. One mine and one Hondas. Mine: Really was hoping for better gas mileage. I am one of those getting poor mileage, but it also seems to be more common in Ca. Hondas issue: Remote keyless not prgrammed when picked up, 5 minute fix

I have my eye on a Ridge when my Dodge Caravan finally gives up the ghost (I hope it takes a while as I hate car payments), but looking at the issues presented here is making me think twice. Stuff like leaks in a-pillars, trip computers disabled. AC not integrating with the NAV. Bumps, grinds, wheezes and other noises. I know people really love these trucks, but is this a harbinger of things to come?


The choice is yours, I recommend a test drive. You will like the vehicle as for issues, yes some of us have seen some interesting things and others are just production glitches. The nice thing about this site is you can take what you want from it or ask a question if you are not sure. I have only 3400 miles on mine and had one issue with the steering rack which was solved by the garage.

Good Luck and good shopping.

SB. Ridge.

I'll pass 9K miles today on the way to Fresno.

I used to get Demo's in my job. New car every 4000 miles. Bought 3 cars in the last year and a half since I lost demo's (damn corp ownership) mailnly cause I got bored with each one in...surprise surprise--4000 miles. I will drive this Ridgeline till lease end and will probably get another one after that. I have never, in my entire life, enjoyed a vehicle as much as this one. And I have had a lot of vehicles!!! It fits my lifestyle, is great to drive, fun to accessorize and make your own and I have had not one single problem with mine at all...other than a rattle in the door, but I have afeeling I caused that by listening to my music WAY too loud.

I have mentioned in other threads...the trip that sold me....went from San Francisco to West Yellowstone and back. That is 5 days of pretty solid driving with trailer full of three sleds in tow. Could not even begin to express how amazing the vehicle was for the entire trip.

You are reading a small sample of owners and problems. There are a LOT more owners out there in the world than on this board that have not had any problems at all!!!!!!

Don't miss out on the joy this truck can and will provide!!!!

shootin,


well said,


sometimes I tend to forget the ROC is only a small sampling of those who own an RL. Puts the "negatives" I see posted in perspective ...

What you are reading here is a small sampling of vocal owners.
My only problems were fixed quickly by my dealer.
1) Running boards were corroding - Dealer replaced with Westin Bars
2) Dust shield got bent somehow - Dealer took care of that in less than an hour.

This truck is a great buy, and I will get another when the time is right. Nothing else out there compares.

Don't deprive yourself the pleasure you will ultimately get when you are a Ridgeline owner.:) :) :)

Just took mine into the dealer for the first time...rear differential fluid change and inspections at 13,800 miles, a year and 4 months old. Nothing wrong with my truck! My mileage is consistently 18-19 mpg on short commute.

I haven't heard of any leak issues in a long time. I think the issues you speak of have been fixed at the factory last year.

I agree with the others in this thread that this is the best vehicle out right now for the price, even if you pay MSRP. The biggest concern I have is that it makes you feel so safe and confident that you might let your guard down. It feels like it drives itself and will make it home no matter what. I've already had a couple scary incidents where it has performed excellently, but you still have to stay alert and try to drive it like you would any lesser vehicle.

RO3

Oh and by the way, this is one of the tightest vehicles I've seen. No "Bumps, grinds, wheezes and other noises". The only noise I've had was the tweeter cover barely squeaking, which I fixed with a piece of tape. And the only reason I noticed that noise was because the rest of the truck is so damn quiet!

This truck looks and feels solid. Sorry, but it's just awesome!

I'm getting ready to come up on 5k miles right now. The only problems I have had were the strut boing which went away by itself, a tailgate light problem which was fixed by an extra shim under the switch, the air conditioning was slightly overcharged at the factory that was fixed for free, and some jacka$$ who drove one of those industrial lawn mowers by my truck and pegged it with a huge rock from under the deck that took a chunk out of the paint. Two of the 3 problems listed first were taken care of by the dealership in less than 2 hours and I took care of the last problem myself... personally :mad:

I have my eye on a Ridge when my Dodge Caravan finally gives up the ghost (I hope it takes a while as I hate car payments), but looking at the issues presented here is making me think twice. Stuff like leaks in a-pillars, trip computers disabled. AC not integrating with the NAV. Bumps, grinds, wheezes and other noises. I know people really love these trucks, but is this a harbinger of things to come?

Bigunk.... Mine is just over 4 months pushing almost 12,000 miles. I've had no major issues like leaks, noises or anything that would fall under the warranty, just normal scheduled maintenance. The only thing that bugs me the most is that bed scratches easily. Some like the bed scratches saying it gives the truck character for me I hate scratches anywhere. I am having the Rhino Liner sprayed in on 7/19 which is an easy fix and not that expensive.

Yeah we have no trip computer, no bluetooth, or AC on the Navi. I wish we did but hey they have to leave some extras out and save those for the Acuras.

Honestly, I think no matter what brand you are buying you will find issues on their forums as well. Honda is known for their reliability. I traded in an '03 Accord with 90,000+ miles and never needed service other than what was scheduled. I looked at all the trucks out there and narrowed it down to 2, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 and the Ridge. My '03 Accord experience was my deciding factor.

Go test drive one. The car for you is what fits in the budget and you are comfortable in.

The only issue I have had is the "Check fuel cap" message dinging me for a while. The dealer reset it and it hasn't come back. Today a young lady was admiring my truck when I came out of the grocery store and she started asking about it. I found myself giving her the full tour including trunk demonstration and couldn't stop telling her how great the truck was if you needed safety, comfort and versatility. :D

Coming up on 1 yr...no problems what so ever! Remember, this is just a tiny sampling of 50,000+ vehicles. Problems can stand out like sore thumbs, complaints ring louder than praise. Remember the adage, one bad customer...10 good ones. Go check one out yourself....I'd buy again tomorrow! :)

mine is 3 months old, with an 9/05 build date. have a steering wheel creek which will be fixed when I bring her in for first service & some minor cosmetic things that the dealer was happy to fix, I should have waited for the rain to stop and picked better.

Aside from that, If you are looking for a family car, the RL is for you.

It is the perfect vehicle for a family, no way around it.

I have posted some negative and some postive, but overall, its just a battle I am having with my own preferences, but reflects nothing negative on the truck. like I said a few cosmetic flaws, but sure the 2007 and later build dates don't suffer from these.

No leaks, purchased during the rainy period and it was that way for weeks, never had a problem. Just trying to keep her slow during heavy rains because she traks so steady and smooth you don't realize how fast you are traveling in slick road conditions.:D

She does every single thing she is supposed to do and she does it without complaining, has been dependable.:D

last week it took me two hours to get home, the last 1 1/2 hour was traveling a two mile stretch on the freeway. No place to go because no off-ramp - Semi in the Center divider 20 miles ahead.

She didn't complain, didn't hear the fans running and complaining and that was one of our 95 degree summer days @ 3:30 in the afternoon.:D

I have to say, I'm a little proud of her... People were actually pulled off the road due to vehicle problems.:D

Oh, and when I filled the tank after that it had only dropped my mixed mileage down to 17 mpg overall - thats pretty darn good for mixed driving conditions, heavy traffic and then just crawling @ 10 mph or less for 23 miles

I recommend the truck to anybody

I think you should look at all the vehicles available to you.

All vehicles were bought brand new. I had a s10 and S15 trucks in the 90s

I owned two dodge Dakotas before the Ridge. One was a 97 club cab and the last one was a 02 quad cab. Both had Leer caps installed.

For the 02, the 4.7 V8 can't be matched by the Honda 6 cylinder. Not in a heart beat. Im not so sure the six cylinder in my first 97 Dak wasn't better performance wise also. Honda missed here.

I don't like the way the Honda transmission shifts. Not smooth at all. The Dak seemed to sense where it needed to be and got there. Honda missed here.

Air conditioning. Hands down...Honda.

Driver comfort. In the Ridge, I can't find a good spot for my left foot, cant see feel comfortable with the steering wheel, I'm always too far away from it where I need the seat positioned, can't see the guages etc, especially the shift and speed indicator because the steering wheel blocks it out. Dakota by a mile here for me.

Quality of interior and versatility...honda...no doubt. Rear seat area is huge...great seats. Great interior in general.

AC and heater controls seem to be well below eye level to see what is going on. Dak is better at this one.

I like the Honda body styling. Especially the box with the way the door flops open and the poly cargo area. Luv the Honda for this.

Not happy with the early maintenance needed on the 2002 Dak. Front ball joints at a little over 50K miles. I needed a new heater/ air conditioning core in the 97 Dak at 70K miles. Expensive fixes and unecessary with better quality materials or engineering. I expect Honda to not have these type of issues. I hope Honda makes me happy here.

For a fully loaded Dak, without 4WD is about the same price as the Honda with 4 WD. Honda is points leader here.

The Dakotas were pristine on the exterior when sold and with very little care. I hope the Honda does as well keeping it's good looks.

Now, would I look at a Dak when I want another new truck? For sure. Is there enough good things about the Ridge to keep me a customer...I'm not sure. Driver comfort is a major selling factor to me, and everytime I can't get the seat in the right spot for me, reminds me how much better the Daks were.

I have to echo the sentiment that several folks have said...Take a test drive, drive some other trucks, and then test drive the RL again. I don't think there is a question which one you will the like the most. Plus, if you are looking for safety, just remember the RL is THE SAFEST pickup on the road today.

I researched trucks for about 18 months before I decided on buying a RL. I test drove everything from full sized pickups, including a Silverado, and F150, and a Ram 1500, to just about every mid-sized pickup available today, including the Dakota, Colorado, Tacoma, and Frontier.

I could go on for about 10 paragraphs on the test-drive criteria I used for helping me decide which truck I should buy....but long story short...For me, since I do not use my truck for "serious" 4x4ing, I am probably never going to tow anything that weighs more than 5000 lb.s, and since we use our RL to go on long trips and we wanted a safe vehicle for that, the Ridgeline fits our needs to a "T".

So, test drive them all, I think I know which one you will choose!

Yes, definately test drive some other trucks, multiple times if need be.

I jumped into my truck over being ticked off @ Toyota dealers, and also because I loved what you got for the money, but in hind site I should have stepped back and given it some more time.

Test drive, test drive, test drive.

I rented a Boxster for a week before purchasing mine, but that involved a serious amount of money and I wanted to be very sure that was the car I wanted. Never winced once @ my car payments, and have not had 1 regret.

When possible, renting the vehicle you want to buy is always the best way to go..... then you know for sure.

I have my eye on a Ridge when my Dodge Caravan finally gives up the ghost (I hope it takes a while as I hate car payments), but looking at the issues presented here is making me think twice. Stuff like leaks in a-pillars, trip computers disabled. AC not integrating with the NAV. Bumps, grinds, wheezes and other noises. I know people really love these trucks, but is this a harbinger of things to come?


No bumps, wheezes, or leaks so far on our Ridgeline. I do want to make something clear, however, and that is the air conditioning and heating are both directly controlled by the Nav.

Here is the list of voice commands for the climate control system.

Climate Control Commands
The system accepts these commands on
most screens.
Climate control full automatic
(controls temperature to 72
degrees F)
Climate control automatic
(controls temperature to your
selection)
Climate control off
Air conditioner on
Air conditioner off
Air conditioner*
Climate control defrost on
Climate control defrost off
Climate control defrost*
Climate control fresh air
Climate control recirculate
Climate control vent
Climate control bi-level (Vent
and floor)
Climate control floor
Climate control floor and defrost
Fan speed up
Fan speed down
Fan speed # (#:1-7)
* Repeating these commands switches
(toggles) the function between On
and Off.
122 Navigation System
Voice Command Index
Temperature Voice
Commands
The system accepts these commands on
most screens.
Temperature # degrees (#: 58-86
degrees F)
Temperature up
Temperature down
Temperature max hot
Temperature max cold
Temperature balance
Temperature duel mode on
Temperature duel mode off
Temperature duel mode*
Driver temperature # degrees (#: 58-
86 degrees F)
Passenger temperature # degrees
(#: 58-86 degrees F)

Definitely test drive it. I find it exceptionally comfortable for long or short trips.

What you don't get with the Ridgeline is the need to put that pesky bag of sand into the bed each winter to give your rear wheels some traction. Every truck in Montana in winter has some of those sand bags and still on a bumpy slippery snowy roads the back ends will fish-tail. Since I bought my Ridgeline I haven't had to deal with that sand bag nonsense - and my Ridgeline handles better in snow than any other vehicle I've ever owned truck or SUV. :p

I bought a Ridge 3 weeks ago. I was a dedicated Taco owner, and it only took one test ride to convert me. I love my new ridge, runs rings around the 3 last 3 Taco's I had.

bigunk, check out this (http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5796) thread. It's a customer satisfaction poll. Remember there are 5000 members of the forum and this poll only represents about 200 members. I feel this poll will put your fears to rest.

I have to disagree with tickle, I had a 98 dakota slt, extra cab. 6 is only 210hp, transmission, on a trip from Plattsburg NY, had to take it off cruise and overdrive because it couldn't handle the mountains, empty. AC shot at 45,000 miles, engine let go at 65000. sold it for 500 bucks to buy a RL. Ride and comfort not even close.

I have my eye on a Ridge when my Dodge Caravan finally gives up the ghost (I hope it takes a while as I hate car payments), but looking at the issues presented here is making me think twice. Stuff like leaks in a-pillars, trip computers disabled. AC not integrating with the NAV. Bumps, grinds, wheezes and other noises. I know people really love these trucks, but is this a harbinger of things to come?

I have over 33k miles since 3/05 and only problems I have had is air noise form A pillar and mostly because had windshield replaced. Step sides corroded but were replaced. Otherwise like it, wish list is bed to be more scratch resistant, driver seat to adjust front more downward, bigger engine option.

Try it you may like it. My worst vechicles have been in the Dodge family. The one was in the shop 27 times the 1st year alone. I doubt you'll find a Ridge like that.:D

I have my eye on a Ridge when my Dodge Caravan finally gives up the ghost (I hope it takes a while as I hate car payments), but looking at the issues presented here is making me think twice. Stuff like leaks in a-pillars, trip computers disabled. AC not integrating with the NAV. Bumps, grinds, wheezes and other noises. I know people really love these trucks, but is this a harbinger of things to come?

Your joking, right? You're worried about things like trip computer disabled (not even a feature that I know of), AC not integrating with NAV (AC works).

2006 Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

If you know anything about vehicles, you would know Honda makes a better quality vehicle than most of the competition. Just look at any Consumer Reports reliability record and compare Honda to any Dodge, Chevy or Ford.

After 25+ replies, and no acknowledgement, I sense someThing here .....:cool:

where'd bigunk go?:confused:

where'd bigunk go?:confused:
Can't get him outta his new Ridge, I bet. ;)
Eight months, 9000 miles, happy as a clam. :)
exA4
BTW; getting excellent service from my local dealer, El Cerrito Honda.

where'd bigunk go?:confused:
he made one post and has not logged in since:confused:
i think he really likes the caravan;)

I have now 30,000 miles on my truck since Jan 2006, the only issue I had was the steering wheel TSB.


No leaks, no bumps, no noises, nada....


great gas mileage 19+mpg, awesome ride, great utility..

many of the "problems" listed on this site are stories made up by insecure Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Nissan owners.

You know Honda did it right with how much the GM, Ford, and other truck owners hate it. They can go pound sand...


Right on, i agree totaly. Ford, Chevy, Dodge and many other truck owners are just plain jealous, especially since Ridgeline got Truck of the year, oh and i allmost forgot the Civic got car of the year.If your going to buy a vehicle just because its American, you need to get some help.Honda rules big time. Do you ever hear any of hondas adds putting down other car manufactures? Never. However the other car companies constantly put other vehicles down again and again. "Ours is better then yours" What a bunch of babies

I owned an Avalanche and never had one problem with it. Not one. For me, that one got to 20K miles which is a lot.

I think everyone here has definitely made one thing clear....the truck has to fit YOU. There are cars out there that I can't drive.....make my back hurt..just a seat design.

buying a car or truck in todays market is actually fun. The manufacturer's have gotten soooo competitive with one another, that they have now started building automobiles that fit "lifestyles" instead of just building automobiles that get from point A to point B.

So, decide what your lifestyle has in it, and then, when you go look at trucks/cars, IMAGINE as best as you can what you do everyday and how would the vehicle fit in. IF you do this, you will find something that fits your lifestyle perfectly, and that is when you will finally find your first car/truck true love!!!!!

I golf------the Trunk is GREAT for me because I can leave my clubs in the car. Anytime in my avalanche, I would finish playing, I had to move them into the cab when going to the store and also left them at the house which made spontaneous rounds of golf impossible.

Dogs-worked well in both rigs, but that rubber mat in the Avalanche made getting the kennels in and out pretty tough..however, I loved the fact that nothing slid around when in the bed.

Towing-the most I tow is and probably ever will be is snowmobiles..three at the most, much less than 5000 lbs so I have no need for V8's and the gas mileage they provide.

Drive a lot.....pretty long commute to work, and go out of town every other weekend....and I enjoy "driving", so the car like handling in the Ridge is very refreshing. I got sick of the "truck" feel and it always made me want a car as well.

Sports-Season Ticket holder for the Giants----tailgating......not only does the trunk work as a cooler (not well however, the side compartment in the Avalanche worked better cause they were insulated), but I can lock up the BBQ in the trunk so it does not get stolen!!!!

Lots of other things, but those things are the "majors" in my lifestyle and are why I chose the Ridge instead of going back to another Lanche.

he made one post and has not logged in since:confused:
i think he really likes the caravan;)

I think you got my drift but I'll refrain from the 'T' word......for now.....

Check one out for yourself.

Mine was built in 03/05 and I have not had one problem, especially water leaks, strange noises, etc.

My gas milage has continued to improve and I have about 19,000 miles on the truck.

I spent 35 years with one company and drove many different cars, vans, station wagons, etc. Nothing comes close to the overall performance and fun to drive that this vehicle delivers.

I have never spent this much money on a vehicle, but it is worth every penny. The safety features alone should justify purchasing one, if nothing else, the protection of you and your family.

Check one out for yourself.

Mine was built in 03/05 and I have not had one problem, especially water leaks, strange noises, etc.

My gas milage has continued to improve and I have about 19,000 miles on the truck.

I spent 35 years with one company and drove many different cars, vans, station wagons, etc. Nothing comes close to the overall performance and fun to drive that this vehicle delivers.

I have never spent this much money on a vehicle, but it is worth every penny. The safety features alone should justify purchasing one, if nothing else, the protection of you and your family.


I couldn't agree more. I have owned vehicles from just a lot of manufacturers (BMW,2 Mercedes,3 Chevrolets,2 Fords, Chrysler,Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota), without a doubt I would take my ridgeline over all of them.

Just bought mine in April '06. Has 6,000 mi's. NO PROBLEMS - none.
Just went to Florida - got about 19 to 20 mpg's - was an absolute comfortable ride! Really enjoyed the trip - in part to the Ridgeline.. not only rides well, but fun to drive!!

I purchased my Ridgeline in April 06 and have about 3600 miles on it. I've had so many vehicles I'm not even sure I can not even recall them all. I've had several Subaru's all of which I loved but I needed a truck and Subaru doesn't currently make a truck so I gave Honda a try for the first time. It fits my lifestyle perfectly. I've hauled the dog, mulch, rocks, sand, bikes, toys and a crib in it so far with no issues. I’ve put 3 car seats side by side in the back seat and they fit with no problem which was amazing. I'm starting to think the last Subaru I bought was my last since I've been so pleased with the Ridgeline.

If I was forced to knock it for anything it would have to be the spare tire placement. It hasn't happened to me and I hope it doesn't but the last time I was hauling mulch I started wondering what I'd do if I got a flat since I couldn't get to the trunk. However if the spare was located where most truck spares are there wouldn't be a trunk and that is one of my favorite features of the Ridge. I've had several people ask me about my Ridgeline and I've told them all to buy one. Now if you asked me about Jeeps I might tell you something different.