2006 Honda Ridgeline RTS —Long-Term Wrap-Up [12.22.6]

[T Mac]

From Automotive News

One year, 27,543 miles and 1522.7 gallons of gas after delivery, we send the somewhat ungainly Honda Ridgeline back to its owners—and we’re all the sadder for it.

Why sad? Good question. There have certainly been sportier vehicles in the AW long-term fleet, including at least four Porsches over the last 10 years. And there’s usually something more expensive and luxurious from which to choose—a Jaguar, Mercedes or Cadillac at the ready. But, arguably, we’ve not had a vehicle quite as useful, as multi-purposeful as the Ridgeline.

By Natalie Neff

Click here to read the entire review from Automotive News

[iROC]

We’ve not had a vehicle quite as useful, as multi-purposeful as the Ridgeline.

I wholeheartedly agree, which is why I purchased the Ridge to begin with. It's also the first vehicle I've owned that after a year of ownership I still enjoy driving, by that I mean the "new" car feel hasn't worn off.

[25 Year Honda Owner]

After 18 months, the ride, drive, and handling is fabulous. I don't think you can get any better than the RL at any price.

[green_steele]

Same here! I don't think you can find a better vehicle! I will only get rid of this ridge to buy another!! I love this quote by AutoWeek
"Unhindered by rocks or trailers, the Ridgeline felt nearly sprightly, by truck standards."
Or maybe to get one of these diesels if they make one in the Ridgeline
"-- Honda's Ridgeline, Pilot and Odyssey and Acura's MDX are candidates to get a clean V-6 diesel engine that Honda Motor Co. is developing, says CEO Takeo Fukui.

Fukui declined to specify which Honda or Acura vehicles will get a diesel engine. But he identified those four light trucks as "the Honda products that would need this kind of technology."

Honda will sell a clean 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel in 2009. A V-6 diesel using the same technology will follow.

Honda says the diesel engines will meet tough new U.S rules requiring that diesel emissions essentially be as clean as gasoline-engine emissions"
---AutoWeek

[Otter68]

Great article. Best part:

That’s because “it’s a truck we can live with—one that handles our chores without being a chore to handle.” It consistently delivered the car-like fuel economy and drivability not available in any other pickup truck on the road, while still offering 99 percent of what a typical suburbanite would ever need from a truck. “It functions like a truck,” one staffer said, “but doesn’t drive like one at all. It’s quiet, smooth, steers nicely and handles.”

[cdepuydt]

Man...I wish they would stop with the good reviews of the RL...it's getting a little old!!!

Seriously... nice review. I have to agree with the comments about handling. I had a F150 for 2 days while they were waiting for some parts to come in on my RL and, after driving the F150 for 2 days, it sure was nice getting back into my RL. While it was nice having the Triton V-8 at my command, all I can say about the handling of the F150 as compared to the RL... is it was "lumbering". Nothing nimble about the handling of that pickup, that's for sure. The steering felt "numb", for lack of a better term, and I just didn't feel totally under control, like I do in my RL. Plus, getting about 11.5 MPG, in 60/40 highway/city mixed driving was a pain in my wallet!

Anyway...always nice to see nice articles about the RL...

[denvrfan]

Originally Posted by Otter68

Great article. Best part:

That’s because “it’s a truck we can live with—one that handles our chores without being a chore to handle.” It consistently delivered the car-like fuel economy and drivability not available in any other pickup truck on the road, while still offering 99 percent of what a typical suburbanite would ever need from a truck. “It functions like a truck,” one staffer said, “but doesn’t drive like one at all. It’s quiet, smooth, steers nicely and handles.”

Amen- couldn't have stated it any better myself. It's a wonderful vehicle.

[fwood]

Having just recently purchased my Ridgeline, I could not be happier.
I traded an '04 F150 XLT with the 5.4L three valve motor. Had 83k miles on it and it ran well, very well....but, it was losing value in leaps and bounds because of the mileage I routinely put on it and I did not need a really full size truck most of the time.
Just purchased the wife a Civic Hybrid and the Honda Finance Manager really put the idea of trading my truck into my head. I was a hard sell though. I was almost convinced to purchase a Tundra V6 but wanted to test drive the Honda (my dealer sells both Toyota and Honda) before making any decision. I had held out on the Ridgeline due to the short bed and had not driven one.
It wasn't much of a decision as to which truck felt better or had the most room and comfort. My mind was made up during the test drive.

I am really surprised though that with all of the great reviews on the Ridgeline, it just doesn't seem to get pushed much by Honda advertising, at least not locally (Central Texas). That's a shame; this is a great truck for probably a very large portion of the folks that drive trucks (not just the soccer moms either).

[denvrfan]

Originally Posted by fwood

Having just recently purchased my Ridgeline, I could not be happier.
I traded an '04 F150 XLT with the 5.4L three valve motor. Had 83k miles on it and it ran well, very well....but, it was losing value in leaps and bounds because of the mileage I routinely put on it and I did not need a really full size truck most of the time.
Just purchased the wife a Civic Hybrid and the Honda Finance Manager really put the idea of trading my truck into my head. I was a hard sell though. I was almost convinced to purchase a Tundra V6 but wanted to test drive the Honda (my dealer sells both Toyota and Honda) before making any decision. I had held out on the Ridgeline due to the short bed and had not driven one.
It wasn't much of a decision as to which truck felt better or had the most room and comfort. My mind was made up during the test drive.

I am really surprised though that with all of the great reviews on the Ridgeline, it just doesn't seem to get pushed much by Honda advertising, at least not locally (Central Texas). That's a shame; this is a great truck for probably a very large portion of the folks that drive trucks (not just the soccer moms either).

Welcome to the growing family of satisfied Ridgeline owners. Mine was #1908 off the line way back in February 2005. Still love mine after 21 months and 20,000 miles.

[meofOKC]

Originally Posted by T Mac

From Automotive News



By Natalie Neff

Click here to read the entire review from Automotive News

I have put 32K on my Ridgeline since March and I agree totally. Every time I take someone somewhere for the first time they are amazed with how much room is inside and the smooth quiet ride. The ONLY thing that I would ever buy now for me is just another Ridgeline.