Ridgeline finally tested by IIHS - Kind of?

[HKINGS]

Hey everyone,

I'm not sure if this has been posted yet or not, but I was just checking out all the safety ratings for all Honda models at the IIHS website. While there is still no selection for the Ridgeline yet, if you go to the "Rear Crash Protection" page by clicking on the following link:

Head restraints: Honda

You will see the following all the way at the bottom:

Ridgeline (RTL Models)
2006-2008

Overall Rating = M (Marginal)
Dynamic Rating = M (Marginal)
Seat/Head Restraint Geometry = G (Good)

This raises a few questions, such as... If IIHS rated rear crash test for the RTL model of the Ridgeline, do they plan on testing front or side crashes? Maybe on other models as well?

Also, seeing as safety is a huge reason I'm interested in buying a Ridgeline, what does a less than acceptable score in rear crashes say about the truck? Anyone have any unfortunate rear end experiences?

I know the gov't rated the RL 5 stars pretty much all around, however the IIHS seems to be more through and realistic when it comes to crashes. I've also seen stories on this board where their RL took a beating and saved peoples lives.

In general Im curious why they just tested rear collisions and nothing else.

All info, opinions and advice is truly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by HKINGS

Hey everyone,

I'm not sure if this has been posted yet or not, but I was just checking out all the safety ratings for all Honda models at the IIHS website. While there is still no selection for the Ridgeline yet, if you go to the "Rear Crash Protection" page by clicking on the following link:

Head restraints: Honda

You will see the following all the way at the bottom:

Ridgeline (RTL Models)
2006-2008

Overall Rating = M (Marginal)
Dynamic Rating = M (Marginal)
Seat/Head Restraint Geometry = G (Good)

This raises a few questions, such as... If IIHS rated rear crash test for the RTL model of the Ridgeline, do they plan on testing front or side crashes? Maybe on other models as well?

Also, seeing as safety is a huge reason I'm interested in buying a Ridgeline, what does a less than acceptable score in rear crashes say about the truck? Anyone have any unfortunate rear end experiences?

I know the gov't rated the RL 5 stars pretty much all around, however the IIHS seems to be more through and realistic when it comes to crashes. I've also seen stories on this board where their RL took a beating and saved peoples lives.

In general Im curious why they just tested rear collisions and nothing else.

All info, opinions and advice is truly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

I am little confused as a number of members have been hit from behind and have been quite please with how the Ridgeline held up. Use of the search tool with keywords rear ended might help you.

Also look here:

HLDI: Insurance losses by make and model

Head restraints details page

[PerryLynch]

Originally Posted by HKINGS

Hey everyone,

I'm not sure if this has been posted yet or not, but I was just checking out all the safety ratings for all Honda models at the IIHS website. While there is still no selection for the Ridgeline yet, if you go to the "Rear Crash Protection" page by clicking on the following link:

Head restraints: Honda

You will see the following all the way at the bottom:

Ridgeline (RTL Models)
2006-2008

Overall Rating = M (Marginal)
Dynamic Rating = M (Marginal)
Seat/Head Restraint Geometry = G (Good)

This raises a few questions, such as... If IIHS rated rear crash test for the RTL model of the Ridgeline, do they plan on testing front or side crashes? Maybe on other models as well?

Also, seeing as safety is a huge reason I'm interested in buying a Ridgeline, what does a less than acceptable score in rear crashes say about the truck? Anyone have any unfortunate rear end experiences?

I know the gov't rated the RL 5 stars pretty much all around, however the IIHS seems to be more through and realistic when it comes to crashes. I've also seen stories on this board where their RL took a beating and saved peoples lives.

In general Im curious why they just tested rear collisions and nothing else.

All info, opinions and advice is truly appreciated!
Thanks in advance!

I have a good friend who works in enforcement within the DOT/NHTSA. He would probably be offended at the idea that the IIHS is more thorough and realistic.

I've overheard some of their discussions, and been amazed: They even take the time to properly delineate and define body mass indexes of the crash test dummies, based not just on gender, but on the assigned age of the gender (in short: Saggy or pert? Buff or flabby?). As a result, they literally have crash test dummies for every age and size of each gender, and routinely use them all.

Check this out: Safercar.gov

[HKINGS]

Originally Posted by PerryLynch

I have a good friend who works in enforcement within the DOT/NHTSA. He would probably be offended at the idea that the IIHS is more thorough and realistic.

I've overheard some of their discussions, and been amazed: They even take the time to properly delineate and define body mass indexes of the crash test dummies, based not just on gender, but on the assigned age of the gender (in short: Saggy or pert? Buff or flabby?). As a result, they literally have crash test dummies for every age and size of each gender, and routinely use them all.

Check this out: Safercar.gov

Hey PerryLynch... by no means was I trying to insult anyone and if I did, I apologize. I have just heard that the government testing is more lenient than that if IIHS, thus they tend to give out the 5-star crash test ratings more liberally. Of course I could be wrong, but having worked for the government, I also tend to know how government agency's work sometimes. But I didn't mean anything directed at NHTSA directly.

[PerryLynch]

Originally Posted by HKINGS

Hey PerryLynch... by no means was I trying to insult anyone and if I did, I apologize. I have just heard that the government testing is more lenient than that if IIHS, thus they tend to give out the 5-star crash test ratings more liberally. Of course I could be wrong, but having worked for the government, I also tend to know how government agency's work sometimes. But I didn't mean anything directed at NHTSA directly.

I was joking around for the most part ;-). Brian is a good guy. But I will remind you that the IIHS is funded by the INsurance INstitute, and that part of the goals of the II is to reduce cost to the companies, thus ensuring profits. NHTSA's goal is more specific, and the NHTSA engineers have legal enforcement power: They are the ones that set the safety standards, and they are the ones that can force a manufacturer to issue a recall.