Ridgeline - 2013, 14 & 15 - the future.

[gene r]

Originally Posted by phillyguy

I think his point was that in 4x4 fashion the Ram still is rated at 16/23 over the RL's 15/20, despite being larger in every dimension, weighing more, and putting out more hp/torque. The hemi numbers are not paired with their new transmission yet. Don't know if the new 8 speed will give it a little boost or not in its EPA numbers. I actually hate EPA numbers myself since a lot of vehicles get nowhere near them. I think that I got banned from a forum once for pointing out that the only worthwhile way to test fuel economy would be to put a lot of vehicles on a long track at the same time, and just drive them around and around. Moderator was an engineer and did not like this and insisted that EPA ratings were perfectly accurate, despite OVERWHELMING empirical evidence to the contrary.

You do know the difference between Engineer boots and Cowboy boots right? Cowboy boots the BS is on the outside.

[IanRTL]

Originally Posted by dboz

You guys really expect HONDA to perform physics miracles. More power (many want 300hp) and still get a LOT better MPG's?? I guess if they lose the brick that is the front end the aerodynamic advantages are obvious.

That is why I want a more chisled looking vehicle. Sleek and muscular. Not block and boring. I can even live with the size but I think a 500lbs. curb weight reduction would do wonders for the 3.5 and help MPG.s Giving up a few inches in width will not hurt anything. I guess you still need the plywood crowd to have their width though.

The BAJA is a CRUCK, not a TRUCK. I was in no way suggesting something that small. The BAJA was way too expensive.

It's not a miracle of physics - it's a byproduct of direct injection and improved valve timing. DI typically allows for better power and torque and also improves fuel efficiency at the same time. Look at the power and efficiency gains of the new Accord - somewhat modest, but a great improvement. The new model also has slightly smaller outside dimensions with slightly larger cabin dimensions. I think we can expect the new gen RL to see similar improvements. The RL needs to be weighty to perform truck duties. I think we might see about a 100-150lb. reduction in weight, but 500lbs. is a tall order for any auto maker.

On a side note, I do remember about five years ago or so that Pontiac made an El Camino-esque version of the G8. It had the 6.2 liter engine and a truck bed with two front seats. It was unique-looking, but was actually pretty neat. I'll bet it ran like a bat outta hell, too!

[phillyguy]

Originally Posted by Car Compulsive

There are occasional times I wish for a larger bed, but that would mean giving up garage-ability or interior space. (Last Saturday it took three trips to transport 27 bags of shredded leaves for composting 2 miles away. I can live with that.) 90+% of the time, the Ridge is spot-on for my wants & needs - far better than any other truck.

I always thought that Honda could address this issue well by including a bed extender standard. They went to the effort of making an extra strong tailgate, I really think that they should have advertised that fact quite a bit more, and encouraged people to use a bed extender with it.

[IanRTL]

Originally Posted by gene r

You do know the difference between Engineer boots and Cowboy boots right? Cowboy boots the BS is on the outside.

Hahahahaha! That's great!

[chiph]

Originally Posted by IanRTL

On a side note, I do remember about five years ago or so that Pontiac made an El Camino-esque version of the G8. It had the 6.2 liter engine and a truck bed with two front seats. It was unique-looking, but was actually pretty neat. I'll bet it ran like a bat outta hell, too!

That was an Australian "Ute". Probably sold as a Holden.

Yep - here it is:

http://www.holden.com.au/vehicles/ute

Chip H.

[IanRTL]

Originally Posted by chiph

That was an Australian "Ute". Probably sold as a Holden.

Yep - here it is:

http://www.holden.com.au/vehicles/ute

Chip H.

Wow. I know the G8 was the American version of the Holden Commodore, but I had no idea they actually put the Ute truck thing into production. It's an absolute shame that Pontiac went by the wayside. I know they made some questionable vehicles for a long time, but the G8 was and still is an absolutely drop-dead sexy vehicle. If it were offered in AWD, I would have considered it for a daily driver. RWD just doesn't do it around here in the winter, but maybe finding a good one for a second vehicle in a few years might be something I'd be interested in doing. Their prices have held steady because of the low availability.

[xd9x19]

Originally Posted by speedlever

All I know is they targeted me pretty much dead on.

Same here, from what I read of the original target audience...suburban family with dad who wants a family hauler during the week and smooth ride for the commute, but also wants the truck bed for weekend projects and fun.

[IanRTL]

Originally Posted by xd9x19

Same here, from what I read of the original target audience...suburban family with dad who wants a family hauler during the week and smooth ride for the commute, but also wants the truck bed for weekend projects and fun.

That's me to a "T" as well... minus the dad part. Working on it...

[S1njin]

Originally Posted by xd9x19

Same here, from what I read of the original target audience...suburban family with dad who wants a family hauler during the week and smooth ride for the commute, but also wants the truck bed for weekend projects and fun.

This is exactly why I purchased one on Saturday !!!

I got a leftover 2012 with 1.9% financing. Since I generally HATE buying a new model vehicle in the first year (or even partially into the 2nd year), I feel I'm buying a proven platform that does exactly what I need it for. I didn't have another 3 years (1 year of the 2013s and at least 1.5 of the new model) to wait.

[IanRTL]

Originally Posted by S1njin

This is exactly why I purchased one on Saturday !!!

I got a leftover 2012 with 1.9% financing. Since I generally HATE buying a new model vehicle in the first year (or even partially into the 2nd year), I feel I'm buying a proven platform that does exactly what I need it for. I didn't have another 3 years (1 year of the 2013s and at least 1.5 of the new model) to wait.

Plus there's no telling exactly when the 2nd gen model will come out. It could be 2015 before we see it. I'm really hoping that's not the case as I'll be looking to replace mine in about 3-4 years. I'm not one to buy new at all, so a nice 1.5-2 year old certified model with low miles would be my weapon of choice.