It seems like there was at least on person here who went from a 2G to a 1G. A few of us have talked about it.

Except for reliability, virtually everything else about the 2G is superior. Aside from occasional interior water leaks that are still being reported, most of the fixable issues have been addressed in 2021-2023 Ridgelines.

I'd choose a 2009-2014 Ridgeline over a 2017-2019, but a 2021-2023 over any. Reliability aside, the 1G Ridgeline is simply too much of a step back in terms of performance, efficiency, and technology, BUT...I'd still rather have a 1G Ridgeline over any other vehicle on the market with an open bed.

 

It seems like there was at least on person here who went from a 2G to a 1G. A few of us have talked about it.

Except for reliability, virtually everything else about the 2G is superior. Aside from occasional interior water leaks that are still being reported, most of the fixable issues have been address in 2021-2023 Ridgelines.

I'd choose a 2009-2014 Ridgeline over a 2017-2019, but a 2021-2023 over any. Reliability aside, the 1G Ridgeline is simply too much of a step back in terms of performance, efficiency, and technology, BUT...I'd still rather have a 1G Ridgeline over any other vehicle on the market with an open bed.

i do really like the 21

It seems like there was at least on person here who went from a 2G to a 1G. A few of us have talked about it.

Except for reliability, virtually everything else about the 2G is superior. Aside from occasional interior water leaks that are still being reported, most of the fixable issues have been addressed in 2021-2023 Ridgelines.

I'd choose a 2009-2014 Ridgeline over a 2017-2019, but a 2021-2023 over any. Reliability aside, the 1G Ridgeline is simply too much of a step back in terms of performance, efficiency, and technology, BUT...I'd still rather have a 1G Ridgeline over any other vehicle on the market with an open bed.
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Is there issues with the 06-09? I’m seeing a fair amount of those years for sale? I’ll miss my 17 and all its bells and whistles, but I won’t miss the payment. I do really like the 21+ but not cheap enough for me yet.

 

I owned a 2008 ridgeline for 12 years. I loved that truck , but last summer bought a new 2022 . I drove both regularly t'ill i finally sold the 2008 two months later.

I can tell you going back and fourth between both the 2nd gen is indeed a superior experience in almost every regard.

 

^^that's a really cool pic.

 

For the 2009 model year, Honda did a mid model refresh and there was a slight bump in engine and transmission performance. We also have yet to see a SMOD (search this forum if you don't know what that means) failure in the 2009-2014 GenIs. I am also getting better highway mileage in my 2014 than I did in my 2006. Generally, the GenI's are reliable and tough vehicles that ride and handle much better than the rest of the midsize body on frame competitors. They are not as refined / car like as the GenII and get about 3mpg worse for gas mileage. GenII will be quieter, with more power and better handling and has a larger bed footprint. GenI has a deeper bed with a larger trunk and can store a full size spare inside the trunk. The GenI has a column shifter and a pass through style front center console that gives a more truck like experience for the interior. In the areas with road salt in the Winter, rust seems to be a problem on the GenI if precautions aren't taken. This is probably true for the GenII's as well but they simply aren't as old. Overall proper maintenance is key for longevity but the GenI's powertrain, including the AWD system have shown to be quite reliable. Proactively replacing the radiator to avoid a SMOD incident is probably a good idea.
This is true for either generation but keep in mind that at around 100k miles the timing belt / water pump, spark plugs and valve clearance adjustments will need to be done and this is an expensive service at the dealer. Suspension components, CV joints etc can also be in need of repair between 100k and 200K miles. Good luck!