I am puzzled by some of the negative parts of their review.
Thoughts and comments will be appreciated.

Got a reference?

 

it rates reliability a 3 is an example

 

I am puzzled by some of the negative parts of their review.
Thoughts and comments will be appreciated.

I can’t offer thoughts or comments unless I see the Consumer Reports review. Can you reference the specific article, and what parts of it puzzles you? My guess is that it is not available to non subscribers.

 

Consumer Reports is not a professional or objective organization. I have had little confidence in their past reviews.

 

I am puzzled by some of the negative parts of their review.
Thoughts and comments will be appreciated.

We need a link but Id dare say if you really want to know the good, bad & ugly on a Honda RL just start digging into this site. It will both make you love & hate the vehicle at the same time but you will get the big picture of what owning one entails. Im admittingly a Newby to the club but I can tell you it boils down to loving the vehicle and its uniqueness more than its bugs & drawbacks with the biggest matzah ball being the major repair issues which keeps every owner on edge until its sold.

 

We need a link but Id dare say if you really want to know the good, bad & ugly on a Honda RL just start digging into this site. It will both make you love & hate the vehicle at the same time but you will get the big picture of what owning one entails. Im admittingly a Newby to the club but I can tell you it boils down to loving the vehicle and its uniqueness more than its bugs & drawbacks with the biggest matzah ball being the major repair issues which keep every owner on edge until its sold.i

that is what I have gotten so far. that having one and its uniqueness offsets the negatives. so far I have seen comments about leaks under the back step under the carpet, that certainly concerns me, overly sensitive safety features, to name a couple.

Out of 5, 10, 100, 10,000? Perhaps post a link or at least a little more information.

3 of 5, 5 being the best. I like to see 4 or 5.

We need a link but Id dare say if you really want to know the good, bad & ugly on a Honda RL just start digging into this site. It will both make you love & hate the vehicle at the same time but you will get the big picture of what owning one entails. Im admittingly a Newby to the club but I can tell you it boils down to loving the vehicle and its uniqueness more than its bugs & drawbacks with the biggest matzah ball being the major repair issues which keep every owner on edge until its sold.

hey, I am not down on it, I am picking up a new 2023 RTL-E Monday, so I'm all in, and know two friends who have a 2018 and 2022, and they love'em, and I am the one who suggest4ed the 2018 friend he should buy one, who has had a 1500 RAM, a Chevy Silverado, a Tacoma. So I am invested and expect to love it, or wouldn't have bought. Just trying to learn what I can about any problem areas and had to deal with them.

 

I am puzzled by some of the negative parts of their review.
Thoughts and comments will be appreciated.

Here's my opinion, I don't know what CR's survey methods are but self-reporting surveys frequently yield questionable results.

 

Consumer Reports surveys are pretty rock solid. They query owners regarding a myriad of components and, if they rate a vehicle, it means they have gotten a significant number of responses. Up until the last couple years, the Ridgeline has been the top ranked mid-size pickup...and, actually, the top ranked pickup of all classes.

Edmunds is very complementary of the truck, in all respects.

Consumer Reports is much less biased than Edmunds or any of the other rating services.

 

I would never make a vehicle purchase decision solely on CR. They aren't enthusiasts. They are just a data point. Even if they're telling me what I want to hear, I don't weight what they have to say heavily.

 

I have to strongly agree with @14v6, use CR as a data point and not a single source for decisions, there was a time when I thought CR knew all. After a few disappointing items purchased, they are now just part of the equation.

Moderator Note: Thread Moved & Title Updated

 

Water leak is a concern, but nobody knows how widespread it is, or how big of an issue it is.
Many vehicles of many different makes get or have water leaks in them, but the owners never know it. The water may evaporate, drain to a non-issue place, or just never be discovered.

Water leaks are easy to check for in the Ridgeline, and that may be one of the reasons it is widely reported. Again, we have no idea how widespread, how common compared to other vehicles, or how big of an issue.

Other significant concern is the six-speed found in the 2017-2019 Ridgelines. Some of these have failed, as many as 2% by some estimates.

Aside from that, it's little issues, like the aforementioned poorly-calibrated safety nannies (many of those can be turned off) and laggy infotainment.

Interestingly, lower trims of the 2017-2019 Ridgeline have no safety nannies and no laggy radios, but you have to worry a little bit about your transmission if you have one of those models.

There are some other minor issues depending on year model. See this thread:

Summary of year-to-year changes for US Ridgeline...

Please let me know if you see any errors or omissions. 2017 The 2017 Ridgeline was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show on January 11, 2016. It went on sale on June 21, 2016. First year model for second generation Recalls Water may leak into rear wiring harness Fuel pump...

www.ridgelineownersclub.com

Most of us are willing to live with these idiosyncrasies because even with those, it is still the best mid-size truck on the market. The trunk and tailgate alone are game-changers.

No one has found the perfect vehicle yet. Miata is near-perfect for a sports car, but sucks for hauling plywood or a half-cord of firewood. Full-size trucks have great capability, but are garage-challenged and expensive for what they are, and their beds are often too high to be readily usable. My 2002 Accord was near-perfect for dependability and reliability, but it's age was starting to show and Honda can't make them like that anymore and still compete in the car market.

Buy the vehicle that meets your needs. If you can afford it, you can even buy the vehicle you want.

 

Water leak is a concern, but nobody knows how widespread it is, or how big of an issue it is.
Many vehicles of many different makes get or have water leaks in them, but the owners never know it. The water may evaporate, drain to a non-issue place, or just never be discovered.

Water leaks are easy to check for in the Ridgeline, and that may be one of the reasons it is widely reported. Again, we have no idea how widespread, how common compared to other vehicles, or how big of an issue.

Other significant concern is the six-speed found in the 2017-2019 Ridgelines. Some of these have failed, as many as 2% by some estimates.

Aside from that, it's little issues, like the aforementioned poorly-calibrated safety nannies (many of those can be turned off) and laggy infotainment.

Interestingly, lower trims of the 2017-2019 Ridgeline have no safety nannies and no laggy radios, but you have to worry a little bit about your transmission if you have one of those models.

There are some other minor issues depending on year model. See this thread:

Summary of year-to-year changes for US Ridgeline...

Please let me know if you see any errors or omissions. 2017 The 2017 Ridgeline was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show on January 11, 2016. It went on sale on June 21, 2016. First year model for second generation Recalls Water may leak into rear wiring harness Fuel pump...

www.ridgelineownersclub.com

Most of us are willing to live with these idiosyncrasies because even with those, it is still the best mid-size truck on the market. The trunk and tailgate alone are game-changers.

No one has found the perfect vehicle yet. Miata is near-perfect for a sports car, but sucks for hauling plywood or a half-cord of firewood. Full-size trucks have great capability, but are garage-challenged and expensive for what they are, and their beds are often too high to be readily usable. My 2002 Accord was near-perfect for dependability and reliability, but it's age was starting to show and Honda can't make them like that anymore and still compete in the car market.

Buy the vehicle that meets your needs. If you can afford it, you can even buy the vehicle you want.

I've got a '19 Sport that has seen very little use (just went over 12k miles). I'm hoping to start towing a lightweight camper with it and am just a little concerned about the transmission issues that others have mentioned. But in the meantime, I'm loving this ride!

 

Here is the link to the CR review: Honda Ridgeline - Consumer Reports

Oh, I dont have an account to see it, here's a free, legit, public library login: Login Password — Dailey Memorial Library

Overall I think it is a fairly good review of a pretty good truck. Truck isn't perfect, so the review isn't either. But it's fairly accurate IMHO. At least they don't infer its not a real truck like some of the online reviews do.

 

I'm not saying not to buy a Honda - just don't expect it to be as reliable as a 1990 Accord because it's not.

Honda has traded some of their historic reliability for styling and features in order to appeal to a wider audience.

 

Styling and features? Honda is not on the leading edge of either. How does styling play into reliability anyhow?

 

Using the above public access, I skimmed through the review, and didn't see anything I didn't know already. I then looked at the reviews for their suggested alternatives (Ford Raanger, Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, etc.) and concluded that the only thing worse than owning a Ridgeline is not owning a Ridgeline.

 

Edmunds is very complementary of the truck, in all respects.

 

I can see that this is a very informative and loyal bunch and will enjoy being a part of it.

 

From reading the reviews on the Consumer Reports article (survey which I did participate in), it appears that the less than stellar Honda reliability has caught up with the Ridgeline. What makes this really disappointing is which mid-sized trucks are rated above the Ridgeline and the margin of victory.

 

From reading the reviews on the Consumer Reports article (survey which I did participate in), it appears that the less than stellar Honda reliability has caught up with the Ridgeline. What makes this really disappointing is which mid-sized trucks are rated above the Ridgeline and the margin of victory.

View attachment 433249

Maybe just a bit off topic here but I really don't think that the Maverick or Santa Cruz should be I the same category as they are considerably smaller. I guess they might have included them because otherwise they would just be in a class of two.

 

So, the bottomline question is: would you buy another Ridgeline?

 

For that question you could go to another thread already in existence: If you could go back, would you still buy a Ridgeline?

My answer was no, but the majority said yes.

 

are you saying I shouldn't buy a Honda?

Of course.

 

Interesting read. Let's take a closer look as to why I would have no problem buying another Ridgeline vs say, a Maverick. Carcomplaints.com is an interesting site, full of facts. Happy Holidays!

 

I have not read the entire report, or much of it at all for that matter. 2-months ago I bought a 2022 (2023 was just out and I could have bought one, but I got a much better deal on a virtually identical 22l) so it really doesn't matter much now. That said, out of over 30 vehicles I have owned over the past 45yrs, my RTL-E is my 2nd favorite vehicle. My all time was my 2013 RAM 1500 Laramie. There is only one thing in this vehicle that is really underwhelming to Me - the crap infotainment. Even my 2013 RAM was much better. I this day and age it is very baffling why Honda could not do better.

I wish Honda offered power folding side mirrors and cooled seats. I don't really understand why they don't, but these are minor. It is quiet, smooth riding, fast, powerful, tows 5klbs, utilitarian yet looks great. Great handling, easy steering wheel controls, comfortable seating, excellent visibility, great value retention, and overall, a fantastic vehicle for the money. Are there better choices at this price point?? If there is I have not been made aware of it. Plus, Mcgrath Honda of Elgin, IL does not charge that BS "market adjustment" fee so I got an even better deal. Consumer reports is an excellent resource, but not the only resource. I have had several highly rated vehicles that I thought were absolute crap. And just the opposite too! Tks!, JRP

 

People who take the time to complain are like the barking dogs in the neighborhood, they got a bur under their saddle and they want everybody to hear their bark. Sure there's prolly an equal or greater number of other neighborhood pets too, like cats, rabbits, birds, gerbils and reptiles.. but it's the darn barking dogs that we hear when we're trying to watch TV.

Also, the RL is looked way down upon by other REAL (ha ha) truck owners, not a month goes by without someone calling out my RL.. yeah, I open my trunk that's filled with ice and beverages and their eyes get wide and I see their brains hurting.. so who's to say that the filed reports are actually from RL owners, how does one prove to CR that they genuinely own one?

 

I bought mine based on two others I know that owned them for past few years. They love them and have had Zero issues. So far, I absolutely love mine with no regrets, although I’ve only owned it for a short period of time. But I’m loving it.
I don’t put too much stock in online comparisons, I think all vehicles are pretty reliable - the chances of having a bad one are pretty slim. If you do have a bad apple, chances are pretty good you will be taken care of. If you get past the warranty your probably fine. If you don’t, you should be taken care of. Although I don’t want that hassle. Every time in get in mine I smile, and so far all my passengers have been impressed. In fact, one of my buddies is considering one currently.

 

same story for me, based a couple of friends who have them and I have driven and traveled in one. one is a former Toyota GM, retired, and loves his, and has had two. I am supposed to pick mine up today, white and tan. E

 

Liked the Ridgelines around me so much, I bought my own. Now my daughter also has one.
Friends, employees, and a neighbor have Ridgelines.
All of them have been very good.
Want to worry yourself over nothing, that's your prerogative.
But I would suggest that owners just drive them, and stop worrying so much.

 

What are the thoughts about buying an extended warranty??

 

My thoughts on buying extended warranties (of any kind) are simple: Never have; never will.

 

thank you

 

The recent reliability rating had the Ridgeline at nearly 1/4 million miles of longevity with proper maintenance; well within 15% or less of the other vendros' midsize trucks - so I don't know what all the angst is about.

As to extended warranties, if you really are that worried about some major repair in a reasonable timeframe perhaps you bought the wrong vehicle. 60 years of vehicle ownership and I've never had one and don't regret it.

 

Clark Howard’s list of vets lasting 200,000+:

Report: Top Vehicles Most Likely To Last 250,000 Miles

If you're thinking about buying a vehicle, make sure it can last. A recent report shows some of the cars most likely to last 250,000 miles.

clark.com

 

I suspect those ratings are based on mostly first generation Ridgelines since there aren't many second generation Ridgelines that have had an opportunity to accumulate 200K+ miles.

 

Yes, I would assume so...

 

I am puzzled by some of the negative parts of their review.
Thoughts and comments will be appreciated.

I was a subscriber to consumer reports in the 80's. They did a review on real estate agents that was so obviously biased that I stopped subscribing. I am on my 3rd Ridgeline. I have owned many fords, Chevy's and Rams, and at this point I wouldn't go back unless I had to tow a big trailer. It drives like a car, including being easy for older folks to get into and out of, and can haul stuff like a pickup. Best of both worlds.

 

I have owned 4 Ridgelines and have had good experience with all of them (current one is a 2019 RTL-T) .