[RTLGATOR]

Looks like Mercedes will be entering truck in North America..... being built by their van division..... not much info as yet about anything other than the picture here...... looks kinda familiar with Gen II RL ??

 

[RTLGATOR]

Yes, an SUV does suit my needs better, or at least just as well, but that does not mean I can't have both. In fact, I owned both the Ridgeline and the ML350 for around six months before selling the Ridge to my buddy who insisted I sell it to him. If it were not for him I probably would still have them both.

I like trucks for a lot of reasons and sitting up tall overlooking traffic is one of them and the Ridgeline sat much taller, or so it seemed, than my previous mid-size truck, the Dodge Dakota. I liked that view from the Ridgeline a lot. I have had sedans too and I have learned to hate how low they put you. I will probably never own another sedan for that reason alone.

The Ridgeline was built for my needs and desires which are different (as I explained previously) in several ways from many truck buyers. It had to be unique and the first generation's innovation struck me right away as a very practical, thinking man's truck, unlike normal, work and utility trucks that have come before. I loved the two way tail gate and the unique unibody construction gave a car like ride and room for five easily - yet if fit in my garage perfectly. All the storage in the cabin was a big plus, as was the fold up rear seats. The in-bed trunk was Honda thinking and innovation at its best and something we have not seen much of since from that company. I used all these features time and again and they were not found on trucks, SUV's or any other kind of vehicle at the time. Did I "need" them? No. But they were great to have. It was a compilation of many factors that I really liked in a motor vehicle and it just so happened to have an open bed - that it was indeed a truck was the bonus.

I'm with you brother for all those and more reasons..... I'm not so sure I would have answered the ? "Why are you interested in a truck at all" as nice as you did.... maybe to me it's just the way he presented it to you ?? :act035:

 

[RTLGATOR]

Young-uns......:act064:

 

[RTLGATOR]

I totally agree with you Mr Shortspark, when I bought mine in late 2006 I told some close friends that it was a special vehicle and exclusive to only a few, they laughed.... after they rode in it they agreed and for a long time I never viewed many on the roads as I drove around parts of Florida. When i did see one I would think now there is another exclusive member :act030: I have not lost that feeling after almost 8 years and every time I drive it I tend to smile just a little... I retired back then and really don't drive too much as I have several other Honda's....but I don't really drive the others too much as one is a garage queen (S2000 ) and the other (Crosstour) is parked at condo about 80 miles from me at the beach. I do take all to Honda dealer and have meet some salesman over the years and they are always saying it's time to trade, my response is why? I have absolutely no reason at this point...... I think the 2nd generation will have the same effect on me as the first.......

 

[RTLGATOR]

Here is picture I posted several years ago titled little sister/big brother....they make a perfect pair......