What's the deal with Honda Ridgelines?
Posted by EGGWURST@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 456 comments
Every now and then I hear someone shit on Honda Ridgelines, saying they're a piece of junk truck with a ton of problems. I've always thought they were kinda ugly and probably wouldn't choose on as my first choice of truck, but I had assumed that they would be highly reliable like most other Honda vehicles. Isn't it the same drivetrain as a Pilot/Odyssey? Those are both very reliable vehicles. What makes the Ridgeline especially bad?
redsnowman45@reddit
Big problem is the Ridgeline gets compared to light duty body on frame pickup trucks.
The capability and target customer is very different. Ridgeline is a great niche vehicle for someone who needs a truck bed and light towing capabilities. The truck community bashes the Ridgeline for not being a real truck. But it was never designed to be a comparable or complete with light duty trucks.
Ridgeline is a great vehicle that preforms great for its intended purpose.
series-hybrid@reddit
Vehicle magazines will do an article comparing the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Dodge Ram, and they come to the conclusion that the Ridgeline couldn't tow as much weight as the other three.
Then, Honda sells every damn one of them that they made.
They are Hondas, they are reliable, and they are not for working on oil rigs. They are city trucks, for going to Costco.
DongPolicia@reddit
“Costco” is a bit cheeky. Unfair at a minimum. They can haul more than toilet paper but that’s what ignorant insecure people say, so I see why it’s a common thought here.
At the very least, if you’re gonna pick a city store then say something that requires a bit more work, say Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Seanyd78@reddit
The Costco comment is true in my area. I have seen far more Ridgelines at Costco, BJs and Sam's Club than ever seen at Home Depot and Lowe's.
There are more Toyota Prius and cars at Home Depot and Lowe's than Ridgelines.
Big-Square-2978@reddit
I've also seen a whoooole lot of unibody SUVs at Home Depot and I used to haul a shit load of wood pellets from there with the Honda Pilot.
We added a whole room to our house with that thing. I don't understand the problem.
gameboy00@reddit
source: i seent it
EmploymentNo1178@reddit
378k miles on my 2008 Ridgeline. Not one mechanical issue or problem. A remarkable vehicle
BeerandGuns@reddit
They accomplish what almost all other truck drivers do, go to the store and work. How many Ford Raptor drivers are competing in the Baja 100
ClassAlive5978@reddit
I have a Ram 2500 for farm use and pulling big trailers around. However I also have a little 02 s10 and I far prefer driving that. The idea of a Costco city truck is highly accurate and great. When the old s10 dies I will be strongly considering a ridgeline.
doobersthetitan@reddit
The yrump is a amazing feature
EmploymentNo1178@reddit
387k miles on my 2008 Ridgeline. Besides tire replacement when needed never had a single issue. Traded in for a new one last year got $1500 towards trade in.
IdealExpert181@reddit
the trump is a pure loser
doobersthetitan@reddit
Lol
iamblankenstein@reddit
how funny, our family had an old 1985 s10 before we got our 2006 ridgeline.
fluteofski-@reddit
I honestly hate going to the store in my pickemup truck. I have a shell on the back of mine which is nice for keeping shit outa the rain, and towing (slightly better mileage). But when i put shit in the back and i tap the brakes, it all goes sliding to the very front… so then i have to hop up and crawl in to retrieve things. And mileage sucks. I have a small EV and a pickup. It allows me to do all my city things in my small car, efficiently. And when I need a truck to tow or haul, I’ve got that too. It’s cheaper to own two vehicles than it is to just drive everywhere in my truck.
p_diablo@reddit
I screwed a big hook into the end of a broken off broomstick. It lives on the shelf inside the edge of my cap. It's my hook-a-broom and lets me grab all that stuff way up at the front of the bed!
hitthebrake@reddit
But the Ridgeline has a trunk too…so why use the bed for that.
hardsoft@reddit
I go to the grocery store with my pickup but put the food in the second row. Seat folds up and there's storage compartments under it.
Mysterious_Ad_1085@reddit
Rumor has it that Honda will no longer sell the Ridgeline soon.
HastyvonFuego2@reddit
Don’t think this is true, they have been working on a new v6 hybrid for the ridgeline. It was showed recently (the engine and drivetrain not the truck)
RetardedBusDriver@reddit
A Raptor isnt a fucking baja truck unless you mod the shit out of it.
icebergbb@reddit
No kidding but it isn’t made for driving around town all day to an office job and getting groceries and never seeing off the pavement, which 95% of them live their life this way.
ltdan84@reddit
That is exactly what it’s made for.
IdealExpert181@reddit
what is the #1 purpose of a Raptor? does it justify price and mpg? it is totally for the ultimate impractical driver, either very rich or very dumb.
ltdan84@reddit
The #1 purpose of a Raptor is aspirational identity. Ford Raptor = “I’m the kind of person who spends my weekends off-roading in the desert, and doing other high-adrenaline activities”, even though they never actually do it. Yes, I know there are a few Raptors that actually do get raced through the desert every weekend, but there are way way more that never leave the pavement.
IdealExpert181@reddit
so in other words, EGO! some people call it small dick complex
icebergbb@reddit
Sorry I was replying to someone else if my prior comment got downvoted lol
icebergbb@reddit
A Ford F-150 Raptor is exactly made for that? Ok lol
TwOhsinGoose@reddit
So does my Chevy Bolt 🤷♂️
BartHarleyJarvis-@reddit
Yeah but the bolt doesn't have a truck bed. And it's a Chevy.
IdealExpert181@reddit
yeah, why doesn't chevy come out with their El Bolto. they did it 50+ years ago and they are still desired today. El Camino
EM_Doc_18@reddit
I don’t have an opinion on Ridgelines, but I can’t help every time I see one to think “They put a bed on that Odyssey…”
Curious-Zucchini763@reddit
They put a bed on a Honda Pilot. And it is a great truck. I have a 25 BE.
Background-Job-3629@reddit
All of them ,in their minds.
B0xyblue@reddit
That’s how HirnPub works too.
M-Div@reddit
If you drive a Lamborghini or a Lumina, the speed limit’s still 65.
01Cloud01@reddit
If only our consumer driven society could figure this out perhaps our world may be a better place
B0xyblue@reddit
No I’m pretty sure I’ve seen 80 mph speed limits… lambos can’t handle that according to my kids powerwheels instructions.
Leumas_@reddit
I work in the trades and I love my Ridgeline. I absolutely need a truck, I just don’t need to blast down sand dunes or tow an aircraft carrier. Plus it’s comfy for the weekend.
R1tonka@reddit
I’d never buy one because I don’t want to give off the “I like to race (drink) Baja (blast) in a sleeveless t-shirt” vibe, but from what I understand, the tires and shocks give that raptor a ride even better than you’d get from rolls Royce.
Assasin537@reddit
How many car guys actually race or track their performance cars? I'm not a huge truck fan, but people's car taste isn't always rational. People like what they like and how a car makes them feel. Personally, as long as they like the car and aren't doing it for outside validation, good for them.
SnooFloofs3486@reddit
I believe the term is "trucklet" - Ridgeline is a very nice trucklet. At its core it's a car with a bed. And that's just what a lot of people need. The downsides are these: It's not very good offroad, it doesn't haul a lot, it's not modifiable or modular like a body on frame truck (ie. you can't put a flatbed on it, you can't put a snow plow on it, etc.), and the spare tire is a doughnut hidden under the bed - that sucks because if you get a flat, you cannot continue towing so you've got to leave the trailer behind until you get the real tire fixed, and if you have a bed full of anything - now you've got to unload the bed on the side of the road just to access the spare tire.
The positives - good fuel efficiency, honda quality, carlike ride, trucklike cargo area for hauling dirty stuff.
It's the truck for people who don't do a lot of core truck stuff and also don't need to project the image of doing truck stuff but still want the outdoor cargo area.
Ruh_Roh_Rah@reddit
Ridgline actually is pretty good offroad, but lacks ground clearance. It has best in class AWD.
check this guy out https://www.instagram.com/k20nartpro/
SnooFloofs3486@reddit
I mean... you gotta really lower the bar to consider the Ridgeline a good offroad vehicle. A base 4x4 Tacoma will run circles around the most extreme modded Ridgeline. The Ridgeline isn't really capable of doing much because it can only fit small tires and has brakes that require IIRC at least a 17 or 18" wheel. So you simply can't physically fit a tire with much sidewall on them. And you can't lift them very much because it's a transaxle. On top of that, there's no low range gearset, and the differentials are pretty tiny and there's no gearing options available.
For going on fire roads - they're great. The traction control system is good, clearance is about average, and they can get around okay on basic trails.
But in comparison you can literally just go buy a Tacoma and drive to the tire shop and put 35" tires on it and go tackle the Rubicon without needing suspension work or anything else. I don't think even $50,000 in aftermarket parts would get a Ridgeline through the Rubicon.
Honda makes some very competent offroad vehicles under the powersports division. The Talon is fantastic. Same with the CRFs and the Pioneer SxSs. If you want to go offroad in a Honda - there are good options. Toyota could do really well if it ever gets into that market. The concept Toyota SxS would sell like crazy.
oil_burner2@reddit
The problem is once you get an OHV, all trucks are shit offroad. That taco with a 6” lift, lockers, and 35” tires? It looks like a bad ass trophy truck but what you can actually do is crawl up the rubicon trail at 2mph with a spotter on each side. Rock crawling is what you do when your equipment is too fragile to go fast, and driveline parts start snapping.
I drove my stock ridgeline to Moab getting great fuel economy and a comfortable quiet ride with street tires. Then I unloaded my dirt bike and did poison spider, a jeep trailer that takes 4-6 hours, in 45 minutes flat bottom to top and back again. I can finish hells revenge in like 20 minutes. What’s the point of trying to lift a truck?
SnooFloofs3486@reddit
Depends on what you want to do. Dirt bike is fun and riding alone - it works for you. Some people want to take a friend or family along, go camping, go to more remote places, etc. Spending a weekend at Rubicon springs is easy in a Tacoma. Not so much on a dirtbike. Driving the Alcan and exploring around Alaska for a summer - hard to do that in a SxS. Pretty limiting in a Ridgeline. Good adventure for a Tacoma. Want to go hiking at Willis Creek? 50/50 if you can get there in a Ridgeline. Not really a big challenge in a Taocma.
It's just a question of what you want to do. The Ridgeline sounds perfect for you. Fits a dirtbike in the back. Can drive to the condo in Moab. If that's what you need it to do - rideline is a sound choice.
oil_burner2@reddit
I agree with your points, but let’s not pretend like the Tacoma is more capable than it is. You’re not “tackling” the rubicon in a Tacoma. What you are doing is driving as slowly and gingerly as possible, asking your group or your passengers to get out of the vehicle and watch your undercarriage and tires to make sure you don’t bottom out or flip over. Praying your CVs and ball joints don’t snap in the middle of the trail that would lead to a $3000 offroad recovery bill.
A rock buggy “tackles” a rock garden. A trophy truck “tackles” a set of whoops. A pickup truck is the equivalent of a senior citizen climbing some icy steps trying not to break a hip. I just hope we are all clear on this when we say a Tacoma is a “much better off-roader” than a ridgeline. The ridgeline is a 2/10 and the Tacoma is a 3/10.
SnooFloofs3486@reddit
Have you been through the Rubicon? I've done it in a mildly lifted 4Runner. It was fine. Is it rough? Sure. But a 4th gen Tacoma would be a pretty easy run through on 35s. A Trailhunter model would be fine right off the showroom floor. The CVs and ball joints are more than strong enough on the modern trucks to handle it. You're thinking in 1990's era terms. The more recent vehicles are very robust.
You're grasping at straws here.
Ruh_Roh_Rah@reddit
in this specific situatin, the ridgeline beat the pants off a the tacoma "off road"
https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/death-valley-torture-test-2017-honda-ridgeline-vs-2016-toyota-tacoma-trd-off-road-comparison-test.html
SnooFloofs3486@reddit
I think that's a good example of the differences. The Honda blew all 4 the first time and 1 the second run. Tacoma blew out 2 rear shocks. But there are about 30 different rear shock options for the Tacoma to replace with any range of specs. On the Ridgeline - you get what it comes with or one aftermarket option for $1,600.
The Taco factory shocks are cheap. I actually think the OEM Bilstein Tacoma TRD shocks are worse than even the base model Tokico ones. The current gen Taco has significantly improved shocks on the TRD OR models - with remote reserviors. But there's a world of aftermarket options for folks who want more performance at a wide range of prices.
Ruh_Roh_Rah@reddit
they also called the ridgline ride quality as being way better than the taco for this specific use case- basically running around roughg backroads that aren't gonna require tons of ground clearancy or crawling low ranges...which again is what MOST people really neeed.
SnooFloofs3486@reddit
The ride quality is about the shocks. If they took a Tacoma with the fox bypass shocks - it wouldn't really be close. The Ridgeline is fine for gravel roads. It's certainly a lot better on paved roads too.
Ruh_Roh_Rah@reddit
it's also about independant rear suspensions vs a solid rear axel, and unsprung weight...
SnooFloofs3486@reddit
The relative benefits of solid axle vs independent depend a lot on both the size of the bumps and the speed. Solid axles perform better at low to mid speed cycling because of the significantly reduced forces required to overcome obstacles at lower speeds with a beam axle and springs inboard.
From mid-speed range and up on small to medium bumps an independent suspension will usually perform better because the challenge is almost purely in damping the unsprung weight. The road like the one in that article is very well suited for the Ridgeline setup. It would also probably be better in a Toyota highlander or a Subaru that are similar to a Ridgeline in chassis design.
For very large bumps - the solid axle has an advantage again because they are capable of longer travel and it often comes down to simply the abilty to move through a greater range of motion. In the front it is hard to maintain steering geometry with a very long travel solid axle and independent front suspension is usually the winner for most situations because of the better steering geometry and that outweighs the solid axle range of motion advantages in almost all cases except low speeds.
3dprintedthingies@reddit
The Ecoboost f150 gets better fuel economy than the Ridgeline and can tow more. It's a better truck, and a better commuter vehicle. The Ecoboost is also a more reliable motor than the oil burner j series. The fate of every j series V6 is to kick a rod when it starts leaking/burning all of its oil and barely makes it past 200k from timing chains, thrown rod, etc.
People shit in the Ridgeline because it's completely outclassed and overpriced for what it is. Is it a shitty minivan or is it a shitty truck? Yes.
As a Subaru Baja owner, it was the exact problem that vehicle has as well. A truck needs to be a truck first, and a car second. Goofy styling and needless expense in what is supposed to be a "cheap" truck is what kills them.
oil_burner2@reddit
The problem with comparing it to a full size truck is people only consider the upside but not the downside. They don’t park nearly the same in the city. They don’t handle the same on the road.
We went Dirtbiking in my buddies F-150, stopped for dinner on the way home. All the gear was in the back seat, helmet $1000, boots $800, knee braces $600, jersey and pants $200, go pro $500. One smashed window and it was all gone, $4000 worth of stuff. In my ridgeline it would have been safely locked in the trunk.
Reasonable_Clock_711@reddit
In what world is a Ridgeline more expensive than an Tacoma? Out the door RTL-E in low 40s.
Also what truck things are not possible in the Ridgeline? I can think of 1. Serious off-roading and 2. Tow capacity north of 5000 lbs, what else?
ElderlyChipmunk@reddit
The bed is a bit shallow. I think they intentionally made it shallow so an idiot homeowner can't fill it with gravel and grossly overshoot the payload capacity.
My biggest gripe with mine is that the rear doors don't open up far enough. It is awkward to get a lot of larger items in and out of the back seat.
misc2714@reddit
The shallow bed does have the advantage of not having wheel wells, so you can lay a 4x8 board flat
ElderlyChipmunk@reddit
Sorta. It does have couple inch high bumps and those do get in the way sometimes. Slide a box in and it will catch on them.
Reasonable_Clock_711@reddit
I’m short. both the shallow bed and tailgate of the Ridgeline are plus features for me.
And the in bed trunk? No other non EV pickup can compete with that. It’s like having both a two row suv and a pickup in one.
Folx need to stop comparing Ridgeline to pickups. They are in a category all their own. unmatched for utility and reliability.
SomewherePerfect2391@reddit
First Gen has a full sized spare. There is also a spot to bolt a full size spare in the bed on later models.
Wooden-AV@reddit
I've been looking between those 3, the Ridgeline, Maverick, and Tacoma. The Tacoma is equal or more expensive once you add the trim level and features to actually make it compairable, and gets 5-10 mpg less. It also has too small a cabin for me. I want to like it more, but it is really hard because of those things.
The Maverick has it beat in milage for sure, but I think it's also close to the same price when comparing more direct options and with the hybrid terrain. It is also smaller, I've heard a lot of reliability issues with it, and it gets it's price down by using cheap materials. I want it for the milage but for me that's the only thing it has going for it. Might as well compair it to the Hyundai Santa cruise in size class, not the Ridgeline.
SnooFloofs3486@reddit
The non hybrid Tacoma 4x4 gets 19/24 mpg. Ridgeline is 18/24.
But agree on seating. Taco rear seat is unusable for passengers unless the front seat person is under 5 feet tall. It’s basically a 2 seat truck with inside cargo area behind.
But an f150 still gets better mpg than the ridgeline. And has full size interior and full truck capability.
Ridgeline really needs to start around $35k to make sense to me.
Wooden-AV@reddit
Hm ok, Toyota either was able to increase their milage from what I remember, or it's quite different real world. I know a couple of people who have the taco with only 13 to 18 mpg on average.
I do wish the Ridgeline also started lower in price, but theres a lot of standard features included that atleast the taco are mid trim levels or higher and add ons.
BagOnuts@reddit
Go sit in a base 2025 Taco and then in a Ridgeline. You will immediately be able to tell why the Ridgeline is more expensive.
Cautious_Share9441@reddit
Takoma is too small in the cabin for me. I would have chosen it over a Ridgeline if it weren't for that. My wife also was very vocal about the tide difference between the two. We are happy with the decision.
rice_rice_maybe@reddit
I disagree. Mine did just fine on the pipeline for over ten years
Ok-Entertainment5045@reddit
Perfect description of a Ridgeline, city truck for going to Costco
Normal-Guy196@reddit
I just don’t care for the styling. They don’t look truck like. The first gen ridgeline looks better than the new ones. If I’m buying a non full size truck I’m buying a Tacoma
Ok-Entertainment5045@reddit
I don’t like them either but I also use my truck for real truck things
BluebillyMusic@reddit
What's not "real" about towing 5000 lbs or less, or hauling less than 1500 lbs? Do you use a 2 lb hammer for everything, or do you have different size hammers for different work?
Ok-Entertainment5045@reddit
5000 lb towing isn’t enough for what I use my truck for. I couldn’t tow my compact tractor or my camper with a Ridgeline. They just don’t do what I need them to do. If you like them and they fit your needs by all means get one.
BluebillyMusic@reddit
My only point is that midsize trucks are just as real as larger trucks
Obi_Uno@reddit
Agreed. It Honda could restyle the front end to look more like the passport, they would likely get a ton more interest in the US.
Khidorahian@reddit
I dont get it, the current gen looks like a pickup
apatriot1776@reddit
85% of the current gen does. The front end could've used a little more workshopping. Honda stuck too closely to their design language when they should've diverged like they did with the new Passport. I honestly preferred the way the last-gen looked.
Khidorahian@reddit
Fair enough
kinetogen@reddit
I'd argue that the Honda Ridgeline is more truck than most people who want a truck need.
Doc-Zoidberg@reddit
This is why I ended up with one.
I still need a utility vehicle for carrying project supplies n stuff.
But I no longer own a big camper or an enclosed racecar trailer. So I got rid of my 3/4 ton Ram and got a Ridgeline.
It tows great for a mid-size v6 truck. The wiring was there for a pretty easy plug n play brake controller. 1500 lb payload isnt far off from a 4wd 4 door half ton.
I thought I would hate it. Its not the truck I WANT. But its all the truck ive needed for the 3 years ive owned it. There was one time I borrowed my dads 1 ton but that was to help a friend.
Recursive-Introspect@reddit
I've had two and just got bored and didnt get a third. And once or twice a year I want to tow a bobcat safely. An extended E-350 with diesel motor is what I ended up with. There is no true argument for that decision. another Ridgeline for the same price as the van would have been better. oh well
Doc-Zoidberg@reddit
If i didnt have easy access to a diesel 1 ton I wouldnt have gone with a mid-size or half ton. I wouldve stayed in the HD segment.
But when I need to move a skid loader or a dump bed of stone, I can borrow my dad's truck.
Ridgeline is a great alternative to a half ton or mid-size and will fit the needs of most truck buyers.
RevolutionSalty8360@reddit
I describe it as the perfect truck for someone that does not need a truck. Use mine for the basic stuff, yard work, moving the kids, etc.
PatientOwn8596@reddit
'Moving the kids' LOL
RevolutionSalty8360@reddit
Sounded funny that way I phrased it. I have a daughter in college, which means moving on an annual basis from apartment to home for a couple days, to another apartment. Rinse and repeat.
Fit-Tomatillo1585@reddit
You put the kids in the bed of the truck and take them where they need to go ?
RevolutionSalty8360@reddit
Yep, that way I can’t hear them yell about how cold it is or the bugs bouncing off their heads!
gameboy00@reddit
Replying to series-hybrid... sounds like you needed the truck
Jimothius@reddit
I read a long-term review last year that said, “The Honda Ridgeline is the truck for people who are honest with themselves about what they need a truck for.” and that has stuck with me. It does all of the truck things, just to a slightly lower threshold, all while being comfortable, reliable, and relatively affordable.
kinetogen@reddit
I shit-bagged on the G1 Ridgeline for YEARS... "Not a real truck"... FWD Dominant Suv-Truck... that kind of rhetoric.. Even though I enjoyed Honda in general as a brand. Never thought I'd own one...
Fast forward to working for Honda 8 years and a Loaded 2010 "Creampuff" was traded in.. 1 owner, 89k miles... and I bought it. ABSOLUTELY no regrets. For a 16 year old vehicle, it's interior hasn't fallen apart, it still looks nice on the outside... Of course, this is also due to the old owner being meticulous about care, but it's held up. I had a 2008 VW that I BABIED and the headliner was falling 3 years into owning it, the "soft touch" material was flaking off everywhere, and everything was already falling apart. The Ridgeline? SOLID.
TROGDOR_X69@reddit
people dont buy them for truck stuff
I work blue collar and have yet to see a guy in the trades with one
tons of Toyota tacoma, tundra, F150, Ram, Chevy, Work vans, even a Mazda 3 hatch
never seen a Ridgeline lol
ku_78@reddit
The guy who does garage doors in my area uses a Ridgeline for his work truck.
HairySmokeball@reddit
As does my tile guy. He's winning right now getting 22 MPG while the "truck bros" are rollin' coal @ nearly $5 a gallon. Yeah.
BluebillyMusic@reddit
Yeah, blue collar guys tend to be rather insecure in their masculinity, and acutely aware of the unwritten rules. Gotta wear Carhartt and Red Wing, gotta drive a big-ass truck. (Yes, I worked blue collar for 25+ years)
Johnny-Virgil@reddit
Truck stuff for me: Getting mulch, moving bags of coal, carrying my snowblower between houses, getting plywood and studs at Home Depot, picking up a new water heater, carrying kayaks and camping gear, towing a 19 foot boat, carrying bikes, moving firewood. It’s definitely not a work truck per se, but it does “suburban truck” things. I’ve got a 2023 RTL-E.
Dzov@reddit
My neighbor next door has an F-350 diesel that I’ve never seen do any truck things.
gameboy00@reddit
gotta maintain that big dog status
MidwestAbe@reddit
Like 82% of all trucks.
And the Ridgeline is far more capable than most will acknowledge.
Recursive-Introspect@reddit
I've pulled a 5500lb tractor plus the trailer weight with my old Ridgeline and it did pretty well overloaded. a one time thing.
Philthy91@reddit
5k tow rating is enough for me that I'm considering buying one since I'll never even touch 4k
Ruh_Roh_Rah@reddit
heres the thing - if you are towing, even 5k on a regualr basis....you are way better off getting a full size truck.
a f150 towing 5k will get about 1 mpg better gas mileage than any of the mid-sizes, and it will do so with shorter stopping distances and requiring less maintence (if you tow regurlary with mids-sizes you have to change the oil and trans fluid super often), and it will just be a more enjoyable experience all around.
TL:DR - if towing a trailer on a regular basis is something you do, no mid size, regardless of tow rating, is the right tool for hte job.
Philthy91@reddit
I would expect to need to tow 2-4 times per year. It would be in case of emergency more than anything if my delivery van breaks down. Other than that, it would be something my wife drives. Also thinking of getting a mini van
Electrifying2017@reddit
Which a shitload of truck owners don’t go beyond doing either.
Richard_Thickens@reddit
Back in the day, I used to hear the term, "mall crawlers," to describe this.
Some-Essay5289@reddit
Some people used to call them Brokeback pickups.
Substantial-Part-700@reddit
Pavement princess.
Andy_850TB@reddit
Bro-dozer
Cul-de-sac cowboys
fartkidwonder@reddit
Every vehicle manufacturer sells every vehicle that they make lol
Intelligent-Dot-8969@reddit
Except Tesla.
KyOatey@reddit
Right, sometimes at steep discounts, which I don't think Honda has had to do with the Ridgeline.
Specialist-Size9368@reddit
Even during covid they wouldn't discount them. I looked and got my ranger instead. Flip side is they barely sell any and you almost never see them. Regardless of capabilities they sold less then 50k last year and frankly I would imagine it is the price.
pondmucker@reddit
I think Dodge is the exception to this rule with their Hornet.
BluebillyMusic@reddit
... and for hauling furniture and appliances, lumber, rock, etc. Pretty much anything up to the 1500 lb load limit.
And for towing whatever you like, wherever you want, up to the 5,000 lb towing capacity. (Around 10-12k miles pulling ≈3800 lbs for me over the past few years)
With the ride of a luxury SUV and the comfort of a full-size sedan. But yeah, it's a "city truck."
Annual-Camera-872@reddit
That’s the thing they compare them to trucks the ridge line is a truck for car guys not a truck truck so of course they suffer compared to actual trucks
BagOnuts@reddit
The Ridgeline is just as capable as other midsize trucks in its class. No, you can’t compare it to a F-150 or Silverado, but you can absolutely compare it to a Frontier, Taco, Maverick, etc.
ironmanchris@reddit
I have a 2022 Ridgeline and I haven’t had a single problem with it. Drives smooth like a car, does truck stuff, fits in my garage, and it has a trunk. Those shitting on a RL are just uniformed knuckle draggers who hate on stuff that isn’t part of their bro club.
Teralyzed@reddit
I work in construction and was recently doing a build out at an engineering firm. Every single dude who worked there had an expensive raptor, trail boss, warlock etc. not a single one of those trucks ever saw anything other than a bag of groceries in the bed.
PatientOwn8596@reddit
I mean it's the same concept as someone who owns a Porsche or BMW. An accord or Camry would accomplish the same things, but people like what they like.
Teralyzed@reddit
I get it, but that doesn’t mean I have to think it’s not stupid. Granted I also think it’s stupid to buy a high performance sports car where I live. Because we are buried under snow part of the year. And are roads reflect that. Lots of high clearance entry and exits to scrape against.
series-hybrid@reddit
A 2WD Jeep, non-alcoholic beer, and de-caffeinated coffee...I have seen all of these with my own eyes.
beaushaw@reddit
Which is precisely what the vast majority of truck drivers do with their trucks. But only a small portion of truck buyers are willing to admit that. They fantasize that they live in the show Yellowstone while picking their kid up from dance lessons in the suburbs.
PatientOwn8596@reddit
I think you're overthinking it - most people who have trucks just buy them because they like them. There are no delusions of ranchwork/oil rigging.
series-hybrid@reddit
Once 4-door "trucks" became popular, I have seen so many that have never left the paved roads. The beds don't have a single scratch in them. They are pristine city trucks.
People are allowed to buy and use products as they please, and Honda could not have missed this phenomenon of loyal aging fans that wanted something that is less like an SUV and a bit more like a truck. I believe their fanbase is happy with the Ridgeline.
3dprintedthingies@reddit
4 door trucks are the modern mini van change my mind.
When dodge patented the concept for a third row truck it was truly the end of sanity in the truck world.
radiohead-nerd@reddit
I would have bought a Ridgeline if it came in Hybrid drivetrain
series-hybrid@reddit
I am a fan of Hinda's / Toyota's and I also like hybrid drivetrains...
Shadowarriorx@reddit
As much as I want one, the back seat is tighter than I want, especially with my wife and I being tall (over 6ft) and our kids should also be tall. I'll get one once the kids leave the house
stratphlyer01@reddit
The back seat is roomier than any other mid-sized truck. This is documented and most reviews of this truck.
Shadowarriorx@reddit
I know, I went to sit in it and it was tighter for me. We'd be getting rid of a 3rd row for the truck. So it would need to serve as a family car as well, and the large ones just had more room, close in gas milage and price wasn't crazy more.
I still like the Ridgeline. I'm getting on when it's just me and the dog.
noladutch@reddit
Exactly. They are great for a family rig and if you want to tow a tiny cute little camper perfect. Something a subie could tow.
It just is not made to do real truck things like haul gravel or tow a car trailer. But if you are hauling a couple MTBs to the trail or soccer balls or baseball bats and stuff to a practice perfect.
It is just a Honda pilot with a bed. Solid transportation. Super solid used truck purchase because they drop more in value than a normal Honda that holds normally well over 60 percent five years old..
They tend to drop right under 50 percent in five years.
R1tonka@reddit
I’d add that on a 3 hour road trip, it felt a lot more comfortable on the highway. Less noise, better ride.
In my way back machine, I remember the ranch/farm/construction company owners I spent time around had the big ole leather trimmed trucks and the hands drove around in a pool of work trucks of the same make and model. It made some sense to have everything need the same parts, but man.
I’d be pretty terrible at ranch owning, because while the work trucks on my ranch would all be diesels with vinyl benches, but I’d drive around in one of those things to keep my tushy comfy.
Briantastically@reddit
This makes a lot of sense. The ridgeline looks a bit off and doesn’t tow as well because of the unibody construction. That also means it rides better and can be better designed for passenger comfort.
R1tonka@reddit
The owner referred to it as an “accord with a lift kit.”
About right
Briantastically@reddit
Plus AWD and a full bed, not for nothing.
Briantastically@reddit
It’s a Unibody truck. Can’t haul as much but is better suited to driving/comfort. That’s the main difference and what makes it a niche vehicle.
Prize-Lychee7973@reddit
lowkey fitting FB marketplace finds in it without destroying an suv interior is nice as well.
series-hybrid@reddit
Old people do love yard sales...
JoadTom24@reddit
I've always liked the Ridgeline, but not super crazy about the front end. I think if they take the front end from the new passport and put it on the truck, it would drastically improve the looks.
series-hybrid@reddit
What I liked compared to an SUV, is that the back seat folds down (like an SUV) and the rear window moves so long cargo can be in the truck bed with the tailgate down.
However, in a n SUV you could not transport a refrigerator upright in the back.
https://goaheadtakethewheel.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/rear-seats-down.jpg
Much-Front8929@reddit
Honda has been extremely resistant to a boxy front end until recently, ridgline is a bit niche so it makes sense it’ll be last to follow suit but agree it should and probably will get a front end similar to the pilot (or ideally the passport)
AwarenessGreat282@reddit
lol...no vehicle magazine actually compares a Ridgeline to a F-150 directly. In reality, most automotive journalists, including truck specific ones, have very positive reviews of Ridgelines often rating them near the top.
They are considered a midsize and compare well against other midsize in everything except towing. And many knuckleheads use that as the main reason to dislike them even though towing is very seldom done with midsize trucks.
AggressivePudding655@reddit
lowkey feel that like everyone just hates on what they dont understand, Hondas are solid fr
Chance-Pea9940@reddit
deadass like who cares if it cant tow heavy stuff, it just vibes around town anyway
wannakno37@reddit
Scotty Kilmer just reviewed a 2025 RIDGELINE. it's Scotty-approved. Some hardcore truckers just won't accept anything less than a body-on-frame V8-powered, 11000 pound towing capacity truck.
Desperate-Ticket-194@reddit
Go test drive any new truck and then test drive a ridgeline. The exterior / interior quality is way above ANYTHING out right now. Even the new tacomas feel cheap compared to the ridgeline.
BlaireInSpace@reddit
Insecure dudes just hate on them because they're sensible utes that are more than suitable for 90% of truck drivers needs and they're not body on frame big tough tits trucks that can tow 9 horses and a camper and a car and 3 snowmobiles at once.
st3war7@reddit
It’s funny because I own a rather heavy boat that my dad’s f150 struggles to pull up the ramp, which is why I own a gas guzzling tundra. Needless to say a Ridgeline or maverick just wouldn’t cut it. I don’t hate them and they have their place but when you need weight and displacement they just can’t hack it.
BlaireInSpace@reddit
Yeah, I hear that. So you need your Tundra! My dad needs his F350 to haul his John Deere loader, multiple cords of wood for the winter, and his boat. Plenty of people need bigger/stronger trucks & that's great. It's the idiots who think light duty trucks/utes are somehow "feminine" or bad just because they're light duty/smaller. Especially the ones who think like that but have never taken their Sierra 2500 out of suburbia or towed a damn thing.
st3war7@reddit
Honestly I prefer those guys over the wannabe hellcat gang. I’m so tired of challengers and chargers thinking they are living out GTA. At least the lifted 2500s with low profile tires don’t cause accidents where ever they go.
Background-Job-3629@reddit
I’m not sure anyone is hating on those little boogers but they simply aren’t trucks.
EGGWURST@reddit (OP)
What makes it not a truck? It has a flatbed, awd, and a v6. A lot of tacos run 4-cyl
Extreme_Turn_4531@reddit
Body-on-frame vehicles (trucks, heavy SUVs) use a separate body on a rigid frame, offering superior towing and ruggedness. Unibody construction combines the body and frame, offering better fuel efficiency, handling, and safety (via crumple zones) for cars and crossovers. Body-on-frame handles tough terrain better, while unibody provides a smoother ride.
I test drove a Ridgeline and ended up buying a Ford Ranger. The Ranger has a 4 banger but with a 10 speed gearbox and a knob that changes the tuning from Econ to Sport to Towing, it is surprisingly capable. The Ridgeline has a 3.0 V6 but it didn't feel particularly strong - though, probably runs forever. I felt like I was going to need to be careful with Ridgeline or I would damage it.
I use my truck to haul stuff and pull a boat. When it hits a hole, it feels solid. It trailers very nicely. I am happy with my choice.
oil_burner2@reddit
If you want an eye opener tie down a motorcycle in the bed of a ranger or Colorado and give the straps a hard yank. The whole bed will twist and flex 2” like a squeaky bedframe. The unibody on the Honda will feel like it’s made of granite.
icebergbb@reddit
Just to clarify it has the 3.5 V6 which is no slouch. The 2.3 turbo I4 and 10 speed the Ranger has is an interesting combination just don’t feel too comfortable on the reliability there. Especially with towing
Extreme_Turn_4531@reddit
Yes, you're right. I was thinking of my prior truck, the Colorado. Regardless, it did not feel very responsive on the test drive. Maybe it shows up going uphill with a trailer.
As far as the Ranger, I was really skeptical initially but it exceeded my expectations so far. We will have to see long term. I maintain my vehicles well and expect +200K miles from them. I guess I'll find out.
icebergbb@reddit
I test drove the Ranger for a day and it was pretty nice, it’s just the transmission that scares me. And I never ever get motion sick but for some reason that truck is the only vehicle in the history of my life that made me feel that way when driving lol.
What year Colorado? 2015-2022 has the 2.5 I4 and 3.6 V6?
Extreme_Turn_4531@reddit
Yup, right again. It was 2015, V6. Not sure why 3.0 is stuck in my brain. Taken out by a deer, forcing me to find a new one unexpectedly.
That's an interesting observation. First thing, when it's a cold day, that first shift from 1 to 2 is very noticeable but otherwise it is not noticeable to me at all. You can display the transmission gear on the dash. It runs up and down those gears very smoothly.
icebergbb@reddit
Yeah I definitely did enjoy it. I think the Ranger looks fantastic and I love the LED design on the taillights. What other things do you enjoy about it? The back space room/storage seemed to be lacking in the crew cab but if you don’t need it no big deal I assume
Extreme_Turn_4531@reddit
The transmission modes are helpful. Regular, Econ, Sport, Trailer, Mud/Snow. It handled noticably better than the Colorado in fresh snow.
It is better than the Colorado with a trailer both in ride and pulling. I hauled a trailer full of top soil the other day and it did great.
The bed I think is smaller than the Colorado, which means if I need to haul mulch or dirt, I'll probably just trailer it. The bed has more tie downs. I noticed the tailgate has a place to use wood clamps. I have not used it yet but in the past I have used the tailgate as a work bench and it was not easy to clamp things.
It's efficient. I travel on a highway to work. It regularly gets 30+ mpg on the highway. Lower 20's in town.
The side mirrors are nice and big on both sides. Better visibility and practically no blind spot. The rear view has a self dimmer for night.
It is zippy, especially in Sport mode. I have to watch it because it will speed up faster than I realized without really trying.
The cruise and wiper buttons are intuitive and easy.
It is comfortable. I am tall and don't fit in every vehicle. I can set the seat so I am not having to duck under the rear view mirror and the windshield sight line is not too low.
icebergbb@reddit
This is wonderful info thank you
loopsbruder@reddit
Unibody FWD (or AWD with front bias) vs body-on-frame RWD/4WD.
EGGWURST@reddit (OP)
I think that's a pretty limiting definition of "truck". It's certainly not an offroading vehicle, nor is it good for carrying super heavy loads or towing massive trailers, but it is definitely still a truck. Its offroading and towing capoacity is nerfed by not being frame on body, sure, but it definitely passes both the towing and hauling capacity threshold to be considered a truck
TROGDOR_X69@reddit
it really isnt man. once you learn about real off roading and 4x4 youll see
reason why
oil_burner2@reddit
You think street legal trucks do “real” offroad? Have you ever seen a rock buggy or a trophy truck in action?
grim_solitude@reddit
If it has a unibody its jusy not a truck.
ReciprocalPhi@reddit
And it has the best tailgate
Justthetip74@reddit
Because its basically an el Camino, which isn't a truck either
MylowX@reddit
Now that is interesting, when I had an El Camino, it had the same v8 that was in the 1/2 ton truck at the time, was body on frame, and RWD with a solid axle, I don't recall the payload or towing, so is a truck format or capability? Perhaps like pornography you know it when you see it .
CommonBubba@reddit
I think you answered your question, if it was a “real truck”, you could take the bed off and put a flatbed on it…
Most folks, especially in the US expect to have a body on frame design to be called a truck. Many folks don’t consider the Ford Maverick a tue truck either.
My criteria is a little skewed because I actually run a business where I need trucks. For me, a truck must be able to safely tow more than its own weight and have a <1500lb payload capacity.
If you’re going to be towing with the Ridgeline you really have to watch your GCVWR. It’s very likely that towing 4000 pounds and having more than two people and their gear in the car will actually be over the weight capacity of the vehicle.
KermitTheHomosexual@reddit
It doesn't have a flatbed it has a bed, and it's AWD not 4X4, V6 is fine sure. But mainly the fact that it's unibody. It's as much a truck as a ford maverick is which works for some people but I still don't consider it a truck.
Assasin537@reddit
It's just not a truck architecture. Many people will call Escalades and Expedition trucks body-on-frame trucks. The Ridgeline is a Pilot with a bed instead of the trunk.
Captkarate42@reddit
Body on frame architecture, high gvwr, high tow ratings, and a bed is generally what people are referring to it lacking when they say it's "not a truck". I lead a life where I regularly need to move heavy machinery around and need to be able to tow abnormal amounts of weight, so I could not have a Ridgeline because of that, but I don't dislike Ridgelines for other people and think they can do the majority of what many urban area f150 drivers get up to.
TROGDOR_X69@reddit
I wont touch a truck without a 6 foot bed.
the ridgeline might as well not have a bed.
also why I wont look at the newer Tacoma. I miss when Toyota made real small USEFUL trucks that werent for techbros looking to cosplay as a truck guy.
Captkarate42@reddit
Tacomas do have six foot bed options, but they are shallow. I have a third gen trd offroad as a daily driver because we get asinine amounts of snow where I live (currently the snowdrifts against the side of my building are still nearly as tall as the door) and I don't want to drive a behemoth everywhere all the time, but I fully agree. Even my tacoma feels alien and bad to me in a handful of ways. I wouldn't touch a fourth gen with a ten foot pole. They get further divorced from blue collar utilitarian folks every year.
The same is unfortunately true of super duties. It's gross how early in the option packages ford forces you into having the 360 degree camera package, which makes your lights thousands of dollars to replace if you break one loading shit into your bed.
No-Arm-6775@reddit
An F-150 is not a “truck.” If it can pull more than 35,000 pounds it’s a toy not a truck.
Captkarate42@reddit
Yeah, I don't think you understood what I wrote. I don't drive an f150 and was comparing the needs of most of their owners to the capabilities of the Honda Ridgeline.
TROGDOR_X69@reddit
it doesnt have a real frame like a truck does.
Leather-Sale-1206@reddit
Cab on frame versus a unibody is a big distinction
Icy-Role2321@reddit
Probably the unibody frame.
Mac-Tyson@reddit
I think they just don't want Mid-size unibody Pickups to get normalized. Probably wouldn't get as much hate if it was cheaper and Maverick Sized. But by all mainstream definitions both it and the Maverick are Pickup Trucks.
BlindBeard@reddit
My dirt bike goes in the back every weekend and it’s caked in mud which is more than I can say for all the white collar dorks commuting to a parking garage in Boston every day in a spotless masculinity enhancer. I’ll call it what I like.
Background-Job-3629@reddit
Haa! My trucks haul cattle,tractors,feed…… I don’t have a soft life and damn sure don’t have to haul a little motorcycle to someone else’s place just to play.🤠
BlindBeard@reddit
Man the weird gate keepers were just out weird gate keeping yesterday I guess.
bigfudge_drshokkka@reddit
I actually had this identity crisis/come to Jesus moment when I decided to retire my F150 and got a Maverick. When I downsized I realized that I don’t go kayaking, camping, or move bulky items that often and a small truck is totally sensible. That and I get MUCH better mpg, cheaper insurance, and parking is so much easier.
TROGDOR_X69@reddit
people just call them what they are. not trucks
they are Unibody SUV with a bed.
no different the Subaru Brat if it was slightly larger.
mayttr@reddit
Some models before 2020 had transmission issues I think but the latest generation is reliable. As others are saying it gets joked on but it's a good vehicle. Ride quality is crazy good and the trunk is useful. Also I think it has the (or one of the) largest cabin of mid sized trucks.
Familiar_Opposite_29@reddit
So much more spacious and comfy than my tacoma
mikeTheSalad@reddit
Also, I know people love Hondas, but their V6 is not known to be that reliable.
Engine_Sweet@reddit
I had a 300k mile Pilot that was subject to abuse for the last 100k. College student in another state abuse.
mikeTheSalad@reddit
Sometimes you’re lucky and sometimes you aren’t. But Honda did settle. They had to extend warranties and cover loses. I had to have a near complete engine rebuild on my 2012 Pilot when it had about 75k miles. Honda did fix the issue for me though.
KaleidoscopeRound721@reddit
Had a 2008 at work used as an all-around work truck. Towing, hauling, mostly electrical type work. 3-4 different drivers. They had it for 14 years and 200,000 miles. Traded it in for a ‘23 and got $5000 for the trade in. Never any problems other than a starter, alternator and battery.
EGGWURST@reddit (OP)
I've never heard that. Odysseys and Pilots are often seen pushing 300k without an engine rebuild
brodela4@reddit
The pilot and odyssey had VCM (turns cylinders off). The ridgeline only got it from 2016 on. You can disable it with VCM tuner II to avoid all that stuff. We have a 2010 ridgeline with 410k km. 2009-2014 is best when maintained.
mikeTheSalad@reddit
I had a 2012 Pilot that was subject to the first lawsuit. Looks like there is another one ongoing for 2016+ Honda V6 engines.
Next_Emphasis_9424@reddit
As someone who looked at them and instantly passed on it. The no hybrid option, button shifting actually makes me feel physical anger, It’s ugly as sin.
cuzjay420@reddit
i went from 2014 tacoma to 2013 ridgeline...i enjoy the honda much more
KaleidoscopeRound721@reddit
I’ve owned 3 Ridgelines, ‘07, ‘17, ‘25. All three have been used to tow a 5000lb. enclosed race car trailer all over the northeast. Never an issue and the iVTM-4 torque vectoring AWD keeps the trailer in check WAY better than a conventional pickup, even a full size. No load distribution or sway bars needed. ~12mpg towing 5000lbs, again better than a full size. All have been super reliable and trade-in values have facilitated a better one next time. 20mpg city and up to 32mpg highway (2007 model). Current 2025 gets 20 city 26 highway. Also my daily driver, very comfortable, great ride and handling, fast to 60 (about 6.5 seconds). Unstoppable in snow (Buffalo NY). By far the best vehicles I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned 9 Hondas in total.
KaleidoscopeRound721@reddit
Even after 9 years on the current model it’s a generation ahead of the competitors.
anothernerd@reddit
if you are not offroading it's the truck to get.. the 4wd on a "real truck" is really just 1 wheel drive once it starts spinning in the rain. The AWD Ridgeline just hooks up and goes on any pavement. Pulls a bass boat fine and can haul some lumber or whatever.
Going to get a stiffer sway bar for mine soon and it will be perfect. It is FWD first though so the axels have limits. It's also a NA v6 and no turbos! If you want setup that you get the Ridge or a Nissan Frontier.
UMCPEnt@reddit
I've owned two and loved them both. I have also hauled 1500 lb. loads in them with no noticeable decline in performance. That being said, the windshield wipers are where the old ones lost points; they couldn't clear a centimeter of snow off the windshield in my old 2008.
RYANisWIRED@reddit
I feel like ridgelines are great vehicles but they are unibody crossovers that have a bed. Honda's are one of my favorite brands but they do not make any trucks (at least the American market in which im familiar) I think if it's body on frame it's a truck. if its not, its not a truck. Low range, transfer case, locking differential all fall into truck category as well
Ranger = truck
tacoma = truck
Santa Cruz = not a truck
baja = not a truck
maverick = not a truck
colorado = truck
ridgline = not a truck
You can do truck stuff with all these vehicles but the limitations of the unibody and transmission will become obvious in towing and off roading situations. Just my 2 cents
Ok-Gas-7135@reddit
It’ll tow 5000 lbs which for most people is more than enough.
SkaneatelesMan@reddit
Its NOT the tow capacity that gets Ridgeline in trouble. Its the payload and soft suspension that spoils it as a tow vehicle. I towed a 4800 lb camper with one a few years ago and it was a nice truck with me alone on flat highways under 65 mph. It stopped well too.
The Ridgeline's has a 1500 lb payload capacity, which is a couple hundred pounds less than a typical half ton these days.
BUT the camper's tongue weight is 800 lbs unloaded, the propane tanks and battery add another 200. Add food, clothing and camper stuff for a week, and that adds another couple hundred pounds of tongue weight. The anti-sway hitch weights 100lbs. With 4 people and nothing in the bed, we were at 1400 lbs and even with a professionally set up anti-sway and load distribution hitch the loaded up ride was awful. The shocks would bottom out on rolling dips and bumps, it could not keep up with 75 MPH traffic to save our lives. It was pushed around by vehicles as small as large SUVs. Going up hills the thing would hunt for the proper gear and could not hold 65 mph on cruise, on an interstate going up hill, all the while screaming at over 6,000 RPMs.
My current tow vehicle is a 21 Ram EcoDiesel. It is rated 1700 lbs for cargo capacity and 10,000 for tow capacity. It rides much better than the Ridgeline when towing. The wheelbase is longer, so it doesn't get pushed around as much by wind. Its suspension is adjustable and can be firmed up while towing. It never bottoms out. It has about twice the torque and horsepower of the Ridgeline, AND gets better MPGs and can hold 65 MPH at 4,000 RPMs, without deafening the occupants. And because its a turbo-diesel and has a 34 gallon fuel tank, its range, while towing, is about double the Ridgeline.
The Ridgeline is a good safe basic tow vehicle for short distances, lightweight boats and cargo trailers. BUT, it can't COMFORTABLY tow a 5,000 lbs camper for long distances, especially in the wind and in the steeps. Its too soft, too loud, and not comfortably powerful enough. In fact it gets kinds of scary doing so in bad weather.
oil_burner2@reddit
Wow it’s almost as if one is a mid size and one is a half ton. Whats next, you’re gonna realize a 2500 is an even better tow vehicle than your 1500?
Nincompostor@reddit
The truck isn't made for what you did with it and you're complained it performed poorly? You're lucky it's a Honda and it's didn't break. Your tow capacity is 5000 lbs. Like any vehicle, that's the weight of what you're towing AND what's in the bed of the truck, gear, and personnel. You said your camper weighed 4800 alone. It sounds like you need a full-sized truck for what you were doing.
SkaneatelesMan@reddit
not complaining. Just the facts.
ElderlyChipmunk@reddit
Yeah but they didn't size transmission cooling/capacity for it. Even in regular use, you've gotta change the transmission fluid far too frequently. Towing makes it worse. The brakes aren't really sized for regular towing either although I suspect the right set of pads would mostly fix that problem.
BaldursFence3800@reddit
And it will often never get near that when you factor in tongue weight plus passengers and other truck load potentially exceeding payload first. Same deal with all trucks.
Whereas a proper half ton will do it way better and more importantly BRAKE way better.
Fun_Exit6092@reddit
I think if it has a bed, it is a truck.
loopsbruder@reddit
So the Peterbilt 379 is, what, a crossover?
flight_recorder@reddit
The peterbuilt is a tractor.
Spartan1997@reddit
It's only got two doors, it's a coupe.
loopsbruder@reddit
Zoom zoom.
virabhadrasana2@reddit
A Semi-Truck.
loopsbruder@reddit
That's just short for "semi-trailer truck," meaning the trailer it pulls doesn't have its own front wheels. So it's a truck.
Icy-Role2321@reddit
We need another Chevrolet El Camino truck
Significant-Ant-5677@reddit
That’s pretty much the Hyundai Santa Fe.
AwarenessGreat282@reddit
Negative. Those are all "trucks" because they have an open cargo bed. That is the definition of a pickup truck. Spin it all you want but the existence of a frame is not the defining factor.
84UTK07@reddit
People don’t like them because they are not body on frame; they are unibody trucks.
rodgamez@reddit
In Texas there are two kinds of trucks. The basic white work truck, and the expensive mall crawler/schoolbus.
Deepcoma_53@reddit
Are they still FWD??
spacycowgirl@reddit
They're AWD. They handle great in the snow.
pm-me-racecars@reddit
Nothing is especially wrong with them, they just don't have a lot of features that a lot of truck people want.
gthomps83@reddit
Note especially “want” versus “need.” The Ridgeline will do almost everything that most people will ever task it to do, and outperform a lot of trucks in other areas.
Cue all of the “my special case” posts.
Severe_Departure3695@reddit
My biggest gripe about the Ridgeline is the minimal number of tie down points in the bed. There’s nothing in the middle, and if you have a trifold bed cover the front points are hard to access.
I solved that by adding 2 L-bracket rails on the bed sides, plus a bunch of d-rings. Now I have more tie down points than I know what to do with.
PatientOwn8596@reddit
I mean TBH - and this is just my opinion - a full sized truck just looks a lot cooler than a Ridgeline. And let's be honest, that like 80% of it.
gthomps83@reddit
This is the most legitimate take, in my opinion, that the owner just likes the look of their car. Everything on the road is generally within a few percentage points of doing everything someone wants (or even needs). But you have to like it and drive it. So, yeah, purely subjective but the best response.
Icy-Role2321@reddit
"I Own a farm"
We aren't talking about you.
CarSnake@reddit
Man, I grew up on a farm not in the USA. Everybody drives Hiluxes and Rangers and other trucks that are seen as small in the US. Never had a need for a truck like these in America, it's all horseshit.
OmNomChompsky@reddit
Infrastructure and services predictably fill the gap in other countries for the things that US farmers utilize their full size trucks for, because those infrastructures and services don't exist in rural America, or they don't exist at the price point that is economical for the rural poor.
Not saying there are a bunch of twats running around with F-150s in urban environments that never haul a damn thing, but you wouldn't be able to operate where I lived unless you had a 1 ton truck. It is too expensive to have someone haul 20 pair to the sale barn, but I can do it myself with my 30 year old 3500 Duramax dually.
The idea that American ranchers/farmers could just all switch to a hilux and operate as normal is horseshit, and pretty comical.
cheeseshcripes@reddit
I grew up on a farm, we used pickup trucks like cars, a Ridgeline would have done everything we needed a truck for, if we needed to haul something we used semis and 5 tons.
If you're hauling so little you can use a pickup truck you got a hobby farm, maybe the random time you gotta take a cow to the vet or something, but a Ridgeline could do that easily.
OmNomChompsky@reddit
That's great that you had the resources for a semi, but that isn't the reality for myself or any of my neighbors.
I couldnt even get firewood efficiently with a Ridgeline, let alone take round bales out to my leased property I have cattle on every day. Sure, I could have hay delivered if I could afford another tractor, but that isn't in the cards right now.
Not the biggest rancher out there, but it isn't really a hobby. I will take your condescension as a sign of entitlement and privilege.
cheeseshcripes@reddit
Do you make all your income from your farm? You have a job? Then you have a hobby farm, that's the definition.
But real farmers don't have time to fuck around hauling with rinky dink little pickups and the gear designed for them, it takes too long, costs too much in servicing and fuel, and hauls too little to be time effective. Yea they drive pickup trucks, put shit in the back of them, but nothing a 1/2 ton can't handle. 1 tons are for holiday trailers and the wife when she has more than 4 horses.
You talk about me being condescending? You're out here shitting on a useful truck cuz you got the "big dog" 3500 you use to tend your flock of 50 head, sell your shit ass 1 ton and buy a cheap truck and a used semi and enter the big leagues.
jaymemaurice@reddit
Outside of America, an American style truck is usually comically expensive. Even a hilux is an expensive truck. Much of American truck culture is driven by the because we can. And because the trucks sell such volume, they continue to enjoy economy of scale.
cheeseshcripes@reddit
Inside America an American truck is comically expensive.
jaymemaurice@reddit
Yes but... Check prices in South America or the Middle East. You can't even have a truck in the UEA unless you have connections/wasta or a business.
The_Hausi@reddit
You do sound like a condescending asshole to be fair.
Your suggestion is to borrow your neighbours super Bs because you've formed a community that all holds hands, sings fucking koombaya and just lets each other use equipment willy nilly. Then you make fun of a guy because he's a smaller producer? Newsflash asshole, none of the big farms are like oh yeah for sure I'd love to come bring my liner over for free tomorrow to haul calves to the auction. You get a bill for that. We also do help each other out but it's very easy for things to become lopsided and people get annoyed/jealous easily so it's usually only done between friends.
We hauled 4000 silage bales from one piece last year with our "shit ass one ton". It costs a fuckton of money to get your class 1 license and then it costs a fuckton of money to buy, insure and maintain a semi. We have one, it's an old piece of shit and only my brother in law is legally allowed to drive it and it's not worth getting anyone else a class 1 unless you plan to also make money driving truck.
Yeah sure, wouldn't it be nice to have all the biggest and best equipment? No shit sherlock but reality strikes and that means one tons are useful as fuck for every small cattle producer in North America.
Enjoy being a "real" farmer, asshole. Or should I say a real asshole "farmer", you sound like you'd be the last guy that would lend a trailer to a neighbour in need.
cheeseshcripes@reddit
Is this your attempt to be "not the asshole"? It's not a very good one, quite the opposite.
See I'm the guy that fixes everything, no problem for me to get hands or equipment on the lend. I'm also the guy that'll drive grain until 5 in the morning when the storms coming in. Sounds like you just don't have anything to offer. You can try to do everything yourself, dying tired doesn't sound like as much fun as just being a good person and helping people when they need it. Oh wow, getting the equipment you need and the ability to drive it costs money? Like "the cost of doing business"? You're tripping over dollars to pick up dimes.
Anyways, have fun with the eternal struggle you have trapped yourself in, I've seen it many times, it normally ends poorly.
OmNomChompsky@reddit
So it was a hilux, but now you upgraded to a half ton.
You and your massive farm don't need full size trucks, good for you. I guess you and your community can just drive around in your semis and toot your horns at the "hobby farmers" working 70 hour work weeks just trying to make shit work for our families.
You're right, I'll go buy a Ridgeline and piss up a rope you fucking chimp.
twdpuller@reddit
I’ve known plenty of full time farmers that don’t own a semi because it isn’t practical for them.
Personal_Area_2173@reddit
Yes you could. I used mine for going into the woods and getting firewood. Multiple hills and muddy drives. The hate for the ridgeline is fully unwarranted and by people who have never owned one. They just assume bad because everyone says bad that hasn’t owned one.
All the people who have owned them say different. I guess who will you believe? The people with the product or the ones who have never used one?
OmNomChompsky@reddit
This post was replying to a second comment that heavily inferred that no farmer needed a full size pickup truck, which is probably the dumbest thing I have seen this week.
I really don't care about the capabilities of the Honda Ridgeline. If I needed a small truck I'm sure it would be great. I have a Tacoma and use it for all sorts of chores. I'm sure the Ridgeline is great as well, but it ain't getting 2 cords of firewood in one trip. I don't have enough time to make 5 trips with a small truck.
Personal_Area_2173@reddit
I own a farm my dude and a ridgeline. It does everything perfect. I also do not do livestock or really ever haul massive loads (corn and soy). But to throw seed bags in the bed or planter boxes it works perfect. Can haul 5k. You aren’t pulling a tractor with it but damn near everything else. It got the same use as our Chevy 1500.
Playful-Park4095@reddit
Those vehicles are often built to different specs outside the US as well. Ford sells a Ranger Super Duty...but not in the US. How many midsize trucks are offered as a diesel in the US? The small trucks sometimes get *worse* fuel economy than their bigger companions on the interstate as well. They just don't invest in them the same and they don't want to steal sales from the F-150/Ram 1500/etc. US makers routinely force you into larger vehicles to get some desirable features. Same for SUVs. Then they aren't even that much cheaper.
While I really like the Ranger, the F-150 is objectively a better value over long term ownership.
otterplus@reddit
I don’t understand how midsize trucks can be so shit for fuel economy. My company f150 aged out at 185k miles and now I’m in a Tacoma. I was averaging 20-22 mpg in the f150; I get 16-18 in the Tacoma. Instead of having a v6 powering the f150, I’m whipping the life out of a base 4 cylinder carrying the same amount of cargo. I gave up on looking at buying a Ranger or competitor next year since a five year old f150 is a much more tempting option.
Playful-Park4095@reddit
For Ford, the F150 using aluminum body panels while the Ranger still uses more steel negates a lot of weight savings. It's just where Ford prioritized resources.
Look at the new Rams. The Hurricane I6 and ZF8 transmission get ridiculous gas mileage with good power. Reliability is a different question, but can't argue with the mpg.
otterplus@reddit
The one I was in was a 2014, the aluminum bodies started the next year. Dodge is completely off the table for me after having several Grand Caravans and a Town and Country. They might be in the sweet spot of capability and pricing, but long term reliability is a game Chrysler products have lost too many times with me.
The only driving I do is either in my work truck or on my bike so I’m not truly concerned about mpg. I haven’t owned a personal vehicle other than the bike in 9 years. Not saying I’m willing to own something with single digit returns, but the difference between 20mpg and 30mpg isn’t a make or break for me
Icy-Role2321@reddit
Well it's a social status thing and also makes you feel powerful so that's why they need that large v8 truck to get groceries with.
I'm in suburban metro Atlanta and everyday you see these very expensive trucks that you will never ever see towing or using the bed. Like the trd pro tacoma is over $50,000 and most people treat it like it's a sedan.
Dependent_Ad_1270@reddit
At least that diesel suburban can get close to 30mpg
Icy-Role2321@reddit
It's already burning oil on highway trips and the check engine light comes on.
Creativity_mountain@reddit
I gotta say that a lot of people who really like trucks in America would consider the hilux and ranger to be much more legitimate as trucks go than the ridgeline
cfbluvr@reddit
They’re objectively more legitimate as trucks since they’re BoF, have 4wd, higher tow capacity, etc
mxracer888@reddit
Plus, nothing on the road in the US can tow more than a good old Ford Fkn Ranger
72vintage@reddit
"Not in the USA" farming tends to be quite a bit different than it is here. I grew up on a small farm in the USA, and a Ranger/Tacoma/Colorado is far too small to do most of what we needed to do. We never had a tonner, but we would stretch the capacity of a 3/4 ton quite often. I don't farm, and I have a Tacoma because I do haul light loads and drive in muddy/snowy conditions a lot. It does what I need. But my family still farms, and between my brothers they have 2, 3/4 ton trucks and 3, 1/2 ton trucks.
Assasin537@reddit
American trucks are a replacement for the small and medium commercial trucks used in many other countries. Those types of trucks are pretty rare in America since people will just tow massive trailers for anything smaller than a semi load rather than those commercial trucks.
twdpuller@reddit
For farmers it’s for pulling gooseneck trailers, ie livestock, hay, flatbeds, grain wagons, whatever. We also generally had a hydraulic hay bale bed on a truck with a corn feeder to feed cattle faster than driving a tractor 10 miles or more to and from pastures. Unfortunately a smaller truck like a ranger aren’t heavy duty enough. They’re great for just running around though and light duty stuff.
Personal_Area_2173@reddit
I own a farm and owned a ridgeline. It did EVERYTHING I needed it to do perfectly.
cheddarsox@reddit
Thats kind of 99 percent of vehicles and trims. You dont need to accelerate faster than the on-ramp allows, which for most people is a century horsepower car with no extras from 2000.
grim_solitude@reddit
The problem is, they cost the same amount as a full size truck that can do the odd thing that the Ridgeline cant do. Makes it an easy choice
No_Cherry_1423@reddit
Most people don’t need more than a shitbox with 4 doors. This isn’t a compelling or tight argument. I’m not pro-big pickup the Maverick is better, this just isn’t a good point.
Confident-Ad-6978@reddit
They become communist when you mention pick up trucks, trucks are too bourgeois
francakesfordinner@reddit
I’ll add that they have features other trucks do not. In-bed trunk with a ton of storage space? ✅ One of the first to have a duel action tailgate that opens down flat or as a some station wagon gates do? ✅
frisdisc@reddit
I’ll add on the torque vectoring makes it handle much better than you would expect for a truck.
Downloading_Bungee@reddit
They're fine vehicles, just not as capable as a body on frame for towing and hauling. I use mine as a work truck for framing and its generally done all I need it to, I just wish they offered a slightly longer bed standard so I could sleep in the back.
Substantial-Onion-92@reddit
They are legendary vehicles. The 06 won truck of the year when it came out. They are extremely reliable. I just gave mine to my mom with almost 400k km on it. My buddy also has one with 400k km. My coworker had one with 550k km, only issue was rust and no AC.
I recommend these all the time to people that don't want a full-size truck but want the bed and the great AWD/4x4 system.
Check for rust and timing belt maintenance.
akjalen@reddit
I want one so badly but every gen has just looked butt-ass ugly in my eyes. Hoping one of the facelifts makes it look cool
BagOnuts@reddit
Go sit in one. 99% of the time you spend looking at your vehicle is from the inside. The cabin is nicer than any other truck in its class (except maybe a high-trim Colorado.
akjalen@reddit
I have lol
it was mostly in jest. I’m really just waiting for my honda element to die but it refuses to
Duder211@reddit
Next gen should be out for 2027 model year. If it looks anything like the new passport, I’m sold.
RevolutionSalty8360@reddit
I thought that too, but after having mine for about a month, it passed. I have a 2023 RTL-E, and absolutely love it. It’s my “weekend” vehicle and is perfect for what I need it for.
Substantial-Onion-92@reddit
Haha I don't disagree, I think I made my old one look kinda cool. Different rims/tires, 2 in lift, blacked out the grey grill to make the emblem pop. Definitely modernized it. That thing just never skipped a beat and even took me up to fire towers in comfort.
bettywhitefleshlight@reddit
Ridgelines are like minivans with sort of a truck bed for a butt. They're not trucks or pickups. They're somewhere in between so purists love to hate.
RevolutionaryBeat301@reddit
People shit on Ridgelines because they are comparing them to RWD / 4x4 frame rail trucks like Ford F150s and Toyota Tundras. They can’t tow or haul nearly what these old school trucks can, but if it suits your needs they can be very reliable. They’re great for picking up furniture and big bags of dirt from Home Depot, but don’t try to pull your neighbors car out of the mud with one. Think of it as a Honda Odyssey with a bed instead of a third row.
Medium_Arachnid_2430@reddit
Really wanted to like the Ridgeline when car shopping recently but they are not a great bargain for what you are getting. For a few grand more than the Ridgeline starting price, you can get an actual truck w comparable mpgs and updated interior.
Honda treats the Ridgeline as its redheaded stepchild. Why haven’t they introduced the next gen to be inline with the current Pilot styling? Makes it seem like they don’t believe in the product. I went to a Honda dealership to test drive a ridgeline and they had 2 (two) in stock.
I will also say that I have never heard anyone ‘shit on’ a Ridgeline. Most truck people I know think they’re cool
whatdoido8383@reddit
My 2022 was a huge pile of shit. Transmission issues, clunking in the front end, warped rotors at 7k miles, the cab would smell like fuel after refueling....
Oh and Honda Sense is the biggest pile of garbage. So many false alerts. Radar cruise was unuseable it was so jerky.
Easily the worst modern vehicle I've ever owned. I dealt with it for a year then sold it.
PerformanceSmooth392@reddit
I have owned 4 ridgelines. My 22 was junk and it was due to covid and supply chain issues. All of the others including my current 24 TS are/ were problem free. So I wouldn't judge it by that one year.
whatdoido8383@reddit
Glad your 24 is treating you well.
The one thing holding me back from purchasing another is Safety Sense. They still haven't updated it and it does not do well on the areas I drive.
I don't know why but it can't deal with curves on the road and elevation change. It constantly thinks cars in the opposite lane are on your path and alerts.
I've spoken with even brand new 25+ owners and they still have the same issues.
None of our other vehicles have this issue on the same roads so it's something unique to the Ridge unfortunately.
PerformanceSmooth392@reddit
I live in VT and definitely agree on the sensors going off in the turns. Happens every day to me!
whatdoido8383@reddit
Ah yeah, I couldn't deal with that constantly alerting at nothing, my wife wouldn't drive it and hated it too because of that.
There is an area we hike and camp in where it alerts over a dozen times in a 40 minute drive.
The system is just not good and it's unfortunate Honda hasn't done anything over the years to update/fix it.
joshturiel@reddit
I've had two of them (a '19BE, and then traded it in 2022 for a '22RTL-E when the used market was a mess). If your truck needs consist of moderate "truck things" it's great. Light towing up to a small boat or trailer. Driving on beach trails to fish. Dirt roads that are rutted. Tossing a lot of yard waste in the bed to take to the dump. It does that kind of stuff super well, drives like a mid-sized SUV, comfortable inside though the tech stack is the most dated one in the Honda line, decent range, good visibility, and the hidden trunk is great to keep tools, golf clubs, suitcases, or whatever. Downside is that the bed is relatively shallow.
Is it as good a "truck" as a Tacoma, Ranger, or Colorado (all in the same general size class)? No, it's not. Is it a great truck for people who'd otherwise drive a big 3-row SUV, don't need a 3rd row, and could benefit more from the open bed? Yup. It's not the most popular truck around, but it does really well here in eastern New England.
kveggie1@reddit
We have a 2024 RL TS... and love it. (had Colorado and F150 in the past). It is good value for money, a V6, no turbo, moonroof, power everything, leatherette seats, Android Auto, remote start, keyless entry/start.
We towed about 4500 Lbs trailer+gear over several passes in Colorado and New Mexico.
The RL is not bad. It is stupid bias and it is persavive.
DSmith1717@reddit
They don’t hold up against others in towing or off-roading. IMO Honda chose the lazy route and chopped a pilot and called it a truck.
iaumpqc@reddit
Nothing. I don't hear that at all. Honda is generally well respected.
GrandMarquisMark@reddit
Not manly enough for the tough guy crowd.
blackbeard-22@reddit
When people find out about the trunk in the pickup bed… they stop rattling on about it “not being a real truck.” If you need to tow heavy, get something else. Otherwise, it’s very functional as a family vehicle. Yes Costco, camping, biking, date night, landscaping, tailgating…
Nice_Emphasis_39@reddit
Ridgeline black edition is a sweet truck. There, I said it
blackbeard-22@reddit
You’re 100% correct. Black edition is the way to go
ThirdSunRising@reddit
They don’t have a ton of problems. They just won’t fly with the small dick “truck stuff” crowd. You can’t tow a huge boat with it. You can’t go rock crawling in it. It won’t carry two yards of gravel or pull a giant fifth wheel house trailer.
It’ll definitely carry a fridge home though. Need to hit Home Depot for some cinder blocks? Perfect. Grab that dresser you found on Craigslist, you’ve got the right vehicle for it. You know, the things “regular people” refer to as truck stuff. It does them just fine.
But if you’re in a dick measuring contest, the ridgeline will not help you win it.
weissss@reddit
And I can tell you right now, MOST of those “truck stuff” crowds aren’t doing anything like rock crawling or hauling huge boats. They just think they will “one day”.
8lbIceBag@reddit
For payload it's actually up there with the full size 4x4 crew cabs.
Duder211@reddit
Perfectly describes how I use it, pallets of firewood, sheet goods for woodworking/carpentry, 30 bags of mulch. Climbs the shitty gravel road to the Airbnb and dominates snowy weather. What more do it need?
SkaneatelesMan@reddit
Be careful hauling cement blocks, mulch, dirt, fertilizer. That stuff gets heavy fast... way beyond what even a half ton should be carrying.
padeye242@reddit
Several years ago, I had a Honda hatchback that I drove everywhere, and I mean it. I once drove it across a dry creek bed, which led me to wonder why Honda had never built a truck. At the time, they'd built everything from cars to robots, but never a truck? Well, the same year I'd shared my query with my dad, he shared that Honda was gonna finally build a truck. Dad was a machinist/mechanic that loved all things mechanical, so he bought one. He used it for years. When he passed away, I called dibs, and immediately started challenging it. So far, I've driven up the side of a mountain on rough terrain to load firewood, in four wheel drive and it handled it. I also trailered dad's home built vw trike a hundred miles home. It trucks as much as any truck I've ever trucked.
PCmndr@reddit
I live in a cul-de-sac with 4 houses. We all have trucks. I have a Ridgeline. I'm the only one who's ever using my truck for truck purposes which usually involves trips to home Depot or taking bikes from point a to b. I've literally never seen my neighbors used their truck as a truck. One guy got his F150 with the intention of getting a camper and doing some traveling. I can understand that. He has never done it but whatever. Another guy had a brand new GMC he never does anything with his yard or house and isn't isn't really active at all. I don't get it.
CosmosInSummer@reddit
I tell people my Ridgeline is an Accord with a bed. It’s a nice sedan with a useful bed, AND a trunk. I have had F 150s and F 250s, an S15 and a Ranger and the little trucks are the easiest to live with. The bigger trucks were useful tools though. I wouldn’t tow or plow with a Ridgeline.
The Ridgeline is boring. It’s a Honda. But it does the job 90 percent of the time for me.
phantom_phallus@reddit
I own one. When I was shopping around it was the smallest truck that could hold 4 for wide sheets flat without adding anything to the bed. It's not really that small either, it's just the other trucks have gotten so large to evade emissions and mpg rules.
Dirt roads and snow it handles fine, no complaints. I do a little off road with it for camping, stargazing, and shooting/hunting. Towed a few thousand pounds fine(mostly downhill). Filled the bed with gravel, scrap metal, and landfill many times with no issue. It serves my purposes very well and does "truck" things. I've had no issues with it in the last 6 years other than the driver window reg slowing down enough for me to notice, but not fix(I really should tho).
Holiday-Youth-6722@reddit
30 year old Ridgeline owner chiming in. I didn't want a truck but kept finding myself in situations where I needed something with a bed. I hate trucks and when in the market wanted something that didn't ride like a truck. The Veracruz had a small bed if you can call it that, the Maverick was all plastic and the I didn't want to take the gamble on the Nissan. That led me to the Ridgeline. Test drove it and fell in love. It has a bed, ridges comfortable like an SUV for long trips and has a nice interior on top of being reliable. I don't tow, I don't go off road, I don't care about payload limits. I just need something reliable that can go to home depot, grocery store and pick up Facebook marketplace furniture wife sends me to get. The Ridgeline is perfect for that. It's also a fun vehicle to drive. NA V6 making almost 300 hp has plenty of pep and the Vtech sounds amazing.
PerformanceSmooth392@reddit
When my 24 trailsport is in sport mode and I put the pedal down, the sound is awesome. The ridgeline can hold its own in most situations.
DEEPfrom1@reddit
Sold my Tacoma for a Ridgeline. 10/10 would buy again
PerformanceSmooth392@reddit
Yep. Me too.
01Cloud01@reddit
I’m contemplating purchasing one. There more cleverly designed and practical then the 1500 trucks I have owned mine for 20 years. If you don’t tow or go heavy off-roading it should be considered
WillowCreekRats@reddit
I bought one 8 months ago and I’m thrilled with it. My husband has a 2016 Silverado 2500 that we use for anything heavy or extra large that needs to be hauled, and we have a CR-V that I bought 5 years ago that my feral hobby farm had quickly outgrown. Husband needed a shorter vehicle for parking at work, and my commute is too long to make the Silverado an option for me to drive. My husband will help haul building supplies but feed/supplies, cages, and other odds and ends are on me alone 90% of the time. He took the cr-v, and I got my little feral farm shit truck 🤷🏻♀️
I bounced between the taco and the ridgeline for a couple weeks, but test driving my truck sold me. Its unbelievably comfortable and easy to handle, it’s short enough to make loading/unloading easy (husband and I are short), it’s quiet, and its reliable. You can pack a shocking amount of stuff in it too! My only big complaint is the back doors because they don’t open wide enough. My husband needed to move his scrap trailer (flatbed with plywood walls added) this fall and grabbed my truck instead of his. Despite his insistence that my ridgeline isn’t a real truck, it was a thousand times easier to use for moving things around. Would I pull a full trailer load of gravel, or a large livestock trailer with it? Nope! Could I bring home a small trailer with goats on a whim? Yep! Way easier to pick up supplies and cages in my truck than in the cr-v!
The ridgeline is for people who know what they need their vehicle to do, and what’s overkill. The 2500 is great the three times a year we need it, but it’s basically a lawn ornament outside of that. 🤷🏻♀️ Ridgeline is our go-to for just about everything else. Once the 2500 dies, we will get a tundra unless Honda comes out with a comparable full size truck (which i doubt they will).
Fearless-War5938@reddit
I think it's funny how people make fun of it. I want one and all I get told is that "it's not a real truck". A lot of my friends and coworkers shit on the Ridgeline because it can't tow anything heavy or go off road like their trucks can. But I asked them all when the last time they towed a boat, or went off road? It's been years and I don't see the point paying for the upkeep on a truck like that. Especially since I grew up towing trailers and playing in the back country. Then I also get the same people saying how they would want to buy a Ford Maverick, or a Santa cruz. Which is the same thing in my opinion. The Ridgeline does what most people would want a truck for. It tows enough for the one move you do every few years or gets you the 20 yards off the pavement that you won't even take your "real truck" to.
einsatzpoopen@reddit
Reddit be normal about trucks for one day challenge: completely impossible
Moab5152@reddit
Two of my buddies have them and say they’re the best vehicle they ever had. I rode in it and noticed the room, smooth drivetrain and ride comfort. I liked that it didn’t drive like a truck. The built-in bed truck is a nice feature too.
dawgfanjeff@reddit
A saw a review of it a few years ago and the reviewer said unless you are towing, 90% of you should buy a Ridgeline, but you won't.
hardsoft@reddit
Why stop there? You should be buying a Honda Fit. But you won't.
Almost everyone buys things that make them happy in some way. And then judge others for doing the exact the same thing...
dawgfanjeff@reddit
Ok, but to be clear I am not judging what people buy. Ok, a little. When you drive around Houston and see thousands of concrete cowboys clogging the roads on their way to HEB it's hard not to judge a little.
UncleSlayton77@reddit
They're fine for driving to Lowe's for a few bags of dirt to toss in the bed. Try to take one out on the farm and try even the easiest diagonal crawl over a mild grass berm and the unibody can flex enough to crack the paint. Put a hard cover on the bed and it's basically a car. I feel the same way about the current Ford Maverick. To me, a real truck has a ladder frame.
RemarkableMistake922@reddit
I had an 08 with almost 200k. I was second owner. I worked on the road 10 on and 4 off. In between I went camping, towed an 18ft proline boat with a 150 Yamaha. Did a bit of off roading, helped a friend move a camper. Never had issues.
AC compressor went out once. Radiator hoses had to be replaced.
There are a lot of “big truck” owners who NEVER do what I did and still shit on a ridgeline.
The bed of the ridgeline was the best ever. Single chassis made the ride stupid comfortable. I drive a tundra now. I love the v8. Ridgeline was every bit as capable. I guess it comes down to use case.
Lordraxxdog@reddit
Big transmission problems, same as Pilot.
HousingSmart4426@reddit
I am suspicious of all heavy front wheel drive vehicles.
3dprintedthingies@reddit
Because is it a shitty truck or a shitty minivan? The answer is yes.
The only unibody truck that wasn't junk was the jeep Comanche, but the back half was a traditional truck. They maximized for truck and off-road. Honda didn't maximize for anything and left a compromised design.
The j series V6 is also a junk inefficient oil burner that kicks rods. The fate of every pilot, Odyssey, accord, Ridgeline etc is to kick a rod from oil starvation after 200k. People wax on and on about Honda reliability but that is not the case for the j series.
The Ecoboost gets better mileage, tows more, makes more power, is more reliable, and is a better deal. The only reason to buy a Ridgeline is if you get a screaming deal, which is basically what everyone I've met has said who owns one.
Then if you want a good truck you just buy an LS/lt Chevy and you have the best gas truck ever made. Pick your poison for a diesel. All diesels suck.
Realistic_Belt@reddit
I have a Nissan Frontier and I can say that having a truck bed is really useful and I would 100% think about just getting a Ridgeline in the future.
bushinkaishodan@reddit
Honda is living off of an expiring reputation for quality. The Odyssey minivans have been the source for many major headaches.
EventHorizonHotel@reddit
Agree, the 3.5 V6 has lots of issues with the VCM / variable cylinder management system.
While it’s not been terrible, I’d say our 2014 Odyssey has been the least reliable vehicle we’ve owned in the last 20 years.
FibonacciLane12358@reddit
The Ridgeline has never had VCM issues.
EventHorizonHotel@reddit
The 3rd generation of VCM which the Ridgeline uses is reportedly causing transmission shudder and excess failures of the torque converter.
It’s a flawed design, Honda keeps trying to fix it (and sending letters and extending warranties on prior versions) but it just moves the issue to a different place.
Do an internet search on “is honda vcm-3 good” and you will see why there is a robust market for devices to disable the VCM technology. I personally wouldn’t trust it but some people may not experience an issue.
FibonacciLane12358@reddit
No. The torque converter issues are with the 6-speed transmission that was in the 2017-2019 model years. That has nothing to do with VCM. The V6 is excellent and Ridgelines since 2020 are excellent.
EventHorizonHotel@reddit
Lots of people out there would disagree with you but no sense arguing back and forth. I hope you get long and reliable service from your Honda vehicle.
Personal_Area_2173@reddit
Good thing its not that huh?
Parking_Garage_6476@reddit
I’ve had a Ridge for a total of 15 years. Two trucks, one for 11 years, one for 4. I have back problems and this was the only truck that didn’t give me back pain. Probably because it is built on a car body. My brothers with the F150’s the RAM’s; good on you. Your use case is usually construction or farm related. I find that the Ridge is good for what most city dwellers actually use a vehicle like this for; occasional runs to the dump, sometimes some lumber, sometimes some dirt, all in a package that is reasonable on gas and well appointed. My first Ridge had over 400k on it when I traded it in. Dealer said it was just getting started. Look at what you really really use a vehicle for, and I bet the Ridge fills a lot of those boxes.
Top_Independence2676@reddit
Everyone I know who has one just raves about it. I spent about three hours in one SAG'ing for a bicycle event. All back roads, fellow HAM loved it, I thought it very comfortable.
Uzi_Jesus_@reddit
Im going to buy a 21’ black editiothis weekend. Has some aftermarket lights put on it for outdoor adventures and a roll bar. Looks really good in my opinion, it will do all the things I ask it to and Im looking forward to having it. Im not a large acre farmer. Im a dude who goes to the country fairly often and helps friends with projects at those places. I take a few outdoors trips a year and need something to move appliances and shit like that. Its basically everything I need in a solid package.
Expensive-Vanilla-16@reddit
It's basically like a ranger or s10. Built to do small truck like things.
ZimaGotchi@reddit
Dude just get an Odyssey
BeerandGuns@reddit
Not to shit on the Ridgeline but that’s pretty much it. You’ll get more use from the Odyssey. My father in law had a Ridgeline and put a Tonneau cover on it. I still don’t understand the point. Just get an SUV or a minivan
SkaneatelesMan@reddit
You obviously don't have to haul anything resembling hazardous have you? Gasoline, propane, manure, garbage, construction waste etc... Having to clean out the back of my sister's old 2500 Suburban (diesel) after my brother in law helped me with some dirty chores told us all that I really needed a pickup.
BeerandGuns@reddit
Yeah, obviously I don’t haul a list of stuff that 95% of Honda Ridgeline drivers don’t haul. Im sure those Ridgeline owners are out there hauling radioactive waste and loading up cattle in the back of their trucks.
captrb@reddit
You are mostly right. But I got the Ridgeline instead because I can keep my skis in the bed all winter without people seeing/stealing them. Then I can put greasy bbq grills and RV sewer hoses in the back during the summer. Also landscaping stuff like bags of manure than I don’t want in the cabin.
And the hitch weight is 600lbs, and higher than the minivan.
I wanted the van more, but the Ridgeline made more sense for what I use it for.
KyOatey@reddit
A minivan is not the solution to everything.
ReciprocalPhi@reddit
It's the solution to most of the problems commonly attempted to solve by a truck.
Got a big family? Minivan. Wanna haul lumber? Minivan. Got a lot of tools? Holy shit! minivan! Wanna go kayaking? Minivan.
They're better than a truck for most purposes. They get better fuel economy, they're safer, their storage is fully enclosed, and they're more multifunctional than pickup trucks.
An f150 can't fit a full sheet of plywood in the bed. You have to tilt it on edge, and it hangs out the back. An Oddysey can fit it flat in the back, and shut the hatch.
There's very few reasons to get a pickup over a minivan.
Regularly hauling items with dimensions larger than will fit in a van. If you move refrigerators regularly, a truck is a better option.
Hauling HEAVY items. Stuff too heavy for minivan suspension.
Towing larger trailers.
The minivan can serve in a less-capable capacity in hauling large items, heavy items, and some light towing.
nathanb131@reddit
Hell ya brother! Minivans absolutely rule. Obviously better for 95% of what most people are doing in trucks and suv's.
SUV's today are like skinny jeans. Young people now see skinny jeans as an old people thing, it's what their lame 40yo boss wears. But people in their 40's still think skinny jeans signal "young and cool". In the same way, they carry the mindset that "I could never be seen in a minivan" from the soccer mom backlash of the early 00's.
Truck culture is a much simpler male insecurity story.
And maybe I'm just as smug and insecure as truck guys. I'm judgy about them needing a big machine to do small things. THAT seems like sissy stuff to me.
ReciprocalPhi@reddit
I'm with you, we can get down voted together. I'd drive a minivan if they were more affordable.
I think a hybrid sienna would probably be my ideal vehicle, but I don't think Toyota has a hybrid minivan yet.
Truck Guys are the male insecurity version of Horse Girls and Apple Hipsters.
ReciprocalPhi@reddit
I'm with you, we can get down voted together. I'd drive a minivan if they were more affordable.
I think a hybrid sienna would probably be my ideal vehicle, but I don't think Toyota has a hybrid minivan yet
icebergbb@reddit
This is true but a big reason I have a truck and want to keep a truck is a reason you actually gave: enclosed cargo
I don’t want to haul something that’s super dirty or disgusting inside of the cab lol
NoPersimmon7434@reddit
Actually, the F-150 will comfortably fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood between the wheel wells, and they can be optioned with 8' beds.
Cool_Butterscotch_88@reddit
Minivan Is Always The Answer
ReciprocalPhi@reddit
I wouldn't say "always." I can't see an oddysey towing a cattle trailer, after all.
But the current market share split between pickup trucks and minivans is the reverse of what it should be. Minivans are the answer to 99% of the questions people try to answer with "truck"
ZimaGotchi@reddit
I can't see a Ridgeline towing a cattle trailer either
OriginalFaCough@reddit
2 in the front, 5 in the rear. When the shocker won't get the job done...
KyOatey@reddit
Especially if you misinterpret the question.
RepeatUntilTheEnd@reddit
Man, I zoom. Doesn't anyone?
OopsItsMikaela@reddit
That’s right 😎
Orcapa@reddit
I have an MDX, essentially a Ridgeline. I love it because I can lock stuff up in the back and keep it out of the rain. For the truly large stuff, I have a utility trailer. I have towed a 5x8 trailer full of wet maple wood with no problem. For me, it's the ideal solution.
gambit57@reddit
I had both, but I get your point.
I’m NOT a “truck” guy, even tho all my neighbors (at the time) were. I needed an open bed for carrying tall trees and such from Home Depot/nursery, etc.
But yeah, despite all the Ram 1500/F-150s/Silverados, etc, they all went to the same place I did. Only a couple towed toy haulers. 90% of those trucks went to the same suburban stores I did and didn’t tow anything bigger than a jet ski, which the Ridgline can do also.
Like others have said, like 90% of those personal use trucks never do anything a Ridgeline can’t do.
And that subtrunk was freaking awesome! Just as the subtrunk in my Model Y is now.
elmatt71@reddit
They are fantastic trucks but usually don't appeal to the typical "construction worker" of RV hauler that wants a truck. They don't have the tow capacity that a typical truck has. However, it is typically more comfortable and has a number of extra/lockable compartments that make it incredibly handy. As a musician I think it is fantastic; very practical and rides great
Rough_Cancel7265@reddit
It's strictly perception. It's the same people that will cringe at any food item that's plant based/gluten free etc. Because it's "lesser than" that means it's not good.
Prof_Fuzzy_Wuzzy@reddit
The issue with the Ridgeline is it costs as much and gets the same MPG as an F-150, so why not just get an F-150?
CattlemanSlick@reddit
My problem with it is that people are trying to call it a truck, when it’s an SUV with the top cut off. A truck is body on frame. I also like the Hyundai Santa Cruz (in terms of looks not the drivetrain) and part of that is BECAUSE they don’t call it a truck.
Nobody really gives a fuck about my opinion on it and I don’t really care that much either, but that little part of me gets agitated when people call it a truck when it’s not technically a truck
SkaneatelesMan@reddit
Honda Ridgelines are capable quarter ton light duty autos in the shape of a pickup. They are reliable, but don't do well when overloaded.
A regular F-150, or GM or Ram 1500 is a half ton pickup truck. They are built on a stronger frame and chassis.
Ridgelines are built with a modified integrated light duty automobile frame that has been strengthened a bit, but they are both less strong and less flexible. Trucks are built on stronger flexible ladder frames, designed for more twisting and stress. The Honda rides better, but the truck can carry more.
Simply put: Ridgelines look like pickups and can be used as such for lightweight hauling. Half ton pickups are really trucks and can carry and tow more weight. 3/4 and 1 ton pickups are incrementally stronger yet.
There's nothing wrong with a Ridgeline if you stay within its limits. Know your towing and load carrying capacity.
blueingreen85@reddit
They are honestly pretty great.
redsnowman45@reddit
Big problem is the Ridgeline gets compared to light duty body on frame pickup trucks.
The capability and target customer is very different. Ridgeline is a great niche vehicle for someone who needs a truck bed and light towing capabilities. The truck community bashes the Ridgeline for not being a real truck. But it was never designed to be a comparable or complete with light duty trucks.
Ridgeline is a great vehicle that preforms great for its intended purpose.
Jimothius@reddit
What makes the Ridgeline especially bad?
Literally nothing. The Ridgeline is especially good.
ldskyfly@reddit
They're fantastic
InternationalBite690@reddit
First, ridgeline is not a truck! Second, towing capacity under 4k so if you see one pulling a trailer rest assured it’s probably overloaded. If this was used just like a pilot it would probably last forever but everyone sees the Honda badge and says it will last even if I tow 5k from New York to Florida twice a year, even if I ignore transmission service cause $300 is a waste of money. Half the people that buy a ridgeline need an accord and the other half need an f250 with 4wd but can only afford a ridgeline, then push it beyond what it was designed for, then blame the drivetrain.
Long story short- the owners of the ridgeline make it a terrible choice!
Personal_Area_2173@reddit
Had a 2019 Ridgeline new until I traded in. We had it about 6 and a half years. If you go rock crawling or are hauling have stuff it’s not good. I had zero issues with it anywhere else. Not a thing broke, everything worked perfect. It got about 21mpg average. I haul motorcycles when we go buy them. It works perfect for EVERYTHING we needed it too.
It’s a great truck that gets shit on by non car guys because they cannot accept that not everything has to be some big ass compensation mobile.
It is in fact ugly as fuck. Part suv part truck. Works exactly what it is built for. Highly recommend one if you need a truck but also have a family.
Pvm_Blaser@reddit
It’s the bad German transmission in the newer body style. The old body style is simply ugly. Everything else about them is great.
Medium_Arachnid_2430@reddit
I recently was stuck between getting a Ridgeline or an f150. Ultimately went with the f150 because it seemed like Honda was keeping Ridgeline on the back burner in terms of upgrades and interior quality. F150 is fords golden goose and they treat it as such, while the Ridgeline is Hondas redheaded stepchild. If the Ridgeline’s starting price and reported mpgs beat the f150 by a significant margin I would have been sold. If the upfront cost are about the same give or take a few thousand dollars, I might as well get the more capable vehicle, even if I won’t need it’s max capacity most of the time. The lower wheel clearance and shallow bed dimensions were also an issue.
I do like the Ridgelines though, excited to see the 3rd gen, might make the switch
Novogobo@reddit
If they were actually so terrible, people wouldn't put in so much effort. What is actually going on is they resent it for being really great as a pavement princess.
Paqza@reddit
The Honda Ridgeline is a truck for what most people use their trucks for. It is not a gender-affirming truck, which hurts it in reviews.
OPisOK@reddit
They are good vehicles but fall in a weird place and it is why the Maverick, which is its little cousin, has actually been more accepted than the Ridgeline.
The RL can’t do all the truck stuff like an F150 or similar, but costs about the same and gets similar gas mileage.
With the Maverick, you can’t do a lot of truck things either, but it is smaller, costs less and gets much better gas mileage so the trade off makes sense.
I own a Maverick, but if I was looking to spend Ridgeline money on a truck, I’d probably just get a ford or Chevy.
ajaxp0wder@reddit
The Ridgeline isn't a truck, its a large cross over SUV with a box. It can't do what an F150/ram 1500/tundra/,silverado 1500/ titan can do. It would be hard pressed to compete like for like with a frontier, ranger, canyon or Tacoma as well.
Its closest competitor is the maverick.
People who buy trucks buy them for their numbers and capabilities even if they dont need them. This is because they are small men who feel weak, they shit on the Ridgeline because they are threatened by men who do t need to hide behind a 9000 lb towing capacity and 6.2 L v8 noises.
Of course if you require a truck for work or towing you boat or camper you can disregard the last paragraph.
TheAgeOfQuarrel802@reddit
There’s nothing wrong with them. Sad little men think buying a truck bigger than they need secures their idea of their own masculinity, whether hey have any use for them or not.
stu54@reddit
They have a gross vehicle weight rating over 6000 pounds, which is the most important feature for qualifying for tax deductions.
Slow_S60_@reddit
They are great vehicles but they aren’t a truck, unibody and fwd.
Significant-Ant-5677@reddit
They need to redo the look. Right now it looks like a mini van with a bed.
Even-Further@reddit
They are great trucks. The iVTM-4 awd is based on the Acura SH-AWD. The AWD is outstanding. The trunk in the bed is huge, very handy.
Humble-Parsley4870@reddit
I looked at one a few years ago and really liked it. I wanted the functionality of a truck but had a work commute that made my dodge Ram impractical. I wasn’t going off road or anything so the ridgeline was great for mulch, tools and any other dirty stuff. However, the back seat was way too small for my kids liking. Very cramped.
got_tha_gist@reddit
They’re not a piece of junk, a truck, or have lots of problems lol.
They’re a great SUV that happens to have an open bed. But because pick ‘em up truck shape without a body on frame, they can challenge one’s manhood. I will grant they’re a bit ugly. They’re the nerd’s choice for a pick ‘em up shaped object.
TheDuffcj2a@reddit
My grandpa has had three Ridgelines now. They have been his daily for several years now. He likes the way they ride and drive, doesn't fatigue him too bad if he's traveling. If he needs to haul or pull something he's got a newer 1500 Silverado and I have an old Duramax. The Ridgeline has been a perfect vehicle for him, an elderly widow, for traveling, or taking my kids out for a treat. He's never had any serious reliability issues with any of the ones he's owned.
revocer@reddit
It’s probably the best unibody truck. But not necessarily a truck truck.
TROGDOR_X69@reddit
Unibody is hard to call a truck in my neck of the woods
like as soon as my social circle hears Unibody they class it the same as a minivan or Highlander lol
now if it had a true frame? id put it right in 4runner/Fj/Prado catergory
but unibody makes me feel like it might as well be a subaru ascent lol
MylowX@reddit
Thoughts on a jeep XJ?
StinkPickle4000@reddit
Came here to say this. Really there biggest drawback and perhaps what made them worth making is their unibody.
Easily damaged and hard to repair but makes for light and strong frame.
maybach320@reddit
It gets panned because it’s the truck most people actually need. I didn’t like them for a while and have come around on them. Personally I’d consider one if they could tow 7500lbs but I’d also consider a Maverick if that could tow 7500lbs. I just want a small truck that can tow a car on a trailer and the market thinks I need a big truck for that task.
Arondy@reddit
That boy in a ridgeline😆
Old_Confidence3290@reddit
The Ridgeline is good enough, it's just light duty. If the payload and tow capacity meet your needs you should be happy with it.
yepthisisathrowaway9@reddit
My dad has a 2012 first gen ones and that thing has not skipped a beat. Interior worn here and there but mechanically it’s fine.
RedHotFuzz@reddit
Make it look more like a small truck, like the Ford Maverick, and I’ll be interested.
Nightstalker60@reddit
I've had a 19 & when lease was up got 21. If you want a small truck w more room/ride quality than any of the other " mid size " Ridgeline is the way to go.
present_absence@reddit
Nothing makes it bad. It's a very good comfy pickup that'll do everything half of truck owners want to do
BensOnTheRadio@reddit
It’s a Ute, and Americans seem to be really bad at understanding this. Utes aren’t for heavy duty tasks you’d expect to do with body on frame tasks.
72vintage@reddit
I doubt there's anything wrong with current Ridgelines. IIRC, the first generation had some kind of problem where the #5 cylinder would fail and ruin the motor, but it wasn't widespread like Nissan CVT failures. It was just an issue that happened enough to be aware of...
xampl9@reddit
I owned a 2006 and it was amazingly useful. It did everything I needed it to, and was good in snow.
Before buying it I test drove an F-150 and it was nice but really challenging to park. The Ridgeline had a short bed but easily navigated parking lots.
I even put Texas “Truck” plates on it 😁
Realistic-Arrival157@reddit
I’ve been wanting one for a long time honestly but I can’t justify buying a truck when my current 2012 Sierra 1500 runs just fine.
Lots of people roast them calling them not real trucks blah blah blah but if all you need out of a truck is something you can basically help your buddy move a stove with or put some 2x4’s in the back of your box then it’ll do fine. Everyone I know that owns one absolutely loves them because they are good on gas and are incredibly reliable.
They don’t feel as much like you’re driving a truck they feel more like driving a car but that could be taken as either a pro or a con depending on the person
Prize-Lychee7973@reddit
Nothing, literally nothing. They hate on the ridgeline like they hate on the maverick. They fail to understand the purpose of an suv with a beefier suspension and the back chopped off. Honda/Ford are very explicit about what the truck is and isnt. its a commute vehicle with actual utility and most of the bed space of a vehicle twice it's size. The people hating on them are hilarious. As if you, a person who picked a mini truck, are planning on hauling a larger load with it.
ScoffingYayap@reddit
From 2017-2019 their transmissions were riddled with problems. Since then though they're pretty flawless aside from dated Infotainment.
They're basically a Honda Pilot with the back cut out and a bed put in its place, so it won't tow or haul nearly as much as really any of the other trucks on the market. If that matters to you, buy something else.
ChickenMcAnders@reddit
I had one. It was great, I still miss it. The users stating its the costco city truck are totally correct + it was excellent for my hobbies (Downhill skiing, pulling my boat, cottage stuff).
Only moved on because we are a one car family, park in a parking garage and my wife wasn't keen on driving it in tight spaces.
Probably the truck that 90% of truck owners were really looking for from a usecase perspective.
kilertree@reddit
The second gen is straight but Honda made a mistake of making the rear quarter panel one huge piece on the first gen. So if you get in a car accident, It would be more expensive than replacing your quarter panel on a traditional truck. Some reason Rivian made same mistake.
Classic-Artist8102@reddit
All ways thought they were a women’s truck.Now that I’m 74 looks like the truck for me.
Drug_fueled_sarcasm@reddit
People have a very stupid brand loyalty for trucks. Redneck pride is a product of marketing.
RevolutionSalty8360@reddit
I describe it as the perfect truck, for a guy that does not need a truck. About a month ago I was looking for a new vehicle as a secondary one, and needed a small truck. Looked at all the usual ones, then someone suggested a Ridgeline. Ended up getting a 2023 RTL-E. To be honest, other than the informant system, I’ve been blown away by it. Comfortable, practical, and does everything I need. I never thought they looked that great, but after having it, it’s growing on me. Plus, the swing out tailgate and little trunk area is very handy.
Ep3_Pnw@reddit
I drive one, a 2007. It's just a solid, well built vehicle. I'm the only one in my immediate family and close friend group that has a pickup... A buddy called me needing help moving a 3-seater couch over 70 miles away, cake walk for the Ridgeline despite having a shortish bed.
No one talks about the amount of elbow room inside the cab, they're a lot wider than you would think. The trunk at the end of the bed doubles as a cooler with a factory installed drain plug at the bottom, it also has power locks so my key fob will lock it. The first gens are a well thought out vehicle once you spend some time with them. Don't know much about the 2nd gen
Professional-Emu9223@reddit
They’re great, more car like than a regular truck if you prefer that. Barely depreciate too
Ok-Associate-5368@reddit
Had a 2019. The transmission in that MY was garbage. Tended to implode at about 50K miles. Other than that, it was a great vehicle. I only towed lightweight trailers (small sailboat, lawn tractor) so it was fine for that. When I traded it in (at 46K miles) I was going to get a 2024 RL but then we looked at the Odyssey. Ended up buying the minivan. No regrets.
reefmespla@reddit
Chase Matthew doesn’t seem to like them so there’s that.
DongPolicia@reddit
Every hater in this thread “owns a farm”
Had no idea Reddit car subs were so popular with Only Farmers
Icy-Buyer-9783@reddit
After my 4Runner was totaled I bought a 2012 Ridgeline only because my cousin was sales manager at a Honda dealership I remember thinking to myself “man this thing is ugly” but the price was right and I wasn’t out to impress anyone. As time went on I liked the Ridgeline more and more because it fit my lifestyle. Light duty hauling, hunting and a run for last minute cases of produce for my restaurant.. Going in for a timing belt replacement next week because I just hit 200,000 miles. I also bought a 2025 Ridgeline a months ago. Not a car guy but I’ve noticed that people that make fun of the Ridgeline don’t own one and those that do like this vehicle.
DraaSticMeasures@reddit
The explosion of country in the 80’s and 90’s caused trucks to become more fashionable, and trucks became more of a status symbols for men. Since trucks were then seen as a male dominated vehicle, trucks became a city vehicle as well. The Ridgeline is different, thus it’s like the kid who wore generic shoes to school in the 90’s, it’s just fine, but the insecure male population needs to justify their air jordans , so they try to punish those who are different and make them feel inferior, despite 90% of guys with air jordans never playing in a real basketball game.
luecack@reddit
Sensible trucks for people that recognize their needs.
Longjumping_Cow_5856@reddit
Timing belt is only designed downside to me really.
chillaxtion@reddit
A Ridgeline is a Pilot with a bed where the cargo part of the Pilot would be.
We’ve driven our Pilot on the beach many times and tackled some dirt roads in it to get to swimming holes. It’s nice for that.
We own a tiny 1995 pickup but I’d consider a Ridgeline for going to the dump or garden center or whatever. You could probably put a snow blower in it. I believe a motorcycle can go in back.
They’ve used the same V6 motor forever. It’s a nice reliable platform but it’s just not macho. Truck guys want body on frame, not unibody design.
Local-Wing-8080@reddit
Sorry I have to state the blatantly obvious here. Yes they aren’t trucks due to unibody…however they are absolutely horrendous looking, especially the older ones. A good amount of people that buy trucks also care about image/looks of their truck, hence why the truck accessory market exists. The Honda Ridgeline might be decently reliable, accomplish tasks well, however it will never sell well as it currently sits because it just looks terrible. Put a Ridgeline (which are upward of 50,000 here in Canada) beside a Tacoma or Colorado and you cant tell me they blow it out of the water.
Stock-Swing-797@reddit
I am absolutely positive the Ridgeline also has the highest median age owner of any vehicle... If it's not some one's 80yo grandpa driving, it's the absolute sketchiest mofo you've ever seen behind the wheel. Not totally unlike minivans....
bmwlocoAirCooled@reddit
Guys that measure their manhood by truck height.
Ridgelines are fine. Nothing wrong with him. Ignore the mouth breathers.
RunsWithPremise@reddit
They're definitely not junk. They're reliable Hondas.
They suck as actual trucks, but they're not meant to be a Super Duty. They're meant to haul your trash or pick up a few bags of mulch or take the propane tank to get refilled. It's for the occasional home-owner tasks that would get the back of your SUV messy.
They will never tow or haul as well as an actual truck. Just shop according to your needs.
Ok_Two_2604@reddit
The IRS could have allowed it to have a low bed height for easy loading but they added the (handy) under bed storage instead. It is not that much smaller than a midsize, and is not shorter at all. 210” vs Ranger is 210”, but with much less capacity and similar load height. Fuel economy is worse than the 4 and similar (18/24 vs 19/23) to the v6. I haven’t driven one in quite a while but I don’t recall the ride being anything special, especially with how good F150s have gotten.
I have a last gen Ranger but it’s got big stupid tires and full suspension so drives like crap so not a good stock comparison, but also have a Santa Cruz and it drives like a car. It has the driving dynamics that finally justify the compromises of IRS on a truck if you don’t need the extra capacity imo plus it is actually smaller 195” and 19/27 mpg with the turbo and awd. Not great considering the Maverick exists but better than the Ridgeline. On paper the SC kicks the Ridgeline’s ass but alas, it is a Hyundai, had zero marketing, and it is also supposedly discontinued this year bc of poor sales. I really like mine and it has done well on our family’s ranch crossing rivers and climbing rough trails for a few years before I caved and picked up a real midsize for the needed clearance.
The only real benefit of a Ridgeline vs a midsize is that it says Honda and should be more reliable and unserved storage, and possibly the price I haven’t looked, but it is otherwise not really any better with lots of downsides for people who actually want to use it for practical reasons instead of lifestyle image reasons.
I left the Tacoma out of the conversation because despite Toyota’s rep the current ones are garbage. We have had enough issues that we are transitioning to Rangers for our work fleet and everyone I know with a personal one regrets it with this gen. The driving experience has always been the worst as well, though it’s not as bad this gen, they just don’t work. Especially the transmissions.
I haven’t looked at Chevy or Nissan in a while, but the guys I knew with Chevys seem to always have issues. Nissans are from the truck stoneage and seem pretty reliable from what I’ve heard, like how tacos used to be bc they were so primitive though they started having issues with the Atkinson version of the last gen and even before that we had issues with suspensions.
Tl;dr: they don’t give enough benefits to justify the compromises as far as trucks actually used as trucks instead of as status symbols.
jpttpj@reddit
Fugliest pretend truck on the road, to me.
ChargePositive1848@reddit
It’s crazy how the stupid “average redditor” response are getting the most upvotes but I guess it tracks.
OP to answer your question, it’s because the vehicle is a unibody, shares a drivetrain with a Honda pilot. If you want to do actual truck things beyond having a pretty small bed, you need an actual truck. They are not robust for towing both from a weight and a power aspect. And they are not that great off road either.
Ford competes with for the ridgeline market with the maverick now and even Hyundai built the Santa Cruz but nobody wants those.
The ridgeline isn’t a bad vehicle if you don’t plan on towing or doing heavier work but it’s terrible compared to competition if you do. That’s why it gets shit on by truck guys
Timmarino@reddit
If you want a reliable vehicle with a bed to run to Lowe’s on Saturday to get a few things it’s great. Have a 1200 pound John boat or 1700 pound pop up it’s great. A 6x8 with riding mower fine. They are unibody so they get car like gas mileage and ride but can tow only light loads. That’s why they catch hell. If you need a bigger truck every 7 years then just rent it. I got a 7k boat and several trailers that top 10k for farm work so it would not do me any good but my truck stays parked sometimes 2-3 weeks til I need a truck if I needed a daily driver the Honda would be fine
IBringTheHeat2@reddit
Reddit hates anyone drives a pick up truck. They can’t fathom that some people actually like trucks and not want to drive a Hyundai EV or Camry hybrid
Helpful_Equal8828@reddit
Nothing wrong with it, it’s just not really a truck though. It’s a crossover SUV with a bed.
SnooCakes8914@reddit
I didn’t like the way the first gen looked, I felt the same way towards the Chevy Avalanche. The second gen is great looking and I would say probably would satisfy a majority of what full size truck owners do with their trucks. I would dare say that about 90% of people who own full size pickup trucks could get by with a Ridgeline type truck. I have owned several small pickups and one full size that I traded for a Ranger and I honestly would never go back to a full size, the Ranger does everything I ask, is easier to drive and park and averages 23 mpg.
ExcellentWinner7542@reddit
Just one look at the styling tells the story.
Geezerglide1@reddit
I had a first gen Ridgeline, was a great truck for what I needed it for. I traded it for a second gen Ridgeline that is even better than the first gen. Never a problem, easy on fuel, not a drop of oil used or any leaks. Trunk in the bed is perfect for range trips.
When Honda redesigns the Ridgeline, I may buy another!
anpandulceman@reddit
Idk, bring back/over the Honda Acty
IAteTonysLoMein@reddit
If a transfer case is a "truck things", does that make the amc eagle a truck? It was also body on frame, too
Imo, the "if it's not body on frame, it's not a truck" is gatekeeping. Unibody doesn't necessarily make it "not a truck". "A truck less suitable for towing" is closer, although I don't think even that distinction matters a whole lot, given like 90+% of truck drivers will never tow anything. Those that need to tow regularly just need to do their homework to know that no, a Ridgeline won't work to pull your 4-horse trailer to the rodeo grounds. In the vast majority of cases, though, it's a distinction without a difference
not_a_burner0456025@reddit
Even if you do need to tow something, the Ridgeline can do a lot. You shouldn't try to connect a gooseneck, but 5000lbs is enough to tow a small boat or a track car, at least assuming you put it on a relatively light trailer. It could also tow a box trailer full of camping gear, or a bunch of other stuff. There are a ton of cases where you need to tow something but don't need a ton of towing capacity.
951frisky_dingo@reddit
I owned one for a few years because my daughter played travel ball. It had tons of space and was a comfortable ride (smoother than a Tacoma) (I test drove both the same day). My only issue is it was a v6 that guzzled gas like my f150
TROGDOR_X69@reddit
truck cosplay guys
aka "minivan guy" that wants a truck but is afraid to own a real f150 or Ram
so his wife makes him buy a Honda. Ridgeline is best he can get to agree on
they are cute. but as a guy with a real truck (95 dodge 2500 long bed) i cant help but giggle at them lol
HYYYPPPERRR@reddit
Nah man, you got it all wrong. What you said would be equivalent to me saying you drive a 2500 long bed to compensate for your short dick, when in reality I don’t know what your truck needs are, nor do I know how short your dick is. We buy the Ridgeline because we’d rather spend $40K on something sensible and reliable instead of $60k on a check engine light waiting to happen. Most truck owners in the US don’t need more than what the Ridgeline offers.
gumby_twain@reddit
They are literally minivans dressed up as trucks for suburban weekend warriors. If that's your use case, have at it. If you use your truck like a truck often, you're better off with a real truck with a frame and some actual HD chops.
blunttrauma99@reddit
I think they are ok, for what they are. The issue I have with it is that is is a pickup truck shaped car. A truck has a frame. And the Ridgeline is a unibody.
It is less capable than a first generation Tacoma from almost 30 years ago.
Benchod12077@reddit
They shit on them because it’s not a “real” truck or body on frame. In reality most truck drivers don’t need a “real” truck they just want the look of one so the ridgeline is what they should actually get
BigDogIsland@reddit
I work in construction, everyone has half ton and full ton work trucks. We all would die laughing if anyone pulls up in a ridge line. Nothing wrong with them, just is what it is.
mossygolden@reddit
If they could just change the front end design to match the current passport
Future_Ice3335@reddit
I wish the US had utes, or at least el caminos again
crunch816@reddit
I've never heard of any ongoing issues with the RL aside from less than stellar transmissions from early gen 2 models. Gen 2.1 can have some wonky infotainment, but other than that it's an amazing vehicle. I've owned mine for 5 years and plan to own it for the next 20+.
Ashton-MD@reddit
TLDR: they’re built like a car, and the truck guys hate them. Until the creation of the Cybertruck they were the butt of all the pickup truck jokes.
LONGER:
They’re built on a more modern monocoque design, which is generally better for on the road vehicles, they get excellent gas mileage for what they are, and tend to be well built (though they do have their issues). Excellent for most people who need a truck but don’t require the last word in capability.
Traditional trucks are built (generally) with body on frame construction. This makes them a far older design, but does ensure that they’re robust, able to go off road (in theory), and are able to tow heavy loads well.
If you need to tow a large trailer, require a lot of heavy tools for your work, don’t buy a Ridgeline. If you are more of a surveyor or someone who doesn’t carry a lot of heavy equipment but does require more ground clearance, a Ridgeline makes a compelling case.
For myself, I don’t like pickup trucks enough as a breed to actually want one, but I can see the benefits of a Ridgeline in certain circumstances.
The truck community either a) hates how it looks, b) thinks it looks like a truck that didn’t quite make it, or c) can’t tow anything or go anywhere off road. There could be more reasons, but those are the ones that I’ve heard most commonly.
In fairness, the first two are subjective and literally anyone can and is allowed to have those opinions. The third one is more objective, but the Ridgeline is more than capable enough to handle most of what people would throw at it.
It’s just people like the feeling of big trucks, how big and high they feel, and all of that. The Ridgeline just kind of feels like a regular Honda.
Optimal-Giraffe-7168@reddit
It's a really good vehicle and all most people who buy a truck really need. It's similar in hook up and go tow capacity and payload to a ford raptor and I've owned both. The ridgeline just isn't what anybody wants. We're largely Americans in this discussion and Americans never want enough tool for the job... they want a tool to grow into for whatever reason they want it with a digital dash and banging stereo. And I'll agree that with such diminishing returns in mpg it just makes more sense for most buyers to go full size. Nonetheless if space or budget are limited and a light duty truck is needed the ridgeline is an easy recommendation.
ImamTrump@reddit
Usually suffers from design tbh.
Mouthshits@reddit
So I currently have one as a rental car and my personal vehicle is a 24 f150. I see the appeal of the ridgeline for a recreational truck user (someone who needs a bed a few times a year for their general household projects or occasional camping trips). It’s plenty capable and relatively comfortable for a majority of truck buyers in the market today. However, the biggest cons I see are ground clearance, fuel economy is about the same as other trucks on the market, payload and towing are lower and it’s just a bit strange to drive in comparison to other midsize and full size trucks (drives like a minivan). I don’t think it’s bad at all, I think there’s just a lot of people that shit on it because they feel they need more truck than they actually do.
brokensharts@reddit
I mean, they are super gay but its basically a honda pilot with a tiny bed. The v6 pilots are very reliable vehicles.
Wrr1020@reddit
It’s got the biggest bed in the midsize class if you don’t count the 6 foot bed option in the taco and frontier.
KyOatey@reddit
The tiny bed is larger than the Tacoma's.
Much-Stay-9900@reddit
It’s comparing a “lifestyle truck” to a work-capable truck. It depends on what you realistically will use it for. The Ridgeline is an AWD light duty vehicle vs. a 4WD hauler. It’s a great daily driver/ grocery getter that you can also go camping with, as long as it’s a dirt road and not a Jeep trail.
Bryanmsi89@reddit
Because the ridgeline lacks the things ‘real truck’ owners must have: 1. Unibody vs Body on frame 2. Low Towing ability 3. Low Ride height 4. AWD vs true 4wd 5. Low payload vs max payload 6. Composite bed vs. metal bed 7. Looks - not uber trucky
UnderstandingIll1189@reddit
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with them, but wouldn’t be my choice for a truck either. Wife has a 21 Passport which I’m pretty sure is the same drivetrain and we’re keeping it as long as we can.
TwOhsinGoose@reddit
They are fine so long as your expectations are reasonable and in line with the capabilities
fordtough76@reddit
I have a 2006 RTL still runs fine the new ones with cylinder deactivation are POS.
Cranks_No_Start@reddit
I’ve driven a few Ridgelines and the Pilot which is essentially a ridge line with a shell.
To me they had a boring interior but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Can it compete with an F150? Probably not but I don’t think the average Ridgeline owner wants it to be.
PeorgieT75@reddit
They are an SUV with a bed, so they don’t drive like a truck but get poor gas mileage. If they came out with a hybrid, I’d love one.
NetLumpy1818@reddit
I love mine. I was about to buy a pilot when I tested one. Drove very much the same. I reckoned I’d use the bed more than a covered trunk. I love the dual swinging tailgate and inner trunk (so many people are impressed by this. I’m surprised it’s not common).
I’m a suburbanite with some slight diy tendencies. None of the real “truck” stuff mattered to me.
720hp@reddit
The engines and transmissions seem fine. I just hate the pedestrian styles interior. Reminds me of getting into a low Cadillac
SnooGadgets9669@reddit
People shit in then because it breaks the mold of what a truck is and people don’t like change even if nobody is asking them too. It’s a good truck that realistically fills the needs of 90% of truck owners and has some fun neat features to boot. Idk that I’ll ever own one mid size trucks across all brands are really expensive for what they are but as far actual utility it’s hard to beat.
mikeTheSalad@reddit
It’s not really a truck, but for most people it’s probably fine.
KillConfirmed-@reddit
Seems like the truck equivalent of dudes on Instagram and Facebook saying anything less than 400HP is slow.
Background-Job-3629@reddit
I have 3 of those 400 hp trucks. I grew up in trucks that had 130 hp. I can drive whatever I choose and can afford. I don’t have a little pee pee and I don’t take pictures of my trucks or hang shit on them. I was a truck man when truck man wasn’t cool.😎
Ok-Gas-7135@reddit
They are very reliable.
redeyedrenegade420@reddit
Unibody trucks eliminate the main feature of a truck...adaptability. while not impossible, it is way easier to do major structural additions with a ladder frame than a unibody. So when it comes to doing things like removing the box and installing a flatbed, or attaching a snow plow, it's way safer on a ladder frame. Adding extra weight to a unibody vehicle starts pulling on all the body structure as well and changes how the crumple zones function. Ladder frames don't have crumple zones to deal with.
Background-Job-3629@reddit
They aren’t bad but they aren’t trucks.
HoLeeFuk19@reddit
It’s because it’s not a “true” pickup truck. It doesn’t have body on frame and instead uses a unibody and a few other things about it aren’t the same as they are on normal pickup trucks so people shit on them.
Oak510land@reddit
I think it's a based on the Pilot? The transmissions on the earlier ones were made of glass so that could be part of it.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Why wouldn't we, we shit on everything and they're such easy targets.
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
Probably just some bro trying to be manly saying that a Ridgeline isn't a real truck. And it isn't a truck for heavy duty hauling and all that. It's a passenger car with a truck bed.