2017 Honda Ridgeline has arrived

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by Mikmay

One thing I never think of as my ridgeline being cute maybe your confusing the ridgeline with is a Suberu brat or a Chevy luv as I am not into cute either but practical ,dependable ,nice to drive I am into.

NO ,not confused in the least.
Small , midsized trucks hold no appeal for me.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by floyd

They actually worked quite well and I'm sure the ones that are still around still do after 50+ years...

I'm certainly glad you had a better experience than we did!

My wife and I differ on the issue of tailgates. Being short, she prefers the side opening cargo door on her CR-V. I like the hatch on my Pilot.

Choices are good. The Ridgeline is a choice. It will appeal to some. It is unlikely to become a mainstream choice: car-based pick-ups have always been a niche market.

[Baja Bob]

On the 800 mile drive back from Casita our 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD got 17 mpg.
Bob

[Bobbie Mayer]

It's still on my shortlist but I haven't had a chance to drive one yet.

[WaltP]

That's impressive. They've improved the mileage a lot. That's the one thing They needed most.

Walt

[Jon in AZ]

They did it by adding the VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) technology to the Ridgeline engine (as well as increasing the number of transmission gear ratios). VCM has been used in the Pilot, Odyssey, and Accord V6 for a number of years, but this is the first time in the Ridgeline. It does give great fuel mileage.

Early versions had issues with excessive vibration and the engine mounts were redesigned. It was also the subject of a class action lawsuit because of engine damage resulting from deposits accumulating in idle cylinders. I really don't know how many vehicles were affected; there are certainly plenty on the road with the 3.5L VCM engine. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement that reimbursed affected owners for engine repairs related to the condition and a limited warranty extension to 100K miles for certain engine failure conditions.

My 2011 Pilot 3.5L VCM is just about to turn over 100K. So far, so good... It does have an annoying little rumble right around 70 mph when the VCM is doing its thing, something noted by others on the Pilot owner's forum.

[sokhapkin]

Originally Posted by Baja Bob

On the 800 mile drive back from Casita our 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD got 17 mpg.
Bob

It's very consistent with my readings. 17 MPG is what I'm getting towing Scamp 16' with 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis (formerly) and 2013 F150 v8 (now).

[Thinh]

...For less money, cheaper parts when it comes to replacement, people can get a med Chevy Colorado: ladder frame for Chevy vs uni-body Ridgeline. Anyway, I am always a fan of Honda and Toyota. But when it comes to toughness and...economy. I would go for...Chevy. How ab a glimpse to You Tube: 2017Chevy Colorado vs Honda Ridgeline and Tacoma???? Share...

[Mikmay]

Originally Posted by Thinh

...For less money, cheaper parts when it comes to replacement, people can get a med Chevy Colorado: ladder frame for Chevy vs uni-body Ridgeline. Anyway, I am always a fan of Honda and Toyota. But when it comes to toughness and...economy. I would go for...Chevy. How ab a glimpse to You Tube: 2017Chevy Colorado vs Honda Ridgeline and Tacoma???? Share...

If I was looking for a truck to do truck stuff the Colorado would be great but my preference is a truck that does car stuff and a car that does truck stuff and as to cheaper parts my 2007 ridge line with 250 k still hasn't needed any other than normal wear items ,tires brakes ,oil changes and I believe they are the same cost as any other vehicle .

[honda03842]

Originally Posted by Mikmay

If I was looking for a truck to do truck stuff the Colorado would be great but my preference is a truck that does car stuff and a car that does truck stuff and as to cheaper parts my 2007 ridge line with 250 k still hasn't needed any other than normal wear items ,tires brakes ,oil changes and I believe they are the same cost as any other vehicle .

Mike, I'm with you. I don't care if a vehicle has cheap parts, My goal is always a reliable vehicle; we hardly bought any parts after 10 years and 250,000 miles towing with our Honda CRV.

[Mike Magee]

Originally Posted by Baja Bob

On the 800 mile drive back from Casita our 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD got 17 mpg.
Bob

Ok, but did you add up your gallons and miles, and calculate by hand for comparison? My Lexus' lie-o-meter always reads .75 to 1.75 mpg higher than actual. Until you know your on-board gizmo reads accurately, you can't trust what it says.

[Baja Bob]

Thanks Mike for the input .
I'm just trying to give people some insight into the new Honda Ridgeline.
Bob 🙂

[honda03842]

Our Odyssey has the same engine. With us in continuous driving it typically reads lower than actual but not always.

Sent from my SM-N920T using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[Raz]

When the new Ridgeline first appeared I figured it to be my next tow vehicle. But the more I learn, the less I like. To tow you need a full size spare. Unfortunately, a full size spare will not fit in the spare tire tray and must be carried in the bed taking up a lot of bed space on top of the trunk. Apparently the spare tire space is limited because of the rear differential. Called the i-VTM4 differential, it looks like it fell off the Space Shuttle.

I would consider a FWD version, unfortunately Honda is only shipping AWD to my area.

The entry level model is tough to find and only comes in 2 colors, grey or silver.

There is currently a recall involving a corrosion issue. One or more plugs on the AWD version is corroding requiring removal of the truck bed to fix.

Then there is the lack of manual control of the transmission. That's sure nice to have in the mountains.

I like towing with a pickup. Unlike others, the Ridgeline is all the truck I need but in the towing dept. my 2012 Frontier is the better choice for now. At 42k it has been flawless. It will need tires before our next big trip and probably a battery. Rather than trade in I'll keep what I've got and see how the Honda evolves.

[Baja Bob]

Raz
Thanks for your insight into the new Ridgeline.
I was able to get a navy blue one.
How about you come to Florida for the winter and I'll go to Vermont for the summer.
Bob

[Raz]

Originally Posted by Baja Bob

Raz
Thanks for your insight into the new Ridgeline.
I was able to get a navy blue one.
How about you come to Florida for the winter and I'll go to Vermont for the summer.
Bob

Seven below this morning don't tempt me.

Don't misunderstand me, I may still buy one. I'm simply weighing the pros and cons. Every review I've read from owners to the various car sites says good things. Enjoy your new truck.