;)

Very true. I have noticed a vast majority of full-size truck drivers, including a ton of cool teenagers, hauling 10,000 to 15,000 lbs. It's sad that the Ridgeline can only carry 2 subcompacts or a big SUV on its back.

Your attempt at sarcasm isn't very effective considering that the statement is incorrect in more ways than one. Of course you're not going to see "a vast majority" of full size trucks towing huge loads at any one point in time. People buy these trucks to have that type of capability WHEN NEEDED, not for an everyday workout. Maybe it's quite a bit different where you live, but around here there are many people who require a truck with some real grunt. Boating and racing are two of the most popular activities in Michigan, and 5,000 lbs of towing isn't going to cut it for many situations.

Also, the Ridgeline isn't capable of carrying very much at all "on its back". Try 1,500 lbs, or 1/2 of an RX-8. A real BOF full-size truck, on the other hand... I'm sure you get the picture. It sounds like all of your hauling fantasies could be satisfied with the Ridgeline, so I encourage you to buy one if you ever get the urge. For everyone else who needs more than a light-duty vehicle, look elsewhere.

its too busy looking and probably a little underpowered compared to the competition

I have some experience in towing an enclosed trailer with racecar with my truck (a 2003 Silverado 2500HD). When I was looking for a tow vehicle, I wanted the highest tow rating I could get within my budget. The reason is that you can't just look at the Ridgeline's 5000 lbs. towing capacity and think you can tow 5000 lbs. around easily. That represents the MAXIMUM load the truck can tow, and at max load, there is a very noticable degradation in braking and handling that can be scary. When you tow 5000 lbs. in a truck that is rated to tow 10,000 lbs., what used to be kind of scary now becomes very easy and much safer. You have a heavier truck that doesn't get jerked around by the trailer's weight, you have bigger brakes to stop with, you have a much heavier and stronger frame and rear axle. It's all about the safety margin, at least for me. I want as much "control overhead" when I am towing.

Having said that, I think the Ridgeline looks like a great truck for those with "light" truck needs. Taking home potted plants and lumber, having tailgate parties, and "normal" suburban family truck duties seem to be well within its abilities.

Glen

Not to my taste but I'm sure the faithful will love it, I have a Dodge/Cummins truck and it's more than met my needs and expectations, plus it's got 4Low.

Ok, I got ya, but hauling is serious business. When you say "fantasies," sounds like you are laughing at hauling issues. :) Just kidding.

I need your help in that other thread about Racing Beat. Think you can help me?

Resurrecting this thread because I spent the past long weekend riding around in a brand new jet-black Ridgeline, courtesy of my Honda-employed boyfriend.

What a nice truck! I'm obviously not a truck person, and I didn't honestly care for the pictures I'd seen of the Ridgeline, but the truck looks MUCH better in person than in pics... especially in Black. We were spotted by someone with a camera on the freeway, and they posted "spy pics" of the truck on the Ridgeline forum.

The ride was very comfortable, the interior noise level was very low,and upholstery and interior fixtures were made of sturdy materials that look llike they'll hold up very well to the hard use a truck would get. The center console between the front seats has an ingenious expanding hidden storage compartment that has plenty of room for stuff you want to stash. The waterproof locking trunk in the bed was extremely useful, considering it never stopped raining while we were out doing our shopping. The tailgate is hinged to open either down (like most tailgates) or from the side, like a door. Very handy!

Rear seat room was excellent. I would actually consider having a Ridgeline as a daily driver, especially since I have horses and dogs and would love the cargo capacity. With a towing rating of 5000 lbs, I could even tow a small horse trailer if I had to. All in all, I was more impressed than I thought I'd be. Honda's got a winner here.