Honda Ridgeline; anyone ever have/drive one?

[Jersey mike]

My ‘03 Ford E150 Chateau van is being to show its age with some recent quirks.

I’ve been looking to change into something else but still want the ability to toss stuff in the back but get away from the truck type ride.

It seems the Ridgeline is a niche following like the Honda Element which my daughter drives.

Been reading online reviews looking for pros and cons and it’s seems it’s a pretty solid vehicle but looking for a live person who may have real experience with the “truck”.

I’m not into off roading and not doing any heavy hauling or towing but I see it has a 5,000lb tow capacity and I have no intention on using it as a “work truck”.

Kind of wondering how it is on the highway with driving and traveling for some hours straight.

I’d appreciate any feedback possible.

Thanks

[Rams]

Mike,
We recently got our second Ridgeline after the first one got T Boned (by an illegal alien without a driver’s license in another person’s uninsured car).  The first Ridgeline had about 190k miles with very few mechanical issues.   This was my wife’s primary transportation and got used for just about everything  including towing trailers appropriate for the Ridgeline.

My wife insisted on another Ridgeline.   We bought a new 2025 due to the discounted price.   The sales manager did tell us the Ridgeline will be dropped from production next year but didn’t have a clue what Honda might replace it with.

When T Boned in the first Ridgeline the designed structure did its job and kept me and my wife from any blood being spilled.    But due to the side impact.  My wife does have a significant neck injury.    That is not something the Ridgeline could have prevented unless it was equipped with a NASCAR style head restraint.

Yes, my wife loves her Ridgeline.   Me, too many gadgets and whiz bang features but it does get very good fuel mileage and is one of the safest vehicles I have ever driven.

EDITED:  BTW, you will love that rear trunk in the bed!

Rams

[Hook#3287]

My buddy who is/was a mason (the slinging mud and block type) acquired one when his Dad past away.

He's always been a full size pick-up guy as his personal ride and sometime work rig.

He's mostly retired now and told me he love's his Ridgeline.

[Valker]

I have a 2020 Ridgeline. I have put almost 40,000 miles on it in the past two years. I like the truck. The non-AWD has a 2,000 # tow rating, the AWD is 5,000.Mine has averaged 22.5 mpg over the last 1400 gallons of gas. It is the most comfy 4 wheeler I own. My other one is a 2003 Lexus SC430. I went from a 2011 F150 King Ranch to the Ridgeline.

[Robert]

Ridgeline 

Many are looking for them.

[Moonshot_1]

2022  Ridgeline here. Love it. For a general utility pickup it is first rate. The bed has armor plating dang near. The hidden trunk in the bed is great. Got enough gadgets and gizmos.

Only thing that is an issue is if you have to jump start something. If you have to jump start another car you got to take the engine cover off. That is easy. You have to take it off because the negative post to the battery is completely covered by the air cleaner assembly. (I think it is the air cleaner assembly)

So you have to take the motor cover off to access the motor hanger which is the only thing the manual says is usable for a jumping application. Don't know why they didn't just use a hanger that had an extension to clear the motor cover. Positive side is easy peasy.

Anyway, the issue isn't pulling the cover off. It is putting it back on. 4 points on the motor fit into 4 grommets in the holes of the motor cover. You just can't see any of them or feel any of them cause they are under the cover. Lots and lots of misses and just before you give up, tada, it magically goes on 20 minutes later. And doing this at 6 below with 20 mph wind in a parking lot.  Got a plan to maybe bolt something to the hanger that extends beyond the cover for easier access.

It isn't a big deal until you're out in the freezing cold.

But aside from that really minor and rarely occurring headache it is a great truck.

EDIT Noticed a concern about driving for extended lengths of time. It is a smaller vehicle. While I find it comfortable I don't know if I could recommend it for it being used for long 8 hour drives on a constant basis. The driver seat in mine has electronic lumbar support, up and down and forward and back with plenty room at least for me. But the seat is a bit narrow relative to the arm rest. I tend to use the passenger seat arm rest. But I'm a larger guy too.

Just get it.

[Oldfishguy]

We have had Honda Pilots for a long time, including a 2025 model now my wife uses.

I’ve been looking at a Ridgeline as well.  The model is due for a refresh, and speculation the 2027 model will either be cancelled or a refresh version; we will see this summer I would guess.  They may pause it a year or so as they retool the factory in Alabama.  The new version will probably look a lot like the Passport with a truck bed. 

The technology is fairly easy to use.  The cruise control with lane assist does a decent job but one still has to keep an eye on it. (Still no where near a Tesla in that regard.) 

If the new model comes out mid summer I would expect the past models will be heavily discounted at dealers.  I’m holding off to see what shakes out.

[cookiedough]

ridgeline ride nice nice and fairly roomy inside for 4 adults and for a V6 enough power to tow say 3500lbs.  Would I do over 4K lbs. towing, nope, regardless of what they say awd will tow.  If the truck serves your needs having a smaller length bed, by all means consider one.  I just think they are overpriced even though are pretty reliable, but what is not overpriced in vehicles nowadays?

[JimC]

I had one a while back, I really liked it. I sold it because I bought a large camping trailer, plus mine was starting to rust out due to living in Wisconsin and driving on salted roadways.

One of the things I liked most was that the seat was ass high, you did not have to climb up into it, nor did you have to drop down into it and then climb out.

Jim

[Jersey mike]

Thanks everybody, I appreciate you taking the time out to leave your feedback on the Ridgeline, I wasn’t expecting so many responses.

The only thing left to do is actually take one out for a test drive and make sure the Mrs is comfortable in it and can get in and out with no problems but I don’t really think that will be a big issue.

The more I look at the truck, the more I’m beginning to like it.

One thing’s for certain they don’t really move off the lot. The ones I’ve been looking at have been on the dealership lots for quite a while but not a lot of wiggle room in negotiations from what I’ve found out about but I guess a couple thousand or so is pretty good these days.

I’ve seen some older ones for sale with 200k+ that still look great and many owner reviews claiming minimal issues along the way throughout the years.


Thanks again for sharing your experience and thoughts.

[Rams]

Honestly, the only thing that both my wife and I dislike about our new Honda Ridgeline are the dealer added steps/running boards to get in and out of the truck. For me and her they actually inhibit our ability because it seems that you always are rubbing the back of your leg against them as you get in or out unless you use them as a step which neither of us need.

They can always be removed. It’s just a few bolts holding them on. I would not have bought that option.  But once it’s on there, you have to fight like crazy to get him to remove it.

Rams

[cookiedough]

like others have said is comfy and easy to get in and out not too high like a full sized half ton truck not too low like most cars.  My 1/2 ton truck never thought I would need running boards but last few years I have finally got a set of running boards bolted on, and use them all the time to climb up in.  Came in handy last year for sure getting in the day after got done with my hip replacement surgery.  Was much easier to get in/out with the running boards since without impossible to get up there and our 1st smaller SUV was too tight to fit in bending my legs in even with the seat all the way back.

I believe is the only mid sized truck that realistically will get on avg over 20 mpg besides the santa cruz and ford maverick, if you wanna call them trucks?   If the ridgeline had a 6 ft bed, I would buy one if found a good deal on one.  I was looking at them when 1st came out and were under 30K new could get one for out the door, no longer the case 40K is a bit much or more nowadays for a new ridgeline, at least for me.  

[h13man]

We've have a 06' model that been in the family all its life. Our oldest son was handicapped (no right leg) and this was his vehicle. Really like the bed storage, 22 mpg., very strong engine with no oil consumption with 187,000 mi. when it went to our grandson and they fully restored it pretty much mechanically the past 2 yrs.
I wished I liked my GMC Sierra as much as I liked the Ridgeline. A truck is a tool thus 80% of the population doesn't need a full on truck with low gas mileage. Yeah I'm one those but at the time I purchased it a Ridgeline would have been more than enough and do pretty good job towing also.
Our son he lost his leg in a MC accident @ 19 yrs. old. It worked for him really well packing all his gear for wheel chair basketball 14 yrs. He was 6'6"/low wasted and fit really well w/o issue. We lost him January of 00' due to life and bad health from the leg loss over the years. He was a member of the 96' Para Olympic basketball team. RIP son.

[Rams]

Very sorry about your loss.   A parent should not have to bury a child.

You are right on target about the Ridgeline though.    While I have never overloaded ours, It’s towed a trailer with a couple of Valkyries several hundred miles many times.

Rams

[Jersey mike]

Honestly, the only thing that both my wife and I dislike about our new Honda Ridgeline are the dealer added steps/running boards to get in and out of the truck. For me and her they actually inhibit our ability because it seems that you always are rubbing the back of your leg against them as you get in or out unless you use them as a step which neither of us need.

They can always be removed. It’s just a few bolts holding them on. I would not have bought that option.  But once it’s on there, you have to fight like crazy to get him to remove it.

Rams

That’s funny, I was actually considering having the running boards installed for my wife, she stands at about 5’6” and uses the running boards on the van all the time. We have a ‘03 Honda Element which she struggles a bit to get in and out of but it looks as though the Ridgeline is a little lower.

like others have said is comfy and easy to get in and out not too high like a full sized half ton truck not too low like most cars.  My 1/2 ton truck never thought I would need running boards but last few years I have finally got a set of running boards bolted on, and use them all the time to climb up in.  Came in handy last year for sure getting in the day after got done with my hip replacement surgery.  Was much easier to get in/out with the running boards since without impossible to get up there and our 1st smaller SUV was too tight to fit in bending my legs in even with the seat all the way back.

I believe is the only mid sized truck that realistically will get on avg over 20 mpg besides the santa cruz and ford maverick, if you wanna call them trucks?   If the ridgeline had a 6 ft bed, I would buy one if found a good deal on one.  I was looking at them when 1st came out and were under 30K new could get one for out the door, no longer the case 40K is a bit much or more nowadays for a new ridgeline, at least for me. 

Believe me I’m not thrilled to cut a check for the cost of a new one, but at this stage I don’t really know if I want a used vehicle.

I’ve had my van for about 18 years and it served us well. It’s a stock 7 passenger vehicle…4 captains chairs and a rear bench seat, dual A/C and even a video tape player with roof mounter tv screens. It was a nice truck for the 5 of us. Now it’s showing its age with a little rust and developing some quirks that I don’t feel like chasing down, it’s a little piggy on gas and on long road trips my wife has a tendency to get a little car sick. She has Ménière’s disease and it can be bothersome on longer trips. We are almost empty nesters and don’t shuttle around the 5 of us anymore too often, but it is nice if we all go out together when they’re all home and now with fiancés for my son and daughter, so that make 7 total. It could squeeze 8 if absolutely necessary but someone would go w/o a seatbelt on the rear bench seat.

Finally, the front passenger leg room is tight. It’s a van with the doghouse up front so for the driver and passenger it very restrictive, she can push her seat back pretty far but your legs and feet are basically straight forward.

We've have a 06' model that been in the family all its life. Our oldest son was handicapped (no right leg) and this was his vehicle. Really like the bed storage, 22 mpg., very strong engine with no oil consumption with 187,000 mi. when it went to our grandson and they fully restored it pretty much mechanically the past 2 yrs.
I wished I liked my GMC Sierra as much as I liked the Ridgeline. A truck is a tool thus 80% of the population doesn't need a full on truck with low gas mileage. Yeah I'm one those but at the time I purchased it a Ridgeline would have been more than enough and do pretty good job towing also.
Our son he lost his leg in a MC accident @ 19 yrs. old. It worked for him really well packing all his gear for wheel chair basketball 14 yrs. He was 6'6"/low wasted and fit really well w/o issue. We lost him January of 00' due to life and bad health from the leg loss over the years. He was a member of the 96' Para Olympic basketball team. RIP son.

Thanks for that info and I’m very sorry about the loss of your son. I’ve heard excellent things about the Para Olympics over the years and glad he found some enjoyment out of the program.

I have no plans on using it as a work truck but it’s nice to be able to have something to go to the lumber yard or Home Depot/Lowes/hardware store and not have to worry about putting stuff like paint or anything else inside the car or trunk.

I think I will get one of those flat bed covers that are foldable if we make the purchase.

I went past the local Honda dealer that has a couple on the lot but many of the cars toward the back were still snow covered and I didn’t feel like hanging around or walking the lot today, it’s still cold and windy. The cars on the road frontage were cleared for the public to see.


Thanks again for all the info, this is good stuff.

[Moonshot_1]

Just occurred to me I got another Honda. 27 years old this year. Honda makes good stuff. Was one of the selling points for me.

[Rams]

Honestly, the only thing that both my wife and I dislike about our new Honda Ridgeline are the dealer added steps/running boards to get in and out of the truck. For me and her they actually inhibit our ability because it seems that you always are rubbing the back of your leg against them as you get in or out unless you use them as a step which neither of us need.

They can always be removed. It’s just a few bolts holding them on. I would not have bought that option.  But once it’s on there, you have to fight like crazy to get him to remove it.

Rams

That’s funny, I was actually considering having the running boards installed for my wife, she stands at about 5’6” and uses the running boards on the van all the time.

Mike,
I won’t advise adding or avoiding running boards.

I would suggest you have your wife enter and exit a Ridgeline with and without the add on running boards and let her decide which she wants.   

That way, it’s not your fault.   

Rams

[scooperhsd]

Honestly, the only thing that both my wife and I dislike about our new Honda Ridgeline are the dealer added steps/running boards to get in and out of the truck. For me and her they actually inhibit our ability because it seems that you always are rubbing the back of your leg against them as you get in or out unless you use them as a step which neither of us need.

They can always be removed. It’s just a few bolts holding them on. I would not have bought that option.  But once it’s on there, you have to fight like crazy to get him to remove it.

Rams

That’s funny, I was actually considering having the running boards installed for my wife, she stands at about 5’6” and uses the running boards on the van all the time. We have a ‘03 Honda Element which she struggles a bit to get in and out of but it looks as though the Ridgeline is a little lower.

like others have said is comfy and easy to get in and out not too high like a full sized half ton truck not too low like most cars.  My 1/2 ton truck never thought I would need running boards but last few years I have finally got a set of running boards bolted on, and use them all the time to climb up in.  Came in handy last year for sure getting in the day after got done with my hip replacement surgery.  Was much easier to get in/out with the running boards since without impossible to get up there and our 1st smaller SUV was too tight to fit in bending my legs in even with the seat all the way back.

I believe is the only mid sized truck that realistically will get on avg over 20 mpg besides the santa cruz and ford maverick, if you wanna call them trucks?   If the ridgeline had a 6 ft bed, I would buy one if found a good deal on one.  I was looking at them when 1st came out and were under 30K new could get one for out the door, no longer the case 40K is a bit much or more nowadays for a new ridgeline, at least for me. 

Believe me I’m not thrilled to cut a check for the cost of a new one, but at this stage I don’t really know if I want a used vehicle.

I’ve had my van for about 18 years and it served us well. It’s a stock 7 passenger vehicle…4 captains chairs and a rear bench seat, dual A/C and even a video tape player with roof mounter tv screens. It was a nice truck for the 5 of us. Now it’s showing its age with a little rust and developing some quirks that I don’t feel like chasing down, it’s a little piggy on gas and on long road trips my wife has a tendency to get a little car sick. She has Ménière’s disease and it can be bothersome on longer trips. We are almost empty nesters and don’t shuttle around the 5 of us anymore too often, but it is nice if we all go out together when they’re all home and now with fiancés for my son and daughter, so that make 7 total. It could squeeze 8 if absolutely necessary but someone would go w/o a seatbelt on the rear bench seat.

Finally, the front passenger leg room is tight. It’s a van with the doghouse up front so for the driver and passenger it very restrictive, she can push her seat back pretty far but your legs and feet are basically straight forward.

We've have a 06' model that been in the family all its life. Our oldest son was handicapped (no right leg) and this was his vehicle. Really like the bed storage, 22 mpg., very strong engine with no oil consumption with 187,000 mi. when it went to our grandson and they fully restored it pretty much mechanically the past 2 yrs.
I wished I liked my GMC Sierra as much as I liked the Ridgeline. A truck is a tool thus 80% of the population doesn't need a full on truck with low gas mileage. Yeah I'm one those but at the time I purchased it a Ridgeline would have been more than enough and do pretty good job towing also.
Our son he lost his leg in a MC accident @ 19 yrs. old. It worked for him really well packing all his gear for wheel chair basketball 14 yrs. He was 6'6"/low wasted and fit really well w/o issue. We lost him January of 00' due to life and bad health from the leg loss over the years. He was a member of the 96' Para Olympic basketball team. RIP son.

Thanks for that info and I’m very sorry about the loss of your son. I’ve heard excellent things about the Para Olympics over the years and glad he found some enjoyment out of the program.

I have no plans on using it as a work truck but it’s nice to be able to have something to go to the lumber yard or Home Depot/Lowes/hardware store and not have to worry about putting stuff like paint or anything else inside the car or trunk.

I think I will get one of those flat bed covers that are foldable if we make the purchase.

I went past the local Honda dealer that has a couple on the lot but many of the cars toward the back were still snow covered and I didn’t feel like hanging around or walking the lot today, it’s still cold and windy. The cars on the road frontage were cleared for the public to see.


Thanks again for all the info, this is good stuff.

With my wife who is not quite 5 feet tall - Having her try it out is a BIG DEAL !

[Jersey mike]

Honestly, the only thing that both my wife and I dislike about our new Honda Ridgeline are the dealer added steps/running boards to get in and out of the truck. For me and her they actually inhibit our ability because it seems that you always are rubbing the back of your leg against them as you get in or out unless you use them as a step which neither of us need.

They can always be removed. It’s just a few bolts holding them on. I would not have bought that option.  But once it’s on there, you have to fight like crazy to get him to remove it.

Rams

That’s funny, I was actually considering having the running boards installed for my wife, she stands at about 5’6” and uses the running boards on the van all the time.

Mike,
I won’t advise adding or avoiding running boards.

I would suggest you have your wife enter and exit a Ridgeline with and without the add on running boards and let her decide which she wants.   

That way, it’s not your fault.   

Rams

Yup she’s coming along not just to see how entering and exiting goes but because there may come a time she would need to drive it although it would be my primary vehicle.

The biggest issue is, we hate spending money. In reality we known it’s been an oncoming issue we’ve continued to brush off. It’s been about a year or so she’s gently said a few times maybe it’s time we get rid of the van.

[scooperhsd]

Oh yeah - when we went to buy the latest car (2015 VW Golf Spprtwagon (diesel, with a 6 speed manual tranmission) ) - wife got to drive it home. We have ALWAYS had at least one car in our stable with manual transmission.

[h13man]

I wouldn't hesitate buying one with 100,000 mi. if the price is right. The Ridgeline sits about same as our 98' 1st Gen Toyota Sienna which was another high mileage @ 207,000 when we sold it. It actually was our truck for 9 yrs. 

[Rams]

Would love it if the Ridgeline would be offered in a five or six speed manual.  Unfortunately, no joy.

Rams

[da prez]

  I do not own or have owned. I have a couple friends that have and love them.
 
  Just a FYI.  Put Honda ridge Line known faults  in a search. There is a couple years with excess issues.
  This site is great. There will be a couple whiners , but read thru and decide.
  The site works for most anything.

                                                da prez

[Jersey mike]

  I do not own or have owned. I have a couple friends that have and love them.
 
  Just a FYI.  Put Honda ridge Line known faults  in a search. There is a couple years with excess issues.
  This site is great. There will be a couple whiners , but read thru and decide.
  The site works for most anything.

                                                da prez

Which site are you referring to? I did put the topic into a search and found a few links but not sure which specific link you’re talking about.

[Jersey mike]

Would love it if the Ridgeline would be offered in a five or six speed manual.  Unfortunately, no joy.

Rams

It does seem people who are not contractors or such do want to get away from the truck feel and want something a bit more comfortable and maybe a bit sporty too.

I’m surprised there isn’t something like the El Camino out there, maybe with more space behind the drivers seat like the “extra cab” design pickup…I think that is or was the right term, and maybe a 6’ bed.

I remember Chevy put out Prowler or something years ago which was kind of an extra sporty new fangled El Camino but I don’t think it went over too well.

[cookiedough]

Mfgs. need to build a 6 ft long bed mid sized truck that gets over 20 mpg key word is around 30K, not 40K and more msrp.   It would sell like hotcakes if able to tow 5000lbs. which most 1/2 ton truck owners such as myself rarely tows over that anyways.

If the Ford Maverick, hyundai santa cruz of which is being discontinued, or honda ridgeline fit all of the above, it would be in my stable right now.  The toyota tacoma is near as much as my full sized tundra in msrp both over 40K even in base model.

I hear a few mfgs. are considering more mid sized trucks in the near future,  since I think they would sell well, but with all the fancy gadgets they put in them nowadays with so much techy electronics, the price am sure will be well over 40K new msrp.

Back on the ridgeline, I think if wife is over 5ft tall, she would find getting in/out of the ridgelines to be just about perfect no need for running boards, but let her try it out I do not think are needed is perfectly level getting in/out for most folks which is nice as we get older.   My car is VERY low to ground while my truck stock is nice to have running boards the past few years.  Hate to get rid of the car though gets on avg 36 mpg but the truck 16-17mpg is all.  Just filled up the truck only 1/4 tank down from full drove 2 shorter trips is all and took 20 bucks in gas, not good.  Same 2 trips with the car would be under 10 bucks in gas is all.

[Jersey mike]

Mfgs. need to build a 6 ft long bed mid sized truck that gets over 20 mpg key word is around 30K, not 40K and more msrp.   It would sell like hotcakes if able to tow 5000lbs. which most 1/2 ton truck owners such as myself rarely tows over that anyways.

If the Ford Maverick, hyundai santa cruz of which is being discontinued, or honda ridgeline fit all of the above, it would be in my stable right now.  The toyota tacoma is near as much as my full sized tundra in msrp both over 40K even in base model.

I hear a few mfgs. are considering more mid sized trucks in the near future,  since I think they would sell well, but with all the fancy gadgets they put in them nowadays with so much techy electronics, the price am sure will be well over 40K new msrp.

Back on the ridgeline, I think if wife is over 5ft tall, she would find getting in/out of the ridgelines to be just about perfect no need for running boards, but let her try it out I do not think are needed is perfectly level getting in/out for most folks which is nice as we get older.   My car is VERY low to ground while my truck stock is nice to have running boards the past few years.  Hate to get rid of the car though gets on avg 36 mpg but the truck 16-17mpg is all.  Just filled up the truck only 1/4 tank down from full drove 2 shorter trips is all and took 20 bucks in gas, not good.  Same 2 trips with the car would be under 10 bucks in gas is all.

My son bought himself a Subaru something or other about a year ago, it’s not the big Forrester or Outback, he’s 6’2” 170 and he fits in with no issue and there’s room innthe back seat for passengers. I would not want to ne back there for a 5 hour trip but for a short drives it was pretty comfortable and yes, it has gadgets up front but he lives in a city, it’s easy to park and fits his needs for now.

I’m not a big gadget guy, but even though I like my mechanic I would like a reprieve from issues other than oil changes, tire rotations and brakes. As for fuel mileage, I didn’t mind so much when we were hustling the kids around with soccer gear, picking up friends and teammates and going traveling for practice and far away matches. The van gets like 11 around town and maybe 15 on the highway at 70mph, it’s a 5.4L and a 35 gallon tank so something with better MPG numbers would be a little nicer. Whether she fits into the Ridgeline easy we will have to see, she hates trying to do the standing on her toes and getting one cheek onto the seat maneuver. In the last four years or so she’s had both hips replaced and a broken right foot so if the running boards help her even just a little I’m fine with it.

[Moonshot_1]

Would love it if the Ridgeline would be offered in a five or six speed manual.  Unfortunately, no joy.

Rams

Probably the best security system out there.

[HayHauler]

Would love it if the Ridgeline would be offered in a five or six speed manual.  Unfortunately, no joy.

Rams

Probably the best security system out there.

   
 

Absolutely!

Hay 
Jimmyt

[scooperhsd]

Would love it if the Ridgeline would be offered in a five or six speed manual.  Unfortunately, no joy.

Rams

Probably the best security system out there.

THat's been part of my reasoning for keep a manual transmission vehicle  ! 

[F6Dave]

I college friend of mine just bought one. He was looking for a new Ridgeline, but the dealer had a like-new 'Black Edition' with very low mileage at a bargain price. He loves it.

He never owned a truck before and I think that is a factor. He seemed surprised at how comfortable modern trucks are. I also think all that additional hauling space is more useful than he expected.

[Rams]

I college friend of mine just bought one. He was looking for a new Ridgeline, but the dealer had a like-new 'Black Edition' with very low mileage at a bargain price. He loves it.

He never owned a truck before and I think that is a factor. He seemed surprised at how comfortable modern trucks are. I also think all that additional hauling space is more useful than he expected.

I’m happy that he’s happy.  Although, I don’t really consider our Ridgeline a “truck” but I do understand why some folks do.  
Edited: I mis-spoke earlier, the Ridgeline we recently purchased is actually our third one.   Yes, we do like it’s utility a lot.
Rams

[F6Dave]

I don’t really consider our Ridgeline a “truck” but I do understand why some folks do.

I agree. There are lots of 'trucks' on the market these days (like the Maverick) that are really cars with a bed. But even those have a lot more utility than most cars.

I'm sure many people buy them because trucks are so cool these days. I was at Barrett Jackson last month and trucks sell like crazy. SUVs too, especially 1st Gen Broncos. By far most are resto-mods, and vendors sell everything you need to build one from the ground up. These guys were selling complete sheet metal kits for popular trucks from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Just add a frame, Coyote or LS6 engine and drivetrain, the interior of your choice, and you've got an old truck that runs better than new.

[f6john]

I don’t really consider our Ridgeline a “truck” but I do understand why some folks do.

I agree. There are lots of 'trucks' on the market these days (like the Maverick) that are really cars with a bed. But even those have a lot more utility than most cars.

I'm sure many people buy them because trucks are so cool these days. I was at Barrett Jackson last month and trucks sell like crazy. SUVs too, especially 1st Gen Broncos. By far most are resto-mods, and vendors sell everything you need to build one from the ground up. These guys were selling complete sheet metal kits for popular trucks from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Just add a frame, Coyote or LS6 engine and drivetrain, the interior of your choice, and you've got an old truck that runs better than new.

This is a great business model for people with gobs of money and there seems to be plenty of them around. It helps the restoration hobby by providing a good supply of replacement parts too. But for a truck I’ll have to keep driving the wheels off my Titan or until someone t-bones me ala Rams. I saw a new frame for a 67 Chevelle that was super nice and would be great for my project car, it was only $20k.

[Rams]

John,
Talk to your CFO, I’m sure those parts won’t be a problem.

Rams

[f6john]

John,
Talk to your CFO, I’m sure those parts won’t be a problem.

Rams

Her reply will be WINDOWS.

[GiG]

It seems people that own them, like them… but
Why not get a real truck?
My truck will haul anything I could ever dream of towing AND
Gets better fuel mileage! (Constant 23 MPG)
I understand brand loyalty but why sacrifice fuel economy???
Yet to find any shortcomings in my 2022 RAM 1500 Classic 

[Moonshot_1]

It seems people that own them, like them… but
Why not get a real truck?
My truck will haul anything I could ever dream of towing AND
Gets better fuel mileage! (Constant 23 MPG)
I understand brand loyalty but why sacrifice fuel economy???
Yet to find any shortcomings in my 2022 RAM 1500 Classic 

Well, getting old. My Ridgeline WAY easier to get in and out of compared to my former Dodge Ram. Easier to drive being less bulky, for parking and urban traffic. Has decent capacity for towing and hauling stuff. And its real prudy. Way better gas mileage.

Less on power but if you need that much power get the Dodge or full size truck.

[Rams]

It seems people that own them, like them… but
Why not get a real truck?
My truck will haul anything I could ever dream of towing AND
Gets better fuel mileage! (Constant 23 MPG)
I understand brand loyalty but why sacrifice fuel economy???
Yet to find any shortcomings in my 2022 RAM 1500 Classic  

Well, the Ridgeline we have owned were all for my wife to drive.  When compared to a full sized pickup with the same or as close as possible features, the Ridgeline was a much better purchase and more to my wife’s liking.   I was driving a Ram 3500 dually until recently.   I now drive a half ton Silverado.  The Ridgeline is AWD and more fuel efficient.

To each their own.   The original question was about the Ridgeline, nothing wrong with most other choices.

Rams

[Jersey mike]

It seems people that own them, like them… but
Why not get a real truck?
My truck will haul anything I could ever dream of towing AND
Gets better fuel mileage! (Constant 23 MPG)
I understand brand loyalty but why sacrifice fuel economy???
Yet to find any shortcomings in my 2022 RAM 1500 Classic 

I tried to lay out the majority of my reasons for a Ridgeline purchase throughout the thread.

I don’t haul anything now even though my van is set up for it, I even has an extra leaf spring installed when I bought it just in case we ever decided to buy something that needed hauling. It did pull a 26’ construction trailer we had at work 3-4 times but that was it.