Originally Posted by AlwaysLate

Whats your personal experience with the Ridgeline, 1SICKLEX? That article is a bit mis-leading saying that the Ridgline is based on the Odyssey. The Ridgline is actually based on the Pilot, which is based on the MDX, which is based on the Odyssey. The Honda Pilot's chassis is 90% exclusive, with only 10% being derived from the Odyssey in the end. When the Ridgline was in development, the Pilot's chassis was used at a starting point. After completion, it was almost totally changed. I don't know the exact number for the Odyssey and Ridgline chassis relation, but I think it is safe to say that it is less than 5% since the Pilot is 10%. I don't know if you knew all this before me telling you, but I think if you did, you wouldn't have called the Ridgline a "mini-van in drag." As far as pricing goes, I'm not to sure I trust what the article says. First of all, the Pilot is a mid-size truck, not a compact truck. Why the article is comparing the price of compact trucks, don't ask me. The crediblity of the article should be questioned more than anything. Why not compare it to other mid-size trucks? For example, a top-model Toyota Tacoma prices out at $30,000. It's still missing some of the features that the Ridgeline offers, but thats as highly equipped as the Tacoma comes before you add those accessories that are mostly dealer installed. I tried doing a comparison with the larger Toyota Tundra, but you can't get the Tundra in 4x4 when equipped with a V6. Just for comparison though, a top-model Tundra prices out at over $41,000. When Honda does add the V8 to the Ridgline, I don't think it will cost more than $2,500 considering the difference between a V8 and a V6 in a Tundra is $2,100. So even then, a V8 Ridgeline RTL with moonroof and Navigation should cost about $38,000. I don't think the Ridgeline and Tundra are even in the same class. So as I stop going off-topic here, I still have to wonder what other truck is in the Ridgeline's class that costs $10,000 less similarly equipped. The Ridgeline is a mid-size truck, the article should be comparing it to mid-size trucks, not compact trucks. As far as sales numbers go, I think the fact that the Ridgeline already comes so well equipped even in base form is it's main problem, this creating a higher than normal base MSRP. IMO, all Honda needs to do is offer models without 4wd, with manual transmissionsl; a stripped down model . Not everyone needs 4wd in a truck and some people just don't want get a truck with luxury features if they know they are going to be getting it dirty and using it for work a lot. So in conclusion, the Ridgeline is not just an Odyssey in drag. If it was, I don't think a recent leading auto publication would have given it first place in a comparison among other trucks in it's class.

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX

AL, I wouldn't be caught dead in that truck. It may possibly be the ugliest vehicle sold today. I will never have a personal assesment, I think I would probably throw up if I went on a test drive.

Originally Posted by Celicamaro

Speaking of throwing up, I always get that feeling everytime I see Corolla S(the one with the tacky kit) and the current ES330. Those are possibly the ugliest sedans on the american road today. Before I could let it lose, I keep seeing pictures of their awesome interiors in my mind and end up having to suk it all in.

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX

AL, I wouldn't be caught dead in that truck. It may possibly be the ugliest vehicle sold today. I will never have a personal assesment, I think I would probably throw up if I went on a test drive.

I agree, some of the slow sales might have to do with not enough models but that is Honda arrogance for you. They're way or the highway. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

In the auto market, when you fail, you have to adapt quickly or your vehicle will rust on dealer lots.

Originally Posted by Celicamaro

As usual, Honda is ahead of it's time just like Lexus was with the orignal RX300.

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

Er, huge difference. Original RX300 sold like crazy right away.

Originally Posted by flipside909

Not necessarily. It's just like people not buying a Solar Yellow IS300 w/ wood trim and 16" wheels. .

Originally Posted by mmarshall

if you are referring.....as I suspect .......to my IS, mine does not have wood trim. It was not offered with the yellow paint. In my area (DC and suburbs) the IS300's I've seen are split just about even between the hi-perf 17' and all-season 16" tires. In your area (SoCal) very few people have the 16's.

Can't really compare IS sales to trucks, though........it is two completely different groups of people. Though Toyota sells a lot of trucks, in general, pickup buyers tend to heavily favor domestics. They are an intensely loyal group.....perhaps the most loyal in the entire vehicle industry....an extremely tough nut to crack.
My comment about the Ridgeline buyers was meant to emphasize that the Ridgeline offers what many domestics don't...refinement, a smooth ride, and an foolproof AWD system. I am aware, however, that you dislike this truck............you have made that clear in previous posting.

Originally Posted by LexusChris

I don't think the Ridgeline's price is overpriced but rather the lack of more model types, just like the Acura RL there is not much else so some may find the price high. Toyota has many various models and that helps keeps sales good. They should have various models for most Honda cars. It's kind of like how Dodge has a $20,000 Caravan and a $32,000 Caravan that's what Honda I think should do.

Originally Posted by Celicamaro

Speaking of throwing up, I always get that feeling everytime I see Corolla S(the one with the tacky kit) and the current ES330. Those are possibly the ugliest sedans on the american road today. Before I could let it lose, I keep seeing pictures of their awesome interiors in my mind and end up having to suk it all in.