08' Ridgeline - 100% Truck, 100% Value

After 120 days of test driving various trucks from all manufacturers, I purchased a 2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL w/ Navigation.

There are so many people out there that say the Ridgeline is not a "real" truck because it can only tow 5000lbs and it has a unique body style. The unfortunate part of these statements is that these are the people that have never driven or experienced a Ridgeline.

I drove the following trucks:
08 Toyota Tacoma
08 Toyota Tundra
08 Nissan Titan
08 Nissan Frontier

Each one of these models had great features but overall, the Ridgeline beat them hands down.

So here are the Pro's to the Ridgeline:

Styling: The styling is unique and unlike any other truck on the market. You can buy a truck that is not owned by 20 other people in your neighborhood like a Toyota or Nissan.

Options: The Ridgeline is a mid-size truck that offers (Depending on model) Navigation, Leather & Heated Seats, Real Time 4-Wheel Drive, Loackable Under Bed Storage, Back-Up Camera, Back-Up Sensors, Security System, Rear DVD Entertainment System and Moonroof.

The Ride: The Ridgeline is built off the Honda Pilot platform and provides a smooth ride on and off the road. For me, I use my truck as a commuter car and the occasional run to Home Depot. This truck rides smooth just like a car. I compare it to my wifes Acura TL in terms of ride. When taken off-road the Ridgeline does the trick just fine. If you are a serious off-roader and like to ride the cliffs, look at the Tacoma which is built more for the dirt than the highway.

Towing Capacity: Some of you may disagree with me here but I will clarify it for you. If you need a rugged work truck and you tow heavy commerical equipment, the Ridgeline is NOT your truck. If you are towing a 20ft boat, a trailer or snowmobile, you would be crazy to not look at the Ridgeline. With a tow capacity of 5000ibs, you have several options!

Safety: The Ridgeline comes with a 5-Star Crash Test rating and has Side Curtain Air Bags standard, unlike the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra which this type of safety is an extra package option.

Cab Space: The Ridgeline cab can fit 5 adults with ease and comfortably unlike the Tacoma and Frontier. For me, I have two kids and I can take a family trip with adequate space for cargo and the family.

Gas Mileage: Its to early for me to comment on this but from what my friends tell me they get 20mpg in combined highway/city driving in their V6 Ridgeline. This is comparable to the Tacoma and above the Tundra, Frontier and Titan.

Storage: I touched on this briefly above but will add more detail. The Underbed Storage on the Ridgeline can hold 3 to 4 suitcases with ease or even the weekly Costco grocery items which can normally pack a small sedan backseat and trunk. The space is 2.5ft deep by 4ft wide. There is also ample underseat storage with the rear seats as well as one of the largest center consoles ever seen on any vehicle. There are also six standard cup holders, Two in front and four in back.

Pricing: This is what seperates the Ridgeline from all the competition. The sticker price of my truck was just over $35,500. I negotiated the price to $31,500 OUT THE DOOR and got my Black Ridgeline RTL that came standard with Navigation, Moonroof, Leather Heated Seats, Built-In Bedliner, 6-Disc CD-Changer, Side Curtain Airbags and Vehicle Stability Assist. The dealer also threw in a Sunroof Visor and Bug Deflector.

If you were to compare the above models that I mentioned you would be looking at the following:

With the Tundra you would have to buy a loaded DoubleCab or Crewmax and price point would be close to or over $40k. If you bought a Tacoma, you could not even configure it close to the Ridgeline but would still pay $36k and get LESS OPTIONS. The Nissan Titan would set you close to $42k and the Frontier near $36k.

The bottom line is that the competition does not even come close to the Ridgeline. For the models that do, you will pay substantially more money. Other models like the Tacoma, you will pay the same MSRP of $35k and get less features and the same size bed as the Ridgeline. Go Figure!

To close, take a look at the Ridgeline RTL. All the features you need with the reputation of Honda to stand behind itl