Archive for the ‘Ridgeline’ Category

“The (current) Ridgeline was the right thing to do at the time,” said Dave Marek, chief designer and senior manager of the automotive styling group at Honda Research and Development. “But now that the truck market is a moving target, our opportunity is to make it more fuel-efficient -- aerodynamic and lighter -- but still retain the core value it has, which is the inside space and usage in the back.”

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline, which we drove recently and appreciated for its nimble manners and smart packaging, is actually down one mpg in highway ratings next to Chevrolet's full-frame, 650-lb. heavier Silverado XFE, which scores 15/21 by the...

“The (current) Ridgeline was the right thing to do at the time,” said Dave Marek, chief designer and senior manager of the automotive styling group at Honda Research and Development. “But now that the truck market is a moving target, our opportunity is to make it more fuel-efficient -- aerodynamic and lighter -- but still retain the core value it has, which is the inside space and usage in the back.” The 2009 Honda Ridgeline, which we drove recently and appreciated for its nimble manners and smart packaging, is actually down one mpg in highway ratings next to Chevrolet's full-frame, 650-lb. heavier Silverado XFE, which scores 15/21 by the... Read More

Personally a fan of low center-of-gravity, aerodynamically superior cars and wagons, I was a little underwhelmed when I discovered I'd be spending a weekend in Honda's first - and sole - pickup offering, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline. And being a gearhead, I secretly yearned for something really in-your-face and thirsty, perhaps a bellowing Dodge Ram HEMI V-8. Hey, if a single city-dwelling guy like me is going to engage in blatantly conspicuous consumption, why not just take it all the way?

And so I faced the prospect of driving this hefty, pug-nosed, minivan-based, front-wheel drive...thing...with an Accord V-6. Ho, and hum.

Stylewise, the ...

Personally a fan of low center-of-gravity, aerodynamically superior cars and wagons, I was a little underwhelmed when I discovered I'd be spending a weekend in Honda's first - and sole - pickup offering, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline. And being a gearhead, I secretly yearned for something really in-your-face and thirsty, perhaps a bellowing Dodge Ram HEMI V-8. Hey, if a single city-dwelling guy like me is going to engage in blatantly conspicuous consumption, why not just take it all the way? And so I faced the prospect of driving this hefty, pug-nosed, minivan-based, front-wheel drive...thing...with an Accord V-6. Ho, and hum. Stylewise, the ... Read More

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline gets a fancy grille reminiscent of Honda's 2009 Pilot, plus a raft of other upgrades and tweaks, the Japanese automaker says. The "bolder" look outside will no doubt be controversial, as it's been on the big Honda crossover vehicle that emerged for the 2009 model year. Dare to say, the look works better on the already awkward Ridgeline: Honda says the restyling creates a "more chiseled" appearance. Inside, the Ridgeline gets new gauges and a new steering wheel, reworked controls for the climate control and audio system, and new power outlets and MP3 jacks. Active front seat headrests and daytime running lights are... The 2009 Honda Ridgeline gets a fancy grille reminiscent of Honda's 2009 Pilot, plus a raft of other upgrades and tweaks, the Japanese automaker says. The "bolder" look outside will no doubt be controversial, as it's been on the big Honda crossover vehicle that emerged for the 2009 model year. Dare to say, the look works better on the already awkward Ridgeline: Honda says the restyling creates a "more chiseled" appearance. Inside, the Ridgeline gets new gauges and a new steering wheel, reworked controls for the climate control and audio system, and new power outlets and MP3 jacks. Active front seat headrests and daytime running lights are... Read More