Honda planned its truck well

• Article
• Comments ()
• Click-2-Listen
• Videos

By

Honda Motor Co. always has seemed to have a penchant for not rushing blindly into market battles.

The company's modus operandi has been to analyze trends and situations, and then to come up with a better idea followed by an exemplary execution of that idea, or collection of ideas, prior to instituting production of a new vehicle. Witness the Odyssey minivan, the Civic and Accord Hybrids, and currently, the Ridgeline pickup.

The Ridgeline is a half-ton, four-door, four-wheel-drive pickup for the next generation that comes loaded with innovative features. It will be marketed in three levels of trim: the base RT; the midrange RTS; and the top-of-the-line RTL (an RTX model will be introduced for 2007 and will include a towing package as standard fare.). All are powered by the same 3.5-liter, SOHC, 24-valve VTEC V-6 engine that mates to a five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission. All models use Honda's heavy-duty VTM-4 four-wheel drive system.

The Ridgeline design actually began with a blank sheet of paper, because Honda had no preconceived notion of the truck that they would build. The truck in question would have to be: midsize in length making it garageable; maneuverable; a four-door with large interior space; powerful; and dependable. It also would have to be versatile and flexible. The Ridgeline is all that and more.

Visually, the Ridgeline offers up an athletic stance, with an exterior profile not unlike Chevrolet's Avalanche, although it is without the latter's midgate system. It is shorter than a full-size pickup, but features a one-piece, billet-style cab-to-bed design. The stock front end bears some resemblance to the Honda Element, though an alternative grille and accessories are available as options to really dress up the leading appearance.

The "C" panel sweeps back in saillike fashion, as the bed sides rise forward from the tailgate to meet t. The bed measures 60 inches in length (6.5 feet with the gate down) and is constructed of composite SMC material that is scratch and ding resistant. There is an industry-first, lockable, spacious Secure In-Bed Trunk that provides 8.5 cubic feet of storage.

The tailgate is a dual-access unit that swings down traditionally (capable of supporting heavy loads), or opens to the left for easy curbside loading and unloading -- kudos for this feature.

Moving inside, the Ridgeline offers an ambience worthy of many an upscale family sedan with seating for five adults. Seats are comfortable front and rear. The aft seats feature a 60/40 split and fold upward, making room for large items and for access to underfloor storage. There are large, sculpted door pulls forward that serve as grab assist handles, and the air conditioning serves both front and rear occupants. the center console houses a two-position hidden storage area in addition to cup holders.

The test Honda Ridgeline came in the RTL trim level, and sported a Billet Silver metallic exterior finish, with a two-tone gray interior accented by metallic trim. The base price was set at $34,940. with the total rising to $35,535 after adding the navigation system and destination and handling fees. There are several available options for personal vehicle enhancement.

The Honda Ridgeline is the perfect solution for the Honda-phile who wants or needs a pickup truck. It is suitable for family transportation, errand running, commuting, more mundane off-roading, and to get to and from upscale social events and programs.

The 247 horsepower VTEC V-6 delivers plenty of power without any noticeable lag. Handling characteristics are indeed more carlike than trucklike. The Ridgeline is nimble and takes curves and twists with agility. The ride quality is much more civilized than your average truck as well, soaking up bumps with aplomb.

If there is a shortcoming at all, it may be the bed length.

In the final analysis, the Ridgeline is an example of Honda's getting everything right before tackling the highly competitive hauler marketplace. It is full of both innovation and satisfying qualities and features, ranking well above many vehicles that it challenges for the truck-buyers dollar -- just don't call it a Japanese Avalanche.