What would Honda have to do to Snag Tacoma Buyers

If you think the tacoma has a boring interior don't even think about a honda.

For it to compete in mid size market it needs to up its stats and prove it's rugged.

I know this is about the ridgeline, but what if ford puts the 2.7 v6 in a midsize with 1000 less pounds? Now we are talking capabilities, power, proven truck prowness.

The ridgeline (old generation) can fit a sheet of plywood between the wheels.

I think Nissan and ford have the best chance of making a reliable midsize to compete with toyota. Also the best chance of making modifiable product for aftermarket.

Reliability and huge aftermarket support is one thing toyota has already established.

 

Yes. I didn't realize the pic changed.

 

The best use of that trunk I have ever seen was as a beer cooler at a softball tourny. That Ridgeline was squatting hard lol.

 

Honda makes some great products IMO. All else equal, I'd buy Civic over Carolla & Accord over Camry. But, I want a truck to be body on frame & have real 4x4.

Honda is weak in its truck offering & at the premium end (Acura) as well...again IMO.

 

I'd buy a 2.7 ranger in a second.

 

I'd go that way too. If Ford goes that way some companies will be scrambling to find an engine to match it.

 

Wanted this back in the day but it never went past concept(1999 Dodge Power Wagon w/37" tires). Never been a fan of Honda's. And my DCLB does not whistle... how much did you pay for that upgrade Tom???

 

For most of what I do, a Ridgeline would suffice.

But, the couple times I have towed 6000 lbs or gone through some pretty rugged terrain make the Tacoma worthwhile. Plus, the 5 ft bed would be a pain for the kayak and mountain bike.

Not to mention, the "awesome factor" of a TRD Tacoma is much better than any Ridgeline. I've been complimented on my truck a lot.

 

make a midsize pickup?????????? edit-- ridgeline is NOT a pickup truck, SUV, is there even an option for a regular cab ridgeline? Honda is not even in the market, really

 

What he said. A body on frame pickup. If I were them I wouldn't bother though, the midsize truck segment is about to
get crowded. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dakota return shortly after the ranger either. I could be wrong but I bet we'll see a few die off again in the next 10 years.

 

If not a Tacoma then build a Tundra but if you leave Toyota then it's a Ford Raptor or Dodge Mega Cab diesel (No Honda)

 

The Ridgeline is the perfect vehicle for the older couple who are looking for room and comfort with the utility of an open bed. I'm not trying to be funny, I'm serious; that's the market I would target with this "truck". It's low to the ground and easy to enter and exit. You can go to the garden center and bring plants home without soling the interior. Maybe I feel that way because I'm at the far upper age of the Tacoma demographic. Oh well, maybe when I retire I'll be in the market for the Ridgeline, if it survives until 2027.

 

In 2027 you will be able to get a Prius, a Prius b, a Prius c, or a Prius d.

 

... no thanks, I'll ride a bicycle first.

 

Correct only in the sense that likely most vehicles will be hybrid of some description

 

http://automobiles.honda.com/mobile/new-ridgeline/

Honda teaser

 

I will be curious to see the release of the Ridgeline on Jan 11.

 

To answer the OP's question:

If the Ridgeline had a AWD system that was good off-road, I would have considered it (probably not bought one, but would have at least thought about it). I don't spend a lot of time shopping or contemplating AWD cars, but from what I've seen, the Subaru system is damn good and actually off-road functional and everything else is better than 2wd but not great and nearly useless off-road.

My neighbor has a Ridgeline and loves it. He trucks the hell out of that thing. He fills the bed with crap and tows a small trailer. He uses his as a truck 10x more than I do (because of his job) and even does some off-roading.

I bought my Tacoma primarily so I'd have a truly off-road capable vehicle that was reliable and could carry 4 people and their crap. There's not a lot of vehicles in that description that cost less than a Tacoma.