What would Honda have to do to Snag Tacoma Buyers

Cool story.

I never said anything about AWD being crappy or lacking capabilities. Each system has it's advantages. Each system has it's disadvantages. The old Ridgeline system wasn't bead but Honda even recognized that a limitation of the system on the last Ridgeline was the design of the system to transfer power to the rear wheels. It was to slow to react and couldn't handle as much torque as the new system.

I will wait to see how the new system performs but I'm sure for most on road driving it will do great.

 

I would totally buy a Honda Ridgeline

 

I wasn't criticizing your post, I was just adding to it.

 

This is what you really think:
Yes, they are cool- Raptors, Rubicons, OR/TRD PRO edition Tacoma's, no argument with that.
I do not have "steelies" but I wish I did and plenty of younger family folk need/like the Honda amenities and the 1' deep bed
I'd say there's more offroad products on this forum because it is actually a truck forum.
I wish I had the OR's OEM locker even though I don't know how its used. I'M All ABOUT IMAGE I just wish I had a cool truck to improve mine.

I think Honda is trying hard, bless their heart...
-It's less than a full-frame truck
-I want a truck capability and I want it to look like a truck.
-I want a conservative appearance but I want flares, manly front grille, big wheel etc

 

LOL!

That's awesome if they got it stuck before buying! That's the best way to get stuck .

Points to someone who gets a Ridgeline stuck like that too!

 

More like IgnoreBellaRidge

 

Like the gen 3 tacoma, I was "on the fence" about the looks until I saw it in person today at NAIAS. The Ridgeline reminds me a lot like the Hilux's I've seen overseas. Clean simple lines and no bullshit in your face huge bro-dozer grills found on every American truck these days.


If for whatever reason my tacoma purchase falls thru later this year, the new ridgeline will be my 2nd choice. For my needs (never off road, nor do any towing) the Honda fits the bill. Also I'd prefer full-time AWD over dickin' around with engaging/disengaging 4wd for my 80 mile mixed city and highway commute in the winter. A few people on here mentioned the lack of depth in the rear bed, this can be viewed as a good or a bad thing. Bad if you have a bed cover and need to get something tall under it, but good If you don't have a bed cover and need to get something out of the bed without having to lean way over the bed sides. I'm 5'8" and was able to pick up my cell phone off the bed liner from the side of the truck without leaning over. Most of the stuff I would be hauling (mountain bikes and a dirt bike) will require not having a bed cover, and most Home depot items can be place in the secure in bed trunk when needed.

 

Finally some real good pics. I am digging it more than I should

 

Forgot to mention, The overall size is pretty much inline with the tacoma. Stock tire size is 265/65R18.

 

Like was mentioned before, if it is priced 32k ish for a LX or above, the taco will be traded. The ability to have AWD, more interior room and flip up rear seat is worth it to me.

 

Hopefully they've changed their AWD system cause the last one was junk. Prefer a manual shifter or an actual transfer case any day over an electronic rear diff

 

I don't off road as much as I use to but I'm in construction so I do want the AWD model though and the ability to put a flat sheet of plywood is a plus for me.

 

Those pics of the black Ridgeline are nice. Looks very nice, I dig.

 

If this true, pilot LX-AWD in my area msrp for $32-33K.

 

Wonder how it would look with a leveling kit and some A/T tires..Hmmm..

 

It has AT tires on them already and actually a quality type that is better then the Michilens

 

It would have to be far less than the Pilot for me to consider it. For $2000 more one gets the Pilot instead of sheet metal behind a smaller rear seat area?

 

Maybe for show, maybe not. We'll know for sure in a few months when all of the details come out.

 

I agree, most if not all AT tires aren't known for best mileage in class. Best in snow, mud, sand, etc... I would agree.

 

That would make too much sense for Honda, They aren't known for taking too much risk considering they are a conservative company.