Truck sales Jan 2018. Taco surges

I have no doubt the Ridgeline is a better built vehicle vs Tacoma, period. Drivetrain, materials, etc. My Honda ('04 S2000) and Acura ('10 TSX) vehicles are far superior in fit, finish, and quality than my Taco.

However, the styling that Honda came up with is horrendous and as a result I am happier with some quirks on my Taco than a compromised minivan with the roof cut off the back.

 

I personally like how the Ridgelines look. It's sleek and refined and not trying to look rugged like the 1st gen. I think it's great that it's an option in today's truck market. It's unfortunate it's not considered more, as it would actually make a sensible vehicle for a lot truck owners who complain about poor fuel economy and a lack of options.

A Ridgeline won't castrate us if we decide to drive one.

 

Meanwhile, another car review exec at Consumer Reports has a nervous breakdown...

 

If the Ridgeline was available in an access cab model with a 6' bed, you know like a proper mid size truck should be, then maybe.

That spare tire location and front wheel drive is a deal breaker for me regardless of the looks.

I would venture to say that the Ridgeline would work for many DCSB owners though.....

 

I actually liked the 1st gen Ridgeline. It looked trucky and rugged. This new Ridgeline front end is beyond stupid looking. Way too close to the Odyssey. Otherwise I would consider it, unibody and all.

 

2.3l is unreliable. I wouldn't even consider it to be competitive in the market. I think the only way it will sell is when it's introduced with the raptor trim. It just looks like a Euro truck with the steering wheel on the left side....

 

TSS as standard looks to be paying off.

 

The ridgeline is the truck most city guys need. Heck, most retired guys too. It can tow your UTV to the trail, and fit anything you are gonna grab at HD for a project around the house.

If they didn't make it so G-D ugly, it would be breathing down the taco's neck.

 

Man, if things keep going how theyre going theyre gonna discontinue that Ridgeline again

 

You are right I do see a shitload of 3rd Gens everywhere now

 

I think every Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota guy out there just wanted to see how long this thing was gonna last. Its slowly dieing already. Poor Hipsters lol

 

I'm kinda mad at Toyota for not discontinuing Inferno by now.

When I first got my truck it was actually pretty rare (at least in 4x4 offroad).... now theres literally THREE inferno toyotas on my block alone. Fucking neighbor has an inferno pro 4runner, I have an inferno tacoma, and a guy across the street just copied me lol. Just to throw salt on the wound one of my coworkers just bought an Inferno tacoma too -_-

Killin my resale value Toyota!

 

Exactly, if it was Body on Frame, non front wheel drive, had a Transfer Case, available with different cab configurations, a Manual Trans option, and a normal spare up under the bed then I'm sure it would work for many, but then again that describes a Truck.

 

Lol, yes to all that.

The Ridgeline is just a little too fancified for me, and I do chuckle at all negative comments, including the tone of your summation of what the Ridgeline doesn't have.

 

The Idea has been around and tried for sometime, I remember both the Chevy El Camino and the Ford Ranchero both disapearing into the sunset never to be heard from again.




But IDK about the castrating part, I'd feel castrated riding low and unable to took down for a skirt at a red light

I'm sure it would satisfy those seeking plush and luxury but want it to work like a truck and go or do what a car can't. Unfortunately, in this world there are engineering limitations that we have yet to overcome, but we are pretty dam close, or much closer than yesterday's trucks. But In general, I try to avoid anything with a FWD, a timing belt or both. I don’t like working on things, unless I elect do this or that to fit my style better...Go figure

 

Stopped by the local farm store after work today. Parking lot was full, I mean full, of full-sized pickups. F150s, F250s, Silverados, a huge Ram 3500 with tow mirrors. All had one thing in common; nothing in the beds. The one guy hauling something was some old dude in a Ridgeline, he had a snow-blower in back. Kinda made me laugh.

 

Last time I checked, they were ironing out the early issues with the 2.3L just like the Toyota was ironing out issues with the CPS/CKP sensor on the 3.5. As for looks, the design is purpose built. The Ford Engineers designed the front end to push as much water away during water crossings as well as max air cooling.

 

What did you do, walk the aisles inspecting people's Truck Beds?