2007 Honda Ridgeline RTL

[zannej]

Not all of the Gen2 Ridgelines have AWD, the trunks are smaller (although the bed is more accommodating for a tonneau cover), and they haven't worked out the kings in mechanical and build issues. There are reports of computer issues where things don't shut off properly, leaks, and other problems. I'd wait on pulling the trigger on a Gen2 until they work out those kinks.
Gen1 Ridgelines (particularly 2013 model) had very good ratings on consumer reports, edmunds, etc. Plus, there's that large trunk. There are some things that it could use improvement on, but it's still a solid vehicle.

My brother had a friend put his struts on and his truck is running smoothly now.

 

[zannej]

So far the truck has had new tires put on, new control arms w/ bushings, new front struts, rebuilt transmission, new AC compressor, and new brakes/rotors (front & back). Tire shop didn't know how to do alignment on this truck bc they've never worked on one before.
He's still having some electrical issues with power not going to a front left map light and the rear right brake light.
He's getting error messages & the cruise control won't work. Only the dealership would know how to fix it, but he's still mad at them for not reporting issues with his transmission when they did the first inspection. As far as he can tell, there's nothing wrong with the catalytic converter. And he may still have a leak somewhere in his AC system.
I feel kind of bad that it has so many problems, but his other truck was much worse.

I'm going to knock on wood and be happy that my Ridgeline has been ok thus far.

 

[Krich]

I'd have a muffler shop install a universal aftermarket converter and save lots of $$$

The Chevy would have been cheaper to work on and maintain. I've never had any serious issues with the Chevys I drive.

These little import jobs are more expensive to repair and few mechanics know how to work on them so folks have to go to the dealer which costs big buxx

 

[Sparky617]

I'd have a muffler shop install a universal aftermarket converter and save lots of $$$

The Chevy would have been cheaper to work on and maintain. I've never had any serious issues with the Chevys I drive.

These little import jobs are more expensive to repair and few mechanics know how to work on them so folks have to go to the dealer which costs big buxx

The Ridgeline is not an import and would be considered a mid-sized truck. It is built in the USA and has a higher domestic content than many "American" cars and trucks. The Ridgeline is a good truck for the average suburban homeowner who wants to be able to haul stuff and have a comfortable cab for 5 passengers and a car like ride. If you want to tow a lot you'd want to go with a Ford, Chevy or Ram full-size truck. For occasional towing of up to 5000 lbs, the Ridgeline will do. For what I need a truck for a Ridgeline would be a good truck. If I replace my 1999 F-150 I'd consider a Ridgeline but I'd also look at a new F-150. A fully loaded Ridgeline is about $20K less than an F-150 Lariat. The Lariat will have more bells and whistles for that extra $20K though. Though the Honda will be very well equipped.

 

[zannej]

I don't think I would ever consider an F-150 considering how many I see for sale or broken down. LOL.

Update on my bro's truck. Whoever vandalized it (pulling trim off) also did something to the sun roof which caused the screws to come out. My bro got another speeding ticket in the aforementioned dinky town with illegible tickets. On the way to court (or what we thought would be court bc they do not actually have a courthouse or way to contest tickets) the sun roof started to fly off. I had to grab it and hold it on & talked him in to going to the Honda Collision Center to see if they could pop it back in place & order the replacement screws. Female employee said we'd have to get an official estimate & wait a few hours, etc. Male employee inside took pity on us and went out to see. Popped it back in to place & put a temporary screw in (with instructions not to use the sun roof). Said they could fix it properly once the screws were ordered but suggested getting them online bc it would be cheaper. Bro hasn't followed up on that bc his COPD is acting up.

His VTM still won't work & he can't get cruise control to turn on. check engine light is still on. He tried to get the tires balanced/aligned but they said they couldn't figure out how to do something. Not sure what is wrong. He's still refusing to take it to the dealership even though it has an airbag recall. So, he's been pestering me for lifts.

It's still better than his p.o.s. first truck though.

 

[Sparky617]

To compare an F-150 to a Ridgeline isn't a fair fight. The Ridgeline is a nice truck-like vehicle but you'll never see it being used by contractors. That domain is the realm of F-150, F-250, F-350 and their Chevy, GMC, and Ram competitors. My 1999 F-150 has been broken once, the fuel pump went bad at about 15 years. I had one recall for the cruise control. It has been a solid truck with minimal maintenance. There are so many more F-150s out there (and Chevy's, GMCs) that you're going to see a lot of them for sale. There are more F-series trucks sold than any other vehicle in the USA. They also get used hard by contractors and governments.

If I replace my F-150 I will consider the Ridgeline because I'm not a contractor. Though I wouldn't consider any of the first gen Ridgelines. They are FUGLY. I'm a suburban homeowner that does volunteer work repairing homes. The Ridgeline can handle most of my tasks unless I start towing trailers. If I plan on doing that, I'll get the F-150. Also, my Honda Accord requires more routine maintenance than my Ford Edge. I just replaced my rear brakes (fronts are still original) at 73K miles. My Honda is on its third set of front brakes/rotors with 125K. I've had to replace the timing belt on the Honda along with a preventative replacement of the water pump and the idler pulley (twice). The Ford has a timing chain that should last the life of the car. On the Honda, if you don't replace the timing belt and it breaks, your valves are toast leading to a very expensive repair.

That said, the Accord is my second Honda and my son has a Fit. They make good cars, and I would buy another.

 

[zannej]

I do think the climate does matter for the durability of the vehicles. The Fords I've dealt with don't seem to deal well with the humidity here. Most of the people here prefer GMC or Chevy. All kinds of jokes are made about Chevys having to tow Fords.
My first vehicle was a Ford Escort & it was pretty crappy, although it was pretty. The Ford Ranger we got later was even worse-- but then, the sellers lied about everything from the year to the condition. (Told us it was 2001 but found out it was a '99 when we went to register it & found out it had been in a flood-- not buying from private sellers again).

When we got the ranger, I'd been researching which vehicles were good & at that time, I was told the F150s were terrible. Had all sorts of mechanical problems & scored low for safety. But, I know some model years are better than others.

I think that the availability of specific dealerships is important when choosing a vehicle. There are probably tons of Ford repair places. There are fewer Honda repair places where I live. I don't get the Honda oil filters bc they are garbage, I go for higher quality ones from other manufacturers.

I like my 2013 Gen1 Ridgeline-- it handles my road just fine, fits plywood, has a nice large trunk, and handles very well.

But, each person has their own criteria for a vehicle & if you don't like the Gen1 then it isn't for you. I'd wait to get a slightly later Gen2 Ridgeline once they have worked out some of the kinks/problems or even consider a Tacoma (even though Taco & Ridge owners seem to tease each other a lot). For me, the trunk was probably the major selling point for me. I use it every time I go to the grocery store & I can fit my stuff in the trunk where it is safe while still transporting my friends in the back seat. I've also hauled plywood, lumber, & appliances in it.