2006 HONDA RIDGELINE

The engineers at Honda engineers modified 93% of the Honda Pilot platform and incorporated a stiff frame with seven crossmembers to build the Ridgeline. The result is a very rigid, double cab, all-wheel-drive half-ton pickup that can handle moderate off-road driving. The Ridgeline is similar in length to the Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier,

and Toyota Tacoma, but boasts a wider stance. Interior and trunk The Ridgeline’s front seats are easy to get into and invitingly comfortable. However, the driving position is far from suitable for all drivers. Shorter people have to raise the driver’s seat to see properly, which makes it harder to reach the pedals with the right foot. Taller drivers don’t have enough room for their left leg, which, once extended, comes into contact with the emergency brake at the shin. If you back the seat up far enough for your legs to be comfortable, you're too far from the wheel. And the footrest is too high or thick. Even after playing with the power seat-height settings, it’s hard to find a comfortable position. It would also be nice to have a grab bar to make it easier to get in and out of the driver’s seat. Accessing the back seats is no problem. The bench can comfortably accommodate two adults only, as the nonmolded center section is less than inviting. Headroom and legroom are generous. The rear seat splits 60/40 and can be folded up vertically to rest against the seatback for increased storage space. The cargo bed is 5 ft. (152 cm) long with the tailgate up and 6 ft. 6 in. (198 cm) with it down. The bed measures 4 ft. 1 in. (124.4 cm) wide between the

wheelwells. The Ridgeline can carry loads of up to 1,100 lbs. (500 kg). The bed is made of a steel-reinforced composite material, and is covered with a nonskid coating. This is all well and good, but the lockable and watertight trunk under the truck bed and the rear panel that opens two ways are what really sets the truck apart. The trunk has a 241-litre capacity, which

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is big enough to fit three golf bags. Like the rear doors in 1970s Ford station wagons, the Ridgeline’s tailgate opens vertically like other pickup trucks, or horizontally, like ordinary car doors except that it opens from right to left. Convenience and safety The finish is well executed, but could be improved both inside and outside the vehicle. The quality of materials is good but not great. Soundproofing is adequate. We detected creaking sounds in our test vehicle, especially in the front doors. Front cargo space is generous. The instruments and controls are well placed, with three notable exceptions. The sunroof control is to the left of the steering wheel, whereas it should be on the ceiling next to the sunroof. The cruise control on-button is located to the lower left of the wheel, whereas the other cruise control buttons are on the steering wheel. The windshield wiper control is on the turn signal lever, which means you have to take your left hand off the wheel to activate the wipers. The wiper fluid spray nozzles are under the hood and could easily become obstructed by snow. The air conditioner works well, but the quantity of air released in the Defrost/Heat position is somewhat lacking. On the safety front, the Ridgeline comes with two front airbags, two side airbags, two curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability and traction control systems, good headlights, and four headrests. Unfortunately, the headrests do not go high enough for taller people. Visibility is very good, except to the rear and rear corners due to the wide C-pillars and rear headrests. Engine and transmission With a 3.5-litre V6 under the hood pumping 250 horses and 252 pound-feet of torque, the Ridgeline is very quick in all situations, and delivers sprightly and satisfying acceleration and pickup. The engine runs smoothly and climbs easily through the gears, but it is noisy when accelerating quickly. The accelerator can be a bit jerky, especially when re-accelerating after braking. The engine meets the ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) standard. The five-speed automatic transmission is so smooth that you barely notice gear changes. The gear ratios are well spaced, and the engine revs low in fifth gear at highway speeds.

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The Ridgeline is equipped with the same VTM-4 four-wheel-drive system as the Pilot. Under normal driving conditions, the system distributes all torque to the front wheels. When accelerating or if a front wheel slips, the system sends torque to the rear wheels. A third mode allows you to lock the rear wheels in difficult conditions when the shifter is in first gear, second gear, or reverse. This system works very well and is well suited for most situations. On the road The fully independent suspension delivers a very smooth ride. Stiffness is generally well measured out, and the truck is comfortable, except on some uneven surfaces, which can cause a bit of jarring. Handling is very good for this type of vehicle. You have the feeling of being at the wheel of a very sturdy vehicle. The power steering is heavy at low speeds, but is better calibrated as you gain speed. It is stable, precise and relatively quick. The turning circle is short and the steering transfers some road feel. The brakes deliver standard power and resistance to fade. Inspection at a CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre revealed that you cannot check the wiper fluid level. The underbody is robust and well made, except for a few joints that are not sealed. The rear suspension control arms are a bit low, which limits off-road capacity. Conclusion With the Ridgeline, Honda has created a unique segment. This vehicle blends the abilities of classic pickups—such as towing and transporting—with handling more like that of a car than a pickup. The double-opening tailgate and truck bed trunk are truly innovative features. All in all, an appealing vehicle provided the driving position suits you. PROS: Roomy interior, ultra smooth transmission, ingenious trunk, multipurpose rear panel, handling, storage space CONS: Poor ¾ rear visibility, windshield wiper control placement, rear visibility, driving position could be improved, wiper fluid nozzles under the hood, controls need to be moved

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2006 HONDA RIDGELINE Engine: 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6 Horsepower: 250 hp @ 5,750 rpm Torque: 252 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm Transmission: 5-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: four-wheel disc Length: 525.3 cm Width: 221.7 cm Height: 178.6 cm (180.8 cm with sunroof) Wheelbase: 310 cm Weight: 2,040 to 2,064 kg Tires: P245/65R17 Towing capacity: 2,268 kg Air bags: standard front plus dual side and air curtain airbags Fuel consumption: − Transport Canada rating: city: 14.4 L/100 km (19.5 mpg); highway:

10.1 L/100 km (28 mpg) − Test result: 13.3 L/100 (21 mpg) − Test temperature: 15oC to 32oC Fuel tank capacity: 83 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 9.6 seconds 60-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds Competition: Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km − Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/unlimited kilometrage − Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited kilometrage − Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8

years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device)

Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $485 Front brake disk: $91 Brake pads: $71 Muffler: $712 (with central tailpipe) Front fender: $242

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Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $916 to $1,364 Price according to trim line: LX: $34,800 EX-L: $39,200 EX-L NAVI: $43,900 Main options: Towing package: $659 MP3 player: $705 DVD system: $2,815 (LX: $2,773) Sunroof: $1,200 (EX-L) Hard bed cover: $2,000 Price as tested: $43,900 Freight and preparation: $1,425 Dealers: Quebec: 60; Canada: 203 © CAA-Quebec, July 2005. All rights reserved.

Photos: Honda