Kenny_Stang

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/the-ho...-wi-1752299551

Saki GT

So now it looks like a truck, but still is a unibody, and no details yet on capability.

I'm not sure how this is going to win any significant market share other than to satisfy those that only buy in the Honda family.

JonBoy

This is a midsize pickup that'll last forever but Honda will probably command a premium for it as well. Honda has a little niche carved out from the old Ridgeline but I don't know that this will ever really sell in quantity against the Tacoma (for instance) or the heavily improved Colorado. I do think it LOOKS far more like a pickup now, which will perhaps help sway people from the other "normal" pickups in the midsize category as they look for that Honda quality and reliability.

Honda has never pretended that the Ridgeline was about hauling or towing big loads, so the smaller size and capacity doesn't bother me in that regard. They've built a truck for "how most people use it", which means they're going for intelligent buyers more than "me too" buyers. Problem is, at their price point, they're the same as many V8 1/2 ton pickups that get similar fuel economy and have way more capability. The final numbers will tell but I don't expect that to change much...

I will be interested to see if they actually sell any of the FWD models. For daily driving and the occasional Home Depot run, it won't make a difference (as a driver) and you'll see better economy because of it but if you're towing or hauling near capacity, AWD/RWD makes far more sense for traction and control. Would also be curious to compare a FWD Ridgeline vs a RWD pickup in slippery conditions (snow/rain). I'm betting the Ridgeline will prove superior. Still, a FWD pickup just sounds "wrong".

All in all, this is (to me) a huge improvement over the funky looks of the old Ridgeline. By moving it a little more mainstream in looks, while still building in the Honda quality, they should see some improved sales.

Mr.E.G.

I think I'm the target buyer for this thing. I don't care about trucks even a little bit, but I may sometimes need the utility of a truck (and when I need it, it's fairly important). But I will never tow a boat or install a Magnaflow exhaust or affix No Fear or NRA stickers. In short, I need truck-lite or diet truck, and that's what this is.

Now, I don't need a truck bad enough to pay $35k for one, but still.

Kenny_Stang

For those that are interested, Honda will be hosting their unveiling online on YouTube at 1:15 p.m. EST:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjRro-aHbRI

QUIKAG

Looks good, but wish the front end looked a bit tougher versus Civic/CR-V.

rob-2

Looks good. I get this car and most folks I know who bought them liked them. Awd accord with a bed.

Jdrum1

I've always struggled with the old Ridgeline's looks, but every owner I've known loved theirs.

One would actually make sense for me. Since domestic trucks reign supremem in my region, I've seen used Ridgelines go for good prices.

TheDonEffect

Does it have the trick trunk under the bed floor?

Elistan

Yes. From the press release:

http://hondanews.com/releases/all-ne...onal-auto-show