wrote the "2017 Honda Ridgeline still won’t get respect but should" stating, its "downside is going to be looks." Car and Driver wrote, "The company readily admits that the problem with the first generation pickup was that the styling was off-putting, but then it went ahead and made the next iteration of the truck just as unconventional as before." "The Ridgeline’s roomy cabin, ample storage, smooth ride, and innovative touches make its rivals seem not only has cargo space, but also the makings of a great tailgate party." Some in the automotive press that have studied the first generation Ridgeline, such as, consider it "one of those odd vehicles." They wrote, "The Ridgeline can't really do what most people who like trucks need it to do." Others in the automotive press, such as The Driver's Seat TV, had differing views and call the Ridgeline, "the Swiss Army knife of trucks." They also called the Ridgeline "the anti-truck" and summarized their view by saying "the Ridgeline scores high on practicality but very low on image." Ĭompared to the first generation Ridgeline, Honda's second generation Ridgeline has the automotive press changing its tune, yet it still has an image problem. In addition to being a unibody pickup with a transverse-mounted engine, and a crew-cab short-box configuration, Honda and some automotive journalists have described other noteworthy aspects of the Ridgeline. The C-pillar and rear subframe were strengthened giving the second generation 28% more torsional rigidity over the first generation Ridgeline. The second generation Ridgeline's new structure gives it an average 78 lb (35 kg) reduction in weight from the first generation pickup. Honda has stated that nearly every major component has been beefed up with a 17% stronger front structure, a 31% sturdier rear, and 50% of the chassis' components changed or were strengthened for the second generation Ridgeline. Despite these modifications, Honda has stated that 73% of the second generation Ridgeline's components remain common in some way with the third generation Pilot. However, Honda did have to modify the Pilot platform in order to support their second generation pickup, including extending the wheelbase and modifying various parts to support hauling, towing, and off-road use. The second generation Ridgeline took a different approach in design from the first generation Ridgeline by sharing Honda's new "global light truck platform," found in the third generation Honda Pilot as well as other large Honda vehicles. Main article: Honda Ridgeline (second generation)Īfter a one-year hiatus in Ridgeline production, the second generation of their mid-size truck went on sale in June 2016 as a 2017 model year vehicle. Production of the first generation Ridgeline ended in early 2015. Its powertrain resembled the one used in the first generation Acura MDX but was "extensively calibrated and strengthened" for heavier hauling and towing duties. Honda's publications state that the first generation Ridgeline shared only 7% of its components with other Honda vehicles. The production version of the Ridgeline was unveiled the following year at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. Later that same year, Honda unveiled a revised version of their pickup concept at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show and announced the official name of the vehicle, the Ridgeline. After four years of development, the final design was revealed to the public as Honda's Sport Utility Truck Concept at the 2004 North American International Auto Show.
The development started in 2001 when the engineering team began experimenting with their first development mule, an extended version of a first generation Acura MDX with a competitor's pickup bed integrated into the rear structure. According to the author of Driving Honda, the automaker wanted to target buyers who were looking to transition out of sedans, minivans, and sport utility vehicles (SUV) into pickups. According to the author of The Car Design Yearbook, the Ridgeline was "Honda's first foray into the true heartland of the American automotive way of life-the pickup truck." It was designed and engineered by an engineering team from Honda R&D Americas, led by Gary Flint.
The first generation Ridgeline went on sale in March 2005 as a 2006 model year vehicle. Main article: Honda Ridgeline (first generation)
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