Nice, love the storage under the truck bed.

"Nice, love the storage under the truck bed..."
Posted by: Opinion | Aug 5, 2016 7:32:36 AM

You'll also love it if you get a flat, have the bed loaded and need to access the spare tire...lol

Honda already addressed that in the first Ridgeline.
There is a provision for mounting the main spare IN the bed, or having TWO spare wheels. {yes that means putting the jack/lug hardware in the cab}

Great George, I'm sure the vast majority of Ridgeline owners are opting to buy a second spare and putting the jack/lug hardware in the cab...lol They'll be happy to know that after spending $40K to buy the pickup!

Reality is that it is a bad design that wasn't fixed in this new version.

Really?, If you have problems with flat tires i suggest putting on new tires. I can't remember the last time I had to change a tire.

Good commercial but where can you buy 5 foot pre cut lumber? I do not see a problem as to where the spare is. How often do you get a flat any more. I had a flat in my SUV while driving up to Canada to go bear hunting. Just pulled over, unload and pull the spare tire out, no big deal. I would be more concerned about buying something that brought you Pearl Harbor

All but one comment is about the spare tire location. Reality is flats are not common. even more uncommon is getting a flat in a Ridgeline when the bed is loaded. Even more uncommon would be the case that so many items are in the bed that it would cause you to drive on the flat to your nearest gm, toyota, or Nissan dealer and trade the truck in. The in-bed storage is a great idea. the Ridge line appeals to very few truck people and will be used as an SUV with added capability. Give it a break about the tire location.

I've noticed for years that Honda, Ford, and Ram focus their ads on their features and abilities while GM instead uses attack ads. I guess when you don't have anything you consider better than the others you have to use the approach of attacking your competition.

Most SUVs and all cars have their spares in the trunk, so you would have to unload them too. A lot of new cars aren't even coming with spares anymore. My car just has a compressor with integrated slime, and I leave a patch kit in the trunk as well.
The only flat I've had in my life was when I stupidly hit a curb.

Most people these days would rather call AAA anyway.

This is a very nicely done car-with-a-bed. And-- no I'm not judging. That's how Ford got started with their trucks last century.

Seriously with the spare in the trunk comments?

If you're anticipating driving with a full load and you get a flat, take the tire out the trunk and put it in the cab before loading the box, or better yet, get a full size tire and put it in the cab.

Either way you may have to unload the truck to jack it up and change the tire.

You know its bad when even a Honda truck can work circles around a Ford truck.

Actually a neat commercial!

...or maybe you just buy a Tacoma!

Honda would proud to know how long people are talking about the spare tire location. Any online banter regarding the truck is good advertising for them so kudos to the skeptics and spare tire alarmists for keeping the conversation alive. And as far as the location goes if you get a flat; be a man about it, unload the truck, put your spare on and drive along. It's ridiculous how worked up folks get.

...or maybe you just buy a Tacoma!

That's a valid option for a lot of folks who enjoy overpaying for antiquated pieces of machinery. And apparently there is a market for it. Toyota did a good job of meeting the needs of the delusional this time around.

...or maybe you just buy a Honda Pilot with the back cut out and call it a pickup!

@Liam

Do you drive around the loaded gasoline cans in the cab of your truck? You never know when somebody might need a splash of gas!

Seriously, Liam, you shouldn't be driving around with a mounted spare lying around in your cab. Bad idea.

...or maybe you just buy a Tacoma!

Not for me, putting aside all the clever technology & smarts; it still looks like a wimpy truck that looks like a Honda Pilot with a bed.

No, Papa Jim, OK riding with the tire in-cab may not be the best idea, but in cases should one anticipates getting a flat, one should probably take the spare out before loading it and depending on load size/weight place it in a convenient area or toss it and some of the load on a trailer. But if one is a DIY guy who doesn't want to get AAA or wrecker service would probably have to unload just to jack the truck up much less access the tire no matter where the spare is. Since the factory spare is compact, I wouldn't recommend using it under load (stability problems), but a full size that might fit. I also wouldn't recommend riding with gasoline in the car even with the windows down because the fumes are intoxicating.

I like the spare in the trunk, a heck of a lot better then laying down in the slop in 10 degree weather to lower a tire thats covered in muck.

This crossover is very unimpressive.

It's a Honda pilot with the back chopped off. This was the worst selling vehicle for years- they sold 3-8% compared to their target competitor models (that were actual small pickups).

There is no market for this vehicle and it will be discontinued once again, like every other car/SUV that comes with a "bed" option.

Some people might like driving around with full gas cans inside their vehicle--either they get high on the fumes or they have death wish. Seriously I like this truck and if I were in the market to buy another truck now I would look at this truck along with the Colorado/Canyon. Honda makes quality products and I have been satisfied with the Accord my wife had for 17 years and the CRV she now has. I also have a Honda Harmony lawnmower with the xenoy deck and others lawn equipment with Honda engines. Overall I have been very satisfied with Honda products.

@Liam

Young man, the reason we don't have gas cans in the cab is FIRE. Gasoline does not require much more than a spark to ignite the whole can and everybody in the whole damn car dies.

Re: spare tire in the cab. You don't want a mounted spare bouncing around in the cab if there's a little excitement. It can take your head clean off.

If you are really concerned about the location of the spare tire then just take the spare out and carry a portable air compressor and a can of Fix-a-Flat. Think of the extra weight you are saving and you will be a head of all the truck owners in that you be the first. Eventually trucks will not have spare tires to save on weight and space. I am not an advocate of not having a spare tire but that seems to be where the manufacturers are headed--first take it away from cars and then eventually trucks. Look at the full size spare replaced by the compact spare and the side window vents eventually being eliminated. Another example of this is the grease fittings were first eliminated on cars years ago and now on trucks.

From my anecdotal observations most pickups run around empty with just a driver. At most they might carry very little in the back when actually doing something.

So, what's the problem? You gotta be purely simple to think you need to remove the tire from it's normal position. Add to that the probability of a flat and I'd bet with a little common sense you will leave the tire where it is and not ever touch it over the life of a vehicle.

Wow, I've never seen a truck site full of car people making comments or most are just kiddies.

To the five foot lumber comment, WTF? Real mature dialogue.

While we are on the topic of transporting flammable liquids, here are a couple of safety tips:

1. Don't have any type of aerosol can laying around inside the passengers compartment. If one ever ruptured either from heat or impact, it would do some serious harm to the occupants.

2. When you are re filling a jerry can with gasoline, always do so with the can on the curb and not in the back of your truck. Re filling the can on the curb allows static electricity to dissipate.

@WildWilly--I did use my compact spare tire once on my S-10 for about a month while I was waiting for a new tire on back order and once on my 85 Mitsubishi Mighty Max but that was it on my trucks. I have used the spare tire on my cars a few times. I would say I have used the spare 4 times in 20 years which is not much but I was glad to have one. Many of the new cars only come with a portable compressor and Fix-a-Flat but then a lot of younger people never learned to change a tire and would have to call road side assistance to have a tire change.

I have a 2009 Ridgeline. I have driven in town, on the highway, and across miles of rough Colorado pasture land. It is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, and at age 74 I have owned a bunch. It rides like a large sedan, smooth, quiet and comfortable. I've made many trips to Colorado on prairie dog hunts pulling a trailer across the cow pastures through all kinds of cactus. I've never had a flat or been stuck, and I still have NO rattles. I've ridden across those same pastures in a Ford pickup and it would beat you to death at the same speeds I can drive. I can haul 4x8 sheets of plywood flat with the tailgate down. Sure 12' lumber would be a problem, but I don't need to do that. I have a friend with a Ford F-150 and another with a Chevy 1500, and both readily admit my Ridgeline has a much superior ride and is more comfortable. What can I say, if I ever wear this one out I will buy another one.

Don't need to say anything else. My wife had a 77 Accord CVCC hatchback with 5 speed manual for 17 years (bought new). Great car and would get 40 mpgs. We have a 2013 CRV for 3 years and it has been excellent.

I'm on my 18th beer tonight and this truck still looks like a wimp

Nice commercial. I like it. Not sure if I'm sold on the new Ridgeline though but would love to test drive one.

The Ridgeline is a great truck period. It's obviously not for a truck owner who is going to do serious fourwheeling, or towing, but for the vast majority of regular people who need a vehicle with incredible utility, it makes a lot of sense. I saw one on the road yesterday, and it sits very low for a truck, lower it seemed, than the previous Ridgeline. It wouldn't work for me, because we do a lot off pavement driving, but if this came in a hybrid or diesel version, I would definitely consider it as a second vehicle.

Bob if you can make it to 20, then this little truck will look real good to you. It is good!!

This will be my next truck!

I saw my first gen 2 Ridgeline last night. White paint.

The first thing that really stands out is the ride height. Very low. They must have gotten the memo about round wheelwells too.

If you needed a truck, and your daily commute was long, if you needed two rows of seats and your requirements did not include heavy towing, the Honda might fill your bill.

Just the same as with the rest of the mid-size field, if you need a truck and plan to spend north of 30k, why not just get a half ton truck?

So the worst thing anyone can say about the Ridgeline is the spare tire is in a poor location if you have. Flat when the bed is loaded? Every Honda I've owned has gotten well over 200k miles without major drive train issues. We had a Civic go for 359K and it was still running - the frame was rusting thru. Currently driving an 08 Element we bought new with 180k and never been in for any repairs - just fluids, brakes, and tires. It spent 4 years climbing mountains and is now a work vehicle.

The Ridgeline is not intended to be a 3/4 ton monster truck. I like the new design and see it competing well with Frontiers, Tacomas, Colorado/Canyons, F150s and 1500 Rams, and GMs. I have been window shopping trucks and most likely I will replace the Element with the new Ridgline in a couple of years.

Would love to love this small truck, but the bed is too short. Now with an extended and not Quad Cab, I could replace our old CR-V and our Silverado with one vehicle. I don't know about reliability on current Hondas, but our old vehicle is going strong at nearly 130K and 12 years of hard service.

Still, looks like I'll keep waiting for the right small work/farm truck.

The G2 is my third Ridgeline. This truck does what it was designed to do. The other two had many miles of trouble free driving and i expect this to do the same. So far, I am very impressed!

I own an 06 Ridgeline with 157k miles. I've owned a Ford, Chevy, and Dodge in the past. The Ridgeline has been a great little pickup. I think the new one will do just fine. Some observations:
1. Spare tire: After owning a RL I can say this is not an issue forme.
2. Bed: The new one is 5'4". Bigger than the 5' beds other midsize sedan have. (I know others have a 6' option but this is only 2" shorter than the short beds in full size Crewcabs.
My only problem is bed wall height. I have a bakflip tonneau on my 06 and there is a lot of volume up near the cab where is walls are higher. It's 18" at the tailgate. Goofy looking, but practical. The new one is only 17" or 18" all around.
3. Still No built in lock on the tailgate. I put my own in.
4. I liked the gear shifter on the column and the open space on the floor in front of the console. Can't get that in the new one.
5. I like the big knobs buttons and easy to use nav system of the 1st generation. New one is mostly touch screen.
6. AWD system still looks good. You have to pull a fuse to disable the traction control from activating when tires are deflated below 18psi. (For sandy beach driving) Looks like the terrain selection switch fixed that.
7. No off road/trail version still? Honda's dropping the ball here. Look at all the mods on the ridgeline owners.com websites. And the Baja racer RL's.
8. Reliability: Bulletproof. Only problem with sales is that it will take 5-10 more years for me to justify getting rid of my 06.

I think the RL will probably do pretty well against the other midsizes out there. It's not a hard core off roarer and has moderate towing capability but beyond that I think a lot of people would enjoy having this pickup.

#2 above... Midsize pickups, not sedans. Autocorrect took over.

Its the open backed car that's PERFECT for 90+% of those driving, considering, buying, wasting their money on midsized pretend trucks.

This new Honda Ridgeline is nice. So is the refreshed Toyota Tacoma 3.6. I want to buy either of them. But the problem is my 2005 Dodge Dakota 4.7 V8 has been lasting so long. At this low price gasoline, the so called "low MPG" is not too bad though! My last two Ford Ranger were so great too. The current Chevrolet Colorado is wonderful.

The Ridgeline is a truck that would be the vehicle for the vast majority of truck people. This is not a heavy duty everyday work towing truck or a heavy hauler. It is not your off-road play around rock crawling truck. This is a driving truck like many use their so called real trucks for like F-150 off-road package that have never seen any off-road use. They just ride around on the street and highway like sedan.
Ridgeline is a light duty pick-up truck that offers utility/versatility smooth comfortable ride. It wont wiggle and jiggle and give you a rough bouncy ride like other pickup trucks.
So for highway traveling or commuting this is what you want to be in. It has superior driving dynamics thanks to it's Honda Pilot Acura MDX traits. In case some did not know the MDX & Pilot are built on the 2nd Gen Ridgeline platform not the Ridgeline was built on a Pilot platform the platform was designed for the Ridgeline Truck.
I just love the Pilot with a bed comments. It's strengthen a bit more than Pilot for pickup truck use but many reviews say the ride & handling is even better then lumbering Pilot. Nimble like CRV with extra length they are describing.

People keep harping on the spare tire location this was for 1st Gen Ridgeline and again brought up for 2nd Gen.
People must be getting a bunch of flat tires for this to be an issue.
The donut is located on a sliding tray inside in-bed trunk underneath truck bed. If your hauling something that is heavy and you think you can not unload or reshuffle stuff around to get to spare remove it before loading bed.
This has gotta be something heavy if someone is that worried.
There is a secondary mounting location for spare on back of rear window bed wall for 2nd Gen. The 1st Gen secondary location is to the side of bed. I said in previous answer for 1st Gen if this location did not work move inside with part of 60/40 rear seat folded up. I doubt anyone would be carrying 3 rear passenger hauling something temporally in the bed. Example would you take yourself and 4 passengers to Home Depot errand to haul a bunch of mulch. If need to move spare inside from secondary mounting put blanket or tarp over it suggestion.

Basically it is very similar to the Holden Commodore Ute, but unlike the heavier Ford Falcon Ute in capabilities.
Early Holden Commodore with a v6, other versions various V8's
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0nyiCabfW3w