Well, it won't sing a song for you. That much we know. And it probably will not load up your plywood or shovel in your mulch. But other than that, Honda's 2005 Ridgeline will do things that trucks really ought not do.
Like have a trunk. The Ridgeline, new for 2005, uses innovation like a scalpel to carve out a niche between more robust mid-size trucks, crossovers and Subs. Honda's first truck is likely to surprise quite a few cranky truck shoppers with its features, to be sure. And depending on its success, one never knows when Honda engineers might take out a slide rule and figure out how to build a V8. Then they would be in Big Truck territory - and there would indeed be trouble in the Motor City. The truck features an independent rear suspension, which enables much of its unique features but also limits its towing capacity to 5,000 lbs. According to James Keller, chief engineer of automotive design, that amount of towing capability should be satisfactory for people likely to buy the 2005 Ridgeline.
The Ridgeline is built on a new light truck platform - the same one that will be used to produce the Acura RD-X, though Honda executive Dick Colliver claims that he Ridgeline will be 93 percent exclusive. Features of the Ridgeline include that famous trunk - located under the bed and lockable; a lift gate that also swings out as well as down, much in the manner of a door, and best in class fuel economy. The Ridgeline will be powered by Honda's 3.5-liter v-tech engine that produces 255 horsepower. The bed features completely flat surface, so large, flat items like sheets of plywood can be moved easily. The bed is made from a sturdy polymer resin. The back of the four-door truck features seats that tilt up, thus creating more cargo room inside the cab.
Priced at around $27,000 and available in March, the Ridgeline is a best buy because of its innovation, Honda roots and decent pricing. If you want an SUV but also want a trunk, this may well answer all of your needs.
--By Brian Chee
