Boy, you folks form opinions from the gut, not the head. The Ridgeline
is, and never was, intended to go up against trucks such as the
Silverado, Ram and the kind of "cowboy" pick'em up trucks you are
comparing it with (and I know about those trucks as I live in the Texas
country side and have owned a couple in the past).

If you want to haul your cattle trailer to market or work the oil fields
this is not the truck for you - there are many out there that will do
that kind of work. But if you want to tow your new, fancy Ranger Bass
Boat to the lake now and then or make a stop at the lumber yard and
nursery in style and comfort, this is the vehicle for you. And therein
lies the target driver as Honda wanted to be innovated and different -
something they always have done very well. Do you really think Honda
would enter the truck market with a vehicle like eveyone else already
has? If so, become educated - that is not how Honda does things (thank
God!).

I agree that it does have characteristics of the Pilot frame and the
engine is not new, although it has been retooled as to torque for
hauling (up to 5000 pounds which is in line for the people Honda
targeted). And those that say it looks ugly, well, beauty is in the eye
of the beholder and I can not address that. I've owned mine since May
and I have had more compliments and smiles than I can count, far more
than the Dodge I traded in for it.

The Ridgeline is unique and is indeed more than a truck, much, much
more, and perhaps, as someone put it, "transporter" would be a better
title. But it had to be classified somehow and "truck" was considered
more appropriate, despite the innovations that far surpass any truck
that has ever been made before. So appropriate in fact that it was
voted by several respected motor publications here and in Canada as
"Truck of the Year". Yes, you heard it right but for those that still
can't believe it or think they know more than the professional critics
who make a living driving and comparing trucks and autos, I will say it
again - "TRUCK of the Year".

MARTY