Honda Ridgeline

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Honda Ridgeline

Manufacturer:	Honda
Production:	2006—present
Class:	Mid-size pickup truck
Engine:	3.5 L 247 hp V6
Transmission:	5-Speed Automatic Overdrive
Wheelbase:	122.00 in.
Length:	206.80 in.
Width:	77.80 in.
Height:	70.30 in.
Fuel capacity:	22 gal.
Related:	Acura MDX Acura TL Honda Pilot Honda Accord Honda Odyssey
Similar:	Chevrolet Avalanche Dodge Dakota Nissan Frontier Toyota Tacoma

The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup truck produced by the Japanese automaker Honda. The Ridgeline is Honda's first foray into the North American pickup truck market. The Ridgeline is built in Alliston, Ontario, Canada alongside the Honda Pilot and Acura MDX, and was released in March 2005 as a 2006 model.

1 Unibody architecture
2 Equipment
3 Specifications
4 External links

[edit] Unibody architecture

Controversially, amongst truck purists, is its use of a unique industry first ladder frame / unibody hybrid chassis. According to Honda, this design gives it 2.5 times more bending rigidity and 20% more torsional rigidity than the standard ladder frame only type of chassis construction, while retaining the load carrying capacity of the traditional ladder frame. This design combined with the Ridgelines' four-wheel independent suspension creates enough space for Honda to create the first pickup truck to include a storage trunk below the bed. To aid access to the trunk, the Ridgeline features a dual hinged tailgate, which in addition to opening conventionally can also be swung to the side. The bed is integrated with the body, similar to the Chevrolet Avalanche. It is rated with a 5000 lb towing capacity and a 1100 lb bed capacity.

Many truck purists claim that due to the use of unibody construction and independent suspension the Ridgeline is not a "real" truck. Honda countered this by saying that as a result of market research they concluded that a truck with robust yet medium-duty off-road capability was most consistent with the needs of the customer.

[edit] Equipment

Anti-lock brakes, heated windshield, four wheel drive locking mode, and VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) with off switch (for off- road use), and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment. The Ridgeline also has a large rear seat with the ability to fold-up creating a floor to ceiling cargo space. Four trim levels are available: basic RT, RTX, sport RTS and premium RTL (with optional moonroof or moonroof and GPS Navigation).

The RTX, to be introduced with the 2007 model, adds gray-painted alloy wheels, an alternate grill, body-colored door handles, and factory tow package. The RTS offers different upholstery material and adds a 6-CD changer, subwoofer, body-colored mirrors, silver-painted alloy wheels, and an efficient climate control system. The RTL adds leather trimmed upholstery, and for the 2007 model year, a moonroof and XM radio are standard on the RTL.

[edit] Specifications

The Ridgeline is powered by a J35A91 3.5 L V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission. The real-time all-wheel drive system operates in front-wheel drive mode under normal conditions and automatically transfers power to either rear wheel via a locking differential when it senses a loss of traction in the front.