Honda Ridgeline shamed by more efficient full-size Chevy pickup

[Cobb]

The ima system rolls back its assiat and regen as it warms up to nonexistent. Id rather it cuts out vs runs til thermal exhausting. The powers that be on the insight forum found the ima system cooks itself as it gets hotter than it can cool itself.

In that case, maybe it could be automatic. Like how some vehicles quit using over drive when the going gets tough. Ive also see these vehicles with a button on the end of the shifter to shift to a tow mode.

Lighting? Id rather have a 454ss.

[Vman455]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

Speaking of useless trucks, I actually went with a friend back in 2002 when he purchased a new Ford Lightning. He said yes to every option, including gap insurance and extended warranty; did no bargaining.

Here's a refresher of what useless looks like

I'm going to threadjack here--since you brought up useless trucks. This was my old ride:



It was a blast to autocross (that counts as use, right?), but I never did haul much of anything in it. At least it had a manual, unlike the Lightning.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Vman455

I'm going to threadjack here--since you brought up useless trucks. This was my old ride:



It was a blast to autocross (that counts as use, right?), but I never did haul much of anything in it. At least it had a manual, unlike the Lightning.

I have never understood the appeal of taking something that is normally slow, and at great expense making it fast. I can understand taking something that is fast and making it faster, or something that hauls a large load, and making it haul an even larger load; but trying to achieve the opposite strength of the vehicle seems weird.

That said, I had quite a few smiles riding and driving in that Ford Lightning. If he'd have paid as much as he did on that truck instead on a fast car, perhaps we'd be dead.

...and autocross I completely understand.

[War_Wagon]

Lol at the Lightning. There's a Ford dealer here that is known for being the one that you go to if you want to buy an SVT product as they have the best selection and techs. They used to keep crate motors for those things in the back as they used some sort of powdered metal connecting rods. You have your new supercharged Lightning, and some money in your pocket, what's the first thing you do? Ramp up the boost on the supercharger of course! Guess what doesn't like that? Powdered metal connecting rods! That truck was a terrible idea. Same with the Rumble Bee Dodge or the Viper truck Dodge. At least the Silverado SS makes sense in that it is AWD so it can at least get some traction.

And yes the Ridgeline is rated for 5000 pounds towing. My issue with it is towing with an automatic FWD is way harder on the drivetrain than with a RWD setup. It's fine once in a while, but if towing was something you did regularly then FWD would not be my first choice.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I have never understood the appeal of taking something that is normally slow, and at great expense making it fast. I can understand taking something that is fast and making it faster, or something that hauls a large load, and making it haul an even larger load; but trying to achieve the opposite strength of the vehicle seems weird.

Exactly! I want a truck to haul loads - firewood, hay, rocks - and travel on rough roads. If it's got enough speed/power not to obstruct traffic on the paved roads, that's fine.

Now if I really wanted to do autocross, I'd buy a Miata, Lotus, or something of the sort.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

After all the Ridgeline vs. El Camino stuff, focusing back on what matters: if the Chevy full-size fitted with a V8 still fared better than the Ridgeline in the MPG, it makes me wonder how a V6 would do, considering that it would have less internal frictions and being slightly lighter. A manual transmission would be also cool...

Friend John Gilkison has just purchased a 2014 Ford F-150,crew cab,with 6.5-ft bed,5,700-lbs,V-6,3.5-liter,turbo EcoBoost,with 6-speed auto trans.,Cd 0.404,38-sq-ft frontal area.
He's seeing 25-mpg at 55-mph.
He's made a deal with bondo for an 'Aerolid' bed cover and later,one of bondo's foldable tailgate boat tails.
John thinks he might see 28-mpg on regular unleaded gas.This would equal the RAM 1500 Diesel.
It could get better from there.Depending.
Honda's got some catching up to do,but if they ever do a 1st-gen CRX HF,or 1st-gen Insight-like pickup,the truck industry will be wallowing in their own tears.Honda has the technical chops.It's not about technological feasibility.

[niky]

That's the sad thing. The engine itself (Honda J-series V6) is good. The application, sadly, is not.

[Frank Lee]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

After all the Ridgeline vs. El Camino stuff, focusing back on what matters: if the Chevy full-size fitted with a V8 still fared better than the Ridgeline in the MPG, it makes me wonder how a V6 would do, considering that it would have less internal frictions and being slightly lighter. A manual transmission would be also cool...

You'd sure think so but a friend has a GMC V6 5m/t 1/2Ton and it gets no better mpg than the small V8s. Actually I'm doing better with my '94 F150. Anecdotal I know but that also is the word on the street. If it is better it ain't by much.

[Cobb]

I was reading the Ridgeline is being put to rest and Honda has a replacement for 2015.

If gearing is the main reason for mpg drop in a truck vs another vehicle configuration, it would seem a cvt tranny would allow a empty cruzing ratio as well as a towing ratio. Isnt that the idea behind the new 6,7,8,9 speed automatics?

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by Cobb

I was reading the Ridgeline is being put to rest and Honda has a replacement for 2015.

If gearing is the main reason for mpg drop in a truck vs another vehicle configuration, it would seem a cvt tranny would allow a empty cruzing ratio as well as a towing ratio. Isnt that the idea behind the new 6,7,8,9 speed automatics?

According to SAE,a 12-speed would have same mpg potential as the CVT.And once locked,could handle some torque.
The Chrysler/ZF 9-speed is closest so far.
Honda's new Acura is sporting an 8-speed.Perhaps a variant will make it into the new 'Ridgeline.'