Autoextremist on Motor Trend truck of the year

[SSlick406]

Talk amongst yourselves, I'l give you a topic...

Originally Posted by Autoextremist 12/21/2005
Motor Trend, North American Truck of the Year Judges. From the "Frankly My Dear, We Don't Give a sh¡t" File comes word that the Honda Ridgeline was named Motor Trend magazine's "Truck of the Year." It was also named one of three finalists for the North American Truck of the Year, which will be announced on the opening day of the media preview days for the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS). "The Honda Ridgeline has taken the traditional understanding of a truck and completely redefined every aspect," said Angus MacKenzie, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend in a Primedia press release. "The Ridgeline is filled with innovation and clever solutions to everyday issues. As Honda's first foray into truck models in the U.S., the Ridgeline showcases a vehicle built on intelligent technology and impressive durability. This remarkable machine encompasses all necessities a truck should have and demonstrates what Motor Trend desires when naming Truck of the Year." That's nice, but we still don't get the Ridgeline. The automotive media (except us), fell all over themselves at last January's Detroit Auto Show trying to lavish praise on what is, after all is said and done, yet another entry in "The Answer to the Question that Absolutely No One is Asking" Sweepstakes. All this "pickup truck" accomplished is to prove yet again that Honda isn't infallible - even when they put their minds to something. For every new Civic they come up with that truly deserves praise, Honda manages to come up with a Ridgeline or yet another iteration of its Ass-imo robot that doesn't. But Honda loyalists and the honored media who have their company-issued Honda Kool-Aid patches firmly attached don't have to believe us, just take a look at the market place, which is the ultimate judge of success. And it's there that the reception for the Ridgeline has been decidedly lukewarm. And that gets our award for the biggest non-surprise of the year.

Discuss....

[Jaranath]

The article seems a bit incoherent to me. What's the question "absolutely no one is asking?" I'll take the comment that Ridgeline sales have been "lukewarm" at face value, and it goes to the general implication of the original comment that the Ridgeline is a great vehicle no one wants. But obviously they have some specific ideas on what truck buyers DO want and what the Ridgeline offers (and how it misses the mark). Not being a truck expert, I kinda would like to know the answers to those last two questions.

My idle, uninformed speculation would be that they feel the Ridgeline pushes the truck market toward sophistication/luxury/comfort, and the suggestion is that trucks aren't about that, but rather about utility. If that's the case, I could see the argument (especially if sales seem to confirm it) but then, isn't it also the case that the vast majority of truck buyers pretty much don't "use" them? Hence the general morphing of the SUV market into carlike vehicles over the years? Wouldn't one expect lukewarm sales of a brand-new, foreign entry to the US truck market? Especially one with fairly unusual styling?

Not specifically out to defend Honda or the Ridgeline here, more just griping at the lack of detail in Autoextremist's comment. They've probably discussed this in more detail previously...?

[HondaSales]

I sell Hondas and our Ridgeline sales have been great and only seem to be getting better. I agree with Jaranath that it is a more comfortable luxurious truck which i think is a good thing. A lot of people dont use there trucks like a truck. That said this doesnt mean the Ridgeline is not a capable truck. It can hold 1550 pounds in the bed and tow 5000 pounds. It also has a locking differential. Infact it beats almost all the trucks in its class in towing, bed capacity and a host of saftey, performance and luxury features. Whether you like the styling or not is up to the individual. But i think its clear why Ridgeline should be and is the Motortrend truck of the year.

[Jaranath]

Personally, I like the styling a lot. That sloping upper line of the bed appeals to me. Not sure I'm too crazy about the grille, though. But whatever...not my market anyway.

[HondaSales]

I like it too, the reason i mentioned that is because a conciderable amount of people dont like it.

[ballplaya4237]

Yea no matter whther you like it or not, Honda could have done better appealing it to more people. You either love it or hate it.

[civicdude06]

I do like the styling of the ridgeline but it half truck half car (meaning short bed). A truck should be a truck, no halfway bullshit. That's just my opinion. I'm also not a fan of the Baja, Explorer Sport Trac or any other half and half Truckar.

[aznchzexr]

i'd get it to tow my civic around