True or False?

[mschrank]

OK, so if I build a big box and mount it to the tailgate of the Camry, I'll get better mileage?

[Tundra_Man]

OK, so if I build a big box and mount it to the tailgate of the Camry, I'll get better mileage?

Yes, because you'll be too embarassed to drive the thing anywhere. A tank of gas will last you near forever!

[Deadhead]

FYI - I have a Honda Accord V6 and Honda Ridgeline. Similar engines - huge fuel difference!

Dave

How do you llike that Ridgeline? I hope to have one within a year. A few weeks ago, I took one for a spin and it drove better than my Infiniti!

[ewingda]

Deadhead -

I love the Ridgeline. I have 1 complaint

1. Steering wheel is not telescoping - I 6'2" and I normally have the seat all the way back so I have to reach for the wheel

So it really is not going to bother everyone. I'm just used to my arse on the ground in the Accord V6 2DR. Just a preference.

One "shortcoming" is that the bed is only 4" long (lol - a pun!). I knew that when I bought it - and I did not buy it for the "truck" features. I bought it because:

• it seats 5 adults comfortably
• plenty of power - I do not have or intend to have a boat so the 250 HP V6 is plenty. Great acceleration for a bigger vehicle - from start and on highway.
• AWD - I live in Albany, NY, we tend to get some snow here and I spend alot of time skiing in Vermont
• a trunk - yes people, a trunk in the bed! That is watertight and has a drain plug - why? to fill with ice and make your Ridgeline a frosty beverage cooler on wheels!
• fold up seats in the back
• comfortable seating and ride - does not handle like a truck. Good frame and independent suspension.
• It has more flexibility than a SUV (i.e. Pathfinder) - cannot fit BIG things in a Pathfinder.
• It is a Honda - more reliable than any Ford or Chevy. And better in terms of resale and fit and finish (imo).
• Dual opening tailgate (down and side)
• Built in cargo tie downs
• Honda accessories/options (roof rack, side board, taneau cover, bla bla bla)
• XM/GPS system - my wife is new to the area and it helps her out alot. And it is great on road trips. The touchscreen makes using it while driving very easy.
• Built in bedliner. It is installed in pieces so if you were to break on yu could get it replaced.
• No wheel wells!
• My dog likes it - she rides in the back seat with 2 windows to look out of!

I understood the loss in mileage vs a car...but I normally drive the Accord to work and the wife drives the Ridgeline. She likes the higher ride and works from home so we keep the mileage and fuel bill down that way.

I also understood the lack of an 8 foot bed. But that is OK. I can do all of my home improvement with it - 8' sheets of plywood fit in the bed fine as there are no wheel wells. I just leave the tailgate down and use a ratchet strap to keep it from sliding out. I did have a hard time getting the 15" boxes if J channel home when I was siding my house - I had to engineer a solution - but it worked! (I'm an ENGINEER - I can do ANYTHING! LOL) So real long things are a problem. I had the rest of the siding delivered!! (I was just getting head start wrapping the windows.)

With all of that said I am very happy and I have no reservations in absolutely recommending one! If you are a contractor and plan to haul alot of building materials - you may want to go with a Ford. But for yard work, home repair and non-major woodworking it is great!

Let me kow if you would like more info.

Dave

[Deadhead]

Thanks, Dave! I really appreciate your insight.

It really helps to hear from someone who has spent some time in one (and isn't trying to make a commission).