| A friend recently made the comment: "You never | | | | features inventory is long and varied, and includes: |
| really look at a pickup truck and say, 'Wow! That's | | | | AM/FM/6-CD changer, MP3 player, satellite radio, |
| a good-looking vehicle.' "I'd never thought about it | | | | automatic air-conditioning, alloy wheels, map and |
| his terms, but his words rang true. His comments | | | | cargo box lights and steering wheel radio controls, |
| also made me laugh because we were discussing | | | | among numerous other equipment gadgets and |
| the Honda Ridgeline, the new compact pickup | | | | technology.Driving the Ridgeline, however, is even |
| truck.When I first noticed the truck, I immediately | | | | more impressive. In short, it drives like a car. And |
| thought, "Well, that's the first Honda I don't | | | | while Consumer Guide describes the ride as |
| like."Introduced last year at car shows and first | | | | "exemplary for a pickup," the qualification isn't |
| made available nationwide earlier this year as a | | | | necessary.With its upright, firm seats, fine steering |
| 2006 model, the Ridgeline could be categorized as | | | | and handling, expansive leg and head room, |
| the anti-pickup truck. But I didn't know that until | | | | smooth and sturdy steering and handling and quiet |
| my weekly test drive.The Ridgeline just doesn't | | | | ride, the Ridgeline simply shines.A few unique |
| look like a Honda, and it looks more futuristic than | | | | offerings, including deep, plentiful and perfectly |
| functional. But just like the Element, which didn't fit | | | | located storage compartments and trays, and a |
| the sports utility mold when it was introduced, | | | | cavernous, sliding console between the front |
| Honda's new pickup up distinguishes itself quickly | | | | seats further add to the Ridgeline's fine use of |
| and on many levels.My weekly test vehicle was | | | | space.The front backs seat rubber floormats are |
| RTL version, the top-of the-line of five options. | | | | secured with easy-to-use toggles. When not |
| Like the lower-priced RT and RTS models, the | | | | needed, the mats remove easily, revealing stylish |
| RTL features a 3.5-liter, 255-horsepower V6 with | | | | carpet.Honda uses the marketing motto: "We put |
| a 5-speed automatic transmission and | | | | everything we know into the Ridgeline. What will |
| all-wheel-drive. It's the only powertrain | | | | you put into it?"That seems like the perfect |
| available.The four-door Ridgeline also features a | | | | question. It also quickly defuses any disparaging |
| five-foot-long cargo bed. It includes independent | | | | initial comments made about the vehicle -- |
| rear suspension and a unibody construction. The | | | | whether from the public or from an unknowing |
| cargo box is made from dent-free plastic with a | | | | car review who's now been enlightened.The |
| steel-enforced floor and locking trunk bin.Standard | | | | Weekly Driver: 2006 Honda RidgelineSafety |
| throughout the line are 17-inch wheels, bucket | | | | features -- Dual front airbags (standard); front |
| seats, a 60/40 split rear bench seat, anti-lock, | | | | and side curtain airbags.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- |
| four-wheel disc brakes and a rear window with a | | | | 16 mpg (city), 21 mpg (highway).Warranty -- |
| power-sliding center section. The RTL edition also | | | | Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; |
| includes a navigation system, leather upholstery, | | | | Powertrain, 6 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 |
| heated front seats, heated power mirrors and | | | | years/unlimited miles.Base price range -- |
| universal garage door opener.The standard | | | | $27,700-$34,640. |