The 2009 Honda Ridgeline RTL - an AutoWeek Performance Review - AutoWeek
COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO: I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed driving this truck, especially since I'm not a fan of big trucks--and because the look of this Ridgeline makes me think of a dog. Yes, the shape of the cab and the odd roofline that leads into the bed made me think of Clifford the Big Red Dog. I liked the power and the heavy feel, which made me feel safe despite the rollover warning on my visor. I also liked that there was lots of room in the front and rear seats. It's like a low-tech/high-tech split personality, and I didn't like it. But I loved how quickly the defrosters worked, and the heated seats were great. SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: It's hard to argue with the simple practicality of the Ridgeline, which only seems to get better and smarter with age. On the other hand, the trucks that fit this segment are few and are either smaller, like the Toyota Tacoma, or much bigger and heavier, like the Chevrolet Avalanche. If you want the compromise vehicle, and you're willing to compromise on load and towing to get it, the Ridgeline remains a singular value. EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: Just a night in this made me miss our long-departed Ridgeline. Source: autoweek.com
