30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Camping In Your Truck
We've pitched a few tents in our time, and we're no strangers to camping. Still, when a 2013 Ram... Read More
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PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
an effortless and quiet cruiser
Edmunds
a smooth, quiet ride and quick steering
Car and Driver
few truck-like sensations are evident
Cars.com
As Kelley Blue Book notes, the 2008 Honda Ridgeline is designed "less for work and more with play in mind."
TheCarConnection.com finds most car reviewers like the Honda Ridgeline's 3.5-liter, 24-valve, V-6 engine. It’s rated at 247 hp and 245 pound-feet of torque. The V-6 engine of the 2008 Honda Ridgeline is quite adequate for both city and highway driving, although perhaps it falls short of a true trucklike driving experience. Edmunds says, “the V6 is smooth, with plenty of power for cruising, but lacks the low-end grunt needed for bigger hauling jobs.”
Most reviewers believe the Ridgeline falls short of the standard set by some V-8-powered competitors. "Despite ample engine output, passing power isn't quite as exuberant as expected," says Cars.com.
The standard five-speed automatic transmission helps the Ridgeline accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. ConsumerGuide reports of the Honda, 2008’s Ridgeline is "better than adequate thanks in part to a smooth, responsive transmission" and is "on par with rival compact pickups" with V-6 engines.
“Handling is relatively agile and carlike,” Edmunds says. The Ridgeline is spawned from the last-generation Honda Pilot crossover, and as a result, Edmunds adds, “the Ridgeline's four-wheel independent suspension (unique in the truck world) endows it with handling that offers un-trucklike smoothness, making it a natural fit for city streets.” Car and Driver feels that the Ridgeline “drives like a car.”
The 2008 Honda Ridgeline comes with standard four-wheel drive. However, reviewers are quick to point out Honda Ridgeline's absence of a low-range gear on rugged trails. But when the trip involves hauling lots of stuff, the Ridgeline "is an ideal road trip vehicle," says Edmunds. The Ridgeline is "tough, practical and a capable off-roader," says Car and Driver of the Honda; 2008’s can tow up to 5,000 pounds "with aplomb."
As for fuel economy, the 2008 Honda Ridgeline offers a respectable 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.
Conclusion
The 2008 Honda Ridgeline lacks V-8 power, but makes up for it with carlike performance.
