2012 Honda Ridgeline G1 Real World Review | Real People Not Actors

[@JUMBOBANANA2]

Been wanting one ever since they came out with it. Finally at 63 I just got a 2009 98,000 miles, in really good cond. I am so in love with it . Sometimes I just go sit in it cause I love it so much. Haven't done 4 wheeling in don't plan onto but than who knows.

[@mudbrats]

Cindy Zimmerman hahaha - thats awesome! congrats! its a workhorse

[@vrod1a]

I have been driving my Ridgeline since July 2005, (170000kms) I tow my boat all over, tows better than my previously 4.3Lt Chevy, best vehicle I have ever owned and driven in Canadian winter, more than enough power for what I need, still drives like a dream, besides regular maintenance the cost of repairs is less than $600 in almost 16 years, Wife says maybe time to get yourself a new vehicle, I said “why ?” It’s long paid for and I still love driving it.

[@mudbrats]

Oh for sure!

[@tonyhunter3777]

I also have had one for 16 years and wife 2 years ago you need a new truck so I got a newer Gen 1 and modified is some 😂

[@Owennevulis]

Great Review! It’s nice to finally see a real person review on this truck not hearing anybody putting this down as “Not a truck”. I’ve been very hesitant to pick one up after owning a 06’ Pilot for some time, but after test driving a 14’ Special Edition I think you’ve sold me. Cheers!

[@mudbrats]

Glad I could help. The only real pet peeve I have is the size of the gas tank. It was too small on the 2012, too small on the 2017 and our 2018 CRV is horrible. It seems you always have to stop and get gas. Other than that - the ridgeline is a GREAT Truck

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

Great review. My 2006 Ridgeline just turned 242K miles today and runs perfect.

[@mudbrats]

Nice! And I bet it still has a lot of life left in it,

[@davedave6215]

Change the timing belt yet???

[@mudbrats]

@@davedave6215 no i traded it on a 2017 before it got to that point

[@vallasjo8003]

Mine just hit 69,000..... lol

[@michaelpaparelli3227]

Great review. Have an 08 RTL .165k miles ,runs great. My friends have Tacoma's, fords,chevys,they would break my balls until I would let them drive it. Keep the fluids clean and use genuine HONDA parts and this vehicle will love you up to 300k.

[@mudbrats]

easy and more

[@TrueBeingRealization]

Have you ever had a valve adjustment on your ridgeline?

[@justgoman8172]

I've been doing a lot of research and this video has sold me on the RL and I still have yet to test drive one. Thank you, kindly.

[@mudbrats]

You're welcome. Also see if you can rest drive the second gen 2017 ridgeline. I have a review on it as well.

[@rconn4501]

Hopefully, your enjoying a RL by now. If not, follow your heart. You'll love it!

[@m.tedblevins601]

Great video. I just picked up a 2013 RTL White (like yours). 1-owner with all records. Flawless interior and very well maintained exterior. 127k miles. Drives and runs like new and I love it. Already get a lot of compliments. Like it far more than the G2 Ridgelines.

[@mudbrats]

Congrats! Great Trucks!

[@m1cajah]

I had the same radio issue with my 07 RTL. It's because the radio antenna is actually mounted horizontally behind the bed light at the center top of the cab. Horizontal = bad AM/FM pickup. I've seen people (I think on KZbin, but maybe elsewhere) just disconnect that radio antenna and mount a vertical/shark fin one on the roof - or through the front top quarter panel - both would work, but it does involve drilling a hole. Had to get rid of my RTL because I blew the radiator which also happens to cool the transmission - and when that goes you can seriously hose your transmission. There's a valve at the bottom of the radiator that isn't brass from the manufacturer and mine rusted through and burst; seriously folks, replace your radiator with one that has the brass valve so you don't have to go through what I did. I think the radiator with installation was under $350 (US). Fortunately it was only about 300 yards to my house when it went. Got it towed, but it never ran right after - always seemed to hesitate.

[@TheKingkingg]

Awesome review, I still have and love our 2009 ridgeline And new black edition.

[@brettb86]

Just bought my 2012 RTL. I say about 45% because of this video

[@mudbrats]

nice i love hearing that! enjoy your ridgeline!

[@azandy77]

Great video about the RL. I couldn't agree with you more about everything you mentioned. I've even taken my RL in the sand on the beach and on the rugged dirt hiking trails here in AZ. No issues the RL couldn't take on. Overall a perfect truck!

[@mudbrats]

Thank-you for watching and the compliment!

[@vincentwarren462]

Great video, this made me feel even better after I bought my ridgeline.

[@mudbrats]

Glad it helped.

[@sasquatch-7416]

Me too

[@lionelezequiel7570]

You prolly dont care but does someone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I was dumb lost the account password. I love any tricks you can offer me

[@grahamrothphotography]

Great video, I'm buying a 2013 Sport (looks just like yours) tomorrow. Going from an 05 CRV, and can't wait for the V6

[@mudbrats]

Excellent - Enjoy it!

[@abel3619]

Did you ever get it?

[@grahamrothphotography]

@@abel3619 yeah I did! I love it, put on a black roof rack few weeks back.

[@abel3619]

Graham Roth yeah just wanted to know if you encountered any problems yet.

[@grahamrothphotography]

@@abel3619 oh ya, no zero issues, except when starting it when it's below -20C ill have lots of dash warning lights on, but that's expected with really cold weather haha

[@dgriffin6074]

I agree with most of your conclusions. The Gen 1 RLs are underpowered so the engine consumes more fuel to compensate. I average 12.5-13.5 MPG (bed unloaded and no towing). FYI the pulleys that retract the seat legs are plastic and eventually break; although the dealer may charge $400 to replace them, you can purchase the pair for less than $30 and DIY in less than an hour. Unlike Honda's usual logical switch layout, there are 2 switches below the dashboard on the left (one is the CC button) which are VERY inconvenient and, can be a safety concern (taking your eyes off the road). This positioning struck me as weird as just below the radio are two "blanking plates" available for additional switches. The fabric seats are stained easily so first priority should be to Scotchgard them.

[@mudbrats]

great additions to this post!!!

[@hamms5560]

Excellent review

[@mudbrats]

Thankyou!

[@2010eab]

Best truck ever! Have a 2010.

[@mudbrats]

❤️

[@brianpereira807]

good video! im in process of saving for a gen1 somewhere in the 11' to '13 year

[@mudbrats]

brian pereira you cant go wrong with the ridgeline!

[@panamacz98]

Nice vid

[@dirtybandit102]

Own 08...love it...but you right about radio reception...sucks

[@robre6840]

thought the 09-14 has stock 14 v plug in the console or just RTLS. the radio reception for me not an issue replaced the crap stock speakers one was blown put in some aftermarkets and kept the stock setup for the subwoofer and have the aux port for output and sounds pretty dam good for semi stock setup. ez trucks to work on and really dont need much highly recommended

[@mudbrats]

thanks for adding the info!

[@kmor3505]

Used to have a 2017 Toyota Tacoma and I’d rather drive my winter beater 2007 260k Ridgeline than the Taco. Drives like an suv, fits 4 passengers comfortably. Fits many stuff in the trunk cause of the no wheel thing and the hidden compartment. Almost love it as much as my Raptor, probably fits more than my raptor. Lol I used to think these are girly trucks until I got it hahah

[@mudbrats]

Yeah the interior space is huge and you know what, it may not have been as big as my Dodge Ram 1500 but I think it packed way better = more useful space on the ridgeline

[@kmor3505]

@@mudbrats yeah, honestly! I’m in restaurant and real estate industry so Ridgeline fits a lot more in the trunk due to the way it’s made! I just wish it was a little more aerodynamic, It’s shaped like a bus!

[@j.gerardochiang3537]

Hello Thanks for the video, I was struck by your comment about the capacity of the gasoline tank, my question Is it possible to change the gasoline tank with a larger capacity?

[@mudbrats]

J. Gerardo Chiang not that I am aware of. Let me know if you come across anything

[@fctryoffetsh39]

Good review,how many mikes and have you had to replace the timing chain,I had a silverado for 11 years and no chain problem

[@mudbrats]

I did not keep it long enough.

[@fctryoffetsh39]

@@mudbrats ok how many miles did you drive

[@BannedPhotoshop]

you're supposed to replace the timing belt at 100,000 miles, but many people like myself are at 140k miles with no issues@@fctryoffetsh39

[@InsaneMopar]

great video! I traded my 09 ram 1500 in for my 13 ridgeline touring last year and I haven't been happier. it does everything I need it to plus more. I always thought the sports came with the 120v inverter in them but I guess not. my touring has the inverter in the center console but its tricky to use. I'm also from Ontario too up in the Sudbury district.

[@mudbrats]

Great to hear from the nickle belt! Yes the Sport was just the base model with blacked out rims, grill, and colour matched dorr handles and inside leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob and I think that is it. No backup camera or 120V outlet. My 2017 EX-L ridgeline doesnt have the 120V outlet either :-(

[@GreenMountain565]

Man after driving 1 ton diesels for years Im going to get a 1st get Ridgeline. Im looking at 2012-2014, I like the look of the Sport model but Ill probably go with a RTL because I want the leather seats because of my dogs. Ive been pricing these and they are crazy expensive, they really hold their resale value! Good video and now I need to go find mine

[@mudbrats]

great truck, you will love it.

[@mudbrats]

however, if you can swing the extra $$ have a look at the 2017 ans newer Gen2 - much quieter, way better fuel mileage, and better creature comforts

[@GreenMountain565]

Mud Brats TV I did actually check out the Gen 2 but in all honesty I still prefer the Gen 1. 1)I like the way the Gen 1 looks more, the styling especially the front of the Gen 2 is a deal breaker for me 2). The Gen 1 felt like it is roomier inside especially in the front seats. The Gen 2 felt cramped to me. 3) The Gen 2 def seems to have more pep to it but the fact that it doesn’t tow anymore than the Gen 1 is kind of weird to me. 4. The biggest reason I’m going with the Gen 1 is that I’m looking for more of an actual truck. I like that the Gen 1 has a column shifter and big door handles. The Gen 2 feels more like a luxury vehicle than a truck. After driving my wife’s Subaru Outback I HATE all the safety stuff- lane keep assist, push start etc- it’s always beeping at me about something or another. So sorry for the rant(and great review) of the Gen 1, I really like these real world reviews so you can actually see how a vehicle performs by real owners doing real things with them.

[@mudbrats]

@@GreenMountain565 You are on the right track then... Sounds like you have done your homework

[@adrianmendoza3581]

Love my honda ridgeline got my 2013 for 17k cash with 60000miles not sure if I over payed??

[@mudbrats]

That seems fair to me.... Its a great truck!

[@cameronbatt873]

I may be getting a 2008 from my great uncle who recently passed away. Not sure of the exact km’s but I believe it’s got over 200,000 km’s of Alberta driving. He took immaculate care of it, do you think it would be a worthwhile vehicle to own? My wife is nervous about higher km verhicles

[@mudbrats]

yeah i think they are good for 300-400k if they are well cared for

[@thatamericansailor6078]

I'm thinking about getting this after owning my Rav4 almost a year now. As it's a 2005 Rav4 S, I just need something more utilitarian and I'm on a High School budget so I can find these for around $8,000-$10,000 especially the older models like 2009 or so. Which I'm considering for next year as a 2nd vehicle and give the Rav4 to my Mom to replace her Taurus that's last us a good long time but is now having issues 185,000+ miles on it no joke. Like you said it does everything most people need and then some haha. Gas mileage is decent since my car gets about the same lol. So no worries there on it. Thanks for the honest review!

[@thatamericansailor6078]

Also when I do get it, (If it doesn't have good all-terrain tires. I'll defiantly put some on). More than likely I'll no doubt put in a better head unit with a better speaker system along with re-mounting the antenna as I didn't know about that and thanks for telling us! ;) I've also been considering a truck cap for it and some roof rails maybe so idk just yet. But that's all I plan on doing really.

[@thatamericansailor6078]

AND I'll no doubt make sure it's the AWD version to get the maximum towing capacity out of it.

[@sheffrudytke1086]

Update I have a 2010 rav 4. 135,000. I want to get a ridgeline and keep my rav 4 as a backup

[@jaymontange8260]

Imperial gallons are larger than U.S. gallons. It gets worse mpg when it’s very cold. What was your experience in the cold for mpg. L. For 100 km

[@mudbrats]

I really cant rememeber. I dont think it changed that drastically unless I was towing in the winter.

[@jaymontange8260]

Mud Brats ADV I loved mine paid $22.5K drove it 4 years 53Kmi. Traded it and got $18.5 . It was second trim level 2008 cloth interior and dark painted wheels factory hitch standard. 2018 King Ranch all the bells and whistles different level for a Texas life.

[@corvo9406]

With the radio I’ve noticed a lot of people buying and installing a new radio in a lot of there ridgeline cuz I’m looking at buying a 2007 righeline and I’m gonna definitely gonna have to buy a new radio cuz I need a aux or Bluetooth option in a radio

[@mudbrats]

Yes, get Bluetooth and Apple or Android CarPlay in the Aftermarket if you can. That would be perfect for travel! Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.

[@TornikeJashia]

2007 RTL has aux in by default

[@mudbrats]

@@TornikeJashia Yes there is an Aux in... Not as user friendly as a bluetooth setup.

[@BannedPhotoshop]

Only the First Gen Ridgelines with navigation have the aux-in ability...I have a a 2010 RTL with the normal radio and it doesn't have one...And what sucks is if you put a new head unit in, you lose the subwoofer behind the back seat @@TornikeJashia

[@BG-fn6eb]

What do y'all think about an 06 with 280k miles?

[@mudbrats]

likely a good truck if the price is right and its been looked after

[@JB50713]

I get 15l/100km in the city in an 09. Thought it would be better but love the truck though.

[@mudbrats]

yeah that sounds about right - great truck tho i agree. Imagine it in Electric ❤️.

[@taylorfriberg3620]

Nice review. Thanks

[@mudbrats]

Thank-you!

[@mikekosar6135]

It does everything well... Sounds like a honda 👍👍

[@mudbrats]

😎

[@WACONimages]

Underpowered probably for towing ect. Most V8's + diesel engines are low rpm engines. Honda VTEC engines love high! rpm's. But something you have to get use too. But the handle high rpm's so well! Once use to that they drive very smooth

[@mudbrats]

yeah the ridge tows but screams and gets terrible range/fuel milage. does everything else well. i found my 2017 better but nothing compares to the ram eco diesel

[@arthursmith643]

My neighbor has over 750,000 miles on his 07 Ridgeline.

[@mudbrats]

Wowza that’s great! Is it rusted bad?

[@Kawboy13]

I enjoyed your review! I've been thinking about getting a Ridgeline for some time now. I have a question. When not using 4 wheel drive, just normal driving, is it powered by Front wheel drive or Rear?

[@garychambers5930]

Mark Treadway it's all wheel with the front doing most of the pulling

[@Latarian_HoodRat]

70% front 30% rear

[@kmor3505]

Last time I checked The rear only engages when the system detects slippage.

[@omarcaban9917]

Mud brats great review love my g1 RL !! you traded for the g2 RL if so congrats👌

[@mudbrats]

Thanks! 👍

[@davedave6215]

I have an 06 and have had two electrical problems with a/c but other than that 130000 an running great.

[@mudbrats]

Great trucks!

[@guyh.4553]

Fun Button? Like that! Essentially 20 mpg? That's pretty good! That's what my S-10 gets. 600 km/378 mistake per fill up, again, very good! The Ridgeline is designed for "city people" or those that only need a PU every now and again. My question to you is would you prefer a more "aggressive" or PU/SUV like tire rather than what is stock? Been thinking about one of these. You're giving a REAL LIFE review. You be changed my views about it. Especially hauling equipment and gear. Thanks!

[@mudbrats]

I constantly think about tires. I now have a 2017 EX-L or I think in the US they are called RT-L. My issue is that The all-season traction is sooooo good I dont need more traction. It would purely be for looks and face it - Its a ridgeline. haha I wouldnt want to put taller tires on them and kill the fuel economy. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@marclebrun641]

does your phone mount on the vent, it seems very sturdy. what brand?

[@mudbrats]

Marc Lebrun good eye - yes its a push in vent mount i just bought at a discount electonics store like sayal or aaa electronics (mississauga) or amazon Universal Portable Adjustable 360 Degrees Rotatable Cradle Cell Phone GPS In Car Air Vent Mount Holder Cradle Bracket Black www.amazon.ca/dp/B075YRFPPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PT3IAbEJR0T22

[@polarapx]

informative and helpful

[@marclebrun641]

great vid, the radio antenna is under the plastic section above the third brake light, the panel is plastic

[@mudbrats]

Marc Lebrun thank-you!! wherever it is, it wasnt very good on mine

[@Latarian_HoodRat]

The best thing is, no young punks like these, so mostly old folks around 50 years old buy them. They have the money to maintain them, they don't drive the hell out of them, and they take VERY good care of them. Can't say the same for the other trunks. I got a 2013 Touring from an old lady who put 45,000 kms on it, always maintained it, and it looked like NEW when I bought it. She also spec'ed it out with a toneau cover, running boards, all weather mats, all weather tires, and hood deflector. MOST of the ones I see on the lot are in VERY good condition, even with 180,000 kms on them. They still go for a very high price. They last about 2 weeks or less on the lot. I love mine.

[@mudbrats]

i found mine did not hold its value, but it was a fairly new concept at that time. Now small trucks are firly common and ugly (maverick) so the ridgeline should rise to the top in the used market

[@Shepherdservices317]

Lol radio? Is this 1995?

[@mudbrats]

Terrestrial Radio Rocks 🤘

[@BannedPhotoshop]

are you 16 years old or something?

[@The_Duggler25]

12kpl? thats pretty bad when i get that in my 03 Denali quadrasteer awd with the 6.0L when i drive it nice. Even at normal driving i average 14. Thats prettt sad that its nearly the same as my truck.

[@mudbrats]

I agree... There are a lot of V8 including the F-150 with the 5.0L V8 that will get better mileage than this, and better RANGE as they have a larger gas tank. If you seen the other videos on my channel, you will see I went to the 2017 Ridgeline and now I am in a 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Outdoorsman EcoDiesel and I love it. Great mileage, great towing and great range. I just hope its a good one as 6% of the EcoDiesels have major engine failures

[@The_Duggler25]

@@mudbrats my buddy has a 2015 f150 and his tank isnt to much bigger then mine and if he drives it right he can get 1100km. Even though mine may be older still love it. Surprisingly my quadrasteer still works as a dream to drive in the city or pull trailers, 10,000lbs tow rating. Still the perfect truck. Hopefully you have no issues with eco diesel

[@stevenmanson8024]

We went from a 2000 Durango to a 2009 Ridgeline.....trust me the Ridgeline is a Geo Metro in comparison. My Durango average was 11.9 mpg. Usually got 15-16 on the highway IF IF IF I stayed on level ground

[@mudbrats]

yeah cant compare a full frame durango with a unibody honda

[@MTFISHER]

**He says Truck** **Everyone who hates the Ridgeline gets triggered** Me: Say It Again!

[@mudbrats]

hahaha yep…. its definitely a TRUCK!

[@cbcsucks2205]

I have a 2010. It gets better mileage at 120kph than 100kph

[@mudbrats]

That’s good to know... that about where this was driven on the highway or 125

[@drahdown]

I was gonna like and subscribe but you have 66 likes 6 dislikes and 666 subs right now...

[@mudbrats]

drahdown haha - best comment so far!! haha thats bound to happen eventually. wait another sub and the evil to pass.

[@kuro3864]

I swear you have like an Irish accent in a way.

[@mudbrats]

haha - yeah i heard that before - thank-you!

[@petesspspsps]

It's no Silverado. But good review. The RL is a nice tweener truck for anyone that can't handle the real thing.

[@mudbrats]

+Pete S silverado is a totally different category - your comparing a full size pickup to a compact... its like saying the Honda Civic is no Cadillac STS ... stupid to even try to make a comparison

[@i23intheplace2b]

yes... very stupid. it's like comparing the Ford Ranger to the F150... except the Rdigeline is no Ranger and possibly what most f150 owners actually want.

[@MrRF007]

Buy “the real thing” you probably mean spending 4000 a year on repairs on the GM.

[@dannycrews2665]

I thought about getting a Silverado but for what I need the Ridgeline is perfect. Also owning a Tahoe the repair bills every time you go in for routine maintenance are too much for me especially when I take good care of my vehicles. The real thing are those maintenance/repair costs.