Car Tech - 2012 Honda Ridgeline

reviews.cnet.co...
If you like your truck low tech, the Honda Ridgeline is your huckleberry.

[@Illmatic662]

My dad's Ridgeline just passed 100,000 Miles and he has not had ONE single problem with it. I really want to see Honda bring a next generation of it.

[@tayumapower]

i've got news for you pal

[@Illmatic662]

@@tayumapower Yeah you're right, he's now at 300,000 Miles and there has been some small things but it's been phenomenal.

[@cdf8821]

@@Illmatic662 That's Awesome!!

[@trashmeign]

I like how vehicles that don't have so much extra crap in them that they can't wipe your bum for you are now considered "low tech" and derided as being inferior. It's a ridiculous mentality; more junk in your car means more junk to break, and more repairs to be done down the road for a LOT more money. There's a beauty to simplicity that nobody seems to appreciate anymore.

[@chasenthehype]

trashmeign so much this. It was the deciding factor for me and I got a 2013 Sport. Love it.

[@Lucky8s]

Way late but this is C|net after all. Its main focus is on technology.

[@johnzebrone9062]

Agree. Less tech, less problems. Also, he picks the low-tech model to review, then critiques it for lack of tech. Duh....

[@mustafakhan242]

You can upgrade any of those low tech to high tech if it’s really that important back up camra blue tooth monitor you can get installed for few hendread dollars but Honda last you will never loose money with a honda

[@ironeagle2526]

I have a 2008 love it the trunk is awesome the thing is a beast runs like brand new 164,000 on it everything still works on it I call it the beast because it is handles anything I throw at it I really hate the new one just looks like everything else out there has no pop to it doesn't stick out in the crowd

[@chasenthehype]

ironeagle2526 Agreed. The new one imo is looking too much like a car with a bed....aka a Subaru Baja. It’s a strange move, and the sales of the new one speak volumes. Love the simplicity of the old one (own this 2013 Sport), and added an Echo Dot to it for Bluetooth features. Works great, drives amazing, and will last me a really long time. Already planning trips around it with all the storage space!

[@aviator1228]

We used to have a Ridgeline back when they first debuted. I miss it like crazy! That thing could handle anything I threw at it. And I knew, whether I drove thru rain/snow/ice that it would get me out of it. I am looking to get another one soon.

[@uscg906]

The Ridgeline has a cool trunk feature in the truck bed that you skipped over for some reason. It was a deal maker when the wife saw it.

[@RWardRWard]

If I were the editor at CNet, I'd consider moving this reviewer to the copy room. He reviewed a base trim model and then complained about a lack of options. The column shift is present in Silverados, one of the most popular trucks out there. No mention of the trunk, one of the major features of the Ridgeline. No matter your opinion of the vehicle, it's a terrible reveiew.

[@emantabrizi]

You would be making a huge mistake. Brian Cooley is THE best real-world car reviewer online today, and he's responsible for probably 90% of CNET's subscribers. I say "real world" because shows like Top Gear are more focused on entertainment than honest assessments. Honda should know better than to send "Car Tech" a base model Ridgeline. If it were up to CNET, Honda would have sent them the top-of-the-line RTL (or SE trim today) with Navigation. Unfortunately, it's not up to CNET. They review whichever model the manufacturer provides.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

He missed the magic seat too, one of my favorite and most useful features. Why pick a base model to do a tech review?

[@sherwoodfiftythirtybc4433]

And I believe is now mfd in Alabama...minimal outsourcing. Gavin Skilton won SCORE Baja production class with stock frame and control arms a few years ago. Box section frame welded to unibody is uber strong. Cost of ownership after 200,000 mi is what sets Hondas apart...minimum bells and whistles on the Sport makes it more affordable in the long run.

[@lotsblocks]

Good snow tires and a honda can go through anything

[@AlexRodriguez87]

I have a brand new Ridgline. It's true, it has the comfort tech of a 90's truck But it drives better than many of the truck I've tried. It actually feels like you're on a full size sedan

[@AllenManor]

It's reasonable that CNET would ding the Ridgeline for a lack of tech since tech is what they're all about, but for what it is worth I drove a 2005 Honda Element (VERY similar to what this Ridgeline offers in the cabin except on a smaller scale) for 9 years and then switched to a 2012 Acura MDX which is like the starship Enterprise in comparison and as nice as the MDX is I find myself wistfully looking at Elements and Ridgelines as they drive by and admiring their utility and simplicity.

[@1482man]

Funny how many people are upset about this review because they own one and are pissed because the reviewer isn't backing up their claim of having a serious offroad truck . I like them and they are nice , but i know they can't rival trucks of the same caliber that are actually cheaper ....

[@AnabolicAsylum]

"You can run an adoption center out of this bin." Cooley + Stoned = YES!

[@rugerden4535]

@Luis Quintana Amparano thats why VW has had quality issues. If those VW's don't come from Wolfsburg, they're not worth it.

[@ShiftedPerspective]

F-150 is the best selling truck in the U.S. For a long time. Tundra is badass and personally I like it better, but that doesn't mean it sells as good. There is a difference. Plus, don't insult people. Your points seem less valid when you start name calling

[@maximum988]

Whats wrong with a column shifter?

[@GreenMountain565]

His 69 Lincoln was the last vehicle he saw with a column shifter?? Ummm every Heavy Duty Truck and all Chevy’s still have column shifters like trucks should

[@TechViewOpinions]

The mpg disappoints!

[@Uziavenger]

Thank you cartech for reviewing this truck, u guys should to review more of them

[@captainpegs07]

The column shifter makes more room on the floor for gloves/shoes.

[@Mr02kota]

This guy is waaaaaay too peppy lol

[@smokeybear45]

VTEC KICKED IN YO!!

[@charlieellis8296]

the thinking hillbilly's truck. XD

[@MrCarGuy]

When you drive something made for work you don't need many gadgets. The more "tech" there is, the more likely something will go wrong.

[@kliudiful]

Wow it even has a compartment for my canned vegetables? I'm sold.

[@dishboy100]

You guys need to do a review on a chevy avalanche because I can't find one

[@LJM2stepspain]

CNET is holding this host back SO MUCH.

[@Gerberbaby922]

I know, I think Cooley is off on that one. They give you so much extra space in the middle then a center mounted shifter

[@importcarenthusiast]

Love the Ridgeline!!!!! And you guys forgot to show the in-bed-trunk. :(

[@josephinedublin8100]

You make it seem like I don't know. My family drives mostly Mercedes, I bought a Mitsubishi Lancer the other day. In fact, I'd like to see a review of the Mitsubishi Lancer, or the ML Sport.

[@tgfunky]

Cooley you usually have great reviews, but you missed a lot of points on this truck, the "hidden" space under the bed, does it still transform the back seats to extra bed space?

[@jrmt6]

Honda's sales of Ridgeline's in 2010 were roughly around 15K units...The tundra sold around 93K units in 2010. If the ridgeline was selling soooo well, then rumors of of Honda discontinuing the truck would have never arose either. By the way, 93 > 15.

[@anthonygreco12]

He did not mention the in-bed trunk? WTF

[@mustafakhan242]

You can upgrade any of those low tech to high tech if it’s really that important back up camra blue tooth monitor you can get installed for few hendread dollars but Honda last you will never loose money with a honda

[@luggage12345]

LOL " You can run an adoption center out of this bin" 1:41

[@lam784]

I luv this guy's humor

[@josephinedublin8100]

My cousin works in Mexico to build GM, and Ford factories. It's all about German cars, hun.

[@MikeBarnett1776]

Seems to me you previously said the Fiat 850 was the lowest tech vehicle you ever tested... I'm thinking this has a bit more tech!

[@TheArfdog]

Well it's the sport version.. it's supposed to be bare bones. Also comes with a bare bones price.

[@MadDogMeh]

Cooley should do a review on his own car.

[@soundcloudcdogclt]

a place for my weed😂

[@ldawson103]

It makes no sense to criticize the bottom model Ridgeline Sport for having no tech. This review should have been on the RTL w/navi not a base model if the review is about tech.

[@Ldiaz08]

yeah! F150 proudly built in México!

[@ShiftedPerspective]

I like honda, but the F-150 blows this out of the water. Plus, get your facts straight. Ridgeline is probably in last while F-150 is top seller for centuries.

[@OneOfaKind949]

So the truck is RWD right? Even with the engine mounted the way it is...

[@tgfunky]

NOPE, it's a front wheel drive mostly. Similar to the way AWD vehicles work, rear only engages when it detects loss of traction. It's more of a cross over than an SUV or a truck.

[@fai28683]

it works for me, maybe you should reload your extension ..

[@applesappleapple]

Well that was stupid! He kept complaining about how there was no tech... So why didn't he drive the RTL with all the tech? I thought these videos were about all the tech you can get...

[@realr1960]

Honda Ridgeline is assembled in Canada

[@nathanreynolds5933]

realr1960 Only up to the 2008 model year. Honda moved production to Lincoln, Alabama for the 2009 model year.

[@josephinedublin8100]

I'm not talking about Volkwagens, I'm talking about Mercedes Benz. I haven't heard of a Mercedes factory in Mexico.

[@dpajc056]

For all the people talking smack about how reliable this CAR is, it's still better in My mind to buy a Toyota Tacoma or a Tundra, at least it's still a truck and bullet proof, And not a wanna be truck.

[@skyisdlimit6125]

+dpajc056 older tundra are problematic

[@MikeBarnett1776]

90 percent of my time is on the highway, empty, with just me in the vehicle. The other 10% of the time, I'll have 500 to 1K in the bed, on construction sites. Seems like a good choice for me.

[@Lexolo999]

There is no reason for Honda to make this anymore, unless they can get it to have better mpg. A Toyota Tacoma V6 4wd has slightly better mpg, and with that you have a real truck that can tow more and has a real 4wd system with low range.

[@middnite]

very negative review. He forgot to show the storage compartment below the box. The column shifter will give me more room between the seats. If you don't need serious hauling or towing it is a great truck. I'm picking mine up this afternoon!

[@elukok]

I don't know. What's wrong with riding a horse to get to work?

[@voycedatruf]

C'mon CNET this might be the worst review I've ever seen on a vehicle 🤔

[@djsanluis]

Mercedes-Benz has four manufacturing facilities in Mexico.

[@Champoyo]

I luv this guy, he's so funny

[@xiix3757]

Can you tell me if a radio/gps complete unit from a 2007 model can be installed on 2012 Ridgeline??? Thanks

[@tsurugi360]

No tech? You got VTEC! Lol

[@torontoistheshit101]

That are mainly built in mexico and canada. MERICA'

[@airfoemoe]

Looks like my Dad's old Ridgeline inside.

[@ZStHope]

Honda had some left over from previous years and is getting rid of them as new

[@rdizzo1313]

Its lookin really dated.... Honda You need an update here!!!

[@oneTOU3]

Yeah...and because you will take your truck off road. I seen more truck at the mall's parking than off road. The only off road you gonna see is the dirt driveway.

[@scorpio93p]

It's all about the Cadillacs

[@lilelementskater]

i don't think he understands why people buy trucks

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Honda has lost it's ways. This truck would be great if it had more power and a 6 speed auto. It would be nice if they tried to make the interior fit in to atleased the year 2008. This interior ruins the truck. Honda needs to wake up

[@cp14]

Honda pilot please?

[@oldschool1928]

Canned vegetables. NICE TOUCH COOLEY.

[@mb013962]

an f-150 gets better gas mileage than this and every other non hybrid truck currently sold today in america

[@cmclayton1986]

Lmfao he is hilarious

[@AaronM5511]

Doesn't matter where its made, its still going to get your tundra's ass

[@RealtimeReviews613]

2:01 to 2:07 does it sound like he is rapping to the music lol please tell me im right lol

[@emantabrizi]

Buy Ridgeline Sport...add all the tech you want in the aftermarket...problem solved.

[@DreamLyrics1313]

I'd rather have it made in Mexico... Its cheaper and it would be the same quality.

[@kjtheproof5328]

Run an adoption center lmao!! Typically they don't sell worth a damn lol!! He's hilarious!!

[@BackGround909]

no tech takes my kind of car eh truck, sut ???

[@120Steelers]

if you're going to get a pickup get American

[@isratox86]

Its a nice truck but not even Bluetooth that in not acceptable

[@jrvtecaccord]

Wow that dash clock looks cheap IMO.

[@BasilitoCR7]

COOLEY

[@djsanluis]

Ummm, my VW Jetta was built in Mexico.

[@DJTEVAdotCOM]

u can get a bluetooth to aux adapter for $50

[@cerqua718]

It comes with a negation in my 2013

[@muscleMaddnessV8]

Vtec kicked in yo.....lol

[@ahkeen]

lol "pricing a ridgeline s, easy! just buy it"

[@jsingh1112]

no more "i like Brain Cooley comments"? lol i guess we r finally over that!!

[@Pedal2TheMetal]

May you please explain how Honda sucks?

[@bihcardinals]

its a truck, what tech do u need....lol

[@MrTONYTONYM]

hi

[@soundcloudcdogclt]

wtf no bluetooth??

[@cerqua718]

My 2013 has Bluetooth

[@ThisolGamer]

wow really disappointing review. If you want to review a vehicle from a tech perspective then review the teched out trim level not the just above bare bones level. idk that's what I would do.

[@529ark]

cooley is the mann hahahah

[@Drewrob26]

Handsome but weird mish-mash of round stuff and square stuff, lol!

[@ultraman123987]

i'm bored... THUMBS UP IF YOU THINK BRIAN COOLEY IS BEST IN CNET!

[@amccune]

What an asinine review.

[@ibaneziceman2007]

Who the hell needs a rear camera? Blindspots are for real men.

[@UncleAlpha1]

CHEAP ASS HONDA LINE....SPENDING 30K FOR A TRUCK, AND NO TECH. PATHETIC.

[@TheGeorgiaMediaGroup]

This jerk just don’t get this truck. Awesome truck.

[@tepeke88]

15/21 mpg? Seriously? F-150, silverado and ram do about the same or better! And they are heavier trucks!!!! :0 honda should just kill this and make a REAL truck!

[@sdcaljoe]

looks old and tired. I prefer the Ford F150 Raptor !!

[@Giediprime117]

why bother this? really........