Well today my dad traded in his 2004 F-150 Lariat for a........Honda Ridgeline. Crazy I know. He almost bought a brand new F-150 Lariat but he just didn't need a full size truck anymore (for various reasons - gas, parking, towing, etc). Too bad ford doesn't make something comparable to something like the Tacoma. My dad owned a Ranger before his F-150 and it was a great truck, but its just too small for his likes. The Tacoma is an awesome truck, but its so plain and you can't even get power options (like power seats, rear window, etc) that you can get in the Lariat. That is a shame as he probably would have picked one up if they had a better luxury package...yet they want a stupid amount for those Tacoma's.

I guess in my dad's defense...the Ridgeline is surprisingly nice, and there are some pretty cool features on it...not to mention it drives like a car because the bed isn't separate from the cab. Exterior looks are "ehhh" but not too bad. Even my dad agrees that it isn't the best looking truck, but he likes the functionality. I could never be one to buy something that I didn't like the looks of, but maybe older people don't care? Haha

Anyways...sad day to see a Honda in the drive way now.

 

Very sad day indeed. But, if dad is happy, thats all that matters.

 

Just tell your dad to watch out for 2 things......
Just outside of the oem warranty, the AC compressors like to split (literally) at the seams and automatic transmissions- known for sudden failures just outside of warranty.

and an fyi, the front suspensions are very weak and I highly recommend installing reinforced gusset plates on the front struts...this does 2 things, allows for full camber/caster adjustment & it reinforces the front structure so every time you hit a pot hole or tap a parking stop you won't be back in for an alignment.

 

I don't see my step-father trading his 2005 F-150 anytime soon. That 8 year old truck still has the original battery !

 

That's sad indeed.....

 

Neighbor has a Ridgeline...sorry, can't get into that thing at all. Helped him do a remodel of his kitchen because he couldn't fit a thing in his "truck". But, hope your dad enjoys it as he couldn't buy a new Ranger (boo Ford!)

 

My only thing is with mpgs are not as good as a 150 when you consider the power weight etc. And they get about the same

 

Always had Scab's in the past. The F150 Crew cab with 6.5 box i have now is the biggest truck I've had so far. To big for me and i wont buy another.
I sure wish ford would have a pickup in it's lineup that is smaller then the f150, but bigger then the ranger.
I like the upper end 150's with all the toys, which are not available in the Scab. Kind of puts me in a pickl. Either way, I'd end up with something i don't like.
I can understand why people look at other makes.

 

S'cab guy myself. I agree that the big trucks are too big. Ford should make something in the mid-size range, about the size of the Sport Trac.

 

They'll have to do something with the ranger now gone.

 

I hate the ridgeline, I never drove one but I hate the way they look but congrats to your father.

 

My dad traded in his 07 FX4 SCrew for a 12 Tacoma TRD a few months ago.....I feel for ya

 

Back in 2009 I traded my 07 Ridgeline in for a 09 Platinum to get more space in the cab. Surprisingly the mileage difference was not too big (15 in Ridgeline, 14.5 in F150). I consider that the best trade I ever made. The Ridgeline is not a bad vehicle - just not right for me at the time. Congrats to your dad, hope he enjoys it.

 

Hello -- have you noticed how most old timers dress?!! There's your answer.....

 

haha well...I am not a fan of the Ridgeline either but he seems to like it...