Hey, be careful with your wishful thoughts. If it actual happen, it's going to bleed Ford dry and more likely push them into more financial problems and might eventually lead to the end of Ford and severly cripple our ailing American economy. Of course, majority of us are making hard earned dollars and want the best purchase we can make. I still feel strongly that the F150 gives a strong product for our money.

 

The vehicle to compare the Ridgeline to is the new 2007 Sport Trac.

But then even the Sport Trac has a transfer case with a real 4-Low feature and a real frame, and a V8 coupled to a 6 speed auto.

But actually, the Ridgeline is more like the Escape if the Escape had a bed on the back. Both the Ridgeline and Escape are front wheel drive platforms with transverse mounted V6s.

 

AHAHAHAH are you serious? The F150 SuperCrew is the fairest comparison due to similar utility, size, price, etc. Man, I learned a lot about the F150 and Ridgeline before stating stuff like that. Some dimensions and specs are also actually in this thread. You obviously are unaware of the size/construction/etc of the ridgeline... i.e. full length boxed frame, 255hp, full-time AWD, standard pushbutton locker, tows 5000lbs, power sliding rear window, Nav, dual climate control, etc etc. The Ford Escape could fit inside the ridgeline if they got rid of all the plastic crap!

 

The Ridgeline just freaking sucks! Piece of imported junk. The Tailgate opens stupidly too. Only thing i found sorta cool is the storage compartment inside the bed. The Supercrew is a monster compared to the Ridgeline. Full time AWD though... alot of fuel burning, and you cant have fun with burnouts or anything...

 

Yep, I am not crazy about the ridgeline, looks like an Avalanche that shrank after being washed. I had a 2002 Nissan Frontier Crewcab 4*4 and let me tell you, that truck was though. Took it out on many bad trails in Arizona.

I put 87000 miles on it in 2 years, never had a problem with. The only mod on it were the tires, I put BFG AT KO 32". That was a good choice. I bent the steps though...big rock, lost grip and ooops..the step was bent in the back.

I went on the trails in sedone where the jeeps are going. The guy was saying that my truck could not make it.....WHAT..I went, saw and conquer. The jeep guys were kinda surprised

Anyway, I switched to the 2005 F150 Supercrew and I love it. Got 2 kids and two dogs. With this truck, everybody fits comfortably and it is a nice truck to drive. The gas mileage is the only downfall. I have 35,000 miles on it after a year but man, it s still drives good. Just got it lifted.

 

You need to take a closer look at the 2007 Sport Trac before casting dispersions. The Sport Trac is all new and larger than the previous one. It is actually longer, has more leg room and tows more than the Ridgeline.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/spo...eatures/specs/
New 3-valve V-8 engine option delivering 292 hp and an upgraded V-6 that produces less smog-forming emissions than a Honda Accord Hybrid.
Overall length:
Ridgeline = 206.8”
SportTrac = 210.2” (advantage)

Width:
Ridgeline = 77.8” (advantage)
SportTrac = 73.7”

Height:
Ridgeline = 70.3”
SportTrac = 72.5” (advantage)

Wheelbase:
Ridgeline = 139” (advantage)
SportTrac = 130.5”

Head room (front):
Ridgeline = 38.7”
SportTrac = 39.8” (advantage)

Head room (rear):
Ridgeline = 39.0” (advantage)
SportTrac = 38.5”

Hip room (front):
Ridgeline = 57.6” (advantage)
SportTrac = 55.4”

Hip room (rear):
Ridgeline = 57.2” (advantage)
SportTrac = 55.5”

Leg room (front):
Ridgeline = 40.8”
SportTrac = 42.4” (advantage)

Leg room (rear):
Ridgeline = 36.4”
SportTrac = 36.8” (advantage)

Shoulder room (front):
Ridgeline = 63.2” (advantage)
SportTrac = 59.0”

Shoulder room (rear):
Ridgeline = 62.6” (advantage)
SportTrac = 58.9”

Seating (max):
Ridgeline = 5
SportTrac = 5 (tie)

Towing capacity:
Ridgeline = 5000 lbs.
SportTrac = 5310 lbs. (advantage)

Payload capacity:
Ridgeline = 1549 lbs. (advantage)
SportTrac = 1450 lbs.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/specs/200...sporttrac.html

I just price a mid-level one with 4x4 and teh 4.6L V-8 and it came to $28K MSRP.

 

I bought my used 01 because of the deal I got & gas was not $3. a gal. At $3. gal, I may have bought a used Chevy 1500 ext cab. No flaming! We had many Chevys at work & their mileage was 16-19, which was better than the old v6 Dakotas they drove. The newest GMC was 19-20. These were all new style 1500 ext cab, 5.3, 2wd, nice but non leather equipped, 3.42, tool box. My 01 avgs 14-14.5 normal driving, 15 on tanks w/ short road trips. I babied it & drafted a big truck for 1/2 a 100 mi. trip & got 19.6 . Next day I pulled a flat trailer w/ small load, 2200 lbs total, 65 mph on the interstate & 70 mph return, & got 11.7 Our Honda Odyssey could have done either job & got better mileage, So could a Ridgeline. Our 01 Odyssey avgs about 16-18 w/ the wife in town, hauling to school, ball, lunch errands, etc. Best on road has been 22 on slow trip, loaded down. But.... I really hate the seats & ride in the Honda!! F150 is much better.
I am a BIG fan of Honda products, but I do not think I could buy a new Ridgeline over a New F150 or 1500 4 door. My uses are the same as yours, hauling me & kids, baseball eqp, dirt bikes, Home Depot etc. I have good connections @ the local Honda dealership also. Cost of ownership should be less on the Honda considering mileage & resale return. A clean 04-05 Supercrew would be waaayyy less now than either vehicle new, & still have good resale later.
Good Luck

 

Hehehe granted I didn't know anything about it (only previous models), I'd still contend it would fit inside the ridgeline if you took all the interior plastic garbage out of the ridgeline . I'd also doubt you could haul 4x8s, get 16-18 real-world mileage, and tow 5000 lbs with it at the same price point (well loaded F150 SC XLT for $23k, or well loaded Ridgeline RT for $23.6k).... 'course that's just my ignorant opinion.

 

I hate to admit it but the Odyssey is looking better all the time. The boat I want to tow is only 2000lbs (17 foot ski boat) and the odyssey can fit drywall inside with the door closed.. nice! I can't believe I'm considering a mini-van.

 

Here you go http://www.odyclub.com/forums/index.php?s=

 

I have a Screw and Town & Country Touring. Very nice for storing 4x8 sheets of material and 18-26mpg instead of 11-13 in my Screw. Screw handles more weight regardless of size, though. Only have one 10mo old kid, but I love the conveniences of a minivan. Watch out for the towing prep package for the Ody. I hear it is costly (~$2k).

 

Yep, they'll nix your warranty if you don't add the tranny cooler, ps cooler, and air diverter. All parts are sold separately and none are cheap.

My Minivan Hunt took me to the Sienna as the class-leader. It has the best MPG and is the most quiet of the contenders. Folks seem to like the Odyssey for everything except MPG and road noise.

 

My research agrrees with the Sienna being the fuel economy leader in the segment. Depending on specific model/options/price point, Sienna, Ody, and DCX twins each have strengths. Depends how much value you place on different options/equipment for the dollar.

 

The Odyclub.com is a very good site. Lots of useful info on ody's & on many other vehicles. They helped me fix a problem & saved $$.
I like the site because many people are not deadly loyal to a MINIVAN. Most know it is a practical mode of transportation & generally not flame you because you like another type, brand of vehicle. How can you get worked up over a minivan? Oh, btw, I would not buy another Ody, my kids can now open & close doors & are not in car seats. I like my truck a lot better than the Ody. First Ford ever & may do it again.
Later

 

Visit Edmunds Town Hall minivan threads. People can get worked up over any vehicle.

DCX power sliding doors can also be operated manually.