2011 Ford Explorer: New Niche Approach Fits The Times
In some respects, the Ford Explorer nameplate is one lost in a particular time, when reality shows were fresh and new, Brittany Spears was just not that innocent, and gasoline prices were reliably under two dollars a gallon. Ten years ago, Ford [NYSE:F] sold a dizzying 450,000 Explorer SUVs, and for a few years, the Explorer was the family wagon of suburban, middle-class America.
But due to a combination of influences—the much-publicized Ford-Firestone tire recall, a migration toward crossover utility vehicles, and simply the passing wave of fashion—Ford wasn't able to hold on to many Explorer owners for a repeat sale and the numbers plummeted.
Last year's sales? A measly 52,000.
The Dearborn automaker clearly couldn't just walk away from such a successful nameplate. But fortunately, they recognized that few people want to go all retro like it's 1999 quite yet.
With the new 2011 Ford Explorer introduced today, Ford has taken a step in a new direction with what, arguably, used to be its flagship vehicle in the U.S. This time a modern, passenger-friendly three-row design, combining some of the best attributes of newer crossover designs, Ford's industry-leading connectivity features, and some of the ruggedness of a traditional SUV—including a Range Rover-like terrain system—the automaker hopes to appeal to a practical crowd that's looking for something a little different this time.
Could Rental Rates Rise With Hertz-Dollar-Thrifty Combination?
Today's news, that Hertz is planning to purchase Dollar Thrifty, might not raise rates right away, but it could make deals for some travelers a bit harder to find in the not-too-distant future.
Rental prices have already been on an upswing, with short-notice deals harder to find than they had been. After the industry was caught flat-footed in 2008, hit doubly by the stay-at-home affects of the recession and the drop in business-related rentals and air travel, fleets were trimmed down, and aging cars were kept in the fleet with tens of thousands of miles on them.
To help compensate, rental-car companies raised prices for leisure travelers. According to Avis Budget, the average price of a rental jumped by around three dollars a day in 2009.
In recent months, the rental-car industry has been in recovery mode, with the companies reducing their losses and stock prices bouncing back.
For now, analysts anticipate that customers won't see any rate changes. That's because the two companies largely cater to different types of travelers. While Hertz caters to the special needs of corporate and business travelers, Dollar Thrifty has focused toward leisure travelers, and the two companies run at different pricing tiers.
But the concern is that the acquisition will leave just three car-rental giants in the U.S.: Enterprise (Alamo/National), Avis (Budget), and Hertz (Dollar/Thrifty).
Even when merged with Hertz, Dollar Thrifty operations would almost certainly continue operation in some form. However, Hertz has said that it plans to cut about $180 in overlapping costs, primarily in fleet, IT systems, and procurement—meaning that in addition to merging operations, the brands could be sharing vehicles.
Based on previous rental mergers, the first locations to see a rise in prices could be small-to-medium-size airport locations, as smaller-volume, redundant locations are consolidated.
Hertz was wholly owned by Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) from 1994 to 2005, while Thrifty was at one time owned by Chrysler. Accordingly, Hertz was long-dependent on Ford vehicles like the Lincoln Town Car, Ford Explorer, and Ford Taurus, and Dollar-Thrifty had a fleet heavy on Chrysler products such as the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Grand Caravan. In recent years, both companies have diversified their fleets to include more small cars, and more import-brand vehicles.
At present, Hertz has about 8,200 locations over 146 countries, and Dollar Thrifty has 1,550 locations.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2011 Ford Explorer: ‘Jaw-Dropping’ MPG, Adventurer Appeal
With the introduction of the 2011 Ford Explorer, Ford will have three different crossover utility vehicles—Explorer, Edge, and Flex—all selling beside each other at showrooms, all approximately the same size, and with two of the three (the Explorer and Flex) on the same platform as the Taurus sedan.
Is there room for a third model without cannibalizing sales for the others? That's what TheCarConnection.com asked Ford sales analyst George Pipas, who had just finished a discussion on market growth for small cars—including that Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) expects U.S. sales of small vehicles (cars and crossovers combined) to grow to 36 percent of the market by 2013.
"If we're right about the 36 percent, that still means that 64 percent is medium and large, at least in the next five years," said Pipas. "Yes, we expect small cars to grow more. But there will still be plenty of mediums and larges rolling around," and it will take multiple models to meet a wide range of shopper needs, he explained.
One of those medium utility vehicles will be the 2011 Explorer. "We believe there's a market, for people who are living a lifestyle of adventure," said Pipas. "But we've got to make this thing fuel-efficient because if it's only 19 [mpg], then that's not the direction we're headed. It has to be something jaw-dropping."
Ford has said very little yet about the 2011 Ford Explorer officially, though with this week's announcement that it will be built in Chicago, it said that the new utility vehicle will have "unibody construction, Ford's EcoBoost engine technology, a six-speed transmission and lightweight materials."
2011 Ford Explorer Mule Captured
It takes a lot of determination to capture new-car mules in the wild. It takes even more to do so in the chilly wintertime. But the cojones that Ryan O'Keefe demonstrates as he videotapes this 2011 Ford Explorer tester...well, we can only imagine that the guy's riding in a BIG bucket seat.
Ford fans can take a gander at the clip below. With all that cover-up, we can't say much about the SUV's design -- although it seems boxier than previous editions, closer to some Jeep models like the Patriot than the Explorer profile we've come to know. (Ryan helpfully includes a rendering at the end of the clip, to give an idea of the Explorer's refreshed exterior.)
We're guessing that Ford still has some tinkering to before the 2011 Explorer makes its world debut. Detroit is probably too soon to expect a showing, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the Explorer drop trou in New York this spring. Stay tuned.
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Kia Drops 2010 Borrego From Lineup, Fate TBD
The Kia Borrego could be a one-year wonder.
The South Korean automaker says the full-size Borrego sport-utility vehicle will not return to the U.S. for the 2010 model year.
The Borrego arrived on the market late in 2008, a victim of poor timing and bad luck. Kia had hoped to sell up to 20,000 Borregos each year, but the U.S. launch coincided with high gas prices and the financial crisis that together, slashed SUV sales to half their 2007 levels.
Kia sold 825 Borregos in November. For 2009 through the end of November, Kia has sold 9,510 Borrego SUVs in the U.S. The Borrego also is sold in its home market as the Mohave, and Korean sales have been more brisk.
While it's been a slow mover on American dealer lots, the Borrego's been relatively well received in the automotive press. TheCarConnection's experts gave the 2009 Borrego a rating of 7.8 out of 10. TCC praised the Borrego's smooth powertrain and expansive interior, while taking issue with its styling and some interior materials. TheCarConnection's Bottom Line: "The Borrego isn't the type of vehicle that's especially popular or fashionable at this time, but it's a home run against the competition," which includes the current Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder.
Though the Borrego won't be sold as a 2010 model, a Kia spokesman tells us the company could not rule out a future return--leaving its fate "TBD."
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Firestone, Clunkers and Chapter 11: The Decade in Car News
As 2009 draws to a close this week, the auto industry is waving goodbye to a decade--and in some corners, waving it good riddance.
The "Naughties" might be the best neologism for this lost decade. It began with new alliances forming and new empires emerging, and ends on Friday in a multi-car pileup of cratered sales, shuttered brands and factories, wiped-out shareholders, and only a faint glimmer of hope for recovery in 2010.
There's been huge disruption around the carmaking globe since 2000, against a backdrop of titanic clashes of egos, epic battles of highly anticipated new products--and inevitably, the sound of an economic freight train approaching.
Who would have imagined the epic fail of the American auto industry in a pre-9/11, pre-iPhone, pre Bush v. Gore world? Who could have thought GM would fall as hard as it did--with Toyota taking a stumble right behind it? Would anyone ever have foreseen Porsche being swallowed up by Volkswagen?
Will someone please explain exactly how we were to expect Bob Lutz and 50 Cent in the same room--much less on the same stage--for the stillborn return of the El Camino?
TheCarConnection.com's editors have watched and written these stories as they unfolded right before us, live and on the Web. We've culled our best memories of our longest news days down to the ten stories that defined the 2000s.
We've left a few on the cutting room floor, too. Cash for clunkers? Big news, but ultimately a government-induced anomaly. The rise of South Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia? A huge story, but one already in the works in the 1990s. Aztek? Leave it alone. Just leave it alone.
As we look back wistfully at the days when tires were the most Detroit had to worry about, TheCarConnection.com's team has chosen these as the top car news stories of the decade: Read more
2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
In order to arrange the attached Full Review covering the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the editors of TheCarConnection.com read a wide range of reviews and bring you highlights. But here, in this Bottom Line, the editors sum up all the attributes of the Sport Trac, with firsthand driving impressions, to give you the best advice on how it matches up against other trucks.
Likes
Tough, rust-proof bed
Almost full-size towing ability
SYNC interface
Dislikes
Outdated interior
V-6 gets worse mileage than V-8
Engine noise (V-6)
At first sight, the new 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac can be a bit of a mystery. Is it an SUV with a pickup bed or a pickup with an especially large cab?
Technically, it is an SUV (Ford lists it as such on its Web site), but it does deliver the best of both worlds. Although based on the Explorer--and with no real styling surprises inside or out--it's actually 17 inches longer; the passenger compartment is nearly identical to that of the Explorer, but the rear cargo area of the Explorer is replaced with a 4.5-foot cargo bed made from a dent-proof and rust-proof plastic compound. The interior has a similar look and feel to the Ford Explorer, which isn't a bad thing.
Overall, the Sport Trac changes very little for 2010, save for some minor modifications. The standard drivetrain for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic, but there's an optional 292 -horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 matched with a six-speed automatic transmission available. There's a choice of the standard rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac four-wheel drive if you want extra traction. Unlike an AWD system, ControlTrac is a true 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case that features a low range just in case the Sport Trac heads off-road. The design is inherently useful for hauling, and with the optional V-8, the Explorer Sport Trac can tow more than 7,160 pounds.
Considering that the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a mid-size SUV/pickup with truck roots, it drives pretty much as you might expect from such a vehicle. You won't find ride quality particularly pleasant, and the SportTrac doesn't handle especially well on curvy roads, squealing the tires around moderately sharp corners, especially on rough surfaces. But it should be fine for most everyday needs. Between the standard V-6 and optional V-8, we would almost unconditionally recommend the V-8; although the V-6 has enough power for a light load, it can get noisy and coarse when loaded, and surprisingly the V-8 rear-wheel-drive Explorer Sport Trac is more fuel-efficient.
The cabin of the 2010 Explorer Sport Trac is spacious and quite comfortable; five will fit, if three are willing to be elbow-to-elbow in back. The quality of the interior, including materials and fit/finish, is acceptable but not up to the level of some of Ford's newer products that are focused at passengers, like the Edge and Flex crossovers.
The Sport Trac has performed quite well in government crash tests, indicating that it's a safe vehicle to be in if you're in a collision. Keep in mind, however, that the federal government has given the rear-wheel-drive version of the Sport Trac only three stars in its rollover rating, which means it's more likely to roll if tripped in an accident. Aiding security is Trailer Sway Control, which helps warn the driver of instability when towing and keep the trailer in line.
The Explorer Sport Trac comes very well equipped compared to compact pickup trucks. Standard features, even on the base XLT, include full power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, and Sirius Satellite Radio. The Limited loads the Sport Trac with such things as fancier wheels, heated leather seats, an upgraded center console, and Ford's SYNC entertainment/navigation system. Adrenalin models add a more aggressive appearance to the Limited's equipment, including 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual exhaust tips, black fascias, and monotone perforated leather seats. A moonroof, a premium sound system with subwoofer and six-disc changer, and a next-generation voice-activated navigation system from Sirius Travel Link are among the most desirable options.
The Bottom Line: If you're torn between an SUV and a pickup and cutting-edge styling isn't important, the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac might be the answer.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, also consider:
- Honda Ridgeline
- Nissan Frontier
- Toyota Tacoma
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Dodge Dakota
Reason Why:
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac competes with four-door variants from both compact and mid-size pickup segments, although its size is definitely mid-size. The Chevrolet Colorado and its nearly identical sibling, the GMC Canyon, now have an available V-8 that makes them much more competitive, as their rough five-cylinder engine isn't recommended. The Nissan and Toyota mid-size trucks are not earth-shattering in terms of performance or versatility, but they are worth a look, as they provide nearly even competition to the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in most every area of consideration. The Dodge Dakota was updated in 2008, and its longer traditional steel bed might be an advantage for some buyers. Honda's Ridgeline is an interesting alternative. Though the Explorer Sport Trac outdoes the Ridgeline in real truck tasks like towing, hauling, or off-roading, it's clearly better for on-road duty with passengers, offering superior ride and handling.
Buying Tip
This is the final production year for the Explorer Sport Trac, so you should be able to land a pretty good deal.
| Permalink:2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | |
2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Bottom Line
In order to arrange the attached Full Review covering the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the editors of TheCarConnection.com read a wide range of reviews and bring you highlights. But here, in this Bottom Line, the editors sum up all the attributes of the Sport Trac, with firsthand driving impressions, to give you the best advice on how it matches up against other trucks.
Likes
Tough, rust-proof bed
Almost full-size towing ability
SYNC interface
Dislikes
Outdated interior
V-6 gets worse mileage than V-8
Engine noise (V-6)
At first sight, the new 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac can be a bit of a mystery. Is it an SUV with a pickup bed or a pickup with an especially large cab?
Technically, it is an SUV (Ford lists it as such on its Web site), but it does deliver the best of both worlds. Although based on the Explorer—and with no real styling surprises inside or out—it's actually 17 inches longer; the passenger compartment is nearly identical to that of the Explorer, but the rear cargo area of the Explorer is replaced with a 4.5-foot cargo bed made from a dent-proof and rust-proof plastic compound. The interior has a similar look and feel to the Ford Explorer, which isn't a bad thing.
Overall, the Sport Trac changes very little for 2010, save for some minor modifications. The standard drivetrain for the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic, but there's an optional 292 -horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 matched with a six-speed automatic transmission available. There's a choice of the standard rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac four-wheel drive if you want extra traction. Unlike an AWD system, ControlTrac is a true 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case that features a low range just in case the Sport Trac heads off-road. The design is inherently useful for hauling, and with the optional V-8, the Explorer Sport Trac can tow more than 7,160 pounds.
Considering that the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a mid-size SUV/pickup with truck roots, it drives pretty much as you might expect from such a vehicle. You won't find ride quality particularly pleasant, and the SportTrac doesn't handle especially well on curvy roads, squealing the tires around moderately sharp corners, especially on rough surfaces. But it should be fine for most everyday needs. Between the standard V-6 and optional V-8, we would almost unconditionally recommend the V-8; although the V-6 has enough power for a light load, it can get noisy and coarse when loaded, and surprisingly the V-8 rear-wheel-drive Explorer Sport Trac is more fuel-efficient.
The cabin of the 2010 Explorer Sport Trac is spacious and quite comfortable; five will fit, if three are willing to be elbow-to-elbow in back. The quality of the interior, including materials and fit/finish, is acceptable but not up to the level of some of Ford's newer products that are focused at passengers, like the Edge and Flex crossovers.
The Sport Trac has performed quite well in government crash tests, indicating that it's a safe vehicle to be in if you're in a collision. Keep in mind, however, that the federal government has given the rear-wheel-drive version of the Sport Trac only three stars in its rollover rating, which means it's more likely to roll if tripped in an accident. Aiding security is Trailer Sway Control, which helps warn the driver of instability when towing and keep the trailer in line.
The Explorer Sport Trac comes very well equipped compared to compact pickup trucks. Standard features, even on the base XLT, include full power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, and Sirius Satellite Radio. The Limited loads the Sport Trac with such things as fancier wheels, heated leather seats, an upgraded center console, and Ford's SYNC entertainment/navigation system. Adrenalin models add a more aggressive appearance to the Limited's equipment, including 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual exhaust tips, black fascias, and monotone perforated leather seats. A moonroof, a premium sound system with subwoofer and six-disc changer, and a next-generation voice-activated navigation system from Sirius Travel Link are among the most desirable options.
The Bottom Line: If you're torn between an SUV and a pickup and cutting-edge styling isn't important, the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac might be the answer.
Other Choices
If you're interested in the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, also consider:
- Honda Ridgeline
- Nissan Frontier
- Toyota Tacoma
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Dodge Dakota
Reason Why:
The 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac competes with four-door variants from both compact and mid-size pickup segments, although its size is definitely mid-size. The Chevrolet Colorado and its nearly identical sibling, the GMC Canyon, now have an available V-8 that makes them much more competitive, as their rough five-cylinder engine isn't recommended. The Nissan and Toyota mid-size trucks are not earth-shattering in terms of performance or versatility, but they are worth a look, as they provide nearly even competition to the 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac in most every area of consideration. The Dodge Dakota was updated in 2008, and its longer traditional steel bed might be an advantage for some buyers. Honda's Ridgeline is an interesting alternative. Though the Explorer Sport Trac outdoes the Ridgeline in real truck tasks like towing, hauling, or off-roading, it's clearly better for on-road duty with passengers, offering superior ride and handling.
Buying Tip
This is the final production year for the Explorer Sport Trac, so you should be able to land a pretty good deal.
| Permalink:2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Bottom Line | |
Toyota Not Planning On Many Takers For 4-Cylinder 4Runner
Toyota is bringing an economical new four-cylinder engine back to the base SR5 version of its fully redesigned 2010 4Runner. But as we recently discovered, this doesn't significantly improve fuel economy for this body-on-frame ute. Instead though, it appears to enable Toyota to offer a value-leader model at an even more affordable price.
The 2010 Toyota 4Runner starts at $27,500 for the four-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive SR5. That's an $1,140 price cut versus the base RWD 2009 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V-6. This year's base V-6 4Runner runs $29,175, however.
Once upon a time, most of Toyota's 4Runners in the U.S. were sold with economical four-cylinder engines. That was the '80s, but Toyota did offer a four-cylinder version all the way through the beginning of this decade, and just a few years later, for 2003, Toyota began offering a V-8 on the 4Runner.
This year, the V-8 is no more. The new four--the same 2.7-liter engine that's also installed in the Tacoma-- makes 157 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque and is only offered with two-wheel drive, in 4Runner SR5 trim. An official suggested that other models weren't offered because of concerns that the model would be underpowered with 4WD or as a Trail model.
One look at the official EPA fuel economy ratings give you another perspective--and a lesson that smaller engines don't always bring better fuel economy. The four-cylinder engine isn't likely to save you much, if any, money over the long run in the 4Runner, because even in four-cylinder form the engine hauls around nearly 4,300 pounds of curb weight.
The four-cylinder 2010 4Runner is rated at 18 mpg city, 23 highway, while the V-6 4Runner, with rear-wheel drive, does almost as well, at 17/23 (17/22 with 4WD). Towing capacity is 2,000 pounds for the four-cylinder model, versus 5,000 pounds for all the other 2010 4Runners.
Last year's 4Runner V-6 rated as low as 16/20 with 4WD--the improvements mainly attributed to revised gear ratios--and with the now-discontinued V-8 engine the 4Runner achieved just 14 mpg city, 17 highway.
A base Toyota Highlander--about the same size, and with the same size four-cylinder engine (though technically not the same unit)--weighs about 3,800 pounds and gets 20 mpg city, 27 highway.
In all, Toyota expects four-cylinder models to only make up about five percent of 2010 4Runner sales, nationwide, with total sales of 25,000 to 30,000. At one time, Toyota sold more than 100,000 4Runners per year.
Surprisingly, Toyota will only make the four-cylinder 4Runner available only in select markets. In California, where there's still a market for rear-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicles, Toyota plans to sell the vast majority of them; it will likely be offered more widely in Southern states but only special-order in Northern climes.
One thing's for sure: By getting into the four-cylinder market, Toyota has an engine option that's not offered in any of its rivals like the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder, 2010 Kia Borrego, or 2010 Ford Explorer.
Although V-6 versions of the 2010 Toyota 4Runner are already at dealerships, the four-cylinder model will be arriving this month or next. Stay tuned tomorrow as TheCarConnection.com brings you driving impressions of the brand-new 4Runner, and we'll update you on how the four-cylinder version stacks up as soon as we can get some seat time.
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| Permalink:Toyota Not Planning On Many Takers For 4-Cylinder 4Runner | |
2010 Honda Ridgeline
The editors of TheCarConnection.com have driven the 2010 Honda Ridgeline and bring you impressions and details. In addition, TheCarConnection.com has studied a wide range of reviews covering the Ridgeline, to help you make the most informed choice and make sense of differing opinions.
Likes
Handling and maneuverability
Energetic, refined powertrain
Excellent safety
Comfortable ride
Dislikes
Odd styling isn't for everyone
Pricey relative to compact trucks
Bed is too small for some tasks
Although the Honda Ridgeline was coldly received when it was first introduced in 2005, the vehicle landscape has changed greatly since then. Many of the attributes that made the Ridgeline seem like an outsider at that time now add up to a more appealing choice for shoppers who want the comforts of the big trucks but don't need all their capability (or cumbersome handling).
Last year, Honda rehabilitated the Ridgeline with a host of slight improvements that affected its styling and driving demeanor, yielding a somewhat improved truck overall. Although the basic look is the same, a new grille, plus new headlights and tail lamps on the outside, and a revised appearance inside, all help give it a slightly more upscale feel. Still, to many, the Ridgeline's side silhouette is both its most memorable and maligned feature; the so-called machined billet styling--with no gap between the cab and bed, and the downward sloping bed wall--can come across as a little overwrought and busy. From the rear, the Ridgeline appears neat and tidy, but the odd new front fascia and grille--borrowing from the Pilot SUV's controversial look--don't do the design any favors. Inside, the Ridgeline has a more conventional, straightforward appearance--although the door panels are styled with hints of the exterior and have an awkward grab-handle arrangement.
The 2010 Honda Ridgeline has a single powertrain combination, which is unusual in the pickup market. With a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine, a five-speed automatic transmission, and Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive, the Ridgeline has brisk acceleration and good passing response, even with a load, and it's better suited for slippery snow-covered roads than most four-wheel-drive pickups. Although the system isn't designed for serious off-roading, it includes a rear diff lock (VTM-4) mode for speeds of up to 18 mph. All the heavy-duty towing components are included; the Ridgeline can haul a 1,550-pound payload in its five-foot composite cargo bed or tow up to 5,000 pounds.
With a fully independent suspension, the 2010 Honda Ridgeline has a smoother ride and much better handling than other compact or mid-size trucks. Well-weighted steering helps the Ridgeline handle like the more car-oriented SUVs, with a great on-center feel, and it unwinds neatly coming out of corners. The Ridgeline doesn't bang and wiggle over bumps either, as many leaf-sprung pickups do, yet the suspension feels just as secure with a moderately full load as it does when empty, and it's relatively easy to hustle along on a curvy road.
There's only one body style, too. The Ridgeline is only offered in a crew-cab layout, with space for five. Front seats are supportive, if not that soft, but there's plenty of space, and in back two adults will fit just fine. The split-folding, tumble-forward rear seat has an integrated storage area for carrying smaller items securely, and if that's not enough, there's also a sealed 8.5-cubic-foot compartment within the cargo bed, good enough for a large cooler. The tailgate can also either open to the side or conventionally; it can support up to 300 pounds, even while moving; and it's designed to close with contaminates like sand or sawdust in between without damaging the setup. The downside is the cargo bed itself; at just over five feet long, it's not big but it will hold a 4-by-8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate down. An optional bed extender includes more tie-downs and can handle mounting accessories for ATVs, snowboards, surfboards, bikes, and the like.
The Ridgeline has been a longtime overachiever in safety, and that continues for 2010. Front side airbags, rollover-sensing side-curtain bags covering both rows, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control are included across the model line. The Ridgeline achieves top "good" ratings from the IIHS, and is one of just a few pickups getting the group's Top Safety Pick designation.
Three trims are now offered for the Ridgeline: RT, RTS, and RTL. The RT includes air conditioning, cruise control, a power-sliding rear window, and a 100-watt, six-speaker CD sound system. The mid-level RTS brings a refined appearance with machine-finished alloy wheels, body-colored door handles and mirrors, and privacy glass, plus an upgraded 160-watt sound system; at the top of the line, the RTL adds 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, a power moonroof, heated mirrors, and XM Satellite Radio. On the Element's options list are several features that aren't typically available with any but the largest pickups: a voice-recognition navigation system that includes Zagat restaurant information, an off-road tracking function, and a Bluetooth hands-free calling interface.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Honda Ridgeline is a more road-friendly solution for those who need occasionally heavy-hauling ability.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2010 Honda Ridgeline, also consider:
- Toyota Tacoma
- Nissan Frontier
- Suzuki Equator
- Ford Explorer Sport Trac
- Dodge Dakota
Reason Why:
The 2010 Honda Ridgeline is more refined and sophisticated than anything else this size with a pickup bed. And its body style is very different than anything else, which makes it tough to pick out direct rivals as they range through compact and mid-size trucks, most of which have more traditional layouts with burly frames and unforgiving leaf-spring rear suspensions. To its credit, the 2010 Ridgeline comes with all that's necessary to tow or haul its heaviest rated loads, and for any rivals that'll mean extra boxes to check. The Explorer Sport Trac is the closest in concept to the Ridgeline; it has a shorter bed, but there's an optional V-8 that outdoes the Ridgeline, at least for low-speed hauling. Even though the design is dated, it's still quite attractive. The Nissan Frontier and nearly identical Suzuki Equator are also possibilities; they're both especially rugged in look and feel and come in a variety of trims, including focused off-road models. Another possibility is the Dodge Dakota, but the Dakota doesn't ride or handle well. The Toyota Tacoma is probably the best choice for frugal shoppers, thanks to its strong resale value, as well as decent performance and fuel economy with the standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine.
Buying Tip
Watch out for dealer-installed options. They tend to add to the bottom-line price. Ask specifically for a no-options base truck and you'll be happy.
| Permalink:2010 Honda Ridgeline | |
