Honda Pick-up Truck?
#1
Burning Brakes
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Honda Pick-up Truck?
I did a search before posting this...
Has anyone heard or seen online pix of the new mid-size Honda pick-up truck? Article, but no pix are at:
http://www.just-auto.com/news_detail...=39938&lk=nd02
Has anyone heard or seen online pix of the new mid-size Honda pick-up truck? Article, but no pix are at:
http://www.just-auto.com/news_detail...=39938&lk=nd02
#3
The pics that I've seen are nothing to write about other then it's a Honda pickup... which is news in itself. I don't like the square wheel well. I do like the full cab but I also want a full bed not a half bed which the pictures show. It's a Pilot with a bed.
#4
Senior Moderator
Originally posted by DEVO
The pics that I've seen are nothing to write about other then it's a Honda pickup... which is news in itself. I don't like the square wheel well. I do like the full cab but I also want a full bed not a half bed which the pictures show. It's a Pilot with a bed.
The pics that I've seen are nothing to write about other then it's a Honda pickup... which is news in itself. I don't like the square wheel well. I do like the full cab but I also want a full bed not a half bed which the pictures show. It's a Pilot with a bed.
As long as noone expects the thing to tow 7000 punds or hold a few tons in that bed I'm sure it will be a good truck.
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The Pilot and MDX chassis are unibody! If Honda does this, I think it'll be the first unibody truck! I wonder what its payload capacity will be... 1/4 ton?
I can see the headlines now:
"New Honda truck folds in half after being loaded with 12 bags of concrete."
You won't be seeing any TV ads showing skip-loaders dropping gravel into the beds of these!
I can see the headlines now:
"New Honda truck folds in half after being loaded with 12 bags of concrete."
You won't be seeing any TV ads showing skip-loaders dropping gravel into the beds of these!
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Interesting news, but I'd only drive a pick-up if I needed to. So far, despite having our first child, I've been able to fend off my wives overtures towards SUVs and the dreaded minivan...
#7
Originally posted by domn
can anybody really take a Pickup built on a Minivan platform seriously?
can anybody really take a Pickup built on a Minivan platform seriously?
Think about it; suburban dwellers that move at most a bag or three of gardening supplies.
They'll sell 50,000 easy, on the Honda name alone.
Heck, Chrysler used to sell a ton of the Omni-based mini-pickups...
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#8
Honda has no creditbility at all in the truck business...they cant even build a jeep/suv from the ground up..people who buy pick up tricks actually use them for their purpose more than SUV's...honda would need to actually develop a platform and engines with torque..both things that they have never done before and no track record.
#9
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Originally posted by gilboman
people who buy pick up tricks actually use them for their purpose more than SUV's
people who buy pick up tricks actually use them for their purpose more than SUV's
not at this day in age
#10
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I have a small Toyota pickup. My pickup needs are simple and are not heavy duty. The small pickup can haul:
- about any piece of furniture or appliance (fridges, tables, sofas, etc.)
- a load of planting soil that I buy in bulk.
- a load of household junk, household contruction debris, or yard waste (tree trimmings, dead plants, etc.) for delivery to the dumps or recycling facility.
- most importantly, mounting my mountain bike for weekend cycling. (I built a simple portable mount to which my bike attaches upright in the truck's bed.) I dislike those attachments that affix to the rear or top of vehicles! And it's never recommended to lay a bike on its side.
If the Honda pickup can handle 1/4 ton loads without collapsing, then it would meet all of my requirements.
Car-based pickups can be quite useful. Recall the Chevy El Camino and Ford Falcon-based pickups. In Oz, these types of vehicles (utes) are still popular and in production to this day. In Brazil, Chevy has a Montana model that looks a lot like an Opel-based car in the front but with a pickup bed in the rear (but I don't know if it's car-based). Subaru had the Brat and currently has a similar model on the market. Yes, one can laugh at any of these vehicles because they lack the specs or capacities--or ~~machismo~~--of a traditional full-sized gas guzzling pickup, but they are not overkill for many households.
- about any piece of furniture or appliance (fridges, tables, sofas, etc.)
- a load of planting soil that I buy in bulk.
- a load of household junk, household contruction debris, or yard waste (tree trimmings, dead plants, etc.) for delivery to the dumps or recycling facility.
- most importantly, mounting my mountain bike for weekend cycling. (I built a simple portable mount to which my bike attaches upright in the truck's bed.) I dislike those attachments that affix to the rear or top of vehicles! And it's never recommended to lay a bike on its side.
If the Honda pickup can handle 1/4 ton loads without collapsing, then it would meet all of my requirements.
Car-based pickups can be quite useful. Recall the Chevy El Camino and Ford Falcon-based pickups. In Oz, these types of vehicles (utes) are still popular and in production to this day. In Brazil, Chevy has a Montana model that looks a lot like an Opel-based car in the front but with a pickup bed in the rear (but I don't know if it's car-based). Subaru had the Brat and currently has a similar model on the market. Yes, one can laugh at any of these vehicles because they lack the specs or capacities--or ~~machismo~~--of a traditional full-sized gas guzzling pickup, but they are not overkill for many households.
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I guess the problem lies in what to call it then. It's not a truck; it's not a sedan. The El Camino, the Ranchero, the Brat, the new Baja, and now possibly the Honda "pickup"... they defy classification!
I certainly hope Honda doesn't try to sell it as a "truck". Would you call a Subaru Baja a "truck"?
#12
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Its going to be an entry level truck like a frontier. course i think if i ever bought a truck id have to go with the frontier on this one. i really like how they drive. but thats not bad looking for a sketch, but they wont make it look that sharp in sheetmetal
#13
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Originally posted by XPLORx4
[BI guess the problem lies in what to call it then. It's not a truck; it's not a sedan. The El Camino, the Ranchero, the Brat, the new Baja, and now possibly the Honda "pickup"... they defy classification!
I certainly hope Honda doesn't try to sell it as a "truck". Would you call a Subaru Baja a "truck"? [/B]
[BI guess the problem lies in what to call it then. It's not a truck; it's not a sedan. The El Camino, the Ranchero, the Brat, the new Baja, and now possibly the Honda "pickup"... they defy classification!
I certainly hope Honda doesn't try to sell it as a "truck". Would you call a Subaru Baja a "truck"? [/B]
It's fair to call it a pickup or per the Oz-way, a ute--short for utility. I see no reason not to call its form and function that of a truck.
Today's marketing definition of a truck is pretty meaningless anyway. For example, arguably, all of these vehicles that we call SUVs fit the function and profile of a station wagon, but per some standards they are specifically called trucks.
The term SUV is entirely a contrived marketing term that started sometime back in the Eighties. Before then, what where the urclassic Land Rovers and Range Rovers advertised as? Station wagons! And let's not forget the Yank tanks that have roots back to the Sixties or so, the Wagoneer and the Grand Wagoneer. They were station wagons then, and their equivalent modern models are technically still station wagons! Before then were Willys and Chev Suburbans--all wagons in form and function.
It doesn't matter whether a station wagon is truck-based or car-based or even horse-drawn. History proves that. It's just emotionally uncool to call some "cool" things a station wagon anymore. It proves how effective "lemming" marketing can be. I simply cut through the marketing crap and call them what they are.
#14
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Originally posted by Brad
It doesn't matter whether a station wagon is truck-based or car-based or even horse-drawn. History proves that. It's just emotionally uncool to call some "cool" things a station wagon anymore. It proves how effective "lemming" marketing can be. I simply cut through the marketing crap and call them what they are.
It doesn't matter whether a station wagon is truck-based or car-based or even horse-drawn. History proves that. It's just emotionally uncool to call some "cool" things a station wagon anymore. It proves how effective "lemming" marketing can be. I simply cut through the marketing crap and call them what they are.
#15
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Part of vehicle classification involves figuring out what safety standards and fuel economy restrictions are required. If a vehicle is classified as a "truck" it may not require the same safety features as a "wagon" or "sedan". I'm not certain what the safety requirements are for "SUV"s but I'm pretty sure "trucks" have much looser requirements for safety and fuel economy than cars.
I wonder what Honda will classify this new vehicle as, and whether it will get sucky fuel economy (like a truck) or good fuel economy.
Anyone know what the EPA vehicle classification standards are? (For example, the TSX is in the "compact" class, while the Accord is in the "midsize" class.)
I wonder what Honda will classify this new vehicle as, and whether it will get sucky fuel economy (like a truck) or good fuel economy.
Anyone know what the EPA vehicle classification standards are? (For example, the TSX is in the "compact" class, while the Accord is in the "midsize" class.)
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Certainly heavy towing requires heavier duty gear, but it's not a matter of being a "real" truck. It's a matter of duty, load, relativity, and use. Anything with a bed can be called a pickup truck. Even the diminuative new convertible Citroen can convert to a pickup truck mode. A two-wheel push cart dolly is also known as a truck.
In the world of commercial trucking, none of the conventional traditional "full size pickup trucks" are real trucks. They are more like cars in comparison to long haul commercial vehicles. One indication of that are signs on the highway that direct commercial trucks to certain lanes or turn-offs; typically, those signs say something point blank like "Trucks Only". Those signs _never_ pertain regular pickup trucks.
I would ~guess~ that most pick-up trucks on the road never tow anything. It's like 4x4 wheel vehicles. 90-95% never see service to make use of 4x4 capabilities. But it's a cool marketing thing--aka the "I'm bigger, therefore better" syndrome.
In the world of commercial trucking, none of the conventional traditional "full size pickup trucks" are real trucks. They are more like cars in comparison to long haul commercial vehicles. One indication of that are signs on the highway that direct commercial trucks to certain lanes or turn-offs; typically, those signs say something point blank like "Trucks Only". Those signs _never_ pertain regular pickup trucks.
I would ~guess~ that most pick-up trucks on the road never tow anything. It's like 4x4 wheel vehicles. 90-95% never see service to make use of 4x4 capabilities. But it's a cool marketing thing--aka the "I'm bigger, therefore better" syndrome.
#17
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Brad- interesting comment about commercial trucking distinctions. It's funny how the road sign that says "trucks and autos with trailers: 55 max speed" is commonly understood to exclude pickup trucks that are not towing. I've overheard 18-wheel truck drivers refer to passenger cars (and light trucks) as 4-wheelers. Basically, they identify themselves as trucks and everything else as 4-wheelers (because they have 4 wheels, not necessarily because they are 4WD.)
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XPLORx4: I see you're not far from me. I'm in Redwood City.
Oh ja, I forgot about those "trucks and autos with trailers: 55 max speed" signs. Good point. But does the sign apply to large "big rig" trucks (with or without a trailer) or any truck with a trailer? I'm not sure.
What I find logically odd are the SUVs and minivans that are classified as trucks. Manufacturers often want some models to have that designation because of various regulations, including emission controls and gas mileage averaging. But it's cooler to say a Hummer 2 is a truck rather than station wagon.
If there's a common thread in many of my messages, it's a cynical outlook on the facade and BS that often goes hand-in-hand with some sales and marketing tactics. I relish in cutting through the crap. It's fascinating to see how people "buy" and believe the superficial facades and perceptions that marketing creates. I'm a muckraker at heart.
Oh ja, I forgot about those "trucks and autos with trailers: 55 max speed" signs. Good point. But does the sign apply to large "big rig" trucks (with or without a trailer) or any truck with a trailer? I'm not sure.
What I find logically odd are the SUVs and minivans that are classified as trucks. Manufacturers often want some models to have that designation because of various regulations, including emission controls and gas mileage averaging. But it's cooler to say a Hummer 2 is a truck rather than station wagon.
If there's a common thread in many of my messages, it's a cynical outlook on the facade and BS that often goes hand-in-hand with some sales and marketing tactics. I relish in cutting through the crap. It's fascinating to see how people "buy" and believe the superficial facades and perceptions that marketing creates. I'm a muckraker at heart.
#19
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XPLORx4: I see you're not far from me. I'm in Redwood City.
I commute past your city every day on my way to Foster City, where I work.
Oh ja, I forgot about those "trucks and autos with trailers: 55 max speed" signs. Good point. But does the sign apply to large "big rig" trucks (with or without a trailer) or any truck with a trailer?
That speed limit applies to any semi "truck" (i.e. Kenworth, Peterbilt, etc.), whether its trailer is attached or not. It also applies to any other type of vehicle that is towing something, whether it's a Ford Focus with a utility trailer or an F-350 with a 40-foot speedboat. Additionally (this is not typically seen insignage, but is in the California Vehicle Code) any vehicle with a trailer may not legally drive on any lane except the rightmost 2 lanes.
Anyway, back to that Honda "truck"...
I commute past your city every day on my way to Foster City, where I work.
Oh ja, I forgot about those "trucks and autos with trailers: 55 max speed" signs. Good point. But does the sign apply to large "big rig" trucks (with or without a trailer) or any truck with a trailer?
That speed limit applies to any semi "truck" (i.e. Kenworth, Peterbilt, etc.), whether its trailer is attached or not. It also applies to any other type of vehicle that is towing something, whether it's a Ford Focus with a utility trailer or an F-350 with a 40-foot speedboat. Additionally (this is not typically seen insignage, but is in the California Vehicle Code) any vehicle with a trailer may not legally drive on any lane except the rightmost 2 lanes.
Anyway, back to that Honda "truck"...
#20
Originally posted by gilboman
Honda has no creditbility at all in the truck business...they cant even build a jeep/suv from the ground up..people who buy pick up tricks actually use them for their purpose more than SUV's...honda would need to actually develop a platform and engines with torque..both things that they have never done before and no track record.
Honda has no creditbility at all in the truck business...they cant even build a jeep/suv from the ground up..people who buy pick up tricks actually use them for their purpose more than SUV's...honda would need to actually develop a platform and engines with torque..both things that they have never done before and no track record.
#21
Originally posted by gilboman
Honda has no creditbility at all in the truck business...they cant even build a jeep/suv from the ground up..people who buy pick up tricks actually use them for their purpose more than SUV's...honda would need to actually develop a platform and engines with torque..both things that they have never done before and no track record.
Honda has no creditbility at all in the truck business...they cant even build a jeep/suv from the ground up..people who buy pick up tricks actually use them for their purpose more than SUV's...honda would need to actually develop a platform and engines with torque..both things that they have never done before and no track record.
http://www.celebratebig.com/roadside...ickuptruck.htm
I'm sure if Honda wanted to they can build a truck just fine. Look at what they did with the CR-V, Odyssey, MDX and Pilot in those parytcular markets. Building RWD and a larger gas guzzling motor is no secret. They realize what a mid size truck should be and I wouldn't be surprised if it could haul 5000+ lbs (or enough for your average small boat or RV) plus carry 4-5 passengers.
#22
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Deal Killers for the Honda pickup would be:
- If my bikes don't fit on the bed. Does anyone know how long that short bed is?
- It has to be available in manual tranny. 5-speed really is sufficient. But I know that Marketeering Dept would want to appeal to be different from the competition and offer 6-speed.
- Must be available in 2-wheel drive, since 4-wheel drive vehicles are pretty much useless in the SF Bay Area. I take my bike off-road, not my motor vehicles. The added expense of 4WD is a waste, waste, waste. It also increases maintenance and repair costs. I don't like paying extra for something so profoundly unneeded.
- And how much is this Honda pickup going to cost?
- If my bikes don't fit on the bed. Does anyone know how long that short bed is?
- It has to be available in manual tranny. 5-speed really is sufficient. But I know that Marketeering Dept would want to appeal to be different from the competition and offer 6-speed.
- Must be available in 2-wheel drive, since 4-wheel drive vehicles are pretty much useless in the SF Bay Area. I take my bike off-road, not my motor vehicles. The added expense of 4WD is a waste, waste, waste. It also increases maintenance and repair costs. I don't like paying extra for something so profoundly unneeded.
- And how much is this Honda pickup going to cost?
#23
Honda Ridgeline
Originally Posted by 35kcdn
Found your kinda pick-up truck Gilbo.
http://www.celebratebig.com/roadside...ickuptruck.htm
I'm sure if Honda wanted to they can build a truck just fine. Look at what they did with the CR-V, Odyssey, MDX and Pilot in those parytcular markets. Building RWD and a larger gas guzzling motor is no secret. They realize what a mid size truck should be and I wouldn't be surprised if it could haul 5000+ lbs (or enough for your average small boat or RV) plus carry 4-5 passengers.
http://www.celebratebig.com/roadside...ickuptruck.htm
I'm sure if Honda wanted to they can build a truck just fine. Look at what they did with the CR-V, Odyssey, MDX and Pilot in those parytcular markets. Building RWD and a larger gas guzzling motor is no secret. They realize what a mid size truck should be and I wouldn't be surprised if it could haul 5000+ lbs (or enough for your average small boat or RV) plus carry 4-5 passengers.
I did a search for the "Ridgeline and didn't come up with any new posts since its introductiona the Detroit Autoshow or the commercials during Superbowl. We are still looking for a quad cab truck and feel this might be the one. Honad has re-invented the small/medium sized truck. Watch out Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Chev and Dodge.
http://automobiles.honda.com/new_mod...ne_compare.asp
#24
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Originally Posted by 35kcdn
I did a search for the "Ridgeline and didn't come up with any new posts since its introductiona the Detroit Autoshow or the commercials during Superbowl. We are still looking for a quad cab truck and feel this might be the one. Honad has re-invented the small/medium sized truck. Watch out Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Chev and Dodge.
http://automobiles.honda.com/new_mod...ne_compare.asp
http://automobiles.honda.com/new_mod...ne_compare.asp
#25
Photography Nerd
Originally Posted by XPLORx4
I guess the problem lies in what to call it then. It's not a truck; it's not a sedan. The El Camino, the Ranchero, the Brat, the new Baja, and now possibly the Honda "pickup"... they defy classification!
I certainly hope Honda doesn't try to sell it as a "truck". Would you call a Subaru Baja a "truck"?
Truth be told, I like this one better than the ridgeline.
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Originally Posted by Brad
Deal Killers for the Honda pickup would be:
- If my bikes don't fit on the bed. Does anyone know how long that short bed is?
- It has to be available in manual tranny. 5-speed really is sufficient. But I know that Marketeering Dept would want to appeal to be different from the competition and offer 6-speed.
- Must be available in 2-wheel drive, since 4-wheel drive vehicles are pretty much useless in the SF Bay Area. I take my bike off-road, not my motor vehicles. The added expense of 4WD is a waste, waste, waste. It also increases maintenance and repair costs. I don't like paying extra for something so profoundly unneeded.
- And how much is this Honda pickup going to cost?
- If my bikes don't fit on the bed. Does anyone know how long that short bed is?
- It has to be available in manual tranny. 5-speed really is sufficient. But I know that Marketeering Dept would want to appeal to be different from the competition and offer 6-speed.
- Must be available in 2-wheel drive, since 4-wheel drive vehicles are pretty much useless in the SF Bay Area. I take my bike off-road, not my motor vehicles. The added expense of 4WD is a waste, waste, waste. It also increases maintenance and repair costs. I don't like paying extra for something so profoundly unneeded.
- And how much is this Honda pickup going to cost?
It will be only available in the 5 speed automatic transmission, at least at first.
I like the Ridgeline. I know it will have the reliability of a typical Honda. If I were to buy a pickup truck, this would be the one for me. I don't have a boat or anything like that, so I won't be doing any towing.
#28
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I dunno- maybe it's just me, but I've been finding so many cars and trucks designed in the past few years VERY ugly and poorly executed. I could compile a large list here- the Mitso Evo, the Subaru WRX, the Escalade/Avalanche, the Aztec, etc.
I would add the Honda's new pickup to this list.
All of this makes me appreciate the elegant, understated style of the TSX even more.
I would add the Honda's new pickup to this list.
All of this makes me appreciate the elegant, understated style of the TSX even more.
#29
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If there was a way we could move this to car talk... but we can't.
But it sure isn't TSX Talk, so if you go to Car Talk forum in Off-Topic, you'll find Ridgeline discussion. You'll be able to continue there..
But it sure isn't TSX Talk, so if you go to Car Talk forum in Off-Topic, you'll find Ridgeline discussion. You'll be able to continue there..
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