http://vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=296004

RIDGELINE

 

I think this truck will do well. It'll handle like a taller car, be refined like a car yet be useful for people who actually need the part-time utility of a truck.

 

IMO that truck is so ugly.

 

Its a concept and not even a prototype.

When the actual prototype comes out in January, you should cast your final judgement

 

This is the test mule, looks like a mini Chevy Avalanche...

 

looks a lot lower than the concept vehicle

 

u got a point but once they strip all the crapp off of it then we might know wut it really looks like

 

I hope not another subaru baja. Looks like very low ride height for an actual truck.

 

Man, I went to some pick-up trunk forums and man the language the use to describe this truck is horrendous. I say, watch what you say. Anything HONDA gets into, they get well at over time.

 

They're scared. Honda didn't make a minivan for years and within only a few years became the king. And now it has the Pilot, CR-V and MDX leading the way for unibody SUV's. A unibody light duty pickup is just what about 75% of people need and it'll make a dent.

So.. let people bash on it, just shows how afraid they are of the thing.

 

Agreed. I see so many pickups with nothing in the back (Dodge RAM pickups) . You bring a hot looking pickup to the market that is fast and they will buy it.

Toyota has trucks, but none that really appealed to the mass buyers.

 

Pretty sure the pre 05 tacoma was very close to outselling the ranger and becoming the #1 compact truck. I think its very likely the 05 model will make the tacoma the #1 seller. The tundra has had a slow start, buts thats how the truck market is towards imports in the fullsize market. The next gen should jump up in sales due Toyota taking the time to establish themselves in this market and the fact that its a monster, based off the ftx concept.

Not sure how honda will do. Depends on how the public accepts the styling. Its not exactly that same conservative pilot front grill that buyers are used to, its a more in your face type styling, like the element, that may put off buyers. Also things like power, capabilities, etc may put off buyers. Sure 90% of buyers don't need what a fullsize truck offers, but they seem to gravitate towards the excess when it comes to trucks. Right now it seems the ridgeline will be competing with the new 05 midsize line of trucks rather than fullsize.