Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Ridgeline Arrives with Standard Rearview Camera and Unmatched Combination of Practicality, Efficiency and Value | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

10/03/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif.

After receiving an extensive mid-cycle refresh for 2012, including a new high-value Sport trim level, new front styling and improved fuel efficiency, the Honda Ridgeline returns for 2013 with a rearview camera now standard on all trim levels. The 2013 Honda Ridgeline represents an exclusive and innovative approach in the half-ton pickup truck segment, prioritizing its construction and features based on the capabilities that recreational truck buyers need and use the most. The 2013 Ridgeline goes on sale today and pricing is unchanged for 2013, starting at $29,350¹.

The Honda Ridgeline features a closed-box, uni-body structure and an independent front and rear suspension for a unique combination of capability, interior spaciousness and comfortable ride performance. It also delivers a wide range of conventional pickup capabilities, with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds and a half-ton payload rating, all while offering unique features like a large In-Bed Trunk® with dual-action tailgate for easy access.

Four distinctive Ridgeline models are available, including the Ridgeline RT, Ridgeline Sport, Ridgeline RTS and top-of-the-line Ridgeline RTL, which is available with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™². The 2013 Ridgeline earns an EPA fuel economy rating of 15/21/17 city/highway/combined³ mpg.

Ridgeline RT features include:
Unique 17-inch steel wheels, integrated trailer hitch, pre-wiring for 7-pin trailer wiring, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, power sliding rear window, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, trip computer with instantaneous and average fuel economy, 6-speaker 100-watt audio system with CD player and MP3/WMA playback capability, rearview camera, and 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage.

Ridgeline Sport features include (adds to Ridgeline RT):
Exclusive black 18-inch aluminum wheels, exclusive black honeycomb grille with black surround, black headlight and brake light housings, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, auxiliary audio input jack, all-weather floor mats and rear privacy glass.
Ridgeline RTS features include (adds to Ridgeline RT):

Exclusive 17-inch aluminum wheels, painted inner grille surfaces, body-color painted door handles, 7-pin trailer wiring connector, 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer, 6-disc in-dash CD system, steering wheel-mounted controls, auxiliary audio input jack, exterior temperature indicator, all-weather floor mats and privacy glass.
Ridgeline RTL features include (adds to Ridgeline RTS):

Exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights, power moonroof, heated side mirrors, leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, XM Radio⁴, HomeLink® remote system, ambient console lighting, 115-volt power outlet and carpeted floor mats.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™² with Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey® restaurant information is available on the Ridgeline RTL. It includes XM® Radio⁴, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a multi-information display. The navigation system includes a rearview camera display, thus eliminating this display in the rearview mirror.

Powertrain
The Ridgeline's all-aluminum, 60-degree, SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine produces 250 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 247 lb-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. Variable valve timing enhances low-rpm torque while extending high-rpm horsepower for a broad power band.  The 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill to avoid gear "hunting."

A fully automatic Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4®) provides confident operation in rain, snow, ice, sand and mud, while also improving on-road and towing performance by distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. The system operates predominately in front-wheel-drive during dry-pavement cruising conditions and continuously proportions torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations. The VTM-4 lock button located on the instrument panel allows the driver to temporarily hold engagement of both rear wheels to aid traction while in gears "1" and "2" at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Standard towing equipment includes an integrated tow hitch, transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans and a wiring harness for a 7-pin trailer hook up (pre-wiring only on RT and Sport).

Body
The unit-body architecture is designed for vastly superior rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame designs and provides the foundation for the Ridgeline's spacious interior cabin and bed, safety performance and class-leading ride and handling performance. Its modern and athletic design incorporates a solid, one-piece appearance with no separation between the bed and the cab. The windshield wipers have a heated wiper zone to enhance wiper performance in winter driving conditions and minimize ice scraping, while large side mirrors compliment rear vision while towing.
A 5-foot-long composite cargo bed with eight tie-down locations provides a payload rating of 1,100 pounds, while four cargo area lights illuminate both the bed and the in-bed trunk. A dual-action tailgate opens down for traditional access to the cargo area or to the side for ease-of-access to the 8.5 cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk®. The Ridgeline is available with a wide variety of accessories and can conveniently accommodate motorcycles or ATVs. The cargo area measures 49.5 inches wide between the wheel wells, 20.7 inches deep and 60.0 inches long (79.0 inches with the load-supporting tailgate in the down position).

Chassis
A MacPherson strut front suspension and fully independent multi-link rear suspension with trailing arms provide a smooth ride and responsive handling. A heavy-duty braking system includes 12.6-inch front and 13.1-inch rear 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Ridgeline RT has 17x7.5-inch steel wheels and P245/65 R17 all-season tires, while the Ridgeline RTS upgrades to 17x7.5-inch aluminum wheels. Ridgeline Sport and Ridgeline RTL models are uniquely equipped with 18x7.5-inch aluminum wheels and all-season P245/60 R18 tires.

Interior
The interior takes advantage of Honda's uni-body packaging efficiency to deliver full-size interior space dimensions while maintaining garage-friendly, mid-size exterior dimensions. The driving position provides ergonomically comfortable access to large and easy-to-use controls.

Between the front seats, a large multi-function console features a sliding armrest and sliding lower tray – each with a hidden storage area. Other console storage areas accommodate large and small items like mobile phones, beverage holders, compact discs and portable digital music players.

The 60/40 lift-up rear seats feature a storage area underneath that is large enough to accommodate a golf bag. Plus, the rear seating area can quickly convert for cargo duty by lifting the seats up to create enough room for a full-size mountain bike with the front wheel removed. The rear seat incorporates three LATCH positions for compatible child safety seats.

Safety
All Ridgelines are equipped with standard safety features including dual-stage, multiple-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags, front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, front-seat active head restraints, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Awards and Accolades
The 2012 Ridgeline received the highest possible TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning the highest-possible score of GOOD in all four IIHS ratings, including the rigorous roof-strength test. In addition, in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for 2011, the Ridgeline earned the highest initial quality score in the midsize pickup segment.

Warranty
The 2013 Honda Ridgeline is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile new-car limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion limited warranty.

Ridgeline Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing¹
Ridgeline RT: $29,350
Ridgeline Sport:  $30,095
Ridgeline RTS:  $32,055
Ridgeline RTL:  $34,930
Ridgeline RTL with Navigation: $37,280
Connect with Honda:­
Media Newsroom (for journalists): http://www.hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-ridgeline
For consumers: http://automobiles.honda.com/ridgeline/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/honda
Flickr: www.flickr.com/hondanews
Twitter: www.twitter.com/honda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hondaridgeline
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/honda/
On Google+
¹ MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $830 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
² The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the Ridgeline RTL in the United States, except Alaska. Please see your Honda dealer for details.
³ Based on 2013 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
⁴ Required XM Radio subscription sold separately after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions are governed by the XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com/serviceterms. Other fees and taxes apply after trial period; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. 2012 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Third-party trademarks: The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/2013-honda-ridgeline-arrives-with-standard-rearview-camera-and-unmatched-combination-of-practicality-efficiency-and-value

Honda Cars : 2013 Honda Ridgeline for Canada | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Trim Packages will be the same as the 2012's, however Honda has expanded the colour choices on the Ridgeline Sport by adding Silver to the Black or White mix.  2014 is the year that Honda has slotted for a full redesign.

Trim Levels and colours available;

2013 Honda Ridgeline DX
NH-578 White Exterior
NH-731P Black Exterior
NH-737M Grey Exterior

2013 Honda Ridgeline VP (Value Package)
NH-700MX Silver Exterior
NH-578 White Exterior
NH-731PX Black Exterior
NH737M Grey Exterior
B-588P Blue Exterior
R-529PX Red Exterior

2013 Honda Ridgeline Touring
Colours same as above

2013 Honda Ridgeline SPORT
NH-578 White Exterior
NH700M Silver Exterior
NH-731PX Black Exterior

Source;
Honda Canada

Honda Cars : Honda transfers Ridgeline pickup between assembly lines at Alabama plant | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda employees celebrate the transfer of the Ridgeline pickup at the Alabama factory in Lincoln.

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Ridgeline pickup was transferred to Line 1 at Honda's Alabama auto factory in Lincoln today, about two months after production on it was halted on Line 2 to prepare for move.

The transfer allows the automaker to continue to prepare Line 2 for the addition of the Acura MDX SUV, which will arrive next year.

Transferring models between assembly lines is significant, because it also requires the transfer of tooling and dies that are used to make that model. Employees also receive training on the model that is new to their line.

The move also demonstrates Honda's trademark manufacturing flexibility.

In the case of the Ridgeline at the Lincoln plant, the pickup had previously been built on Line 1, up until last year, when it was moved to increase production of the Odyssey minivan on Line 1. Now, it's back.

Along with the Ridgeline and Odyssey, Honda's 4,000 Alabama workers also build the Pilot SUV in Lincoln and the V-6 engines that power all of the vehicles. Ridgeline production started there in 2009, after it was transferred from Canada.

The Lincoln plant has been a busy place lately, as it is adding jobs, readjusting shifts and increasing production capacity.

Sales of the vehicles are rising.

Source;
http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2012/08/honda_transfers_ridgeline_pick.html

Honda Cars : The Future of Honda; CVTs, new engine family will reshape Honda line | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

This is a spyshot of the upcoming 2013 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid.

by  Mark Rechtin of www.autonews.com

Honda's new Earth Dreams engine family will debut in the redesigned Accord this fall and then trickle through the rest of the lineup.

The new engines have direct injection and double-overhead cams. They will produce at least a 10 percent fuel economy advantage over Honda's current four-cylinders.

Earth Dreams engines will be added as each vehicle is redesigned, and in some cases will be available for mid-cycle revisions. Even the base four-cylinder will have a twin-cam profile setup, variable valve timing and direct injection. And there also is talk of bringing a 1.6-liter diesel with 220 pounds-feet of torque to the United States.

Honda also is putting heavy emphasis on continuously variable transmissions. While performance models and off-road vehicles will retain geared transmissions, mainstream cars will have CVTs.

With the introduction of Honda's large-car hybrid powertrain system next year, more vehicles in the lineup will have a hybrid option.

Here's a look at Honda's product plans:

Fit: Europe gets a hybrid version, but Honda has canceled plans for a Fit hybrid in North America.
A redesign of the Fit comes in summer of 2014. Because Honda will have a dedicated plant in Mexico to handle Fit production for the United States, expect some local market design cues and features that won't appear in the Japanese or European models. But Honda might not wait until then to install the Earth Dreams 1.5-liter inline-four with 127 hp and 111 pounds-feet of torque, as well as a CVT.

Fit EV: The electric version of the Fit went on sale this summer with an EPA-rated equivalent of 118 mpg. But its range is just 82 miles. Packaging the battery pack was difficult, so expect the next Fit to have a different suspension module for the hybrid and EV versions.

Insight: No word on whether the nickel-metal hydride battery pack will swap out for lithium ion before the 2015-model redesign.

Civic: Terrible reviews of the Civic's interior plastics have prompted a major freshening for this fall, just 18 months after launch. Expect a big improvement in the tactile feel of the instrument panel. A 1.8-liter inline-four Earth Dreams engine with 148 hp and 133 pounds-feet of torque, mated to a CVT, could be installed in the spring 2014 midcycle change.

CR-Z: A higher-performance CR-Z supposedly was on the way. But with the punishing yen exchange rate jacking up the price, that version may not reach the United States.

S2000: Honda hasn't had a proper sports car since the S2000 went away in 2009. The early success of the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ have American Honda product planners angling for a competitive model. But it is not a priority in Japan.


Accord: A redesign for the sedan and coupe comes this fall. The current Accord was considered too large, so expect a slightly narrower version that's about two or three inches shorter. The wheelbase may stay the same.
This will be the first Honda model with Earth Dreams engines. The base engine is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder with 181 hp, 177 pounds-feet of torque and much-improved fuel economy. The Accord will have a CVT as its only four-cylinder automatic offering. The V-6 Accord will have a choice of a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
Honda is placing a major emphasis on crash safety, as well as such devices as a lane-departure warning system. The Accord also will be the first vehicle with Honda's new large-car hybrid system. Engineers say the four-cylinder plug-in hybrid will have a 2.0-liter engine teamed with a lithium ion battery pack and will easily beat the Toyota Camry Hybrid's 41 mpg.

Crosstour: A midcycle change in the 2013 model year will bring a six-speed automatic transmission but not an Earth Dreams engine.

FCX Clarity: Honda's hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle is trickling into Southern California garages as part of a test for an eventual launch in 2018.

CR-V: Redesigned for the 2013 model year.

Fit Crossover: According to Japanese press reports, Honda is studying a compact crossover that would slot below the CR-V. Honda's top U.S. manufacturing executive has said the plant in Mexico that will produce the Fit will have flexibility to build multiple variants for the North American market when it opens in 2014. Given Honda's typical factory ramp-up timing, that probably means a smaller, entry-level crossover will arrive in the United States in the spring of 2015 as a 2016 model.

Pilot: A full redesign on the shared Odyssey platform comes in fall of 2014, and sheet metal will move away from the "angry robot" look. It likely will get a 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6 with around 310 hp and 265 pounds-feet of torque. Expect the front-wheel-drive version to have a CVT and the all-wheel-drive version to get a six-speed automatic transmission.

Odyssey: The minivan was redesigned in fall 2010 on a six-year cycle. That means the 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6 probably will be incorporated during the 2014 model year.

Ridgeline: Honda's pickup will keep the Ridgeline name but won't look or feel the same when it is redesigned in 2014. Honda wants to keep the handling dynamics and packaging, but the styling, fuel economy and sticker price are weaknesses.

Source;

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120730/OEM04/307309983/1216/cvts-new-engine-family-will-reshape-honda-line

Honda Cars : 2014, The Year of the Fully Redesigned Honda Ridgeline | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Just spoke to a reliable source at Honda Canada, no word on a 2013 full model change as I was expecting, however it is slated for the 2014 model year. I have not seen any sketches or 'leaked spyshots' of any proposed redesigns but have been affirmed that the Honda Ridgeline is still on.

Source;

Honda Canada

Honda Cars : Detroit News: Honda says slow-selling Ridgeline stays | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda Motor Co. refuted reports Tuesday that it was phasing out its Ridgeline pickup.

"The reports in the media that we have plans to discontinue the Ridgeline pickup truck are false," said Sage Marie, manager of truck product planning at American Honda.

"To the contrary, Ridgeline has a significant role in the Honda lineup, and it is expected to continue in the foreseeable future," he said.

Marie noted that Honda had already announced the 2012 Ridgeline will feature new styling cues, improved fuel efficiency and a new Sport variant.

U.S. sales of the Ridgeline, an unusual, award-winning pickup designed and built on a unibody platform, have slumped by half this year to 6,500 from 12,700 compared with the first nine months of 2010.

Honda has struggled this year with output disruptions because of the March earthquake, and it halted production of the Ridgeline for three months in March. During that period, the tooling to make the truck was moved to another line at the Lincoln, Ala., plant, and production resumed in August.

"It is too early to talk publicly about the details of our future plans for Ridgeline," Marie said. "It will remain an important part of the Honda product portfolio."

Source;
http://detnews.com/article/20111004/AUTO01/110040402/Honda-says-slow-selling-Ridgeline-stays#ixzz1a0e0HLYh

Honda Cars : Sales sputter, but Honda committed to Ridgeline pickup | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Last week it was reported that Honda was going to retire the Ridgeline, well, looks like those reports may have been false, let's hope so....
LINCOLN, Alabama -- Ridgeline pickups will continue to roll off the assembly line at Honda's Alabama factory, the automaker says, despite reports that the low-selling model has reached the end of the road.

In August, the Ridgeline went back into production in Lincoln, following a five-month hiatus brought on by a parts shortage that forced Honda to limit output on a wide range of models.
But even though it's back, questions persist. Introduced in 2005, the Ridgeline's annual sales peaked in 2006 and have fallen every year since then.

There's been plenty of speculation about the pickup's demise, and a recent report from Automotive News says that will happen in 2013.

Honda, however, disputes the report.

"The Ridgeline's not going anywhere," said Honda spokesman Chuck Schifsky. "There is no plan currently underway or any plan in the works to kill the Ridgeline."

At the moment, Schifsky said, the Ridgeline plays a key role for Honda buyers and Honda dealers.

"We feel it's important to have a pickup truck in the lineup," he said. "We made a significant investment of time and money to move it into the Alabama plant, so that should speak to our commitment to the vehicle."

Production of the Ridgeline moved from Canada to Alabama in 2009, a shift that helped Honda build more of the popular Civic sedan in Canada.

It also kept the 4,000-worker Lincoln plant busy, as demand for the facility's key products -- the Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV -- had waned in a global sales slump.

But the Ridgeline has struggled to find a wide audience, despite gaining industry accolades for design and quality. In the latest nod, it topped the midsize pickup category in this year's J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Initial Quality Survey.

"It's a clever vehicle because it straddles that line between being a passenger car and a utility vehicle," said Michael Jordan, executive editor for Edmunds.com. "It's a vehicle for people who drive cars but need the utility of a truck."

But that combo also can be a liability.

For one thing, it's viewed by some as a "city boys' truck," Jordan said, noting its car-like attributes, including four doors, five-passenger seating and other styling cues.

Pricing also can be an issue.

"Even though a fully-optioned pickup can be a $40,000 proposition, a stripped-down one can be $25,000 or $28,000," Jordan said.

The 2011 Ridgeline starts at $29,150.

During its introduction year of 2005, sales of the Ridgeline totaled 42,593. The next year, sales topped 50,000, the highest they have ever been.

In 2007, sales slid to 42,795, and they continue to drop. In 2010, sales totaled 16,142, and through the first eight months of this year, sales trail last year by 49 percent.

Part of the problem this year has been a radical depletion of inventory. Last spring's earthquake in Japan damaged Honda supplier operations, creating a parts shortage and forcing the automaker to curb vehicle output across North America.

But while production of the Odyssey and Pilot were scaled back in Lincoln, Ridgeline was halted completely.

In mid-March, the plant stopped building the pickup, which was due to be transferred from Assembly Line 1 to Assembly Line 2 as part of a previously scheduled shift. But the completion of the transfer was delayed because of the parts supply issue, so no market-ready Ridgelines were built until production was restarted on Aug. 17.

The plant has now returned to full steam, including Odyssey and Pilot production.

The 2012 Ridgeline is scheduled to go on sale in November. As for upcoming design changes, including speculation that the Ridgeline could morph into a smaller pickup, Honda usually doesn't talk about future products.

"The fact that we're saying it's going to be around is an important statement," Schifsky said. "Where it goes in terms of marketing, sales and redesign, we'll have to wait and see."

Whatever the future holds for the Ridgeline, the Lincoln plant has a bright future, Jordan said.

"Clearly that platform can be adapted to other utility-style platforms," he said.

The plant has demonstrated its flexibility in recent years. Along with the Ridgeline, production of the Honda Accord was brought in during the industry sales slump.

Accord production ceased there last year, but the Acura MDX, an SUV made under Honda's luxury brand, is scheduled to arrive in Lincoln in 2013.

Jordan said the Ridgeline has always been a niche model, not a mass-market pickup such as the Ford F-150, the best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

"It's a funny vehicle. All the people who criticize it either really want a truck or a car, so they don't want a Ridgeline to begin with," he said.

But the Ridgeline does have an ardent group of followers.

"The problem is, there's just not enough of them," he said.

Source;
http://blog.al.com/businessnews/2011/09/sales_sputter_but_honda_commit.html

Honda Cars : Why the Honda Ridgeline pickup is driving off into the sunset | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Here we go again, according to Autoweek, the Ridgeline is going to be phased out. C'mon Honda, this is a really nice truck and by not coming out with a full redesign by your own 5yrs standards (you do this for a reason on other products, why not here!?!) you've hurt this truck. Alot of people that own one now would buy a redesign, I am on the front lines and see it all the time! People don't want the same thing every year (hmm Element come to mind?).
The Honda Ridgeline is a good example of what happens when an automaker abandons a model.
After much fanfare with its introduction in 2005, little was done to upgrade the mid-sized pickup. Ridgeline's plummeting sales are no surprise considering the lack of sheet metal changes and significant engineering improvements over the seven-year period.

The pickup's best year was 2006 when 50,193 sales were tallied. After that point, it's been all down hill. Last year, sales for the 12-month period totaled a 16,142, a 2 percent drop from the previous year. This year's sales through August nosedived 49 percent, to 5,776 vehicles.

While the Honda Ridgeline does not fill everyone's pickup needs, nor was it intended to so, it is a credible pickup. Despite the fact that it was developed off a front-drive platform, it has a 1,500-pound-plus payload capacity and tows up tow 5,000 pounds. Four-wheel drive is standard.

And, from what I hear, Ridgeline owners like the pickup, especially the towing capability, the ride, the handling, and the standard tailgate that swings down or to the side like a door.

Honda doesn't talk about future products. But Automotive News reported last month that the Honda Ridgeline will be discontinued in about two years. Based on conversations with industry sources, the story said a smaller pickup is under consideration, derived from the Honda CR-V platform.

Presuming less payload and towing capacity than the Ridgeline, I can't imagine why a smaller pickup based on a front-drive platform would be a more successful product formula for Honda.

Source;
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110909/CARNEWS/110909864#ixzz1XYpAAqDj

Honda Cars : Honda says it will keep Ridgeline pickup | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

This coincides with what I've been told;
http://bestscoops.blogspot.com/2010/11/rumours.html
If you had any thoughts that Honda might be having misgivings about the truck business, banish them. The youth-oriented Element crossover may be dying, but the Ridgeline pickup will go on.

That's the word from Executive Vice President John Mendel of Honda's U.S. unit, who was quick to squash rumors that Ridgeline, the brand's quirky little truck, could be next on the chopping block. Honda sold 16,142 Ridgelines last year, almost the same as in 2009, but paltry in comparison to truck models from other makers. Toyota, for instance, sold 106,198 of its small Tacoma pickups. General Motors sold 24,642 of its Chevrolet Colorado small pickup truck.

Mendel says Ridgeline has developed a strong following and it increases Honda's "share of garage." It's small truck, yet has a four-door cab, a short bed and a hidden compartment in back.

"We think we have a ways to go on the Ridgeline," he said. It increases Honda's "share of garage." But he wouldn't say when, or commit, to a next generation build for Ridgeline. Honda announced late last year that it will kill the Element, a practical, boxy crossover originally aimed at surfers, bikers and other youthful fun seekers.

Source;
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/01/honda-ridgeline-element-retained/1

Honda Cars : 2012, 2013 Honda Ridgeline and 2012 Honda Civic Update | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

2012 Honda Ridgeline
-Expect another Minor Model Change for this year but indeed there will be one.

2013 Honda Ridgeline
-This will be the Full Model Change over. I was told via reliable source that this vehicle is not disappearing, most of this depends on what is going on in the US, and that is favourable.

2012 Honda Civic
-The spyshots floating around (http://bestscoops.blogspot.com/2010/10/2012-honda-civic-exposed.html) are apparently of the previous Civic that President Ito kiboshed, not the revised one.

Source;
Reliable Honda

Honda Cars : Next Gen Honda Ridgeline | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Well, although there has been alot of speculation as to whether Honda will continue with a Next Generation Ridgeline Truck, I for one think that the current market conditions are ripe for it! Light truck sales have been strong and there have been quite a few inquiries into what Honda has planned for the next Ridgeline.

Try as I may, I haven't seen any concept drawing or anything! Whatever Honda has planned, they are keeping their cards close to their chest!

So, here begins the "What Should Honda do to the Next Ridgeline".... Post your ideas in the comments section, and let's see what comes up, who knows, maybe Honda's listening....

Honda Cars : Inside Line's Take: Honda Future Vehicles | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

2011 Honda Accord: The upgrades on the 2011 Honda Accord coupe and sedan are a little more sedate than we expected. There's no six-speed transmission as we had hoped. Instead, Honda changed the gearing of the five-speed automatic to improve mileage. The four-cylinder models are now expected to get EPA ratings of 23 city and 34 highway mpg when equipped with the automatic transmission. The V6 automatic is expected to get 19 city and 30 highway mpg.

The rest of the 2011 Accord's changes are styling updates on the exterior and some minor changes to the interior. On the outside there's a new grille, revised bumper, updated wheel design and a new trunk lid. Interior upgrades include shift paddles for V6 coupes and USB ports on all coupes and some sedans. Revised climate controls are also part of this year's upgrades.

2014 Honda Accord: A full redesign of the Honda Accord will most likely arrive in the 2013 calendar year. Honda Accord Crosstour

2013 Honda Accord Crosstour: Honda's version of the Accord wagon should be ready for a refresh by 2012. Honda CR-V

2013 Honda CR-V: After some minor upgrades in 2010, expect to see a full redesign of the CR-V in 2012. Honda delayed work on the CR-V's underlying platform in 2009, so this redesign could come as late as 2013.

2011 Honda CR-Z: This hybrid sport coupe is scheduled to go on sale in the fall of 2010. It features a 122-horsepower hybrid drivetrain and a six-speed manual gearbox. Its EPA mileage estimates are 31 city and 37 highway.

2012 Honda Civic: The full redesign of the Honda Civic is not expected to arrive until early 2011 after some last-minute changes to the design of the platform. Unlike most Civic redesigns of the last couple decades, this Civic will actually be smaller on the outside compared to its predecessor. So far, the only prototypes spotted in public have been four-door hatchbacks, a body style sold in Europe but not in the U.S. Honda Element

2012 Honda Element: After mediocre sales, the Element was expected to die off when the current model was ready to retire, but Honda says it is now planning to release a full redesign in the next couple of years.

2017 Honda FCX Clarity: Honda's hydrogen-powered sedan is currently being offered to a select group of consumers as a demonstration vehicle. If an actual production version ever makes it to market, it's not likely to happen until 2016 at the earliest.

2011 Honda Fit: A hybrid version of the Fit was planned for release in late 2010. Honda officials have said publicly, however, that the company is struggling to deliver the car at an affordable price.

2012 Honda Insight: This hybrid hatchback has struggled in the marketplace so expect to see a midcycle refresh sooner than usual. Honda officials have said publicly that the car is too small for American tastes, but that's not likely to change until a full redesign arrives in the 2017-'18 timeframe.

2011 Honda Odyssey: A fully redesigned Honda Odyssey is scheduled to arrive in late 2010. The new Odyssey is roughly the same size as the current model and uses the same engine. Most of the changes were reserved for the interior that features seats that slide sideways, an onboard refrigerator and the latest in electronic connectivity. Honda Pilot

2012 Honda Pilot: Given that the Pilot just had a full redesign in 2009, a midcycle refresh probably won't arrive until 2011 at the earliest. Honda Ridgeline

2013 Honda Ridgeline: After a mild refresh in 2009, the Ridgeline should get a full redesign by 2012.

Source;

http://www.insideline.com/honda/future-vehicles.html