Originally Posted By: supton
I've looked at these a bit, on the web, and this is what I've read:
-It is a timing belt motor. Don't recall if it's interference; but that shouldn't matter. I think 105kmiles is the change interval.
-It is high geared. It will downshift on a number of hills. The motor also likes to rev; it is not known for being a "torquey" motor. Nothing wrong with that, but it's no low-reving American V8 (which are no longer all that low rev'ing either).
-People who tow with it are surprised at its low mpg's. I suspect it's not as efficent at towing a travel trailer as a more typical V8 setup. Which might not mattter to you at all; or might not matter for occasional usage.
-The transmission likes to run with the torque convertor unlocked. This isn't a problem, as the computer will lock it up if it goes too high in temperature--for some reason this transmission won't grenade like other transmissions.
-Like most crossovers I think it is primarily FWD until slippage is detected. The button on the dash is to lock the rear differential; and IIRC that will stay locked up to only a certain speed. It is more stopgap than a true traction aid.
-It is not particuarly low geared, and it does not have a low range for off-roading. It's really more of a crossover with a 5k towing rating. [But you might not want to hit 5k with it, 250hp only goes so far.]
-IIRC it may get slightly better mpg's on premium. Especially while towing. It is a bit of an aerodynamic brick, so best mpg's are going to be at low speeds.
I don't recall seeing too many issues with the setup. Typical Honda reliability. There was a minor change to transmission gearing and hp curve (IIRC) after it was in production for 2-3 years; otherwise it's been relatively unchanged.
Yeah that is basically what I need. A crossover with a bed. I like the look of the Ridgeline. (I had an Element before the CR-V, but upgraded to the CR-V for the 5th seat and normal doors. Loved the interior of that car though. I hauled all kinds of things in that vehicle.)
I would really like to have the better VTM-4WD over the RT-4WD on my CR-V. I have never got stuck in my CR-V but I hear that the VTM-4WD is a better system. The 4WD lock would come in handy in the wintertime as I live on a hill. So that would be nice.
I doubt I will ever be towing anything. I just want a good reliable everyday vehicle that is extremely versatile.
I'm thinking if I got one I would get the RTL with Navi and see if I could find a really good used 2012 or 2013 next year. I don't want to get a brand new one and then be afraid to haul things in it because of that(scratches, etc..). But I don't want to go back to far seeing that my current vehicle is an '09.
My new commute isn't that long and I figured up the MPG difference with my CR-V and it isn't a huge amount added in gas bill, and is surely doable (I figured it up with gas being about $4 a gallon too). Haven't checked what insurance price would be, so I still need to check on that too.
I like doing my homework, so I'm checking into everything.
