The Denver Auto Show has come and gone, with good attendance, and many awards including Cherry Hills resident Ed Bozarth honored into the Auto Hall of Fame. Bud Wells fainted, suffered a fall at the show, and didn’t get to sell and autograph his book, ”2,600 Cars and a Dog Sled.” Bud has been a journalist for 67 years, editing newspapers and writing his car column every Saturday in The Denver Post. On top of that, he is just a great gentleman, along with his carmate riding shotgun, wife Jan. You can go on-line and order the book at budwellscars@comcast.net.
The Auto Show featured many electric vehicles that are great to view, but have many challenges going forward with charging, et al.
The industry may be re-thinking the rush to electric automobiles.
My choice by far… the gas/electric hybrids, the best of both worlds.
Arriving this week is another fantastic vehicle that is just top-drawer in the form of a Honda Ridgeline AWD / Trail Sport pickup.
This gray truck is impressive with performance featuring a V6 engine producing 280 horsepower with a 9-speed transmission and paddle shifters. No need for turbo boosting with the larger engine that averaged 20 mpg overall in fuel mileage. The engine has an automatic heavy duty transmission cooler for towing purposes.
A double-seated crew cab can haul five passengers with a large truck bed perfect for freight or recreation equipment. The exterior is a “sonic gray” and the interior black with leather trimmed seats heated and cooled. Underneath, the truck features 4-wheel independent suspension, best for trail drives.
The truck has all the latest safety features rating a perfect five-star overall safety score. The final assembly for the Ridgeline is in Lincoln, Alabama. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $44,500. A very competitive price in today’s truck market.
The drive is enjoyable, with electric power steering, lane keeping assistance, along with cross traffic monitoring and forward collision mitigation braking, with a long list of additional safety features.
Honda has spared nothing on this Ridgeline with LED lighting, heated windshield, and outside mirrors, and 18” alloy wheels with terrain tires.
This is not a goliath truck, but compact, powerful, and well-balanced with V6 power and three drive modes, mud, snow, and normal. It handles well and has a feeling of safety and performance. The ride is solid, the seats attractive, and a seven-speakers sound system.
There is nothing to not like about this Ridgeline truck. It’s TOPS.