2009 Honda Ridgeline introduced early to internet
by John Neff on Aug 6th 2008 at 11:31AM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline
All we have to go on are the images and information posted on Carscoop, but it appears the redesigned 2009 Honda Ridgeline is stepping out a bit early to what may be disinterested public. The Ridgeline for '09 gets Honda's new grille that first appeared on the '09 Pilot CUV, along with a new front bumper, headlights and all that jazz in the rear. The interior, while not all-new, gets major upgrades like a new steering wheel, gauges, and HVAC controls, as well as a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, satellite navigation, a 115-volt power outlet and requisite jacks for the iPod and other MP3 players. According to Carscoop, Honda has largely left the Ridgeline's 3.5L VTEC V6 the same except for a new camshaft profile and better breathing practices that net a 3 horsepower bump to 250 at 5,700 RPM and a torque increase of 2 lb-ft to 247 at 4,000 RPM. New ratios in the 5-speed automatic transmission are said to take advantage of the new torque and improve acceleration.
We admit that Honda was smart not to dive head first into the full-size truck market in the U.S. like Toyota did with the Tundra, but the Ridgeline with its V6 and unit body has never enjoyed hot sales. It's both terrifically ugly and ill-suited for those super hard core tasks that, while rare, require a real rig. Nevertheless, this is Honda, a brand that really doesn't care what we think about its trucklet and will continue tweaking and perfecting it until we change our minds. Looks like that won't happen in 2009, though we're told to expect it in dealers as early as this September.
Gallery: 2009 Honda Ridgeline
[Source: Carscoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Bixmen 11:34AM (8/06/2008)
Nissan makes the engine?
"Nissan has largely left the Ridgeline"
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C 11:39AM (8/06/2008)
I know, I was just about to post that.
Dave 9:45AM (8/07/2008)
Same ugly SUV with a different grill.
Jonathan 11:40AM (8/06/2008)
Nissan?
"According to Carscoop, Nissan has largely left the Ridgeline's 3.5L VTEC V6 the same except for a new camshaft profile and better breathing practices..."
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samihan 11:36AM (8/06/2008)
"According to Carscoop, Nissan has largely left the Ridgeline's 3.5L VTEC V6 the same except..."
Creditable journalism I must say. After some research, I found that Nissan really DID leave the Honda Ridgeline's 3.5 the same.
incredible. and here I thought that Nissan went snooping in Honda's engines.
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Egon 11:37AM (8/06/2008)
"According to Carscoop, Nissan has largely left the Ridgeline's 3.5L VTEC V6 the same except for a new camshaft profile ..."
Since when did Honda start farming out its powertrain work? :P
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Egon 11:39AM (8/06/2008)
Dang! 6 minutes in and I'm already the 3rd post!
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Toddo 5:53PM (8/06/2008)
Its STILL strange looking! Whats up with that grill?
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:48AM (8/06/2008)
When did the Pilot become a crossover? Sure, it's not built body-on-frame, but neither was the Grand Cherokee and no one ever accused it of being a crossover.
BTW, I saw one of the new Pilots on the road the other day. After Jalop's article about how it's one of the 10 ugliest, I gave it a good look over. To be honest, the grille, which seemed like a travesty, is almost its best feature. Piles of creases have been added on the tailgate, and it's hideous to look at.
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Tricky dicky 1:11PM (8/06/2008)
last I checked the grand cherokee is not based on a front wheel drive mini van lmao..
why not the LS2LS7? 4:03PM (8/06/2008)
I parked next to one at lunch today. I double checked. It's freakin' enormous. I don't care if it is based upon a minivan platform or not. It's an SUV. Honda sure thought so when they announced it too.
Alex 11:53AM (8/06/2008)
Chevy called and they want their wheels back
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Torrent 11:39PM (8/06/2008)
Well they also copied the Chevy Avalanche with the bed style, so it's no surprise.
2007RC46SP2 11:50AM (8/06/2008)
good work there AB
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Torrent 11:51AM (8/06/2008)
Nope still ugly.
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Wally 11:52AM (8/06/2008)
Love my '07 RTL w/ Nav, as soon as they add the diesel, I'll trade in for a new one.
Everyone else may think you're ugly but I think you're purty, even though the Author thinks you are a Nissan.
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Red 11:55AM (8/06/2008)
I wasn't sure the Ridgeline could get much uglier, but those foglights and the lower grill element don't help it. This may be a case where the Pilot's headlights may actually help this thing out.
Or not...
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WetheSheeple 11:58AM (8/06/2008)
Uhm, is it me or does the interior dash and switchgear look downright cheap and flimsy? The all grey dash reminds me of my late Grand Am, circa 1994. The dash looks like something right out of a GM interior in the mid 90's. And people complained at GM interiors back then? It looks like they were way ahead of themselves after looking at this ugly thing.
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Ben 12:23PM (8/06/2008)
Yup, the first thing I thought was "'90s GM Interior." I guess Honda figured '90s GM trucks were hot sellers so why the heck not copy the look?
Matt 12:01PM (8/06/2008)
That picture of it towing the boat while skimming through the "naturally flooded" water is absolutely hilarious. Of course I immediately thought of many a Baywatch moment, or possibly even a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, but alas, as soon as my eyes fixated on that horrendous looking truck, I was quickly snapped back to reality. Sigh.
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