The cool quotient: Many things are cool about this new truck from Honda, starting with the exterior design. Yes, it’s different, and kinda weird – but that’s a good thing, especially when everyone else is driving a Chevy. Best of all, the bed has a sealed trunk under the floor, easy to get to and perfect to stow your refreshments.
Passenger capacity: Seats five, plus at least three Patriot/Dolphin fans in the aforementioned in-bed trunk area.
Cargo space: Up to 41.4 cu. ft. with the second - row seat folded.
Sound system: A 100-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers is standard, or you can step up to a 160- watt system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer with seven speakers, including a subwoofer. Also available is XM satellite radio, an MP3 auxiliary jack and Honda’s DVD Entertainment System – so little Mary can watch Sleeping Beauty while you’re playing a game of catch or swilling down a brew.
Practicality: Look up practical in the dictionary, and there it is – a Ridgeline, smiling at you with its multi-use tailgate that can swing out or down, a tough composite bedliner, and that wonderful in-bed trunk – for soda pop and such.
Extras: Front and rear seating areas have 12-volt outlets and the rearview mirrors fold in, a nice bit of protection in a crowded parking lot. Perhaps best of all, the Ridgeline is pre-wired to tow a trailer. And if you’re really into the tailgating life, you have a trailer – and, thus, should drive the perfect tailgater’s car.