I went off three days ago.

[Saddle Tramp]

I read the worst review of a pickup truck ever. Joel Felder over at The Drive revived a Honda Ridgeline TrailSport.

Not only did he not point out the differences between this model and the other Ridgelines but he fell to using the tired trope of, "All the truck you NEED."

I was so over it that not only did I stomp all over him in the comments, I whipped out a mini review myself showing how he should have done the job.

We should thank Tim for actually doing the work when he reviews trucks and SUVs.

Here's the link if anyone is interested. My comment handle is Gene3067.

2026 Honda Ridgeline TrailSport Review: Real-World Utility With Solid Daily Driver Chops

The Honda Ridgeline suggests it might be worth taking a hard look at how much truck you really need.

www.thedrive.com

 

[testerdahl]

Well then. LOL

Joel and I have been friends for years and we, like most friends and colleagues, disagree at times. In this case, I tend to disagree with many things. The Ridgeline is a fine SUV with a bed. Some people really like it and others wouldn't be caught dead in one.

And yes, I'm so sick of tired of the "all the truck you need" statements. Another reason I started this outlet.

 

[Fightnfire]

I read the 2025 seat arona article on the website and had a similar feeling when he said this, he's using a Subaru as a comparison:

"... the increased fuel economy of FWD is more prized than the capability of AWD. Plus, modern traction and stability controls make FWD almost as good anyway."

Sure it does Jeff, sure.

Sloppy writing. You can absolutely say that in a specific part of the country, or an entire smaller warm weather country, the fuel savings of FWD is more important to the consumer than the AWD option. That's all that needs to be said. The rest is an uneducated opinion.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

It was bad. I had to go to Honda's media site to find out what the difference is between the outdoor model and the others - which is not much- and it made me wonder if journalists have a special number they can call or contact they can reach out to so they can get specific information not available. (Such as the "Off Road" tuned suspension. Exactly what are the changes? Shocks? Geometry? )

At least in my example I listed all three mechanical differences:

All Terrain tires.
Tuned suspension
Steel skid plate for the oil pan

This package is as bad as the sports packages from the late 70's!

I did laugh at Fightnfire's comment about the Subaru because I mentioned the Outback in my article. (Skewered!)

The article did point out what we as readers expect from reviewers. We want the specs and techs that differentiate the model being reviewed against other trims in the lineup as well as competitors from other brands. We want to have the vehicle's use goal defined. It's going to be obvious in the looks department but we expect it anyway. (You're not buying the Ford Lobo with the supercharger with the main goal of having the highest payload available.). And we want to be entertained through it all.

Not too much to ask.