Well, I never thought I would do this, but I purchased a Japanese car (or should I say truck). Just purchased a 2006 Honda Ridgeline, and so far I love it. I started a new job (that would include a great deal of driving) and needed to decide – truck or car. If I purchased a car, I would be able to provide better customer service for my clients (ability to drop off product), so that’s what I did. I looked at Ford, Chevy and Dodge, but really needed better mileage than those would provide. So far (after 5 weeks), the Ridgeline has 3,400 miles on it.

As I said, the main reason I ended up with a truck was so that I could deliver product, and so far, the Ridgeline has worked like a champ. At least 3 times in the last 4 weeks I have had 1,200 pounds of steel components in the back of the truck. Although you can tell its back there, it has no problem making it up hills. And, the overall mileage so far has been great (about 19 MPG).

I decided from the start that I was going to decide the price I paid - not the dealer (although they do try). The sticker on this Ridgeline was just over $35,000. I ended up paying $32,500.

As I said, so far I love it. I will provide updates - if my opinion changes and if I have problems.