2006 Honda Ridgeline - Invoice Price CAD

The only logical reason to buy a hybrid is reduced emissions. It is for
the environmentalists.

 

They opted for the under-bed lockable trunk rather than an easily stolen or
damaged spare hanging, exposed, in front of the rear bumper. As much as one
tries, one cannot have it all.

As compared to what, a Prius or a Civic Hybrid? It does show an improvement
over the standard Accord V6, 29/37 city/highway vs. 24/34. If you want
maximum fuel efficiency, stick yourself in an Insight. Forget comfort,
passenger and luggage capacity. Will you scoff the new Lexus Hybrid Luxury
Sedan? It probably won't do any better.

 

They opted for the under-bed lockable trunk rather than an easily stolen or
damaged spare hanging, exposed, in front of the rear bumper. As much as one
tries, one cannot have it all.

As compared to what, a Prius or a Civic Hybrid? It does show an improvement
over the standard Accord V6, 29/37 city/highway vs. 24/34. If you want
maximum fuel efficiency, stick yourself in an Insight. Forget comfort,
passenger and luggage capacity. Will you scoff the new Lexus Hybrid Luxury
Sedan? It probably won't do any better.

 

They opted for the under-bed lockable trunk rather than an easily stolen or
damaged spare hanging, exposed, in front of the rear bumper. As much as one
tries, one cannot have it all.

As compared to what, a Prius or a Civic Hybrid? It does show an improvement
over the standard Accord V6, 29/37 city/highway vs. 24/34. If you want
maximum fuel efficiency, stick yourself in an Insight. Forget comfort,
passenger and luggage capacity. Will you scoff the new Lexus Hybrid Luxury
Sedan? It probably won't do any better.

 

Opps, excuse me, the EPA estimates for the standard Accord V6 should be
21/30. What I originally had were for the Accord L4. Of course YMMV, but
an 8 to 7 mpg increase while not losing performance or comfort seems like a
pretty good deal. But then there's the price premium.

 

Opps, excuse me, the EPA estimates for the standard Accord V6 should be
21/30. What I originally had were for the Accord L4. Of course YMMV, but
an 8 to 7 mpg increase while not losing performance or comfort seems like a
pretty good deal. But then there's the price premium.

 

Opps, excuse me, the EPA estimates for the standard Accord V6 should be
21/30. What I originally had were for the Accord L4. Of course YMMV, but
an 8 to 7 mpg increase while not losing performance or comfort seems like a
pretty good deal. But then there's the price premium.

 

That's okay - it is a common error. The objective of hybrids is to correct a
huge design compromise we have been forced into for a century: the use of
the same power source for low speeds, acceleration and high speeds. Whenever
auto makers increase engine power in cars (as they did in the '70s and are
currently doing) the flub becomes even more glaring - we have 300 hp engines
pulling 3000 lb cars around. Not a great concept.

Hybridization effectively separates engine power from acceleration
performance and frees the engine from stupid things like low speed operation
and idling. Sizing the engine becomes a simple exercise: it has to have
enough power to climb a 6% grade at 75 mph (under current US standards) at
full vehicle load. There is no passing reserve in the engine because that is
handled by the electrics. There is no engine consideration of acceleration
power because that is not the engine's job... the engine is there to keep
the batteries charged. Since engine operation is very predictable - it never
has to respond to somebody tapping their right foot in time to the music on
the stereo - the engine can be refined for a more limited purpose, with
better efficiency and reliability. With reduced engine mass warm-up can be
much quicker, which is good for the engine, good for emissions and good for
the passengers on cold days. Even sources that have drivability problems can
be used; it no longer matters if it takes a gas turbine ten seconds to spool
up, because it doesn't affect the throttle response.

Anyway, that is the goal. Fuel economy is a result of correcting the
original design compromise - and is a driving force at present - but it is
not the underlying purpose. The current generation (no pun) falls short in
several ways, and I agree the Accord Hybrid is an example of not even
trying. Honda knows how to do so much better, at least in their concept
cars. http://world.honda.com/Tokyo2001/auto/DUALNOTE/

Mike

 

That's okay - it is a common error. The objective of hybrids is to correct a
huge design compromise we have been forced into for a century: the use of
the same power source for low speeds, acceleration and high speeds. Whenever
auto makers increase engine power in cars (as they did in the '70s and are
currently doing) the flub becomes even more glaring - we have 300 hp engines
pulling 3000 lb cars around. Not a great concept.

Hybridization effectively separates engine power from acceleration
performance and frees the engine from stupid things like low speed operation
and idling. Sizing the engine becomes a simple exercise: it has to have
enough power to climb a 6% grade at 75 mph (under current US standards) at
full vehicle load. There is no passing reserve in the engine because that is
handled by the electrics. There is no engine consideration of acceleration
power because that is not the engine's job... the engine is there to keep
the batteries charged. Since engine operation is very predictable - it never
has to respond to somebody tapping their right foot in time to the music on
the stereo - the engine can be refined for a more limited purpose, with
better efficiency and reliability. With reduced engine mass warm-up can be
much quicker, which is good for the engine, good for emissions and good for
the passengers on cold days. Even sources that have drivability problems can
be used; it no longer matters if it takes a gas turbine ten seconds to spool
up, because it doesn't affect the throttle response.

Anyway, that is the goal. Fuel economy is a result of correcting the
original design compromise - and is a driving force at present - but it is
not the underlying purpose. The current generation (no pun) falls short in
several ways, and I agree the Accord Hybrid is an example of not even
trying. Honda knows how to do so much better, at least in their concept
cars. http://world.honda.com/Tokyo2001/auto/DUALNOTE/

Mike

 

That's okay - it is a common error. The objective of hybrids is to correct a
huge design compromise we have been forced into for a century: the use of
the same power source for low speeds, acceleration and high speeds. Whenever
auto makers increase engine power in cars (as they did in the '70s and are
currently doing) the flub becomes even more glaring - we have 300 hp engines
pulling 3000 lb cars around. Not a great concept.

Hybridization effectively separates engine power from acceleration
performance and frees the engine from stupid things like low speed operation
and idling. Sizing the engine becomes a simple exercise: it has to have
enough power to climb a 6% grade at 75 mph (under current US standards) at
full vehicle load. There is no passing reserve in the engine because that is
handled by the electrics. There is no engine consideration of acceleration
power because that is not the engine's job... the engine is there to keep
the batteries charged. Since engine operation is very predictable - it never
has to respond to somebody tapping their right foot in time to the music on
the stereo - the engine can be refined for a more limited purpose, with
better efficiency and reliability. With reduced engine mass warm-up can be
much quicker, which is good for the engine, good for emissions and good for
the passengers on cold days. Even sources that have drivability problems can
be used; it no longer matters if it takes a gas turbine ten seconds to spool
up, because it doesn't affect the throttle response.

Anyway, that is the goal. Fuel economy is a result of correcting the
original design compromise - and is a driving force at present - but it is
not the underlying purpose. The current generation (no pun) falls short in
several ways, and I agree the Accord Hybrid is an example of not even
trying. Honda knows how to do so much better, at least in their concept
cars. http://world.honda.com/Tokyo2001/auto/DUALNOTE/

Mike

 

sounds to me like they wanted to see what would happen if the technology
is used merely for extra power. its nothing theyre going to lose the
farm over if it never catches on, like the 4 wheel steering prelude.

merely a technological exercise. for people that want economy, theres
the natural gas civic GX, and the civic hybrid.

mebbe a stripped down 4-door accord with a 4 cylinder engine is in the
works?

 

sounds to me like they wanted to see what would happen if the technology
is used merely for extra power. its nothing theyre going to lose the
farm over if it never catches on, like the 4 wheel steering prelude.

merely a technological exercise. for people that want economy, theres
the natural gas civic GX, and the civic hybrid.

mebbe a stripped down 4-door accord with a 4 cylinder engine is in the
works?

 

sounds to me like they wanted to see what would happen if the technology
is used merely for extra power. its nothing theyre going to lose the
farm over if it never catches on, like the 4 wheel steering prelude.

merely a technological exercise. for people that want economy, theres
the natural gas civic GX, and the civic hybrid.

mebbe a stripped down 4-door accord with a 4 cylinder engine is in the
works?

 

sometimes honda engineers think "outside the box". its not a bad trait
to have.

 

sometimes honda engineers think "outside the box". its not a bad trait
to have.

 

i havent seen any hybrid accords with "carpool lane stickers" in
california. im pretty sure the DMV has a formula based on emissions
profiles that decides which cars get the golden ticket, so to speak.

 

i havent seen any hybrid accords with "carpool lane stickers" in
california. im pretty sure the DMV has a formula based on emissions
profiles that decides which cars get the golden ticket, so to speak.

 

i havent seen any hybrid accords with "carpool lane stickers" in
california. im pretty sure the DMV has a formula based on emissions
profiles that decides which cars get the golden ticket, so to speak.

 

You might also check out Fred's tdi page tdiclub.com - some of those guys
are getting 65mpg with their TDi's, although prolly not at 75mph, and they
have their motors 'tuned' a bit...

FWIW, in decent weather, my '02 Accord has gotten 40mpg on long 75mph trips
while using A/C, but it is a 4cyl./5-spd.

 

You might also check out Fred's tdi page tdiclub.com - some of those guys
are getting 65mpg with their TDi's, although prolly not at 75mph, and they
have their motors 'tuned' a bit...

FWIW, in decent weather, my '02 Accord has gotten 40mpg on long 75mph trips
while using A/C, but it is a 4cyl./5-spd.