2017 Honda Ridgeline

[Thai]

The "composite box" is a hit/miss idea I think, good idea for the drain plug and using it as an ice chest, ect. Bad idea to not seal off the spare tire equipment (poor placement as well) from moisture so it will collect humidity in a sealed enviroment...

The vibration panels are an interesting idea... It's not new technology but the implementation is unique and if the fidelity and reliability can be kept up; I think that's a very promising and innovative idea. They didn't really go too much in depth about the tailgate, which again I feel may not be as sturdy as one would like for extended use/reliability, but the design is very cool so I do hope it works out; if anything another manufacturer can correct where Honda fails if it doesn't turn out well.

Still not sold on their justification for the segment, but whatever; it's meant to get hipsters from the bargin-bin Civic/Element and Subaru crowds more than anything I suppose.

Well, i agree about not sealing out the spare tire. However, the placement of the tire makes sense. Since this is not really a construction-area type truck NOR an off-roader, how many times have you had a flat on a road going car? Once in a while. For me, i have changed a flat once in the past 7-10 yrs at least. Otherwise, you can usually catch it early with tire monitoring systems (& get it filled) and then get it to tire shop to take out the nail.

BUT, the deep well for storage will be used more often than needing a spare tire.

The speaker was seen in FJ Cruiser i believe where part of the ceiling acts as a speaker with the JBL audio option.

The bigger question...have YOU traded in your 4runner and get a minivan for YOUR needs?

 

[Knight-Errant]

The "composite box" is a hit/miss idea I think, good idea for the drain plug and using it as an ice chest, ect. Bad idea to not seal off the spare tire equipment (poor placement as well) from moisture so it will collect humidity in a sealed enviroment...

Speaking of the spare tire, the fact that it only comes with a donut and not a full-size spare was really surprising to me. A full size spare should be standard equipment on any truck. (And I get why they do it...weight/space savings...but that doesn't mean it is right)

The location of the spare is awkward too. If the bed is loaded up, there is no way you can get to it (Am i wrong? It looks like you gain access by opening the "trunk"). Has anybody seen other photos that indicate how you might get to the spare in an alternate manner?

 

[OSUCHAMPS15]

Love these, They are hard to come by used.(as are 4 Runners) I looked for one when i bought my 4 Runner. I wanted one or the other. I'm glad I have my Runner but would have been happy with the Ridgline. I think the bed in the back is the best feature. I don't really like the front end of this model. I liked the look of the original much more.

 

[Thai]

Speaking of the spare tire, the fact that it only comes with a donut and not a full-size spare was really surprising to me. A full size spare should be standard equipment on any truck. (And I get why they do it...weight/space savings...but that doesn't mean it is right)

The location of the spare is awkward too. If the bed is loaded up, there is no way you can get to it (Am i wrong? It looks like you gain access by opening the "trunk"). Has anybody seen other photos that indicate how you might get to the spare in an alternate manner?

How often do you use your spare? And this is why many cars now do NOT even have a spare...they have those spray cans to fill the hole. Acura MDX 2wd do not come with spare. (Only those with SH-AWD has a spare.)

Even when i was off-roading, i never had a flat in over 10 yrs off-roading...i did air down. Maybe not the best solution, but if you're concerned about it, then get some meaty tires for the Ridgeline, like BFG AT KO.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Well, i agree about not sealing out the spare tire. However, the placement of the tire makes sense. Since this is not really a construction-area type truck NOR an off-roader, how many times have you had a flat on a road going car? Once in a while. For me, i have changed a flat once in the past 7-10 yrs at least. Otherwise, you can usually catch it early with tire monitoring systems (& get it filled) and then get it to tire shop to take out the nail.

BUT, the deep well for storage will be used more often than needing a spare tire.

The speaker was seen in FJ Cruiser i believe where part of the ceiling acts as a speaker with the JBL audio option.

The bigger question...have YOU traded in your 4runner and get a minivan for YOUR needs?

First I've heard of the FJ using the roof, will check the NCF as that sounds pretty cool.
Granted this thing is more car than truck, but a full sized spare would be better for durability since they expect people to take this thing out on the dirt according to Honda; last thing I would want is to have an undersized, underperforming spare tire that I have to use for a long time. Sometimes that the shop is a lot farther away than your spare will up
hold up for (part of the reason I'm not happy my "fullsized spare" is the stock tire at the moment vs. my actual tires. By the way, I'd Honda's system a true mechanical torque vectoring system or just an ABS assisted system like most?

Haven't found a mini van that does this well;

Or this:

 

[Thai]

First I've heard of the FJ using the roof, will check the NCF as that sounds pretty cool.
Granted this thing is more car than truck, but a full sized spare would be better for durability since they expect people to take this thing out on the dirt according to Honda; last thing I would want is to have an undersized, underperforming spare tire that I have to use for a long time. Sometimes that the shop is a lot farther away than your spare will up
hold up for (part of the reason I'm not happy my "fullsized spare" is the stock tire at the moment vs. my actual tires. By the way, I'd Honda's system a true mechanical torque vectoring system or just an ABS assisted system like most?

Haven't found a mini van that does this well;

Honda expects people to off-road with Ridgeline? Source?

I don't know...i see lots of folks around here with off-road tires but stock spare...including YOU. Did you run out of money to buy the 5th off-road tire?! If you have to use spare (of any kind), then your "off-roading" day should be over. If you keep on off-roading with your spare, then you DESERVE to be stranded without assistance! That is pure dumbness. That is something i preach whenever i did go off-roading in the old days.

Again, Ridgeline is NOT made for off-roading. A local tire shop is everywhere. Even if you're at a construction site and has a flat, then you can use spare to get to tire shop. No need to have BFG MT as your spare!

I believe that Honda AWD system in the Honda Pilot is ABS-based to create torque vectoring. (My MDX has SH-AWD which has active torque vectoring via gearing...reserve for high-end Acura models only at this time i believe.)

But, why does it matter in a SUV? ABS-torque vectoring is fine, esp in a truck. Hell, Audi has done wonders for ABS-torque vectoring in a sports car. I appreciate SH-AWD in my MDX because it is cool to know about it, but i would be fine with ABS-torque vectoring. Your question has more relevance if you're talking about a sports car.

And of course, Toyota SUVs and trucks lack ANY torque vectoring of any kind to improve on-road handling.

The question you SHOULD be asking is IF the Honda AWD full-time or only kicks in when slipping. I think that it is the latter which does make me sad. This is where i appreciate SH-AWD in my Acura more.

So, you have a gimpy tire when going off-road (a big NO-NO)...and rarely off-road. Yet, you supply opinions and more opinions why everyone else should get a minivan! Hell, you even want me to buy a minivan even though i have one already!

I will take your recommendations more seriously once you walk the walk. :bravo:

 

[Thai]

Haven't found a mini van that does this well;

Or this:
View attachment 188714

BTW, just a suggestion, you may want to AIR DOWN while off-roading for more traction. Off-roading 101. Get a true off-road tire also if you do plan on doing it more regularly. Nitto TG sucks...sidewalls vulnerable when airing down. With Nittos, might as well get minivan tires...same shit! :doh: That way you can switch tires from your 4runner to your new minivan!

 

[Thai]

It sure sounds like i-VTM-4 is indeed SH-AWD or at least very similar:

"By rotating the outside rear wheel faster than the front wheels while cornering, the Pilot's AWD system uses torque vectoring to create a yaw moment to help turn the vehicle through the corner — reducing understeer and improving controllability. With cornering forces more evenly distributed between front and rear tires, overall cornering power is increased in all road conditions.

- Up to 100 percent of available torque can be transferred to the front wheels during normal cruising.

- In hard cornering and under acceleration, up to 70 percent of available torque can be directed to the rear wheels to enhance vehicle dynamics.

- Up to 100 percent of the torque sent to the rear axle can be applied to either the left or right rear wheel, depending on conditions."

Two things...the first bold makes it different than Acura MDX's system because MDX is full-time (max is 90% front/10% back). This description makes it sound like it is 100% front/0% back when cruising...so, on-demand AWD, not full-time.

The last bold makes it seems like it does have MDX rear differential with gearing to overdrive the outside wheel for torque vectoring around a corner.

Either way, IF my guesses are right, then this system is very nice, but i would have preferred full-time system.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

BTW, just a suggestion, you may want to AIR DOWN while off-roading for more traction. Off-roading 101. Get a true off-road tire also if you do plan on doing it more regularly. Nitto TG sucks...sidewalls vulnerable when airing down. With Nittos, might as well get minivan tires...same shit! :doh: That way you can switch tires from your 4runner to your new minivan!

Well considering those are LT 10-Ply Sidewall tires that have taken quite a bit of abuse and haven't ruptured the sidewall in 4yrs, I'd say the sidewalls are fine. Also those are at about 18psi in that picture at that point in the trip which is my default pressure for most trips; I think later in the trip I dropped it lower.

The Nitto's have served me well for most off-roading, they're not a bad tire but I am planning on moving up to a more aggressive tire in the near future.

I'm not happy with my stock spare either, at the time I bought the tires I didn't have a place to fit the 33" tire and I figured I would have gotten a rear bumper sooner; I waited too long and the tires are worn down, not a great idea to throw a brand new tire with worn ones into the rotation so for now I am waiting until I get new rims & wheels. The factory setup is 5 identical wheels and tires anyways, so I am not sure why using the spare would be a bad thing in that case. But yes, I agree with you; it's foolish to run with an under-sized spare and I have considered myself lucky to not have to use it, I got a set of new wheels and rims coming soon; so thanks for agreeing with me.

The only issue I really have with ABS torque-vectoring systems is that they rely heavily on brakes; which means when the customer's glaze over their pads and use cheap pads the system is not as effective. They also tend to wear out the brakes a bit more than a non-ABS based system as they are actively using the brakes more; it's not a huge deal, but it can be a bit annoying. Not to mention many people on the forums are not happy with the VSC/TRAC system in the 4Runners in how they operate and can be finicky at times; again not a huge issue but a minor quibble.

The 4th gens have a Torsen T3, while not exactly torque vectoring to each wheel it does allow them to be "Full-Time 4WD" with great on-road drivability and off-road capability; so again not sure what you're getting at there? I was more curious what time of torque-vectoring Honda used in that system vs. their other units; ABS based systems tend to be the default affordable option for manufacturers these days.

More about the tailgate of the new RL: http://www.autonews.com/article/201...dates-improves-composite-bed-in-new-ridgeline

Why my boy I believe you're the source...

“That means weekend sporting events and tailgates, runs to the desert or out to the country with your dirt bikes and family and friend excursions to the mountains or the lake with toys in tow."

I said "dirt" not off-roading, much in the way a person would take their Subaru Forester to a fire road to ride their mountain bikes. Though Honda clearly has much more aggressive ideas than that with the Ridgeline. I have pointed out multiple times I am not considering off-road capability from this vehicle, and when I have mentioned it has usually been in comparison to potential uses of vehicles, much in the way I was talking about cargo capacity with smaller vans.

 

[Thai]

Well considering those are LT 10-Ply Sidewall tires that have taken quite a bit of abuse and haven't ruptured the sidewall in 4yrs, I'd say the sidewalls are fine. Also those are at about 18psi in that picture at that point in the trip which is my default pressure for most trips; I think later in the trip I dropped it lower.

The Nitto's have served me well for most off-roading, they're not a bad tire but I am planning on moving up to a more aggressive tire in the near future.

I'm not happy with my stock spare either, at the time I bought the tires I didn't have a place to fit the 33" tire and I figured I would have gotten a rear bumper sooner; I waited too long and the tires are worn down, not a great idea to throw a brand new tire with worn ones into the rotation so for now I am waiting until I get new rims & wheels. The factory setup is 5 identical wheels and tires anyways, so I am not sure why using the spare would be a bad thing in that case. But yes, I agree with you; it's foolish to run with an under-sized spare and I have considered myself lucky to not have to use it, I got a set of new wheels and rims coming soon; so thanks for agreeing with me.

The only issue I really have with ABS torque-vectoring systems is that they rely heavily on brakes; which means when the customer's glaze over their pads and use cheap pads the system is not as effective. They also tend to wear out the brakes a bit more than a non-ABS based system as they are actively using the brakes more; it's not a huge deal, but it can be a bit annoying. Not to mention many people on the forums are not happy with the VSC/TRAC system in the 4Runners in how they operate and can be finicky at times; again not a huge issue but a minor quibble.

The 4th gens have a Torsen T3, while not exactly torque vectoring to each wheel it does allow them to be "Full-Time 4WD" with great on-road drivability and off-road capability; so again not sure what you're getting at there? I was more curious what time of torque-vectoring Honda used in that system vs. their other units; ABS based systems tend to be the default affordable option for manufacturers these days.



Why my boy I believe you're the source...

“That means weekend sporting events and tailgates, runs to the desert or out to the country with your dirt bikes and family and friend excursions to the mountains or the lake with toys in tow."

I said "dirt" not off-roading, much in the way a person would take their Subaru Forester to a fire road to ride their mountain bikes. Though Honda clearly has much more aggressive ideas than that with the Ridgeline. I have pointed out multiple times I am not considering off-road capability from this vehicle, and when I have mentioned it has usually been in comparison to potential uses of vehicles, much in the way I was talking about cargo capacity with smaller vans.

Nitto sidewall is 2-ply. LT only denodes TREAD plies. FYI.

Your 33's + spare on one of the 4 positions will wreck havoc with your VSC and TC. NOT a good thing.

The spare tire on Honda has same diameter as the main tires; thus OK with VSC/TC.

Even if you're waiting for a rear bumper, then buying a 5th tire would be good by placing it inside your 4runner...since you're so concern about a flat!

Torque vectoring only applies if you're going a corner at certain speeds. It is no different then relying on brakes for ATRAC while off-roading. And since cornering is a lot more "predictable" than off-roading, the wear and tear is less. But, remember, Audis and others have used ABS-torque vectoring for YEARS in sports cars and in racing. So, in a TRUCK/SUV, ABS torque vectoring wear and tear will be the LAST of your worries!!

Torsen T3 is a center diff. It has NOTHING to do with torque vectoring to an individual outside wheel to make cornering more stable.

But, as a noted above, Honda i-VTM4 rear differential is NOT based on ABS, but overdriving the outside wheel. So, that should lay your protest to rest for good.

Yeah, i think on-road passes just fine in the Ridgeline. And given the i-VTM4, it may very well OUT-PERFORM your 4runner in these "dirt" roads.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

More about the tailgate of the new RL: http://www.autonews.com/article/201...dates-improves-composite-bed-in-new-ridgeline

Nitto sidewall is 2-ply. LT only denodes TREAD plies. FYI.

Your 33's + spare on one of the 4 positions will wreck havoc with your VSC and TC. NOT a good thing.

The spare tire on Honda has same diameter as the main tires; thus OK with VSC/TC.

Even if you're waiting for a rear bumper, then buying a 5th tire would be good by placing it inside your 4runner...since you're so concern about a flat!

Torque vectoring only applies if you're going a corner at certain speeds. It is no different then relying on brakes for ATRAC while off-roading. And since cornering is a lot more "predictable" than off-roading, the wear and tear is less. But, remember, Audis and others have used ABS-torque vectoring for YEARS in sports cars and in racing. So, in a TRUCK/SUV, ABS torque vectoring wear and tear will be the LAST of your worries!!

Torsen T3 is a center diff. It has NOTHING to do with torque vectoring to an individual outside wheel to make cornering more stable.

But, as a noted above, Honda i-VTM4 rear differential is NOT based on ABS, but overdriving the outside wheel. So, that should lay your protest to rest for good.

Yeah, i think on-road passes just fine in the Ridgeline. And given the i-VTM4, it may very well OUT-PERFORM your 4runner in these "dirt" roads.

I doubt it'd out-perform the 4Runner stock on dirt roads, maybe the nice Baja one...

You're right I was looking at the wrong data, looks like they are a 3-ply sidewall for the LT's.

I don't have an issue with the ABS Based Torque-Vectoring, I prefer a more mechanical system; but the ABS system works well, it's one main flaw is that it's operation is dependent on brake quality & condition. Given how many customers I see who buy crap pads and then burn up their rotors and pads, that means the system will vary greatly in effectiveness as the vehicles leave the dealer vs. a more mechanical system. As you pointed out, they work well in many cars and but there is a performance difference because of that variable; same as how TRAC doesn't like the fact my rotors are a bit glazed at the moment.

I also mentioned that the T3 doesn't have much to do with torque-vectoring to the wheels, I brought it up because it does shift torque from the front to rear axles to provide a good on-road experience with "Full-Time 4WD" as more an example of a mechanical system. But yes, I am aware it's more of an apples to oranges comparison, which is why I prefaced it.

I'm currently not using the spare, it just sits under the truck to keep the TPMS light off, as I said I waited too long and finding a used Nitto TerraGrappler that matched the current treads ended up being too difficult as it would mess with the VSC & 4WD system.

While it's nice that the spare is actually the same diameter (honestly that's more than most cars bother with, so kudos to them for that) I'm more worried about the durability of the tire itself, plenty of twits who drive on their donuts and if they are trying to convince people to run these things off the asphalt I am not sure I'd trust a donut to get me off the desert and to the gas station, or that next 20miles on the freeway until the nearest town on a long trip. It's an unlikely scenario, but it's something I consider (then again I also like to check my tire pressures including my spare, so I guess I'm just too anal retentive?)

 

[Thai]

I doubt it'd out-perform the 4Runner stock on dirt roads, maybe the nice Baja one...

You're right I was looking at the wrong data, looks like they are a 3-ply sidewall for the LT's.

I don't have an issue with the ABS Based Torque-Vectoring, I prefer a more mechanical system; but the ABS system works well, it's one main flaw is that it's operation is dependent on brake quality & condition. Given how many customers I see who buy crap pads and then burn up their rotors and pads, that means the system will vary greatly in effectiveness as the vehicles leave the dealer vs. a more mechanical system. As you pointed out, they work well in many cars and but there is a performance difference because of that variable; same as how TRAC doesn't like the fact my rotors are a bit glazed at the moment.

I also mentioned that the T3 doesn't have much to do with torque-vectoring to the wheels, I brought it up because it does shift torque from the front to rear axles to provide a good on-road experience with "Full-Time 4WD" as more an example of a mechanical system. But yes, I am aware it's more of an apples to oranges comparison, which is why I prefaced it.

I'm currently not using the spare, it just sits under the truck to keep the TPMS light off, as I said I waited too long and finding a used Nitto TerraGrappler that matched the current treads ended up being too difficult as it would mess with the VSC & 4WD system.

While it's nice that the spare is actually the same diameter (honestly that's more than most cars bother with, so kudos to them for that) I'm more worried about the durability of the tire itself, plenty of twits who drive on their donuts and if they are trying to convince people to run these things off the asphalt I am not sure I'd trust a donut to get me off the desert and to the gas station, or that next 20miles on the freeway until the nearest town on a long trip. It's an unlikely scenario, but it's something I consider (then again I also like to check my tire pressures including my spare, so I guess I'm just too anal retentive?)

Oh no, i am pretty sure the RL can outperform your 4runner in foul weather and dirt road...given equal tires and driver.

Do you have source for your 3-ply LT Nitto TG? I am outdated. I thought that all Nitto TG are 2-ply.

Well, IF the brakes are so worn out that torque vectoring becomes affected, then wouldn't ABS be affected as well? If so, then well, isn't that the DRIVER'S fault? If i do not change the fluid in my SH-AWD rear diff, wouldn't i be in the same shit hole?

AGAIN, see above post. Ridgeline uses OVERDRIVING outside rear wheel as torque vectoring...NOT ABS based!!!!!!!!!!!! So, your concern is IRRELEVANT.

A worn tread in 3 tires + new tread in your spare of same diameter size will NOT mess with your VSC/TRAC!!! It is NOT that sensitive!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

A worn tread in 3 tires + new tread in your spare of same diameter size will NOT mess with your VSC/TRAC!!! It is NOT that sensitive!

Well according to Toyota it is, and it will cause damage to the 4WD system, I don't entirely believe it is that sensitive (been told by some Toyota reps that they need to be within 3/32"s of each other) but I'm not interested in testing it since my tires have at least a 6~7/32" difference from new.

Also you said earlier that the Pilot is ABS based you thought, I am not entirely familiar with Honda's flavors of AWD so that's why I asked if it was ABS based or not. Also it's absolutely the owner's responsibility to maintain the vehicle, but then again about 90% of vehicle owners barely know how to drive let alone take care of their car, that's a completely different topic though. lol

Some information on the systems would actually be pretty interesting to look through if you have any.

 

[Knight-Errant]

How often do you use your spare? And this is why many cars now do NOT even have a spare...they have those spray cans to fill the hole. Acura MDX 2wd do not come with spare. (Only those with SH-AWD has a spare.)

Even when i was off-roading, i never had a flat in over 10 yrs off-roading...i did air down. Maybe not the best solution, but if you're concerned about it, then get some meaty tires for the Ridgeline, like BFG AT KO.

I agree, flats don't occur often these days, but they tend to happen at the most inopportune times. The reason spares are being eliminated is squeeze out every possible fraction of an mpg due to government regs., not because eliminating them is beneficial to the consumer.

True, many cars can get away with run flat tires and no spare, but many folks can't stand that setup. It essentially forces you to stop and buy a new tire before you can continue on your journey. If you get a flat in the middle of the night on a road trip, instead of swapping out for a donut or spare and going, you might be looking at checking into a hotel room against your best wishes until a shop opens....or spending a night alone in the middle of nowhere if you have no cell reception.

A donut is pretty much unheard of in a truck. The honda marketing folks have been talking about how you can load the ridgeline up with their atvs and dirt bikes...but realistically if I was driving down dirt roads to use off-road toys, I'd want a full size spare to back me up. All it takes is one nail or screw, and you have far less control over a loaded truck if you're running a donut.

A donut is way better than nothing, but a full size spare is the best when things go bad. The fact the 4runner came with a full size spare was extremely appealing to me.

 

[Thai]

Well according to Toyota it is, and it will cause damage to the 4WD system, I don't entirely believe it is that sensitive (been told by some Toyota reps that they need to be within 3/32"s of each other) but I'm not interested in testing it since my tires have at least a 6~7/32" difference from new.

Also you said earlier that the Pilot is ABS based you thought, I am not entirely familiar with Honda's flavors of AWD so that's why I asked if it was ABS based or not. Also it's absolutely the owner's responsibility to maintain the vehicle, but then again about 90% of vehicle owners barely know how to drive let alone take care of their car, that's a completely different topic though. lol

Some information on the systems would actually be pretty interesting to look through if you have any.

See post #108 for Pilot's and RL's AWD system.

Toyota VSC is NOT that sensitive...because if it is then turning a corner will wreck havoc with VSC and TRAC! So, my MDX has a full-size spare...my car now has 30k miles...are you saying that Acura forbids me from using my spare because my main tires are worn???? NO!! Every system has to cover the extremes to avoid causing an accident.

The big problem is if your main tires are 32" and then you put on 31" tires, then yeah, VSC/TRAC may give you issue.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Hey, I'm just saying what the reps told me; the owner's manual says the same damn thing about the treads needing to be the same. I don't disagree with you, I think it's a bit silly if it's that sensitive; but I didn't design the system so I have no idea how sensitive it is. I know the older Highlanders with their non-direct TPMS systems were so sensitive that rotating the tires was enough to trip their stored Circumference measurements (calculated via wheel speed differences), so yeah...

Also your posts don't really give that much information, I was more looking for detailed graphs and component views as well as how they are overdriving the wheels and so on.

 

[Thai]

A donut is pretty much unheard of in a truck. The honda marketing folks have been talking about how you can load the ridgeline up with their atvs and dirt bikes...but realistically if I was driving down dirt roads to use off-road toys, I'd want a full size spare to back me up. All it takes is one nail or screw, and you have far less control over a loaded truck if you're running a donut.

A donut is way better than nothing, but a full size spare is the best when things go bad. The fact the 4runner came with a full size spare was extremely appealing to me.

Hmm, i wonder what the payload on a donut? But yeah good points if this RL is used for HD stuff.

 

[1engineer]

The deal killer (for me at least) might just be the VCM they are going to put in the Ridgeline. Lot's of horror stories and lawsuits and TSB's going on over the cylinder management system. I'm not familiar with it a lot yet.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The deal killer (for me at least) might just be the VCM they are going to put in the Ridgeline. Lot's of horror stories and lawsuits and TSB's going on over the cylinder management system. I'm not familiar with it a lot yet.

Seems like variable cylinder displacement is still tricky even after about 30yrs of implementation... GM, Chry-Crap, Honda, ect. a lot of companies that utilize it seem to run into varying issues.

 

[Thai]

The deal killer (for me at least) might just be the VCM they are going to put in the Ridgeline. Lot's of horror stories and lawsuits and TSB's going on over the cylinder management system. I'm not familiar with it a lot yet.

Seems like variable cylinder displacement is still tricky even after about 30yrs of implementation... GM, Chry-Crap, Honda, ect. a lot of companies that utilize it seem to run into varying issues.

I have it on my MDX...but because of it and Honda's infamous tranny issue, i have a 100k powertrain warranty. I figure that if my transmission or engine goes out at 120k miles, then it is time to move on.

From what i hear, the VCM main complaint is noise, not necessarily durability. My MDX VCM switching is very quiet...maybe MDX's insulation and noise-cancelling stuff work!

As long as it is durable, i am OK. It DOES work! My MDX gets really good mileage on the highway. Around 27 mpg at 72 mph. My Sienna minivan gets about 20 mpg at that speed. And my MDX is AWD and has 3 rows of seating.