The 2021 Honda Ridgeline Has 3 Drawbacks to Consider

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are plenty of excellent reasons to pick the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. However, no truck is perfect. Each model has its pros and cons. As critics review the Honda Ridgeline, they are finding a few potential reasons to avoid it. 

Three reasons to avoid the 2021 Honda Ridgeline 

2021 Ridgeline Sport with HPD Package | Honda

For some quick background information, you can get started in the 2021 Honda Ridgeline for about $36,460. This price is pretty high compared to other options, but the Ridgeline has luxury features and clever options. For example, all-wheel drive is standard. 

The second generation launched in 2017, and it’s stayed true to its roots with a unibody design. The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are following in their footsteps, proving the success of this truck. But before you go all in, there are three things to consider. 

The potential Ridgeline drawbacks: 

1. The Ridgeline is thirsty 

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. Rivals have a better fuel economy. Now some options are going hybrid. The Ford Maverick is expected to get up to 40 mpg. 

You get a 3.5-liter V6 engine with the Ridgeline that provides 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This amount of power is solid, but there isn’t a diesel engine or a more efficient option. Plus, AWD is standard, so models are weighed down, even if you don’t want or need AWD. 

2. The 2021 Ridgeline could be sportier 

The Ridgeline lacks some fun despite having a unibody design to handle more like a sports car or SUV. According to Cars.com, this truck feels lifeless. The steering has too much assistance, and the brakes feel soft. 

But the Ridgeline can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which is quick for its class. It may lack the underbody clearance for proper off-roading, but its rear independent suspension provides a smooth ride over dirt roads. 

3. The tech is a little frustrating 

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that could be improved. For example, it doesn’t have a tuning knob for the radio. However, it does have a volume knob now. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, but the onscreen menus make easy tasks complicated. You may have to press a few extra buttons, and the graphics look a little dated. 

Positive Honda Ridgeline features 

2021 Honda Ridgeline interior
2021 Honda Ridgeline interior | Honda

With the negatives out of the way, we can cover what the team at Cars.com likes about the Ridgeline. For example, it provides a smooth ride over bumps and has plenty of acceleration for passing others. 

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is easy to enter. Plus, the seats are large and comfortable. There is plenty of space in the front and rear for passengers, and there’s tons of storage space. You can flip up the rear seat for more cargo space. 

You can access a concealed trunk beneath the cargo bed too. It has a drainage plug for wet gear and can be used as a cooler. The dual-action tailgate swings out and drops down to provide easy access. 

Also, the Honda Ridgeline’s bed is made of reinforced composite. It’s scratch and dent resistant, meaning it’s durable, and you don’t have to buy an aftermarket liner. It’s also at the perfect height for a workbench. 

If you can get past the fuel economy, lifeless driving aesthetics, and dated infotainment system, then the Ridgeline is an excellent option to consider. It’s capable, comfortable, and durable.

RELATED: The Most Popular Honda Ridgeline Complaints

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5 Ways to Protect Your Car From Vandalism

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Your car is an important part of your day-to-day life, so it’s important to protect it as best you can. If you’re able to park it in a garage every day, then that could help keep it safe. However, whenever you park it outside, especially in an unfamiliar place, you leave it prone to getting vandalized and possibly stolen. To help prevent the worst from happening, here are five ways to protect your car from vandalism.

1. Clean your car

Audi RS6 Avant performance station wagon interior on display at Brussels Expo on January 9, 2020, in Brussels, Belgium. | (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)

According to CNN, the amount of personal items stolen from vehicles amounts to around $1,255 every year. That’s unfortunate, considering a lot of these “smash and grab” types of theft can be easily avoidable. One of the easiest ways to keep a thief from breaking your car’s window and taking your personal belongings is to not have anything in the car in the first place. However, if you keep your car clean and free of any clutter and valuables, then most thieves are likely to pass on it.

2. Park your car in a safe place, if possible

Cars sit parked at a parking lot outside Universal Beijing Resort on August 24, 2021 in Beijing, China.
Cars sit parked at a parking lot outside Universal Beijing Resort on August 24, 2021 in Beijing, China. | (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

Whether you’re out in public or you need to park your car in an apartment parking lot, for example, it pays to park strategically. This means parking your car in well-lit areas and ensuring that it’s visible to you and/or others as your go about your business. If anything, try not to park in a hidden area as many thieves will target your car since no one will be able to see what they are doing to it.

3. Lock your car

Car lock
Car lock | Getty Images

This one goes without saying, but you would be surprised as to how many drivers don’t lock their cars. According to this survey, 1 in 5 Americans don’t lock their cars on a regular basis, which is unfortunate considering a burglary happens every 13 seconds in this country. Don’t be part of the statistic and make sure to lock your every time you park it, even if it’s just “for a couple of minutes.”

4. Add some security to your car

Viper car alarm remote pager and keys
Viper car alarm remote pager | Joe Santos

While locking your car can do much to deter some thieves, going the extra mile to secure could make a world of difference. As such, adding some security features like an alarm with a pager remote — which will alert you if the alarm goes off – can aid in preventing anyone from vandalizing or even stealing your car. If you want to go even further down the security rabbit hole, then you can opt for a GPS tracker or even a security camera inside your car.

5. Utilize valet parking, if possible

Valet parking spaces are open at the Residence Inn Marriott in an empty Seaport District of Boston on March 19, 2020.
Valet parking spaces are open at the Residence Inn Marriott in an empty Seaport District of Boston on March 19, 2020. | (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Lastly, another way to prevent anyone from vandalizing your car would be to valet park it, whenever possible. Sure, valet parking isn’t exactly 100% secure, especially since some valet drivers aren’t exactly the most cautious. But using a valet service can at least keep it out of sight from any would-be thieves.

Isn’t doesn’t take much to keep your car safe

As we can see, it doesn’t take much to keep your car safe from being stolen or vandalized. And while you can never be completely certain that your car is 100% safe, you can at least follow these five steps to keep it as secure as possible. After all, your car is one of the most important assets in your everyday life, so it’s worth it to pay a little attention when keeping it safe.

RELATED: Why You Should Always Back Into a Parking Space

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Ford Selling its Mach-E Electric ‘Eluminator’ Crate Motor

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A few short minutes cruising Ford’s website will show the company’s devotion to providing a substantial selection of crate engines. With the push for electric vehicles dominating the auto industry, it’s no wonder Ford made available the M-9000 MACHE electric motor for purchase. Ford sells all engines from its vehicles, from the reliable Coyote to the inline-four Ecoboost. These engines are built to spec, so assuming they are used as direct replacements, they will perform just as they would in the car they were intended for. Ford releasing the Eluminator as a crate motor opens all kinds of doors, not just to people looking to rebuild their cars, but hot rodders as well.

Where does the Eluminator come from?

Ford Mustang Mach E | Getty Images

Ford’s M-9000 MACHE comes from, obviously, the 2021 Mustang Mach E. It produces 281 horsepower with 317 lb-ft of torque, revs to 13,800 RPM, and weighs little more than a butterfly at 205 pounds. Some assembly is required, as the motor doesn’t come with a control system or battery. It also doesn’t come with a traction inverter, which converts DC power to AC power for the drive motor. 

How much does the Eluminator cost?

Mustang Mach E 1400 prototype
All-Electric Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype | Ford

The M-9000 MACHE costs $3,900 for just the motor itself, according to Ford’s product page, which isn’t outrageous. However, the other parts may add up quite a lot. A traction inverter from GM costs $2,000, so Ford may not be far behind. The battery is what could cost a fortune. Owners are reporting warrantying their Mach-E battery replacement at around $38,000 including parts and labor. Considering the battery costs $18,000 and labor is at $4,000, this could be an inflated price from the dealership, according to this Mach-E forum.

The M-9000 MACHE has a disclaimer on the product page that says it’s 50-state carb compliant. It’s been deemed as a non-threat to the environment by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and no wonder. It has zero emissions, thus cannot be smogged, and doesn’t produce harmful gasses. If purchasing the motor for electric conversion, luckily under California law it’s completely legal. Though, all pieces of the fuel system must be removed if it’s going to pass the mandatory inspection. Get familiar with the car’s state laws before undergoing the electric conversion.

Ford Eluminator perfect for an electric conversion?

Mustang mach e drivetrain
Ford Mustang Mach E Drivetrain | Ford

Ford’s Eluminator is set at a reasonable price, produces great power, and is relatively light. On paper, it’s perfect for an electric conversion. Of course, the real challenge lies in getting a proper battery for the desired results. A Tesla Model S battery is considerably less than the Ford’s, at $12-13,000, which isn’t exactly cheap but is a step in the right direction. Either way, the Eluminator is a great starting point.

Ford is helping to preserve the hot rod culture

mustang mach e powertrain diagram
Ford Mustang Mach E Powertrain | Ford

Both Ford and Chevy have created a reputation within the confines of emissions laws to keep hot-rodding alive with their crate engine options. Putting an electric motor in a car that was originally powered by gas is still hot-rodding, so Ford’s reputation remains unblemished. Once Chevy joins Ford, they could have the market cornered on electric hot-rodding.

RELATED: “Crate V8” Could Soon Allow Electric Conversion of Any Car

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Chevy Bolt Battery Fix Could Increase Your Range

by Gabrielle DeSantis

General Motors’ new Chevrolet Bolt battery fix could extend your vehicle’s total range. GM recalled all Chevy Bolt models after several battery fire disasters. This recall is the most recent of many waves of recalls involving the Bolt. How much range could the Bolt gain from this fix, and is it enough to make consumers want the electric vehicle again?

How will General Motors fix Chevy Bolt batteries?

The engine under the front hood of the Chevrolet Bolt EV | Joanne Rathe/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

General Motors and the Chevrolet Bolt have fallen from grace. The Chevy Bolt received praise upon its debut in 2017. The Bolt EV and EUV were set to usher in a new era of American-made electric vehicles for Chevy and GM. The Bolt’s run had a great start but recently hit a snag that it may never be able to recover from.

General Motors partnered with LG Chem to create the batteries for Chevrolet Bolt models. The Bolt was once known for providing great value and battery range. Today it is known for blowing up. The Bolt’s battery packs have overheated and caused the vehicles to catch on fire on several occasions. The automaker is trying to overcome this catastrophe by replacing all Chevy Bolt battery modules. According to Green Car Reports, GM is attempting to extend the battery range of some of the recalled Chevy Bolts.

The Chevy Bolt Battery fix will extend to 2017-2019 models. GM plans to replace the battery modules with newer battery cell technology, effectively increasing the battery range past its original limitations. How much more battery capacity will Chevy Bolt owners actually get?

The Chevy Bolt’s battery capacity increase

A 2022 Chevy Bolt.
The Chevrolet Bolt EV | Chevrolet

The Chevy Bolt battery fix is really more of a replacement. GM will replace the old defective battery modules with stronger new modules for 2017-2019 models (that hopefully don’t explode). General Motors will attempt to increase the total battery capacity of these models by as much as eight percent.

The 2017-2019 Chevy Bolt models had 238 miles of range. This increase will bring the electric car’s total range to 257 miles on a full charge. GM will also provide an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the new battery modules. This Chevy Bolt battery fix can take years of depreciation off of the models receiving replacement modules.

Providing newer, stronger battery modules to thousands of Chevy Bolt owners is one way to make up for the battery fire debacle. This gesture is essentially Chevrolet and GM’s way of asking consumers for a second chance. The real question is, is this gesture enough to win over consumers after one of the largest major recalls in recent years?

Does anyone still want a Chevy Bolt?

A red 2022 Chevy Bolt.
Adam Schiff plugs in his Chevy Bolt | Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/LA Daily News via Getty Images

It’s shocking that anyone would still be interested in the Chevy Bolt EV or any electric vehicle that GM produces after the company’s huge recall. Risk of fire is no small issue. It’s safe to assume that no one wants a vehicle that could explode, burn down their home or injure themselves, friends, or family members.

General Motors and Chevrolet have plenty of work to do before winning over the average consumer. This Chevy Bolt battery fix should be the first action on a long list of tasks GM should complete before releasing its EV to the general public again. Many Chevrolet Bolt owners will be content with their new stronger battery modules, but can they ever really trust their electric car not to go up in flames again?

RELATED: Chevy Bolt’s Billion-Dollar Battery Replacement Debacle Is Bad News for Joe Biden

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