I mean, considering it’s a pre-existing model, I think they got it as close as they could. It’s not like they can wildly change the dimensions of the unibody without basically designing a brand new car at that point.

I’m not with you on this one. It’s a cool looking car. I do agree that the original is way cooler, though.

I’m jealous - always loved these cars.

Gonna keep it yellow?

Honda should just get rid of the FWD version. Probably 98% of Ridgeline sales are the AWD models that tow 5000lbs. About the only thing the FWD model provides is 1 extra MPG and lots of fodder for Ridgeline haters to focus on (3500lbs, as if 100% of Ridgelines are limited to that as opposed to the actual 2%).

In the end, the Ridgeline isn’t particularly cheap, so they’re not going to win on pure value, but I do think the updated looks are a lot better and may make some people feel like they’re getting the truck experience which might get Honda to ~40k sales. 

You’re forgetting about the upcoming Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. Honda doesn’t want their Ridgeline to look dated when those hit the showroom, so they have to hedge their bets and appeal to a larger audience.

Fuck all that. I just want a decent compact pickup with the correct number of doors. That is 2.

No, but they may peel off some Tacoma buyers who don’t want to pay over sticker and don’t need something that rides that rough. 

Driving in the fetal position is an underappreciated skill.

that foot is all overhang. Much more legroom in the Sprite. The Fiat has your feet about 4 inches off the center of the steering wheel to clear the wheel arch bulge. 

Email me if you start having success. A story about the first Barchetta in the U.S. needs to be written by me (passive voice, I know). 

I’ve shipped from Europe to the US once. The European part is relatively easy and fun; find a car (preferably with a recent valid inspection), buy it, register it with temp plates (easy in many countries like Germany), maybe make some repairs, take a nice long roadtrip and leave it at a RoRo port.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

These are cool, but the one I wish they had sold here was the Coupe. If I ever took advantage of the 25 year rule, this would be on my short list.

Tough crowd

Only a year? Why’d you sell it? Please share pros and cons (in addition to larger and quicker than the MX5).

I owned one for about a year around 2006. I was going to buy an NB MX5 but the Barchetta has more interior space and is slightly quicker. The fact it is much rarer than the Mazda in the UK (they only made it in LHD which limited UK sales) helped as well.

Didn't see the weight listed. That is concerning. 

Beautiful--except for that grille. Woof. That better all be needed for air flow, reminds me of the gritting teeth emoji.