thudpucker

Did Honda ever make a 4X4 or All wheel drive for America?

MY daughter's looking for a 2005 or newer Honda, and I thought I'd cadge in on her query with one of my own.

I'd need 4X4 at the Boat ramp. Anybody know of one?

Weigel21

A CRV or Ridgeline are the only ones that come to mind, but I'm no Honda expert. The CRV was sold as a 2WD and AWD small SUV, while the Ridgeline is similar to a Chevy Avalanche or Cadillac Escalade EXT and was sold only with an AWD system to my knowledge. Both I believe are still sold today. I know the CRV was made back in the 90's, my Aunt has a 97', but the Ridgeline, I'm not sure when it's production started, early 2000's maybe.

Edit.

As for a heavy duty 4x4, no, I don't think they ever made such, merely lighter duty AWD models, most of which run in 2WD until the extra traction is needed. However, that's just what I think, probably any other member on here could tell you more, I'm not a Honda guy, merely joined due to having an interest in buying a Civic somewhat recently, which didn't come to be.

2ND edit

Did some searching, they did make an AWD Civic at one point, and they make the Pilot, which again, is AWD and a full-size SUV.

The Element is another AWD optional SUV.

As well as the Crosstour/Accord Crosstour and honda Fit.

Given you are looking for a 2005 or newer, might fair better posting in the 7th or 8th & 9th generation section of the forum vs the 1st-5th generation section.

eastsider

Check out the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Ridgeline. They've been around since 2005, and have been made in your neck of the woods (Lincoln) since 2009.

More on Ridgelines and boat ramps at this link.

thudpucker

Well you guys are gooder n' ya think ya are.
Now I have a whole bunch of names to shop for.

Many thanks.

ezone

CRV
Element
Ridgeline
Pilot
Crosstour
There was an OLD Civic AWD too.

All but the Ridgeline can be had with FWD. AFAIK, the Ridgeline is not available as a 2WD.

CRV, Element, Crosstour have an open rear diff, and are clutched between the driveshaft and the pinion. Clutch applies hydraulically when there is enough difference between front and rear wheel speeds.


Pilot and Ridgeline use VTM-4 (Variable Torque Management) they can lock in each rear axle individually through clutches, as needed. They take off from a stop using all 4 wheels in a proportion (Can't remember, maybe 60/40?), then gradually release the rears as road speed increases to become front wheel drive at higher road speeds (you can watch some of this with all 4 wheels off the ground, car on a hoist in a shop).
The VTM-4 LOCK button on the dash can be used to lock in 4WD in Reverse, 1st and 2nd gears up to 18mph. Above 18mph (30kph) the rear is automatically released from LOCK and returned to its normal proportional mode.

Grab an owners manual and read about it if you can.


Fit is front wheel drive in the US.

Acura has a similar selection of AWD/4WD choices too, so consider that.