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2009 Honda Ridgeline

Honda decided to enter the lucrative North American pickup truck segment in 2006 with its Ridgeline. Many were skeptical, journalists and the general public alike, but the vehicle won several awards in its first year. For 2009 onward, the Ridgeline received a modest update to freshen its appearance and improve features.

The biggest changes are up front with an all-new, Pilot-inspired grill, a reworked bumper cover and two extra sets of lights down low -- one set acting as daytime running lights, the other as fog lights.

The rear of the updated Ridgeline boasts a freshened set of tail lights, a new lower bumper that now flows into the fender flares and a backup camera lens next to the handle on the tailgate.

Unlike most pickup trucks on the market, the Ridgeline comes only in a one-size-fits-all configuration with four doors, seating for five and a five-foot-long cargo bed.

A unique feature of this cargo bed is a small covered trunk inside. It can be accessed via the tailgate, which both folds down, like other pickups, but also swings to the side for easier access.

Despite its car-like unit-body construction, the Ridgeline can handle off-road duty thanks to its standard Variable Torque Management four-wheel-drive system (VTM-4) and locking rear differential.

The four wheels are driven by a 3.5-liter 250-horsepower V6 engine through a five-speed automatic transmission. A heavy-duty transmission cooler is available.

Expect 15 miles to the gallon in city driving and 20 on the highway.

Three trim levels are offered: the base RT, RTS and top-of-the-line RTL.

Standard features on the Ridgeline RT include an integrated trailer hitch, pre-wiring for 7-pin trailer wiring, trip computer with instaneous and average fuel economy; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; power windows and door locks; power sliding rear window; cruise control; keyless entry; automatic heated wiper zone; a six-speaker, 100-watt audio system with CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability; and 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with underseat storage.

The Ridgeline RTS adds alloy wheels; a 7-pin trailer wiring connector; body-color painted door handles; painted inner grille surfaces; a seven-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer and six-disc in-dash audio system; steering wheel-mounted controls; an auxiliary audio input jack; dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support; privacy glass; and all-weather floor mats.

The RTL adds a leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels; fog lights, moonroof, a 110-volt power outlet, XM Satellite Radio, HomeLink remote system, carpeted floor mats, and a compass in the rearview mirror. A Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition is available (and replaces the rear-view mirror interior compass). Vehicles equipped with the navigation system also include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and a multi-information display.

Click here to find your next Honda.

eBay Find: 1987 Yugo GV

Children of the 1980s will likely remember this week’s eBay-tastic discovery. When the Yugo appeared on U.S. shores in 1986, it was marketed as the cheapest (in this instance, least expensive) new car in America, with a base price of just $3990. Unfortunately, it also gained the distinction of being the cheapest (in this instance, well you get the idea) new car in America, with a reliability record rivaling Freddie Mac. Built in Soviet-controlled Yugoslavia using Fiat bits, the Yugo became known as the ultimate disposable car, universally ridiculed by nearly every corner of the motoring media. Even Time magazine bashed the Communist-era compact, saying it “had the distinct feeling of something assembled at gunpoint.” As such, despite a U.S. sales run of over 100,000 units from 1986-1992, finding a survivor is nothing short of miraculous.

This miraculous-looking Yugo with only 54,606 miles could well be the best example left on the planet. Provided the 1.1-liter, carbureted four-cylinder is in top condition, expect upwards of 60 horsepower which, according to the current owner, is “eager to rev.” The auction also states the timing belt was recently replaced, which is actually quite important considering the little mill is an interference engine with a self-destructing reputation. The interior looks new, underneath appears surprisingly clean as well and there’s even a sunroof for your bunny ears to stick through. Ideally, the car would come with the bunny suit shown in the photos, but if not, you can always opt for the AK-47 gun rack and the Vodka holder. For the discriminating quirky car shopper, this could well be your next ride, especially if you don’t take yourself too seriously.

The Chesapeake and Ohio canal went from where to where?

Washington D.C. to Frostburg, Maryland
Chesapeake Bay to Cleveland, Ohio
Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Md
Chesapeake Bay to Cincinnati, Ohio

See answer under Car Doctor.

Tire Safety Tips

Your tires are one of the most important parts of your automobile. Proper upkeep and maintenance will ensure save, affordable, and effective traveling. The following tips will help you remember what to do to keep them working well, as well as how to determine when the time is right for replacements.

It is extremely important to check your pressure regularly. Tires soften over time, and they can easily become a hindrance on your driving and on your gas use. It is recommended that you check you pressure once a month, and keep them filled to the level printed on your owner's manual and the inside of your driver's door. Pressure should be checked several hours after the car has been parked, as the friction of driving can often temporarily increase the pressure. Remember that replacements often have different pressure levels and maintenance needs, so keep those in mind when caring for your vehicle.

Don't forget to keep your spare in the same working condition as the ones in use. It would be very frustrating to get a flat, only to find that your spare is flat too. Compact spares usually have the inflation pressure written on them, so use that to guide you.

Checking tread depth is an important way to determine if you need to purchase new tires or not. A simple way to do is by setting the edge of a penny into the groove of your tire's tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, they need to be replaced. Also, check for even wear when checking for tread depth. The inside and outside edges of your tire should be worn down equally. Uneven wear is often a sign is misalignment. Also, check all of your tires thoroughly for signs of cracks, cuts, nicks, and tears. These sorts of damages are rarely fixable, and can be very dangerous. The easiest way to avoid frequent trips and misalignment is by replacing all four of your tires at once; if this is not possible, at least purchase them as axle pairs.

If your car seems to pull in a certain direction at different speeds, it might mean that your tires have lost their balance weight. This can easily be fixed at a low cost by your auto repairman.

Consider your geographical location when deciding on which type or brand to purchase. If you live in an especially cold and snowy region, you should consider buying snow tires, which will best protect you and keep your car running. Dry and sunnier climates often go best with summer performance tires, which have a great impact on your car's handling for a long stretch of time.

Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Md.
The original Chesapeake and Ohio canal was about 175 miles long. It was originally intended to go all the way to Ohio, but never made it.