August 2010 eNewsletter
2011 Honda Ridgeline

The five-passenger Honda Ridgeline half-ton pickup truck is built with a closed-box, unitized body structure for a unique combination of capability, interior spaciousness and comfortable ride performance.
The Ridgeline delivers a wide range of conventional pickup capabilities with a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds and a half-ton payload rating, all while offering unique features like a large In-Bed Trunk® and an independent front and rear suspension.
“The Honda Ridgeline focuses on delivering the most-popular features and capabilities that a majority of recreational truck buyers typically use and need,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “As a company that also builds world-class motorcycles, ATVs, marine engines and power equipment, many features in the Ridgeline represent the best thinking from Honda.”
The four-door, five-passenger Ridgeline is powered by a 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine. A 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission and a Variable Torque Management® 4-wheel drive system (VTM-4®) are standard. The EPA rates city/highway/combined fuel economy1 at 15/20/17. A MacPherson strut front suspension in the front and a rear multi-link suspension design contribute to a smooth ride and responsive handling. Standard equipment for towing includes an integrated tow hitch, transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans and a wiring harness for a 7-pin trailer hook up (pre-wiring only on RT).
A 5-foot-long composite cargo bed with eight tie-down locations provides a half-ton payload rating of 1,100 pounds. Four cargo area lights illuminate both the bed and the in-bed trunk. A dual-action tailgate opens down for traditional access to the cargo area or to the side for ease-of-access to the 8.5 cubic-foot In-Bed Trunk. The Ridgeline is available with a wide variety of accessories and can conveniently accommodate motorcycles and ATVs.
The all-aluminum, 60-degree, SOHC 3.5-liter VTEC engine produces 250-horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 247 lb-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm. The Ridgeline’s variable valve timing enhances low rpm torque while extending high rpm horsepower for a broad, confidence-inspiring power band. The 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission features Grade Logic Control to help maintain the most appropriate gear when going uphill or downhill to avoid gear “hunting.” The fully automatic VTM-4 system provides confident operation in rain, snow, ice, sand and mud, while also improving on-road and towing performance by distributing torque to all four wheels as needed. The system operates predominately in front-wheel-drive during dry-pavement cruising conditions and continuously proportions torque to the rear wheels during acceleration and low traction situations.
The Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) system, commonly referred to as electronic stability control, can apply braking force to a wheel with low traction and direct driving force to the wheel with more traction. For the rear differential, a "VTM-4" lock button located on the instrument panel allows the driver to temporarily hold engagement of both rear wheels to aid traction while in gears “1” and “2” at speeds of up to 18 mph.
The Ridgeline integrates an independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link with trailing arm design in the rear. The VSA system with active yaw control monitors lateral (cornering) stability and can integrate traction control, four-wheel drive, anti-lock braking, throttle control and stability control functions by modulating brake power at each wheel and controlling throttle input.
The heavy duty braking system includes 12.6-inch front and 13.1-inch rear 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Steel wheels on the Ridgeline RT measure 17x7.5-inch; the Ridgeline RTS upgrades to alloy.
All-season P245/65 R17 tires are standard on the Ridgeline RT and RTS. The Ridgeline RTL is equipped with 18x7.5-inch alloy wheels and all-season P245/60 R18 tires.
The unit-body architecture is designed for vastly superior rigidity compared to traditional body-on-frame designs and provides the foundation for the Ridgeline’s spacious interior cabin and bed, outstanding safety performance and class-leading ride and handling performance. The Ridgeline’s modern and athletic design incorporates a solid, one-piece appearance with no separation between the bed and the cab. Large truck-style side mirrors enhance rear vision while towing. The windshield wipers have a heated wiper zone to enhance wiper performance in cold, winter driving conditions and minimize ice scraping.
The cargo area measures 49.5 inches wide between the wheel wells, 20.7 inches deep and 60.0 inches long (79.0 inches with the load-supporting tailgate in the down position). The tailgate can easily close with contaminates like sand, snow or mud in the space between the bumper and the tailgate.
The interior takes advantage of the Ridgeline’s unit-body packaging efficiency to deliver full-size interior space dimensions while maintaining a garage-friendly, mid-size exterior footprint. The driving position provides ergonomically comfortable access to large and easy-to-use controls.
The large multi-function console features a sliding armrest and sliding lower tray – each with a hidden storage area. Other console storage areas accommodate items both large and small like mobile phones, beverages, compact discs and portable digital music players.
The 60/40 lift-up rear seats feature a storage area underneath large enough to accommodate a golf bag. Plus, the rear seating area can quickly convert for cargo duty by lifting the seats up to create enough room for a full-size mountain bike with the front tire removed. The rear seat incorporates three LATCH positions for compatible child safety seats.
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 with Voice Recognition and Zagat Survey® restaurant information is available on RTL models and includes XM Radio3. A backup camera display appears from the navigation screen when the vehicle is in reverse.
All Ridgelines are equipped with standard anti-lock brakes; VSA; brake assist; advanced multiple-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s SRS airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System(OPDS); two-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front seat active head restraints; a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
Standard comfort and convenience features on the Ridgeline RT include: integrated trailer hitch, pre-wiring for 7-pin trailer wiring, trip computer with instantaneous 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 and MP3/WMA playback capability; 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with under-seat storage.
The Ridgeline RTS adds or upgrades: 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 or upgrades: leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels; fog lights, moonroof, a 115-volt power outlet, XM 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®, a multi-information display and a back-up camera.
Basic Specs
Four-Door, 5-passenger pickup truck
3.5-liter SOHC VTEC V-6 engine
Horsepower: 250 at 5,700 rpm and
Torque: 247 lb-ft. at 4,300 rpm
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 15 city / 20 highway / 17combined miles per gallon
Integrated closed-box frame with unit-body construction
Independent front and rear suspension
5-foot composite bed with 1/2 ton payload capacity
Secure In-Bed Trunk: 8.5 cubic-feet
Towing capacity: 5,000 lb.
Advanced VTM-4 four-wheel-drive with lock mode
Safety equipment highlights: Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, front side airbags, daytime running lights, and driver’s and front passenger’s active head restraints
Dimensions: length 207.0 inches, wheelbase 122.0 inches, height 70.3 inches, width 77.8 inches, track front/rear 67.1/66.9 inches, ground clearance 8.2 inches, approach angle 24.5°, ramp-over angle 21.0°, departure angle 22.0°.
Click here to find a new Honda for you.
American Cancer Society Raffle Winner!!!

MileOne is a proud flagship sponsor for the American Cancer Society in Maryland. The company actively participates in fundraising efforts as well as doing their part in promoting any new initiatives for the ACS. MileOne collectively supports raising awareness for the ongoing fight to cure cancer.
Throughout the spring and summer this year, a Honda Insight donated from Heritage Honda in Parkville, MD was wrapped and on display at many of the area’s Relay For Life events. Relay For Life events are events for people of all ages come out to bring the community together and reminisce about their loved ones who have died of cancer and honor those who have survived while raising money to fight for a cure.
The Insight was being raffled off in order to raise money for the ACS. This year we sold over 17 thousand raffle tickets and raised more than $86 thousand dollars for the American Cancer Society!
On June18th, at an event in Woodbine, MD the lucky winner was drawn. Ethel Corrine Honemond was the 2010 lucky raffle winner! Later, on July 3rd, Ethel and her daughter met with members of MileOne and the American Cancer society for a check presentation ceremony. Ethel had elected the cash value instead of the Honda Insight. MileOne President & Chief Operating Officer Jerry Fader and State Vice President (S. Atlantic Div) for the ACS, Gloria Jetter presented the check to Ethel and her daughter. Ethel and her family are strong supporters and avid fundraisers for the ACS. Cancer has affected their family and they strongly support the American Cancer Society.
Each year, MileOne will continue to do their part in supporting the American Cancer Society. From donating a vehicle, to raising funds at the dealerships for Making Strides and other ACS events, the company is happy to support such an important cause.

Hello Kitty motor oil is a legitimately real (and oddly confusing) product

In the name of brand cross promotion, we’ve seen some pretty weird tie-ups over the years, but none of those can ever prepare us from what we discovered a few days ago. In a collaboration that you couldn’t have even dreamt of even if you had the imagination of a five-year old, AGIP, a subsidiary of Italian oil company ENI SpA, recently partnered with the company that owns the rights to the Hello Kitty name to produce the Hello Kitty motor oil. Really, we’re not making this whole thing up.
The motor oil will be distributed exclusively in Japan by Showa Boeki, which will bear the image of the iconic bobtail cat with the red bow on her left ear all over the canister. We’re not quite sure who came up with the idea of pairing a cute little kitty with something as ’dirty’ as motor oil, but whoever that dude is, he seriously got his pop culture references all mixed up.

The Maryland State Bird is the Cardinal, true or false?

See answer under Car Doctor.

Ask the Car Doctor

Gas Saving Tips
Volatile gas prices call for fine-tuning driving habits

Cathy Nikkel
Tips
Getting more out of a tank of gas will have an economic thrust for American drivers if prices at the pumps keep going up. Motorists can add 25 percent to the life of a tank of gas with a few simple adjustments to driving habits and auto maintenance.
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*Underinflated tires can cut fuel economy by up to two percent per pound of missing pressure. Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Worn spark plugs and dirty air filters also increase your vehicle's thirst.
*Carrying a heavy load of unnecessary items in the trunk can increase the fuel needed for daily trips.
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*Slowing down the pace of driving can slow down the drain on fuel. Rabbiting through traffic will deplete a tank of gas much faster than a steady pace.
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*On long trips use cruise control. A steady pace uses less gas. Look at your personal fleet and use the most fuel-efficient vehicle for the majority of your driving. Go a step further and consolidate small trips into one by shopping ahead online or through newspaper and magazine ads to pinpoint your shopping destinations.
*When you are looking for deals on gas, remember that you can save almost 24 cents a gallon by filling up at the self-serve rather than the full service pump. Don't feed your car mid-grade or premium gas unless it is recommended in your owner's manual or to prevent knocking in an older vehicle.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
Click Here to schedule a service appointment at your nearest Mile One Service Center.

The correct answer was false
It is our good old Baltimore Oriole. They are rare to see, but quite beautiful.
