American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced that the 2006 Honda Ridgeline pickup has achieved the best rollover resistance rating of any pickup tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The results were posted today on the NHTSA web site www.safercar.gov. Demonstrating the depth of Honda's "Safety for Everyone" commitment, the Ridgeline earned industry-best ratings for both the Static Stability Factor (SSF) and Dynamic Rollover test modes. Specifically, Ridgeline earned a rating of 1.29 for the SSF test, a higher (better) calculated result than all other pickups tested, and experienced no "tip-up" during the dynamic test.
Earlier this year, Ridgeline, Honda's first pickup truck, was the first-ever 4-door pickup to receive NHTSA's 5-star safety rating, the highest safety rating possible, for both frontal and side impact crash test performance.
"With this new rating and earlier top level ratings for frontal and side impact crash protection, the Ridgeline is setting new standards for safety in the pickup segment, and once again demonstrates Honda's commitment to providing Safety for Everyone," said John Mendel, senior vice president, automotive operations of American Honda Motor Co., "We offer our customers products that are at once fun to drive, environmentally sound and at the leading edge of automotive safety. We feel this is a unique position for Honda in the marketplace."
The Ridgeline's fully independent four-wheel suspension provides advanced stability along with better handling, ride comfort, and safety. The 4-door truck has been critically praised for its unique utility, innovative features and excellent ride quality. A leading consumer magazine recently selected Ridgeline as its top-rated pickup for 2005. In addition, the editors of Car & Driver magazine selected Honda's truck as the winner of its 2005 truck comparison (June issue).
Honda's "Safety for Everyone" commitment is a comprehensive
approach based on providing customers with advanced safety features in each
vehicle, regardless of size or price. In addition to dual-stage, dual-threshold
front airbags, all Ridgeline models come equipped with side curtain airbags
with rollover sensor; front side airbags, including passenger side airbag with
an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to prevent airbag deployment when
a child or small stature adult is in the deployment path; anti-lock brakes (ABS);
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control; and pedestrian safety
features such as an energy-absorbing hood structure and hinges.
Completely new for the 2006 model year, the Ridgeline's integrated full-frame
body structure also is designed to help protect its occupants while reducing
the effect of crash energy on opposing vehicles for improved compatibility with
smaller vehicles.
Honda has six vehicles - more than any other vehicle brand - that achieve a
top 5-star rating for both frontal and side impact tests under the federal government's
New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).