The terms “performance” and “minivan” are typically not uttered in the same breath—ever. After all, minivans are what mom takes the kids to school or soccer practice in. But according to J.D. Power and Associates research, minivan buyers are just as discerning—and critical—when it comes to their vehicle’s performance and design. And with more consumers buying and driving pickups for personal use rather than work purposes—and looking for the same creature comforts that can be found in passenger cars—the same can be said of pickup owners.
In the pickups and van segments, the Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet Avalanche and Honda Odyssey are the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM award recipients.
Midsize Pickup Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Honda Ridgeline
The introduction of Honda’s Ridgeline in 2006 marked a new milestone in half-ton pickup truck innovation. While traditional pickup trucks use a body and bed bolted to a ladder frame, 
the Ridgeline employs a combination of frame and unit body with a composite bed. As a result, the Ridgeline offers typical half-ton pickup truck capabilities for towing and hauling combined with features such as a locking trunk built into the cargo bed (large enough for a 72-qt. cooler or three golf bags) and a tailgate that can be opened down or sideways. The Ridgeline has a 1500-pound payload capacity and can tow up to 5000 pounds.
Though only in its third model year, the Honda Ridgeline receives a fourth consecutive APEAL model award in 2008. The 2006 Ridgeline was launched early enough in the 2005 calendar year to be included in the 2005 APEAL Study, in which it ranked highest among midsize pickups. The same 2006 Ridgeline model duplicated the feat in the 2006 APEAL Study, and the 2007 and 2008 models have followed suit.
Among the eight models in the midsize pickup segment, the 2008 Honda Ridgeline achieves the highest ratings in four of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- storage and space
- seats
- climate control
- driving dynamics
Additionally, the Ridgeline scores above the segment average in vehicle exterior, vehicle interior, audio/entertainment/navigation, engine/transmission and visibility/driving safety, but below the segment average in fuel economy.
According to consumers, the Ridgeline’s top three attributes compared to the midsize pickup segment are: the sound of doors when closing; appearance of the exterior paint; and the amount of trunk/cargo area space. The Ridgeline’s bottom three attributes are: the rating of fuel economy and range between fuel stops; the ease of judging distances when parking; and visibility when changing lanes.
2008 Honda Ridgeline Prices
2008 Honda Ridgeline Photos
Get a price quote on a 2008 Honda Ridgeline
Ranked No. 2: 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Toyota Tacoma
Large Pickup Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
Chevrolet’s 2008 Avalanche is a carryover model from 2007, when it was redesigned. Avalanche’s claim to fame is its unique Midgate, which opens a panel between 
the cabin and bed to extend the bed from 63 to 99 inches. With rear seat up and Midgate closed, the Avalanche has 6-passenger seating. Available in rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, the Avalanche has two V-8 engines, including an E85 flexible-fuel capability version.
Following two consecutive years as the No. 2-ranked large pickup in the 2006 and 2007 APEAL Studies, the Avalanche breaks through and ranks highest among large pickups in the 2008 APEAL Study.
Among the 11 models in the large pickup segment, the 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche achieves the highest ratings in seven of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle exterior
- vehicle interior
- audio/entertainment/navigation
- seats
- climate control
- visibility/driving safety
- fuel economy
Additionally, the Avalanche scores above the segment average in each of the other three categories.
According to consumers, the Avalanche’s top three attributes compared to the large pickup segment are: the rating of fuel economy and range between fuel stops; front-end styling; and the appearance of the wheels, rims and tires. The Avalanche’s bottom three attributes are: the performance during rapid acceleration from a stop; the ability of the navigation system to provide a desirable route; and the ease of using the navigation system.
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Prices
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche Photos
Get a price quote on a 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche
Ranked No. 2: 2008 Toyota Tundra
Ranked No. 3: 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
Van Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey minivan received a major redesign in 2005, and for 2008 sees a host of improvements to both the vehicle’s 
function and form, the most noticeable change being a front-end facelift designed to give the minivan a closer resemblance to Honda's all-new Accord. Significant changes for 2008 include: updated front-end styling and taillights; revised interior colors and textures; a new version of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology; available Bluetooth phone compatibility; standard power passenger seat for EX-L and Touring models; a backup camera integrated into the rearview mirror on EX-L models; memory-linked side-view mirrors with reverse tilt-down on Touring models; additional storage under the second-row PlusOne Seat; a standard auxiliary audio input jack and WMA-compatible CD players. Also, the Touring model now seats eight instead of seven.
Since 2000, the Honda Odyssey has ranked highest in its segment in APEAL a total of six times, and has reeled off four consecutive APEAL model awards, including 2008. The Odyssey also ranked No. 2 twice during that same period.
Among the 10 models in the van segment, the 2008 Honda Odyssey achieves the highest ratings in seven of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- storage and space (in a tie with the Nissan Quest)
- audio/entertainment/navigation
- seats
- climate control
- driving dynamics
- engine/transmission
- visibility/driving safety
Additionally, the Odyssey scores above the segment average in each of the other three categories.
According to consumers, the Odyssey’s top three attributes compared to the van segment are: the rating of fuel economy and range between fuel stops; smoothness of the gearshift operation; and the sound of the engine/exhaust during rapid acceleration. The Odyssey’s bottom three attributes are: the effectiveness of center console storage; attractiveness of interior lighting; and the usefulness of front and rear cupholders.
2008 Honda Odyssey Prices
2008 Honda Odyssey Photos
Get a price quote on a 2008 Honda Odyssey
Ranked No. 2: 2008 Nissan Quest
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Toyota Sienna
More Research
2008 APEAL Study Results
Watch a Video
View Performance and Design Ratings
Subcompact and Compact Cars
Midsize and Large Cars
Premium Cars
Sporty Cars
Multi-activity Vehicles (MAV)
Premium MAVs
