Last week, just trade in my '97 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4 SLT, because it is costing too much to own.  The vehicle averaged less than 12 mpg, and worse if I go off road and use the 4X4.  Furthermore, things were falling apart (103K miles) every two or three months that cost me at least $1K to fix everytime.

For the last few months, I am looking at suitable replacement, including the Chevy Avalanche (built in Mexico) and Cadillac Escalade EXT (built in Texas).  For my application, I need a 4 door cab with a securable bed.  On Sunday, I dropped by a Honda dealer since my wife's friend is looking at the Element, and I was looking at the Ridgeline.  I was talking to the general manager if the Ridgeline is not an open top pickup, it will fit my needs.  Well, the GM told me it have a tonnoeau cover, and more than willing to meake me a deal.  To make a long story short, I traded in my Dodge, and is now driving a Ridgeline with a tonnoeau cover, 16/26 mpg, V-6 and AWD.  

I felt bad, the vehicle only have 70% parts including the engine built in US, tranmission coming from Japan, and assemblied in Canada (my second Canadian car, the first one is my Camaro SS).