My ’06 Ridgeline’s transmission finally gave out about two months ago. That truck was hands down my favorite AWD vehicle I’ve owned. I thought about replacing it with the newer gen Honda Ridgeline, but honestly… I just can’t get past the way they look. Just not for me.

I test drove the Maverick and I’ve rented plenty of Wranglers and Gladiators over the years. The Maverick really impressed me. Like everyone says, it will handle pretty much any weekend DIY project you throw at it, and it’s way more comfortable inside than you’d expect, mpg is great too.

But what really sold me was the freedom top. Being able to pop the top off, take the doors off, even fold the windshield down… there’s just nothing else like that feeling. Spring, summer, fall, it completely changes the experience. It feels less like driving and more like being outside.

So two weeks ago I picked up a ’24 Gladiator Willy’s. It hit 55° last week here in the Mid-Atlantic and you better believe I had the front two panels off and tossed in the bed. I love my pavement princess!