Overview & Reviews

Although millions of full-size pickup trucks are sold each year, only a fraction of them actually see an off-road trail, a large travel trailer or a boat ramp. The rest are daily drivers that make an occasional trip to Home Depot for 2x4s and patio furniture. For those consumers who desire a less bulky, less thirsty alternative that can still handle those occasional jobs, there's the Honda Ridgeline. This four-door ("crew cab") pickup truck has a number of distinctive features and, true to Honda's philosophy, it makes sense for smart consumers.

Current Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline pickup is available in just one four-door body style. There are five trim levels: RT, Sport, RTS, RTL and top-of-the line SE. The Ridgeline's sole powertrain is a 250-horsepower V6 mated to a five-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard.

Standard feature highlights for the base RT include a power-sliding rear window, air-conditioning, a 60/40-split lift-up rear seat, a rearview camera, full power accessories, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player. Moving up through the other trims adds luxuries such as alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, upgraded audio systems, heated seats, leather seating and a navigation system with voice recognition and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

Rather than having a separate cab and bed, the Ridgeline's body unites the two. The Ridgeline's architecture combines the techniques of both unibody and full-frame construction. All Ridgelines include a hidden trunk in the cargo bed that doubles as an ice chest, a dent-proof bedliner, a four-wheel independent suspension (for a smoother ride and more agile handling) and a trailer hitch. Maximum towing capacity stands at 5,000 pounds.

In all but the most taxing situations, performance is respectable, and on the open highway the Honda Ridgeline is an effortless and quiet cruiser. As such, it is an ideal road trip vehicle, especially when said trip involves carrying bulky items. That easy-going demeanor, along with comfortable seats, plentiful storage cubbies, sound ergonomics and a relatively manageable size make the Honda Ridgeline a viable option as the sole family vehicle. While the cabin provides sedan-like comfort, the cargo bed effortlessly transports things such as camping gear or lawn supplies. Criticisms include the Ridgeline's aversion to off-road adventures, where its lack of a low-range gear and a tendency to bottom out don't help when tackling more rugged trails. Fuel economy for a V6-powered pickup is also disappointing.

If these shortcomings are meaningful to you, then you'll want to consider a pickup with true truck DNA. But if all you really need is the passenger space of an SUV and the utility of a pickup truck, the Ridgeline is an excellent choice.

Used Honda Ridgeline Models
The Ridgeline was introduced for the 2006 model year, available in RT, RTS and RTL trim levels. The following year the chrome-accented RTX debuted. There were only minor features updates until '09, when the RTX trim was dropped and the exterior and interior styling was updated.

Things stayed pat until 2012, when a new grille design and a new Sport trim level debuted, the latter slotted between the RT and RTS trims. That year also saw minor aerodynamic improvements and engine tweaks that boosted highway mileage by a single mpg. The following year brought a standard rearview camera for all trim levels.

User Reviews:

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  Very high maintenance costs and unreliable - 2012 Honda Ridgeline
  By John K - December 21 - 11:11 am

  Very disappointed is several areas. There is always something breaking. -After 2 years the third brake light assembly broke off the truck on the highway. It was out of warranty. Honda USA was no help even though it is a pretty well documented problem on forums. Quote from the dealer $800. Radio never worked well, but found out the antenna was located in the third brake light assembly. - brakes are paper. I do highway driving. 3 sets of brakes in 3 years. I know its operator influenced, but Ive never had this in any other vehicle. - left front axle blew out after 3 years. - timing belt on a truck? really. My bad for not researching more thoroughly. $900 along with spark plugs and valve adjustment due at the same time for an additional $600. - virtually every oil change at is accompanied by either differential, transmission, or coolant change. Why are other vehicles rated for 60-100K between fluid changes? Seats are very rigid and uncomfortable for moderate to long rides. The interior design is perplexing. Why put the Aux cord input in the dash on the passenger side? Also, the space below the middle console is wasted space. You cant get to it without having everything from the top space fall into it. Interior seat material scratches very easily. Would not recommend this truck. Im sure the value is going to drop through the floor once they introduce the new model.

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  rich mans trap - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By rich man trap - August 6 - 5:33 pm

  Piece of crap. Not good for anything other than saying you own a truck. All dash lights gone out or going out at 50000 miles. Radio light out at 60000 miles. Odometer light on dash blinks on and off. Every trip to dealer ship for oil change recommends a 400$ service. Pushed me rite into a Toyota Tacoma. Never will I own another honda. Better have deep pockets. Pos!

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  2014 Ridgeline Sport - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
  By roc23 - February 20 - 6:08 pm

  I chose Honda because of their reliability and reputation of building quality vehicles. It is a decision that I have grown to regret. The idea of the Ridgeline is great. It has plenty of storage and is rather roomy in the front and rear seats. I am 6 2" and I am quite comfortable. The engine is smooth but the transmission has issues shifting when its cold. My issue is with the fit and finish and how Honda has handled the warranty issues with my vehicle. Not one of the doors line up on my Ridgeline. Other Ridgelines have this same issue where the doors arent flush with the surrounding body panels. Mine leaked water as a result and it has yet to be fixed correctly.

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  Seat Squeaks - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joel R - September 25 - 2:00 am

  The drivers seat squeaks, Honda is aware of the problem yet has no repair for it. The Honda Field Service Person said the squeak is "normal". The local dealership service writer got a good chuckle out of that remark. Honda Customer Service is non- receptive in fixing. Would not by another Honda based on their Customer Service alone.

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  Not reliable - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Randy Gilligan - May 25 - 3:26 pm

  I had many issues with the Ridgeline, at 18,000 mile front rotor locked up, 30,000 mile tire pressure monitoring sensor went bad, 80,000 blown engine (supposedly from a loose spark plug) and 90,000 compressor for air conditioning needs replacement (leaking).

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  JUNK JUNK JUNK - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda Hater - March 13 - 11:02 pm

  Why I purchased this car I will never know. Look Honda has great compact, coupes and sedans.....but trucks???? They should leave it up to others. MPG is 10 at best. Interior is all plastic, cheap looking and rattles. Sun roof seal leaks in water if only glass is closed. Cant wait to get rid of this piece of junk. Only good thing is the stereo system w/ nav. Only 20 more months to go on lease. Then Im running for a Tundra (real truck).

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  Ill never buy a Honda again - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By J Elkin - April 1 - 12:31 pm

  So were do I start? I could start with the creaky and rattling interior. Or I could talk about what a joke the gas mileage is compared to what they claim it will be. But most of all this car is just a piece of garbage. Cant wait until the lease is over and I can go and get a decent truck or SUV. Honda may do a good job with cars, but trucks and SUVs are not their thing . For what the Ridgeline cost me ($32K) I could have purchased a number of other better trucks or SUVs. Do yourself a favor and dont make my mistake.....buy something else.

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  Broken struts, damaged transmission - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Donkey Kong - March 3 - 5:20 am

  Only 1500 miles on this "truck" and Ive already broken the front struts and damaged the transmission by taking it on a hunting trip. The roads werent terrible -- just rutted mountain logging roads -- but the Ridgeline is now in the shop for an extended stay. I learned one thing: its not a real truck. Dont believe the ads....

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  fire hazard - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By squire - December 28 - 8:29 am

  I use my Ridgeland off road a good amount. I regularly smell burning grass after drivng down dirt roads with grass growing in the middle. I have had a serious fire in the engine compartment which caused over $5,000 of damage. I have had one other small fire which I put out with a garden hose. There is a connection around the exhaust pipe that catches grass and leaves which smolder and/or catch fire. You may remember the Honda ads during the last March Madness showing a "herd" of Ridgelines crossing a field of tall grasses. That was a brush fire in the making. This pickup is safe in the mall parking lot, but dont go near the grass. Honda has been unresponsive.

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  Dash sensor error - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jaxnana52 - December 20 - 7:00 pm

  Twice I have had an issue with the sensors giving every error. This is due to the sensor compartment getting wet. Dirt time driving in the rain. Second time after a car wash. I am told they will order parts and replace the unit. But since others are having the same issue. Honda needs to take another look at this area of the design. I paid cash for my vehicle, I love the truck. But will not put up with this issue.