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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  Innovation abounds in this Solid Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rick Landries - January 21 - 9:04 am

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  Better value for your dollar! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rob Riegel - October 24 - 9:38 pm

  I bought my 09 RT used from a very reputable dealer one year ago with 80 k miles. 20k miles later and no major issues. Every time I take it in for service my mechanic is amazed to see how clean it is inside where oil cap screws in. I use Mobil 1 full synthetic oil with proper oil filter. Engine runs strong and gets up to 23 mpg on the highway with a light load and not towing anything. I have not towed anything yet. Great handling on dirt roads and muddy roads and there was not a need to use 4wd feature. Acceleration and shifting is good. Climate control is good. Height and visibility is good. Stereo system sound is ok. Plenty of storage, which is really awesome. Interior fabric stains too easy from water. Love the sliding rear window. Love the extra storage in the cab and in truck bed, which beats the storage of a Toyota. There is ample passenger space. Love the way the rear seats fold up to load extra cargo. Transmission has a little clunk, but its normal. Its from how I operate the accelerator pedal as trans picks up the slop. I can get about 380 miles per tank of gas. Full synthetic oil change every 5,000 miles and I service the fuel system with one can of sea foam at every oil change interval. Once a month I fill the gas tank with non ethanol gas. Ill be due for 4 wheel brake service soon and 4 new tires. I compared this truck to a certified Toyota Tacoma. Toyota has a nice reputation, but I got a better deal on this truck and its got everything that I need at a fraction of the cost. Paint chips to easily, but thats where touch up paint comes in handy. Suspension, steering, brakes and any of the power options work great. No report on the 4wd yet, because I have not used it. Cruise control works great and the TPMS is accurate. I like the 5 ft bed. Its not to big and not to small. This is a very practical truck for the working man and I chose a 285.00 a month payment vs a 400.00 a month payment of the Toyota Tacoma certified(2 door single cab 4 cyl 2009). Ill expect 400k miles on this Honda motor. Once the motor is tired then Ill replace it, because this truck serves a better purpose for me than any other general truck. Its like a small military truck.lol. People keep trying to buy my truck and I tell them no. :)

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  Very useful vehicle for most anything - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By DaleB - August 7 - 5:19 pm

  It is not a full size truck, it is a vehicle with a smaller truck capability, closer to mid size in cargo and weight capacity. It is a truck you can take a very comfortable long trip in, or make short trips to a lumber yard and lay down 4 x 8 sheets of drywall, flat. It is a truck that easily fits into a 2 car standard garage. It has a 4 wheel drive system that automatically provides superior traction on demand. The rear diff can be locked for low speed pulls for starting on slippery or very angled grades. It is quite easy to maneuver on and off road. The ride is very stable and firm enough while never jarring. And despite commentary to the contrary, there is a mounting hole for spare tire on the right hand bed rail. For those convinced they will get a flat tire when loading up the bed, and making it difficult to access the in-bed trunk. That trunk by the way has a screw in plug for draining water is you decide to fill it up with ice to keep your recently caught trout fresh. Or use it to keep the brewskis and champagne cool, depending on the journey. There is rear sliding window, both rear seat sections fold up and away leaving generous floor space.

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  8 years and still a peach - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By obx2003 - November 8 - 3:30 pm

  I bought my RTS new exactly 8 years ago. Have 72K miles now. Ive had virtually no problems. OEM Michelin tires lasted 59K miles. Rear brake pads lasted 62K miles, front pads are still original. I had A/T, power steering and cooling system serviced at 62K. Other than that and replacing the battery at 45K, Ive done nothing but change the oil and the filters, which I do myself. The truck had only one factory recall: for a heater wiring harness. Troublefree Hondas are great. I hope they bring back this model so I can reup after 12 years.

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  An excellent multi-purpose vehicle - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
  By wiesbadenbob - September 2 - 8:16 am

  Ive had my Ridgeline for about 18 months now. I had one very minor warranty claim, which was handled promptly and courteously by the dealer. This is a great vehicle for the suburbanite who needs to make the occasional Home Depot run, and may need to haul a smaller RV trailer. Ive hauled U-Hauls 6 x 12 trailer fully loaded with no trouble using the factory installed receiver. This is NOT for the manly man who needs a macho truck. Its a great combination of comfort and flexible cargo capacity. The trunk in the bed makes a great cooler for tailgating.

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  So Far So Good at 55,000 miles - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By 209flyboy - June 23 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my 2009 new and have no complaints. at 55,000 miles I have completed required services and no issues have arisen. I think this truck is perfect for a family of 5 who needs a vehicle that will pull a boat or travel trailer under 5000 pounds, carry those itmes that dont require a large powerful and expensive truck. This truck rides like a car and is comfortable. If you have a small family, this truck will fill your needs and I strongly recommend you check it out.

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  Should have bought one years ago - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By avcerp - January 27 - 2:19 am

  I resisted buying a ridgeline for years because of its looks, because its not a real truck, and the price. I finally broke-down and bought a used one this fall and I love it. It fits my needs perfectly. Four doors for my family, fits in my garage (an absolute requirement in Alaska) enough cargo capacity for me, and an AWD system up to the task in Alaska winters. Its not an off-roader, but so far in my first winter with it, its done just fine (with its standard tires).

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  Sorry Honda, try again. - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By rcummelin - May 27 - 8:48 pm

  Our 2010 RTL was our second Ridgeline, and while we both liked the truck, after 17 months, we threw in the towel & traded it for a 2008 Lexus GX470. Of course, you may wonder why? The answer seems simple enough to us--while the Honda does some things well, it does an equal number of things poorly. While highway manners and ride are great, wind and road at highway speeds is absolutely terrible. WHen I tried to get Honda to address the wind/road noise, I was told that all Ridgelines are like that. Really? You mean they are DESIGNED to be noisy? Yes, gas mileage is more important. Gas mileage? Well, our 2010 recently averaged only a measly 17.x mpg on a recent 3000 mile highway trip.

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  Second Ridgeline - 2012 Honda Ridgeline
  By ridgedrive - March 19 - 3:16 pm

  I traded a 2006 Ridgeline on a 2010 CRV to downsize and save fuel. That will be my last 4 cylinder in a SUV. The tweaks from 2006 to 2012 are noticable. Its quieter and peppier. I took six months to purchase a vehicle, test driving many SUV vehicles. The CX-9 was a top contender. But, at 6-02, it lacked enough headroom. Do not compare the Ridgeline to heavy duty pickups. That not what it is. I use it for hiking, camping, biking, trips to Lowes....etc. If I could describe it, using only one word, it would be smooth. I hope Honda does not kill the Ridgeline but updates it.

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  Interior issues - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By wadehampton - October 3 - 8:47 pm

  Overall I really like this truck. It rides smooth and handles great. The storage space is remarkable. The trunk is excellent to travel with. The inside storage space is great. I have however had some interior issues. These include a drivers seat squeak, leaking wind shield, CD stuck in the player, squeaking back glass, and a dash rattle that honda cannot find or fix. I really want these problems to be corrected and if or when they are this would be the perfect vehicle for my family.