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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  My Barbie Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - December 26 - 10:09 am

  Awesome car, ours has low miles for the age. We have ~60K miles on it and it is running strong. No major issues and its great for my wife. My only complaint is that it is a little tight with a full sized car seat in the back. However, I am 6 tall and feel like I have not had an issue feeling like it was not roomy enough.

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  I got what I wanted - A great vehicle - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By joe - December 10 - 4:01 am

  I wanted an all around vehicle with a comfortable on the road ride with some off the road capability. A vehicle that would be able to handle a snow storm or icy roads. A vehicle I could haul bags of mulch, or shrubs from the nursery. A vehicle that could carry the grandkids, cooler, buggy boards, umbrella and chairs to the beach. And I got it with my 2013 Honda Ridgeline I purchased new. A great vehicle.

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  Great truck - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Sheila - November 20 - 9:28 pm

  Bought my ridgeline to replace my 2003 silverado. I was very pleased. The Ridgeline is far more comfortable for passengers. We take it in Long trips and the ride is comfy. Its a truck for all purpose - towing a boat, hauling kayaks -lots of tie off cleats in the bed, hauling stuff. Interior compartments are great for hiding valuables. Split Back seats lift and lock up for lots of interior stacking space or room for a big dog. Love the locking bed, mine has a retractable cover, love the full size trunk space. If there was one thing I wish I had was a backup sensor or camera. The higher back end (nice look and allows for trunk ) creates some visual obstruction. But dont let that stop you from buying. Its strong enough for a man, but made for a woman - thats me:-)

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  Swiss Army Knife of Vehicles - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve Rosenberg - November 9 - 9:14 pm

  Just like the knife, it isnt necessarily the best when compared to more targeted, specialized tools, but you love it because it does so many things well. A very competent daily drive that goes to work with you on the weekends.

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  Underrated - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stick - November 2 - 10:19 am

  Poor brakes but all else super. Car-like ride- very comfy and well laid out interior. Stop & go mileage pretty poor (15-17). Honda reliability!

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  Will Buy Another - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris Hrenko - March 31 - 3:38 pm

  My 06 was a demo that I purchased with 2,800 miles on it--9 years later I have over 190,000 miles and it is still strong. I dont need to tow more than 3,500 lbs and do 80% highway driving, but it has handled the Colorado high country without breaking a sweat during my hunting trips also. Having driven many Lariat diesels and the like for work and play, the Ridgeline is the best that I have ever driven in term of reliability and value for the money. As a light- to medium-duty truck, you cant beat it.

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  The Best Kept Secret - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By ridgelineva - March 1 - 11:21 am

  I loved the smooth ride of my old Odyssey but wanted a truck (62"). My Honda dlr just got a trade-in gold 2010 Ridgeline. Score! Quiet, power sunroof, power drivers seat, in-dash Nav, dog-proof leather, power rear window (no squeaks), quality bed liner (up over sides) w/built-in HIDDEN & DEEP trunk (no leaks), gate opens 2 ways, chrome running boards, dark wind/rain guards on windows & hood, roof rack (I added), easy 4WD button, rear cargo lights, low front running lights (I keep on always), open feet area to switch drivers, quality 6-CD sound, V6 handles full load of people and heavy stuff. Handles GREAT on highway snow/ice (even not in 4WD). Get one!

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  2010 Ridgeline RTL - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By wiseone2 - September 8 - 2:19 am

  Ive owned a Tacoma dble cab 4x4 offroad and now have owned the Ridgeline for about 9 mos. I honestly think the Ridgeline is a better all around vehicle. Comfort and tons of options makes this a great vehicle. The Tacoma looks a bit more rugged. but a 30 mile trip is vastly more enjoyable in the Honda. The Tacoma has great resale, gas mileage is similar, I am getting 18.8 mpg around town and the Toyota was right about the same. Its up to you, they are both good, I really cant support the Toyotas pricing, I paid $26.5k back in 2006 and its still the same truck for $34k plus.

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  if it only had 300h.p. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By redc5vete - September 4 - 5:28 pm

  I really enjoy this truck. gets more compliments than my 02 vette. I do have aftermarket 22 inch chrome wheels though. with lo-pro tires and the Ridgelines Formal Black color it is awesome. Never had any trouble from it except when I ran hi-test bp in it. after a while I had spark knock which went away fast after going back to reg. its only low mark is its an inch to short in legroom for a 6 foot man. I do recommend changing the Trans., Power steering, and diff. fluids after 50000 miles. the shift and wheel turn improvement was tremendous. only a $200 dollar job at a service station. the 2 way tailgate, wet/dry trunk and luxury amenities are just icing on the cake

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  Misrepresented truck better than most - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By rlcondran - January 10 - 9:30 pm

  I rarely write reviews but while checking on an 06 model at my local dealer I saw a varying degree of good and bad. I believe this truck should be carefully chosen by the perspective buyer in regards to their needs. Mine were simple so this truck was in my opinion a perfect match. I wanted ease of passenger transport with comfort features due to my health issues. This Honda has delivered! I really think Honda missed an opportunity to start a new car segment something like the SUVs only term this one an LUV or TUV(light or transport utility vehicle) cause this is not a true truck I feel. It has missing truck features & then some better ingredients so to me they balance out. Shop carefully.