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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  3rd Ridgeline in three years - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By GR8-1 - July 3 - 12:35 pm

  Third Ridgeline to date. Very reliable, dependable. Complaints: Add more seat travel or legroom for the driver! I am 510", another 2 - 3 inches of seat travel would make a WORLD of difference in comfort on long drives. I seldom have any passengers in the rear seat, for the one or two times yearly this occurs, I could move the driver seat up a bit. And speed up the wipers on the "high" setting. Otherwise, very comfortable truck. Adequate power on highways, full time four wheel drive great in snow/ice conditions.

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  Excellent Design - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - June 28 - 6:25 pm

  Traded in a terrible GM product for my Ridgeline after testing them when my wife was deciding between one and the Pilot. The truck is solid, dependable and sturdy. Plenty of room, plenty of functionality, great handling.

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  Great truck for the money - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Phil - June 26 - 12:37 pm

  This is an excellent truck for the money. Base level model has all the features youd want. It drives like a large car with a comfortable ride yet has the utility of a truck. Truck capabilities more than adequate for light duty work (towing a boat, hauling yard stuff or pulling a smaller RV) yet space and driving manners perfect for a family. This is about as close as one can get to the perfect vehicle that does everything for everyone. I have only had it for about a week and put on about 500 miles yet I am delighted with it. I have owned F150s which are also excellent trucks but this is by far a better value for someone in need of a "pleasure truck" (F150 much better heavy duty work truck).

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  Should have bought years ago! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Smokeybob - June 23 - 12:28 am

  Owned 5 fords & 1 chevy and finally decided to get out of the big truck mode. This was a huge decision and I am extremely please to say the right decision. What a great design, fun to drive and a pleasure to own. All this and I get to keep the extra dollars saved on gas. This is a solid built truck and does the job. Hard to believe the big three couldnt figure out how to put the trunk feature in the full size trucks or design seats that actually fold up and give real cargo space. Oh did I mention no rattles either. Dont but a truck without test driving the Ridgeline. Get over your manly belief that only a full size truck will do. You will be surprised & a lot happier you did. I did & I am!

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  luxury at a cheap price - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Karen - June 19 - 12:46 am

  This is my first new vehicle purchase and i must say it was pure heaven test driving it! This is my escalade wanna be at an affordable price. The leather seats are very comfortable and everything is within reach.

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  Good to Go - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By righton - June 6 - 6:10 am

  Overall, this is the best car/truck I have owned and driven for a person who has owned and driven 50 plus cars. It is practical in regard to doing a variety of things really well. It is very solid and safe with 5 star ratings. It tows well with an excellent tranny match. It has good off road ability in the sense that if you are not looking to get stuck you wont. It rides like a car. My only real complaint is that it is short on after market options.

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  Had to have - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTDjr - May 29 - 11:16 am

  I had to have a new truck as the wife just got a new mini van, and I didnt need a van any more, so I got a Ridgeline. I am a big guy, 64" 300 lbs and needed something big feeling without the gas gussling effect. Drove the Honda and had to have it. Comfort is top notch, XM radio is awesome sounding and all the toys I could ever need and want. Gas mileage is a little less than I figured. About 16mpg in town, 20mpg on the road, but still better than a Trail Blazer I had. I got the extra fender flares that really add to the look of the truck, gives it that he-man take no stuff look with a trailer package. No towing yet but cant wait to try. You need to drive one.

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  Very Nice Vehicle. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Thomas - May 25 - 12:34 pm

  Purchased my RTX after coming out of a Honda Odyssey lease. I really enjoy the overall driving experience of this truck. It handles extremely well, drives smoothly and is comfortable inside. I love the in-bed trunk and the numerous storage areas inside the cab. The gas mileage is comparable to other mid-size 4x4 trucks, so I knew what I was getting into. The engine is powerful, but seems to strain just a little when trying to pass with a cab full of people or a load being towed. Love the way the back seats fold up so you can use the flat floor for storage. Dont pass up the Ridgeline because of looks, you will regret not test driving this vehicle when comparing the others trucks out there.

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  Just buy it - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By larry - May 20 - 1:46 pm

  I have owned my ridgeline for a week now. LOVE IT. I was looking at buying a Toyota fj cruiser. On the ridgeline the back windows go down. Though I cannot climb a mountain, The ridgeline gave me the comfort I was looking for with a lot of features I would not have with the fj cruiser. Same towing capacity the same mileage, with a lot more comfort and class.

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  My Wifes Ridgeline RTL. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By James Cameron - May 20 - 4:30 am

  Comfortable, smooth, quiet, and enjoyable ride. Handles extremely easy and drives like a dream for a large vehicle. Everything is right at your finger tips. It appears wider and higher than the SUVs but very easy to drive. We have had Hondas since 1987 buying Accords, Civics and CR-V for ourselves and children because of the safety and reliability of Honda vehicles. Ridgeline is a great addition to the Honda line and has met our needs in an all around vehicle cant wait for the snow.