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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  #1 Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ed L. - October 29 - 6:53 am

  This truck has been so much fun and works great on the sand as well on the pavement. If youre looking for a truck with pizzazz and durability the Ridgeline is the answer!

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  Gold Wing of midsize pickups - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By wyowilly - October 27 - 10:26 am

  After owning a 91 Ranger since 91, the 2006 "Ridge" is about everything I needed and wanted in a replacement. I have the RTL for the leather - and didnt want the extras of moon roof and nav. So far, Ive driven 975 miles since purchase and experience with 4 adults on a 200+ mile trip. Not one - all seniors - was unhappy with either front or rear seats. Conversation at normal levels while cruising @ 75mph - a quiet ride. Learning curve is steeper than other new vehicles Ive owned since 1959. Avg mpg after 2 fills is 18.2+ mpg. A little sensitive to Wyoming winds - not nearly as bad as 05 Tacoma doublecab. Power & brakes both feel good. It is a excellent luxury vehicle with lot of work potential.

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  Fun to drive all the time - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By BC - October 22 - 7:34 pm

  Bought my ridgeline 19 months ago I look forward to driving it every day. Im in outside sales so this truck is my office and lunchroom. What a vehicle for those contemplating a truck purchase. Dont overlook this vehicle. Im averaging 19-20 mpg. Ive owned chevys, gmcs and fords - this truck is the best of the best.

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  I Miss My Ridge - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By WhatWasIThinking? - October 21 - 10:59 am

  I bought an RTL in May of 2007. I loved it but traded it 15 months later on a 2008 Jeep Saraha Unlimited. I knew very quickly that I had made a BIG mistake. The Ridgeline is just a great truck. It tows reasonable weights with ease. People are critical of the mileage, but it is a truck. It has the convenience of a truck, the towing of a truck, and the ride of a car. I love the convenience and security of the in bed trunk. The ride and comfort was fabulous. My next purchase will be a New 2010 Ridgeline RTL with navigation! Dont make the mistake that I made. If you want a do just about anything truck, at a reasonable price, with a good track record of reliability the Ridgeline is the best choice!

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  "I love my City Boy Truck" - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Alex - October 12 - 2:51 pm

  I bought my Ridgeline about 2 months ago when they first came out and I am In Love!!! This is my first truck and 2nd Honda (06 Honda Accord) and I have found the perfect truck for me. I live in the city and just need a truck on weekends and moving stuff once in a while. This is perfect, the Ridgeline is so quiet and drives like a SUV. I sometimes forget that I am driving a truck. Gas is not an issue, I have to fill it up once a week if that. the technology is great. Apple Carplay, Bluetooth, Navigation, rear view and side view cameras, its all there! the Inside is comfortable, quiet and has tons of storage space. When I am stopped at a stop light people stare, so being one of the first to drive around in one of these is pretty cool too. Highly recommend this truck for people like me that dont need a big Truck for their everyday lives but for the people that drive to the office back and forth Monday through Friday but need that extra truck space every once in a while.

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  Ridgeline is an Awesome Vehicle! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By R. Stearns - October 12 - 3:26 am

  I love everything about my Ridgeline. The backseat is very comfortable, and surprisingly roomy. The in-bed trunk makes a big difference over other trucks. The back-up camera is a must- have, makes it so much safer, especially with kids around. A very fun car to drive!

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  Second times a charm! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bmore Fuzz - October 3 - 11:26 am

  Traded my 2006 Ridgeline RT for the 2009 RTL. This truck was so practical and reliable in the past 3.5 years I decided to do it all over again...this time with the leather, Navigation, XM radio and sunroof. The 2006 I traded in with 60K miles drove as good as the day I drove it home new. The 2009 feels a bit tighter and quieter but considering the 2006 was its 1st year production, Honda just kept improving it and it shows!

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  06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steven Boyd - October 3 - 7:57 am

  Of 27 vehicles owned in my life, the Ridgeline is the best overall vehicle. Quiet, squeak free and totally reliable machine. Needs a slightly longer trunk. Great work Honda. The new 2010 is on order!

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  Love my Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Janet - October 3 - 1:10 am

  I absolutely LOVE my new 06 Honda Ridgeline truck. So far have only driven it 1,000 miles, but no problems. Only little problem was that one or two doors would have a hard time shutting completely but it was just because it was new and as we used it, they shut just fine. Sometimes you can hear a little wind noise, but everything else is fantastic. I like it because it feels like an SUV. My husband likes the truck part. The cab doesnt feel like you are in a truck. It is very roomy even in the back seats. It is extremely wide inside. You are not crowded together. I got the gorgeous Amazon Green. The interior package matches well to it.

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  The ultimate everything vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Engineer - October 1 - 8:13 pm

  I drive 200 miles round trip a day mostly highway on cruise. My mileage was low until I put about 15,000 on the truck but now regularly get 22MPG cruising at 70 with my high being 23.9. I have found that the power is quite good but the VSA system intrudes too much leaving most folks with the impression it doesnt have low end power. If you switch the button off the truck will launch hard indicating Honda should rethink the programming. My biggest beefs are lack of a telescoping wheel that allows one to rest your elbows on the door and console pad without feeling like youre reaching. Seat comfort is misleading way too hard. I will be the first in line for a new dturbo diesel.