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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  Simple - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jonathan Franklin - October 24 - 1:20 am

  Its not the snazziest truck, but it delivers. Its a honda, not a BMW. Its runs, and runs

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  Even better than Expected! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael - October 19 - 5:59 pm

  My Wife and I bought this because our 2003 Sonoma extended cab proved too small for our needs. After looking at a number of offerings, and both of us DRIVING them, the Ridgeline stood out as the best handling, and it had a trunk! Add the stylish and very comfortable interior, two way tailgate, AWD,and HONDA reliability, it was a no brainer. After 15,000 miles, 3 synthetic oil changes and a K&N filter...19.4 in town, 25.5 highway (spirited driving). Prior to these changes, we got 15.2 in mixed driving. You will use the trunk more than you think. Go give it a look, a drive and with end of year pricing a great deal too.

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  Best Everday Vehicle Ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - October 13 - 11:50 pm

  Have now had my truck for 3-1/2 years and 113,000 miles. Has done everything I needed from towing my ski boat (3000 #) in the summer to driving Stevens Pass 14,500 feet of elevation in the snow every weekend in the winter. It has been my daily driver as a salesperson and had never given me a problem. I have averaged 18 MPG on a daily basis.

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  Riding the Ridge - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve - October 12 - 11:30 pm

  Truck has an excellent ride, like a large Accord, plenty of power. A few quality concerns in the beginning but Im sure mine was one of the first off the line, all have been corrected. Stock Stereo is great, very comfortable and quiet interior. Exterior design is growing on me, NAVI is very user friendly and can be voice activated. Gas mileage has been so so during the break-in period probably about 16mpg. mixed driving. Take one for a drive its packed with Honda innovation. Honda cant miss with this one. 3 months free XM is nice its easy to get hooked.

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  who needs black - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By tom - October 12 - 9:38 am

  good value for the money. tech is easy to understand and overall appearance is excellent. The handeling and power is very good. When you take it out of eco drive the available power is there when you need it. Overall gas mileage is very good for a truck. The different driving modes are good and living in Buffalo NY the snow mode is used quite often and works well. It is very comfortable driving and as we have already taken several long trips without feeling wrung out after a long drive. The highest in gas mileage was 29 mpg the 24.7 mpg the lowest. We love the in bed trunk and in bed speakers are great and the led bed lights are helpful in loading and unloading in the dark. As we dont do a lot of towing this is not much of an issue. We liked the fact we did not have to by a bed liner. The radio controls are good a dial would have been nice touch but as I use the steering wheel controls this is not a big deal. The Garmin navigation works well. We both love driving this truck it has everything we need and more. You just gotta love this truck. Handles great in all kinds of weather.Its like having a comfortable pair of shoes you wear all the time. The only things done have been oil changes and tire rotation. They did service the brakes at 11000 miles which is normal. the garmin update was easy and took about an hour. If you need help call Garmin they were very good. Gas mileage is still good.

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  Hondas First Truck a Success - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By J. Anderson - October 11 - 5:50 am

  Had the truck about two months. Never driven a truck that is so quiet or smooth. It drives so comfortably but is still a truck.

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  AWESOME VEHICLE - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Esplin - October 5 - 9:00 am

  I liked the looks of the Ridgeline the first time I saw it. I test drove it and bought it the next day. It is the best driving vehicle I have ever owned and driven, and I have owned quite a few in my lifetime. I never get tired of driving it and having people look at it. I guess you could say that I feel "proud" when I am driving it. I feel safe in it and know that the Ridgeline will take good care of me if I am ever in an accident. With all the airbags and the superior frame design, I know this is a very safe vehicle to drive

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  Looks like a great vehicle, if you could buy it! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Paul Hanchett - September 24 - 3:59 pm

  We actually looked at and drove an RTL (very nice), but we decided that we wanted some of the features on the RTL-E (adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot warning, collision braking). Apparently everyone else likes them too! Sales people have told me these are literally sold as soon as a VIN is assigned *before it is built*! Sales people kept trying to get me to buy the RTL (which they sometimes had available sporadically), but if Im going to pay that much for a car I want it to be what I want, not what I might settle for. (Also, dont expect them to give any discount, even through Edmunds.)

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  RTL w/nav Love it! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Finnska - September 20 - 5:30 pm

  Traded in a 6 pax vehicle for the Ridgeline RTL w/nav. Love it! Did lots of research, and felt that the Honda was the best for our needs. We wanted the car-like ride, with the occasional need for an open bed. The truck is perfect for our needs. Love the ride, quality of materials, and Honda reliability.

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  HOW SWEET IT IS! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By SWEEET!! - September 18 - 9:33 pm

  I have had mine sine April 08 and have about 8K miles on it already, a lot of traveling out of town. However, I am very pleased with the truck i.e. its drivability, comfort,power, the rear a/c and plenty of storage inside and out. So, far not one problem.