Honda Ridgeline Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.61/5 Average
880 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 11 through 20 of 880.00
  • Will Buy Another - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    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.

  • The Best Kept Secret - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    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!

  • 8 years and still a peach - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    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.

  • 2010 Ridgeline RTL - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    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.

  • if it only had 300h.p. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    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

  • An excellent multi-purpose vehicle - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    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.

  • So Far So Good at 55,000 miles - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    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.

  • 2014 Ridgeline Sport - 2014 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    I chose Honda because of their reliability and reputation of building quality vehicles. It is a decision that I have grown to regret. The idea of the Ridgeline is great. It has plenty of storage and is rather roomy in the front and rear seats. I am 6 2" and I am quite comfortable. The engine is smooth but the transmission has issues shifting when its cold. My issue is with the fit and finish and how Honda has handled the warranty issues with my vehicle. Not one of the doors line up on my Ridgeline. Other Ridgelines have this same issue where the doors arent flush with the surrounding body panels. Mine leaked water as a result and it has yet to be fixed correctly.

  • Should have bought one years ago - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    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).

  • Misrepresented truck better than most - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
    By -

    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.

Honda Ridgeline Reviews By Year:
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