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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By JohnSoCal - February 10 - 11:11 pm

  I have owned Honda Accords for the past 27 years. Last year I bought a new 2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL. I loved the Accords but the Ridgeline is the best of all. I is another superior vehicle which Honda always provides.

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  The BEST truck I have ever owned! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dynamiq - February 10 - 3:22 pm

  This truck is almost perfect! It would be nice if it got better gas mileage, but then it wouldnt have that awesome torque! I have pulled multiple cars and trucks out of the ditch (in snow), I have hauled a 26 foot camper over the mountains on a 5 hour trip, a 21 foot boat for 3 hours... all no problem for the RL! The performance in snow and ice is the BEST I have experienced! I have owned 4 Ford F-150s and 1 GMC Sierra and none of them performed this well in the snow (or mud). It is so well- designed and well-balanced that I dont think any truck can compete for overall performance. I have owned for 2.5 years and I have not had to have anything fixed! This is truly a great truck!

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  WHY!!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By CC - February 6 - 12:23 pm

  WHY??? Why, Honda, did you not give us a locking tailgate?

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  Best of both worlds - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Truckguy - January 29 - 3:41 pm

  I traded in my Ford truck and my Dodge Durango thinking I could get the best of both worlds with the Ridgeline. During the first 1K miles, so far so good with the exception of mileage. The Ridgeline handles great, the AWD grips fine in inclement weather and the interior is comfortable. The storage spaces are very well designed from the sunglass holder to the pull forward center console that reveals additional CD storage to under seat storage in the rear. In terms of complaints, the navi system is not worth the extra money. My $200 Garmin is easier to use, gives more detailed directions and displays the speed limits which is great on unfamiliar roads. Save the $2K and skip it!

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  Excellent decision to buy! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Daniel - January 29 - 10:43 am

  Former 04 Nissan Titan, considering Toy Tundra, but this was more practical. Cheaper, what a deal!, Fun to drive, gave me more space in the garage. Now well have more fun, distance to cover at lower cost.

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  Well, I love the damn thing... - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - January 27 - 8:53 am

  The only downside thus far is the infotainment system. As others have noted, it is so ancient. I had a 10 year old Prius which was better and a 2013 VW which was legions ahead of this clunky mess. Really, Honda, who the hell is working for you and worse, signing off on this mess of a system? Otherwise, a great car. Oh, one further nitpick, the outboard mirroruare so bloody old school. Really, idiots.

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  First 3,000 miles - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Phil Scudder - January 23 - 1:53 am

  I bought this truck for sales and travel purposes with storage. I travel all over the USA representing a line construction tools. For years I used a Dodge Caravan with mixed feelings about having my euipment inside with me and the passengers. I thought the Ridgeline would be perfect for what I do. Living in Colorado I wouldnt think of the Ridgeline for serious off road purposes. There are too many very good trucks and SUVs for this. But if you consider the Ridgeline for light industrial usage and having to get to worksites and traveling long distances for a living, this is it! My gas mileage so far just under 20 mph on the hiway. 17 mph in town.

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  Rear Tires Locking Up - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ebony - January 22 - 11:29 pm

  I love my Ridgeline, but 2 months ago I noticed something with wheels feeling like right front tire was flat. Next week had to have vehicle towed, because it wouldnt accelerate. Make a long story short took to Honda 3 times they wouldnt take wheels off would only do road tests. I had to take truck to dealer every night so when it happened again it would be there. They would not check it out unless they actually saw what truck was doing. It ended up being the rear differential that was locking. It only happens in 30 degree or less weather. I live in Charlotte, NC it usually doesnt get cold here, but it has. So if you experience this locking of wheels you now know what it is.Thanks warranty

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  Loved it from Day One - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - January 13 - 7:22 pm

  This is the most enjoyable truck Ive owned. To the point my own father is thinking of getting one for himself. Consider hes a loyal GMC fan. Anyhow Im in the military and its a dream to drive, it reminds you of driving a car. But you have to convince yourself your in a 4x4. Take one on a test drive and you be the judge.

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  Need a truck but want a car? - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Daniel - January 12 - 10:27 pm

  I looked at the Tacoma, the Frontier, and the Ridgeline. Granted, people told me the Ridgeline wasnt a "true" truck, well thats all right with me! Drives like my Accord V6 - but with loads of space to haul or tow things. Super comfortable, super styling, and Honda reliability - how can you go wrong??