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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  2008 RTL - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By MBB - July 4 - 2:58 am

  The Ridgeline is turning out to be a near perfect vehicle for me. Im a salesman, driving about 50K yearly, so my vehicle needs to be comfortable as well as practical. The Ridgelines innovative trunk swallows up a couple of big plastic tubs full of catalogs, plus I can still get a garment bag flat on top of the tubs and get the lid closed, so that works great! Plus, my golf clubs fit perfectly under the back seat. So, for a full week of travel, everything I need either goes in the trunk or under the back seat other than my briefcase with laptop, which I dont trust to anything other than the back seat.

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  Want a "Truck" - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Sooners71 - July 1 - 2:48 pm

  Drives like a car and has many useful functions like trailering, hauling,and the built in ice chest. I have no issues with the driving view at all. Im 6 feet tall. The seats adjust back and forth and up and down. Theres plenty of storage and it is going to be GREAT for a newborn. It has been on the sandy beaches in Florida with no problems. It laughs at soft sand. The VTM4 works great. I had not notice any issue trailing a 18 ft Sea Ray Bowrider. This is the perfect "truck" for the urbanites. People should not be comparing the mpg versus the former Honda cars (Accord). Comparing apples to oranges. For a TRUCK, it gets above average mpg.

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  An objective owners viewpoint... - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By pbear - July 1 - 5:00 am

  From the buying experience to ownership, I have had nothing but a great experience with my Ridgeline. No trouble, no drama, except for the folks out there that are all "experts" on this truck (talk about subjective), its been a great ride. And thanks to the Ridgeline Owners Club. You folks are terrific, just like my truck!

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  Month 1 - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tucson Dave - July 1 - 1:25 am

  Just getting through the first couple of tanks of gas. The mileage is very respectable in comparison to other trucks in the same category. This is a domesticated truck with a lot of refinement that a work truck would not necessarily have. If you have an occasional need for a truck then this is your vehicle. If you are in need of heavy towing and off road capabilities this will probable not fill your needs. But be serious about how deep into the wilderness you go and you will probable come to the conclusion this truck will meet your needs 95% of the time. A great time to buy with incentives, fear of gas prices and oversupply that probable will not exist next year.

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  Best of both for me - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Terri - June 27 - 9:33 pm

  This truck is GREAT, not a HEAVY duty truck, but very comfortable for everyday and for trips too, with the cabability to run to Home depot or Lowes, take the grandkids camping / fishing and seats 5 adults very comfy, I love the height of the seats so you are not climbing in and out of the truck you just swing your legs around and you are standing. the bed trunk is GREAT for storage and is large. Nav works very well along with the sound system, rides smooth and pretty quite, the adjustable console is really nice esp in town driving. I am very pleased with my purchase

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  This is a great truck! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Christopher - June 24 - 9:28 pm

  Just purchased my 2008 Ridgeline RTX and even though I am not a truck/SUV guy, I truly love this vehicle! It has a great ride and handles beautifully. Part of my commute is through steep mountain passes, and this 4500 lb. truck handles like a 4 door sedan. It is a remarkable trait for a vehicle of this size and weight to be so nimble. There are lots of creative features that make this truck really unique, including the flip-up rear seats, lockable bed trunk, and useful center console and sliding armrest. I just filled up today and averaged 20 MPG including a steep commute but little city driving. I ordered a tonneau cover to hopefully increase MPG. Overall, a very satisfying purchase!

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  Great vehicle for the family - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Sparkland - June 24 - 11:25 am

  Ive owned my 2008 Ridgeline for about 3 months now and appreciate it more than ever. It is a great vehicle for the family--lots of room for people and cargo. The storage is substantial. The swing out tail gate makes it much easier to reach the load in the bed. Rear seating is more comfortable than the competition. The MSRP is expensive, but the discounts make it affordable. Fuel economy is normal for a 4X4 truck. I am consistently getting 17 mpg in daily city driving. Very nice vehicle for a combination of uses.

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  Looking forward to many years - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill F. - June 19 - 10:36 am

  The truck has a lot of features that I am thrilled about. You get the convenience of a quality car included in a truck. I hated paying $35K but I have to admit this is a real value compared to the competition. There are many features that will take time to get to know before I am fully comfortable knowing my way around the cab.

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  Highly Recommended! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Louis - June 17 - 10:50 pm

  I recommend the Honda Ridgeline to anyone looking for a nice Truck. It rides and handles like car, but it is a truck. Great in the snow! The gas mileage will remind you that it is still a truck, but it is better than most trucks out there! I am getting about 18-20 mpg, compared to 11-12 on the Durango that I previously owned. I dont have as much power, but I dont need all of that anyway, especially with $4/gallon gas! I am very happy with my purchase, and I anticipate that Honda may change the styling a bit by the time my 36 month lease ends. I definitely plan to purchase another one!

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  BestTruck For A Country Boy In The City - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By thedirector62 - June 17 - 11:20 am

  I bought this truck after wrecking my RX8. My wife said I needed something safer. I was pleased with the ride quality and build quality of the Ridge. This vehicle is very versatile and handles great in poor weather conditions. Actually when it iced and snowed here (doesnt snow much in Texas), the truck handled like it was on regular pavement. Also handles great in a pasture and some moderate muddy conditions. Just a good versatile overall vehicle.