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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  Great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Diane - January 10 - 1:16 pm

  I just bought this truck... my first. I was impressed with the luxurious, car like ride and side airbags being standard. The in bed trunk is huge and holds tons of stuff. Totally love this truck, didnt want to go the SUV route again. I added the optional "tonneau" cover across the bed to give it additional covered storage.

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  Just the right truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Haynie - January 8 - 5:23 pm

  The truck is a fun truck to drive .easy to see out of nice ride on the road quite no road noise drive reel nine at all speeds

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  Love the Ridgeline--Dumber than a box of rocks - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tweed Ross - January 5 - 2:04 am

  I just got my new Ridgeline and I love it. I had to wait a long while to get an RTLE-E because having a opening back window was a "deal breaker" for me. Two things Honda engineers really missed. 1) All models should come with an opening back window (it doesnt need to be power). 2) The tonneau cover is really superior---but Honda does not have a locking tailgate. Why is totally beyond me!

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  Handy - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dad - January 4 - 12:36 am

  I have 14K on my Ridgeline RTX. Thus far the swing out tailgate latch and the rear seat vent have broken. Otherwise OK. I have towed boats and trailers with no problems. Brakes work well while towing but fuel mileage drops to 10 MPG or less. Shifts a lot even without a trailer - very annoying. I think the engine could handle it if the tranny would wait to drop out of high gear. I noticed torque steer when passing, it surprised me and made me swerve. Trunk is awesome. Drives and parks like a car. Fuel mileage is only so-so. Averaging 17-18 and 19-20 on hwy. Functionally the truck is great. Its kind of ugly and my buddies make lots of fun but its really practical and does what I need it to do.

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  2017 black edition is awesome - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Peter Narreau - January 2 - 6:19 am

  Had this truck for three weeks and already taken it on a long haul trip. 26mpg was surprisingly good. We love the vehicle and at the moment I cant come up with a criticism. Our first truck and first Honda! Jan 2017 Update: As a suburban DIY and weekend warrior, I am still loving this truck. Cons Ive found are: 1. No power retractable mirrors. It would be easier to pull into the garage with this simple feature available on the Pilot. 2. The fog lights are not LED (not optional), and dont look very impressive when paired with the awesome LED headlights.

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  Great vehicle with just one question - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By John K - December 28 - 4:32 pm

  Ive had my 17 Ridgeline for about a month and have been very pleased with everything about it. I was initially leaning towards a Tacoma, but after comparing the two vehicles for what my needs were - daily commuter, ability to move some furniture for my college aged daughter, take the snowblower in for service, transport my bike - it seemed like a better overall vehicle. The ONLY "head scratcher" to me is the inability to lock the tailgate...I just dont understand why that would be overlooked by Honda.

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  Satisfied Owner So Far - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By shackm - December 28 - 4:19 pm

  I am a former owner of Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota Trucks. Friends and family tried to steer me towards purchasing a new (08 or 09) Chevy/GM Truck with their current low prices. I drove and tried to make a deal on both GM products along with a new F-150, but the sales folks couldnt quite get me to where I wanted to be. The first time I test drove a Ridgeline, I knew this was the vehicle for me. I dont require the services of a full size truck, so the Honda is the perfect fit for me. I recently took my truck on a road trip consisting of 2,000 miles through rain, sleet and snow over mountains, and through major metro areas. It handled great in the snow! Averaged 19 MPG/Hwy.

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  nono - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By 2loco - December 27 - 8:26 pm

  Overall I am very happy. I have owned a lot of autos and this is as close to having it all that I can get. Very versatile. handles like a sports car, will haul my atv, has 4x4, will seat 5. nice ride on highway. not like all the rest. a style all its own.

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  Five Years to Write this Review - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By lik2bik - December 26 - 9:29 am

  Wow! So much to say, so little space. I have been looking and researching this segment for nearly five years. I really wanted a Tacoma, but even with the low car sales plaguing the industry, Toyota didnt want to play. Honda immediately offered me an incredible deal on this 08 RTS that I didnt need any more incentive- I snatched it up. This is an incredibly smart truck- all space is usable seats are comfortable, even in the back where I was concerned most because this often overlooked space is easiest to get cheapest attention (Chevy Colorado). Absolutely the smartest design in this category (if youre looking for heavy hauling, look to full size trucks) fits me like a glove. LUV IT!

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  Bulletproof - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Hogman - December 23 - 11:13 am

  This is my first truck. I love it. Everyone that rides in it comments on how spacious it is on the inside. I have had zero problems. I drove it half way across the country from California to Texas and got good gas mileage (for a truck). Average was close to 26 MPG. It has plenty of passing power and I experienced no problems passing on steep inclines (plenty of torque). I have a factory tonneau cover which I highly recommend. I spend time sitting atop the tonneau with my girlfriend watching fireworks, sunsets and picnics in the country. Additionally the cover helps to hide contents in the bed of the truck. Honda hit a homerun with this thing!