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 - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda08 - November 22 - 8:11 pm

  I have owned Dodge Dakota, Ford F-150, and Chevy, none compare to the Ridgeline. This is a great truck it rides great no problems. 247 hp engine plenty of power, very nice.

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  Solid Little Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Doctor Mac - November 21 - 7:03 pm

  I downsized from a Suburban. I really liked the Chevy (it was nearly flawless), but I got hosed on the resale value. The Honda rides well and seems to be reasonable with regard to fuel economy. I do think Honda could improve a few things. The HomeLink buttons are not lighted & can be tough to find at night. Fog-lights should certainly be standard on the RTL. The front passenger seat is heated, but only the bottom cushion "due to the side-impact airbags"?? Attention Honda: Other manufacturers have figured that out. Give them a call. Also, the stereo is good, but not the equal of that in the top-of-the line Pilot. Honda: truckers like to rock on too. All in all a good vehicle for the $!

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  Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By sooner1 - November 19 - 1:46 am

  Excellent ride with better than anticipated mileage. Handles well. More storage than you can imagine.

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  MY NEW BABY - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By celnrob - November 17 - 3:10 am

  I just bought my new baby. I love it. I hate mini vans & already did the SUV & sports car ordeal. I actually went to look at a BMW. Then I saw this. Its awesome. Love it. I have 3 kids & it has plenty of room. Dirt bikes & ATVs fit in back. Trunk has plenty of power. Brakes on a dime! About knocked my teeth out!! Drives like a car, which I love, handles great. First thing I brought home in years the husband agrees with. Quiet ride, smooth, surprised me. I get a lot of compliments on it, bought the redrock (? not sure on that name) pearl color, basically a deep maroon. Price was comparable to other trucks. Love the dual climate controls, prewired for the towing. Spring 4 the RTS over RT, worth it.

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  Wrecked when new! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ephman - November 16 - 5:16 pm

  Looked at GMC & Ford but went with Rline for Honda quality. With 8000 on the odo, wife was run off the road and into a tree by teenaged driver. Bags didnt deploy, and no one was hurt but $15,000 in front end (including frame) damages later, local dealers body shop did a superb job getting Rline back on the road. Will have to drive it into the ground now, since it has little trade-in value but seems to be back at 100% Have had to replace navi and a heated seat control both under warranty, unusual reliability for a Honda. Very comfortable front seats in which to drive, especially on highway trips. Rear seat not comfortable for my teenagers and fuel economy no better than a GMC 1500.

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  Deal Breaker - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mac - November 11 - 9:53 pm

  No locking tailgate ! Also not impressed with the navigation system, I believe it is from 2015, and the rest of the info system. Getting in and out of the rear seats is not good.

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  Highly Reccomended - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Curly - November 9 - 12:17 pm

  In 20 yrs owned 3 GM full sized trucks then Suburban. Needed to go back to PU. Tired of American quality vehicles and associated repair bills. Finally went Honda. Ridgeline has been in shop for scheduled maint only. 55,000 miles and everything still works. Drives like a car - golf clubs fit in rear trunk. Whats not to like? Reminds me of a bulldog, ugly to look at - and I love it unconditionally.

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Harold Williams - November 9 - 1:20 am

  I am retiring in 3 months, and decided to combine my car and truck needs. This vehicle could be named "car of the year" as well as "truck of the year". We could not be happier with a vehicle.

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  Black Edition worth the wait - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian Montgomery - November 6 - 4:30 am

  It will be hard to find. If you want one be prepared to put a deposit down and wait for it to come off the assembly line. I have been wanting a Ridgeline for years. I am a Honda loyalist and at first I didnt like the new look. Until I drove it, the thing drives like a car. I am 63 so I am used to looking over people when I walk and when I drive and this fits the bill. The lane keep assist will basically drive for you for approx 15 seconds and there is storage everywhere. The power back window was a unexpected bonus along with the Honda assist for 3 garage doors.

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  Right Choice - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert Clark - November 5 - 2:46 pm

  After looking at vehicles for two years, I made the decision to buy a Ridgeline over a Toyota Tacoma. I have been delighted with all aspects of the truck with the exception of the mileage. Although it is not horrible, I would really like to see 25 mpg on the highway. The design features are well thought out and everything is easy to use. Ride comfort is outstanding, although cabin noise could be less. I went to a different tire and noise dropped, but body insulation improvement needs to be worked on by Honda engineers. I take long trips and also used the truck on a rugged ranch and have no complaints. Online forums often mention the easily scratched bedliner, and this is a problem.