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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  AWESOME VEHICLE - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Esplin - October 5 - 9:00 am

  I liked the looks of the Ridgeline the first time I saw it. I test drove it and bought it the next day. It is the best driving vehicle I have ever owned and driven, and I have owned quite a few in my lifetime. I never get tired of driving it and having people look at it. I guess you could say that I feel "proud" when I am driving it. I feel safe in it and know that the Ridgeline will take good care of me if I am ever in an accident. With all the airbags and the superior frame design, I know this is a very safe vehicle to drive

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  really satisfied - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By zack - October 1 - 9:22 pm

  Looked at Explorer Track and Toyota but the in bed trunk and Honda reliability got me. Priced a little high and designed a little younger than I wanted. Ive got 60,000 miles on it and have only had regular service. Put 5200 mile on it on one trip in June this year and it rode great.

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  Superb truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By jgonzalez - September 30 - 9:52 pm

  I bought this truck to replace a 2002 Ford Ranger. I am very pleased with my purchase. The truck rides like a car, has lots of interior room and I really like the "trunk". Honda definitively builds quality vehicles.

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  Looks like a great vehicle, if you could buy it! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Paul Hanchett - September 24 - 3:59 pm

  We actually looked at and drove an RTL (very nice), but we decided that we wanted some of the features on the RTL-E (adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot warning, collision braking). Apparently everyone else likes them too! Sales people have told me these are literally sold as soon as a VIN is assigned *before it is built*! Sales people kept trying to get me to buy the RTL (which they sometimes had available sporadically), but if Im going to pay that much for a car I want it to be what I want, not what I might settle for. (Also, dont expect them to give any discount, even through Edmunds.)

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  RTL w/nav Love it! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Finnska - September 20 - 5:30 pm

  Traded in a 6 pax vehicle for the Ridgeline RTL w/nav. Love it! Did lots of research, and felt that the Honda was the best for our needs. We wanted the car-like ride, with the occasional need for an open bed. The truck is perfect for our needs. Love the ride, quality of materials, and Honda reliability.

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  HOW SWEET IT IS! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By SWEEET!! - September 18 - 9:33 pm

  I have had mine sine April 08 and have about 8K miles on it already, a lot of traveling out of town. However, I am very pleased with the truck i.e. its drivability, comfort,power, the rear a/c and plenty of storage inside and out. So, far not one problem.

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  Mobile Party - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Cleve - September 10 - 12:04 pm

  First off, I would have to disagree with the editors on two points. First, the comfort of the backseat. It can fit four 20 year old guys comfortably with no complaints. Also, its offroad capabilities (though not up to rock crawling standards) seem to be vastly better than the Ridge is given credit for. Ive taken my RTS all over Gods green earth, through dirt, mud, snow, creeks and have yet to feel a noticeable slip. Now, moving on. I am absolutely in love with this truck. Its as big as a house inside, it rides as smoothly as a town car, the bed will fit anything from pallets, to tree trunks, to drywall etc. And when I take the time to wash off the filth, its a beautiful design.

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  Great little truck! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Will - September 10 - 8:55 am

  I was in the market for a mid-size truck to hand down to my teenage son in a few years. I looked at the Tacoma...looks cool...drives like a tank. Then there was the Colorado/Canyon...nice trucks...dont really care for the looks and the interior is cramped and cheap looking. I didnt even consider the Frontier. Then I test drove a Ridgeline and that was it! Comfortable, quiet, smooth riding and handles great! The more I drive it, the more I like it. I only have a few complaints...as many have stated before, the rear doors do not open wide enough and you do feel a little engine breaking under deceleration. Its faint but I do notice it. The only quality issue Ive experienced so far is one of the sun visor clips is loose. I gonna have to bring it in to get it fixed. Ive added Husky mats front and rear and the cargo net for the bed. My son may have to wait a while for this one.

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  nice truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By mike - September 9 - 9:25 pm

  First and foremost i would recommend this to anyone looking to buy a small to mid size truck. Very fun to drive, lots of room, nice trunk in the bed, enough power, nice brakes. I have had a few issues with it, the rear tailgate is broke and will not swing out (handle seems broken, will get that taken care next oil change), had part of the ceiling fall down (was repaired). The navigation system works well and has a large screen but the more i use it i wish it had more features. Have not driven it in snow yet so have yet to test the all wheel drive system.

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  Third Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian - September 6 - 12:50 am

  This is my third Ridgeline. My first two were black this one is dark cherry pearl. My only wish is that it would get a little better gas milage. Everything else is great. Ride, handling, quality build, safety, color, and new mp3 ability.I just love it.