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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  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.

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  Frozen gas flap. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Daniel floody - June 16 - 11:40 am

  The truck is great. Very happy with our purchase. We have own it for 6 months. We didn’t have any problems until we had a deep freeze. The temperature outside was 20 degree. We went to fill the truck up with gas. We open the gas door . We tried to put the gas nozzle thru the flap and the flap was frozen shut. We called the dealership. They told us to purchase Lock deicer. We were afraid to use it. We used a small screwdriver to break up the ice. We are hoping that this isn’t going to be a problem in the future. The dealership said they had many calls about the same problem. We also are worried that water might be getting in the tank then from the build up of ice.

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joy Vogel - June 16 - 3:13 am

  I love this truck -- it drives like a car, but is so versitle -- with the bed and the trunk in the bed

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  My Test Drive of the 2008 Ridgeline RTS - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tim - June 14 - 9:00 am

  This was my first time to drive a Ridgeline. A very nice truck and easy to get in and out of and my wife who is 51" tall had no difficulty stepping up and out of the truck. She said no running boards required for this truck. The truck is very quite and the engine is smooth. Didnt quite have the get up and go as my 2005 Honda Accord which has a 4 cylinder but still adequate power. The fuel economy is rated 15 mph for city and 20 mph for highway. The salesman said the one that he had he averaged about 24 mph highway. Whether that is true or not I dont know. The cornering ability was impressive. Overall I think its a very nice truck and I might just buy one if the price is right.

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  Truly Love Our Ridge - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By jgcla - June 10 - 8:09 am

  After a year and 14,000 miles, I have had no issues and love the truck. Thought rear visibility could be better until I drove my bosses new Silverado and realized mine was not so bad. The mileage has ranged from a low of 17 to a high of 22. 60 to 65 delivers around 20 - 21. Engine/transmission combo is extremely smooth, just like our CR-V. Even with gas prices approaching $4 per gal, I think I made a wise decision. I have had many positive comments on the appearance and feel secure when driving.

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  Ridgeline - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dennis - June 4 - 7:20 am

  Nice crossover for a compact truck. Trunk is a nice but if you put a cover over the back you can only open trunk 75% not so good. accessories pricey.