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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  Lovin my ridgeline rtx - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By b.c. - April 12 - 8:23 pm

  Had my rRdgeline for two (2) weeks Ive put 1000 miles on her already and I couldnt be happier. Im a 60 year young guy doing outside sales. My truck is basically my office. In the past Ive owned two s-10s one GMC Sonoma and a Ford ranger. The Ridgeline puts them all to shame. Fuel mileage of the Ridgeline was my biggest concern but my fears were for naught as I am averaging 19 mpg combined city/hwy. I can only assume that my mileage will go up as the engine gets broken in. Allin all I couldnt be happier with my choice

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  Fantastic Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jedi - April 6 - 5:31 pm

  This truck is a fantastic value with the current Honda marketing program. This is my first Honda and I am very impressed with the product, they really thought outside the box when they designed this truck.

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  Awesome Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By 1st HONDA - April 4 - 5:00 pm

  Best mid-size truck on the market. Great in heavy snow, and traction/control/handling is better than big 4x4s due to independent suspension & awd drive. I drive almost daily in lake Tahoe area with great ease. Drives like a car, but its a truck. No maintenance issues either. Over 42k miles, and only in the shop for regular maintenance. 3.5l 24- valve, v-tech power is exceptional it down- shifts on slight hills due to high overdrive gearing big 4x4 diesels (Ford, Chevy, Dodge) eat my dust/exhaust so no power worries for future owners. The big-3 auto makers better get their act together soon I can see the Ridgeline evolving into a truck w/more capability than any 4x4 on the market

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  Truck that rides like a car - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - April 3 - 11:33 am

  I have always been a truck owner and have never been a fan of foreign made trucks. With gas prices on the rise and every year fewer and fewer trips to Home Depot for home and yard repair, I started looking at something more economic. I did all of my homework because I needed a crew cab for my family. I went with the Honda because it offered more for my money. It was about 5000 cheaper than the Toyota, it has a high resale value, better gas economy, cheaper insurance, and was more comfortable. I also would note that I do not haul trailers, boats, etc... for the average Joe this is a vehicle that is family friendly, rides like a car, and looks like a truck!!!

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  The Ridgeline Rocks - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Deb - April 2 - 6:03 am

  This truck is so impressive. It rides like a car. It is so comfortable and the storage inside is amazing. The inbed trunk is bigger than any pictures show. This truck, having the Honda name, is a winner.

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  A Truck for a SUV Guy - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron Rouillier - April 2 - 12:59 am

  I was looking for a truck when I found the Ridgeline. I thought I would replace my Pilot with another SUV. My son had a Tacoma and complained about the rough truck ride so I did not think I would like a truck. I test drove the Ridgeline and found it drove as smoothly as an SUB. The rear seat was roomy and comfortable. I loved the trunk feature and the side opening tailgate. People I work with are impressed and are considering purchasing other Ridgelines. This was a great purchase and I would recommend a Ridgeline to a friend.

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  Ill never buy a Honda again - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By J Elkin - April 1 - 12:31 pm

  So were do I start? I could start with the creaky and rattling interior. Or I could talk about what a joke the gas mileage is compared to what they claim it will be. But most of all this car is just a piece of garbage. Cant wait until the lease is over and I can go and get a decent truck or SUV. Honda may do a good job with cars, but trucks and SUVs are not their thing . For what the Ridgeline cost me ($32K) I could have purchased a number of other better trucks or SUVs. Do yourself a favor and dont make my mistake.....buy something else.

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  Truck for all seasons - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By scottg - March 29 - 10:44 pm

  Traded my Murano in for this truck. Very nice ride and very quiet. This is a wonderful truck on the long trips. Extremely versatile with all the extra cubbies, underbed trunk. Customs loves to want to look in the trunk.

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  2nd Time Ridgeline Owner - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda good, GM bad - March 29 - 9:14 pm

  Due to my previous Ridgeline being totaled in an accident I had to go and buy a new vehicle. An easy choice..another Ridgeline. I upgraded to the RTL with navigation. Honda was (maybe still is) having a $3500.00 cash back on new ones. I was able to upgrade from a 2 year old RTS for only 1K more. If you havent driven one, due yourself a favor and try it before you go and buy another GM clunker. Compare the fit & finish, quality of materials, and the drivetrain refinement. I use a Chevy Silverado for a work vehicle that has a 6 cylinder in it. No comparison! The Chevy revs high and sounds like its going to explode. Chevy also makes the cheapest looking dashboards with hard plastics. Go Honda!

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  A Great Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By David - March 26 - 3:09 pm

  I have owned this truck for about a month. I get a lot of positive comments when people see the truck. My truck is silver with the RTX package. The gray painted alloy wheels look great. We had 20 inches of snow here in Ohio a couple weeks ago and I didnt have any problems getting around town in this truck. I would recommend this truck to anyone. Great looking truck and drives even better!!