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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  Wonderful Truck, but a few quirks - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Wissnificent - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Hey, its a great casual truck for all the reasons given in other reviews.......great ride, handling, looks, utility, etc. Id buy another in a heartbeat. But as an ex automotive engineer, there are some quirks that it is best potential owners know about: 1) oil filter is somewhat difficult to reach 2) Battery is hard to access, especially when jump-starting; 3) Actual MPG is 1-2 less than indicated; 4) Feature to auto unlock all 4 doors will not program on my truck; 5) Radio menu structure is a mess (has the low end system); 6) Trip Data menu and display items could be better. I realize items 3, 4, 5, and 6 are very minor, but this used to be my job at another company, so I know when it is or isnt done right.

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  07 Honda Ridegline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe - February 25 - 9:50 am

  Had many other trucks/cars and the Ridgeline is by far the best. The ride is is quiet and comfortable, it handles well, the seats are great,the motor is silky smooth with plenty of power. Plenty of room in the cabin with all the amenities. Navi system works like a charm. It is a great combination vehicle that can do many things well. Simply put...it just fits.

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  First Honda - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By racecars - February 25 - 8:00 am

  After leaving items at Home Depot that would not fit in my much loved Mercedes C240 AWD sport Wagon my search began for something larger. Weeks and many test drives later. I have what I think is the perfect mode of trasportation. A truck that drives like a car! The Ridgeline is a hoot to drive and has tons of room and all the safety and creature comforts of a luxury car. You must at least test drive this truck. Honda has a real winner.

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  Huge inside! 4ft wide bed! Great Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Trevor - February 22 - 11:41 am

  I couldnt decide which truck to buy before the Ridgeline came out because none of them met all of my needs and wants. The Ridgeline is a great truck and drives great. By transverse mounting the engine Honda gives this "mid-size" a full size interior. The bed, although only 5 ft long, is 4 ft wide and can handle 4 x 8 sheets. The Ridgeline also handles great in the snow it snowed 15" last year and I was out driving right through it before they even plowed without problems. Wouldnt recommend it for offroad use however, but I never offroad so it doesnt affect me. I would highly recommend this truck.

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  We Just Started! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MaceThomas - February 22 - 12:10 am

  First of all, this is an impression from only having it for a week. Smooth ride and very little engine noise while cruising, even at 80. The controls take a few moments to get used to. Tight steering feel (in a good way). Shifts are barely noticeable (5 spd auto). Overall a GREAT START for Honda and its Ridgeline!

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  Love My Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By kellnron - February 17 - 9:01 pm

  This vehicles exterior design may leave something to be desired however, the safety and innovative features won me over. I love my Ridgeline and I didnt consider myself a truck Person before buying it.

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  we love it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By sharon - February 16 - 12:50 am

  We have had our ridgeline for almost a year now and we love driving it. I feel so safe in it, and the 4 wheel drive is great in our winter weather. We find it very comfortable for traveling in. We would recommend this truck for any one. We will be buying another one in 2 years at the end of our lease agreement or purchase the one we have.

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  No Contest - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MDFUZZ - February 12 - 8:05 am

  Was skeptical at first because of its peculiar styling and V6 engine. 23 thousand miles later I am sold! Ride and reliability are a dream! Ive tested her with my 500 mile a week commutes and long distance interstate trips, but it still drives & handles like the first day. Its a V6 dont be fooled. She has more passing power than my 2004 Hemi Ram 1500 had & gets way better MPGs! Ive had many trucks in my life made by the big 3 when I only bought American that later had me sitting at the dealership for repairs, recalls & excuses. Not to mention losing my shirt when I traded up at the dealer because nobody wants used American trucks or cars. This truck has yet to let me down. Bravo!

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  07 Honda Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Vu - February 6 - 11:42 am

  Great Truck! Very well designed comes with almost everything youll ever need in a vehicle. It drives like a champ! I live in Alaska, where roads are rough and icy in the winters. The AWD system works great! It delivers great traction on slick icy roads.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mark - February 1 - 10:56 am

  Most people who buy trucks think bigger is better. However, they never take advantage of the extra payload, power, size, etc. The ridgeline offers everything someone who wants the utility of a truck can offer. If you indeed need your truck as a "work truck," this isnt the right vehicle for you. If you need a family vehicle that will exceed every expectation of other family vehicles, the Ridgeline IS for you. How can you beat Honda reliability, resale value, safty and versatility? I have never owed a vehicle better than this one! And for all those people who claim the ridgeline isnt a truck, Honda has just redfined what a truck is!