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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  Surprisingly pleased - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dan - January 24 - 11:06 pm

  Overall quality has been excellent. I spend a lot of time on the road (31,000 miles since late August) and it has actually been enjoyable. This truck is very quick, making passing a breeze. And the seats (heated) are very comfortable. Fuel economy has ranged from 19 to 22 on the highway. The AWD (4WD all the time) has handled amazingly well in a Michigan winter. The sound system with subwoofer was a nice surprise. From the beginning, I have been impressed with interior size and comfort, and the smooth, quiet ride.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris G - January 24 - 11:44 am

  If you are looking for a truck to haul a big trailer this is not the truck for you. Otherwise, i highly recommend it. Build quality is excellent. Power is good enough to tow smaller boats and trailers. In bed trunk is awesome and im getting 21 hwy mpg. All around good buy. Liked it better then the Tacoma after driving both.

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  Honda Quality - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mobes - January 22 - 3:27 pm

  I have waited to buy a truck for years in the hopes that Honda would build one. They finally did and it was worth the wait. The ride, handling and quality are second to none. It is a SUV and a truck all in one. This truck has storage everywhere and has a lot of power under the hood as well. I love this truck...

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  Great "truck" - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTL - January 17 - 5:39 pm

  Absolutely love my truck, I have to be honest though, it took some getting used to. When I first bought my ridgeline i would see the toyota tacoma and think i was missing something, until i test drove it! what a sloppy piece of work! compared to the ridgeline the tacomas interior is cramped, and the handling and steering felt so bad! bravo honda!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By MyNewHonda - January 14 - 8:54 pm

  If youre looking for the utility of a truck with the ride of a sedan youve found the right vehicle. Its comfortable handles well, acceleration is more than adequate, has great visibility, and gas mileage is good for a vehicle of this size. Interior is spacious, having plenty of, leg, shoulder, and head room for all 5 occupants. Controls are well placed and made of quality materials. Side airbags all around, brake assist, and stability control standard. Its hard to beat this vehicles list of features for the price. Simply put, a great vehicle.

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  Id buy another one - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Happy Ridgeline Ownr - January 14 - 12:37 pm

  I use to own a Chevy Avalanche and I thought I loved it. This Honda is a far better choice for "me". I work in construction and the Honda was a much better work horse. The only draw back is the short 5 bed and the pass through cargo into the cab, but I learned to work without it. So far, other than scheduled maintenance, one headlight bulb burnt out, vs broken and worn out parts on the Chevy for the same mileage/time frame. I wish it had more horsepower for my own needs. Looking online now for a Turbo kit. In 2008 I will be ready for a new one - maybe they will change the style then.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By chris g - January 11 - 3:25 pm

  Love this truck. It is more like an suv with a bed. So refined and powerful. In bed trunk is a godsend and fits alot. my brother has a new toyota tundra and was sorry he didnt test drive this honda first. Rides like a car. Not a vehicle for serious off-roading. But more then capable in snow and other rough terrain.Do yourself a favor and drive the Ridgeline before buying in other model. You wont be sorry.Also gets over 20MPG HWY.

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  Ridgeline is a winner - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By AbdulHakkim Samad - January 11 - 3:01 am

  Its great for guys like me who spend most of the day in the truck, need car comforts and a truck space for jobs.. Love the huge storage under the bed and the tailgate which opens both ways. Gets me 22 mpg in city! Very smooth like Im driving a car. Only minus could be the low ground clearance which some guys might need, I dont do any off road stuff so Im good..

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By racecars - January 7 - 6:45 pm

  I test drove every truck out there before I purchased this truck and 16 months and 17000 miles later I love it more then ever. The only problem I have is keeping my wife from taking my Ridgeline, which she prefers to drive over her infiniti.

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  Mine - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By BBills - January 5 - 10:17 am

  Right size for what is needed. Truck is well-built and I feel it will last a long time