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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  What an amazing truck!! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By jim - January 14 - 12:06 pm

  How does Ford, Chevy, Dodge, etc. still sell any trucks? I find it hard to believe. I have had them all and this Ridgeline is by far the best of the group. It can only tow about 6000 pounds, but that is not my primary use. It has been getting 21-22 hwy, 18ish mixed and 15-17 around town in pure stop-go traffic. Every time I drive it, I like it even more. The things they think of and incorporated in this vehicle are amazing. I wondered in the beginning why they made some things the way they did, and over time, everything makes perfect sense. The 4x4 system and stability control are second to none, it rides like a car and it is Honda quality. Enough said. Highly recommended

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  2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL w/ Navigation - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By ssoelter - January 14 - 10:02 am

  I read lots of reviews before deciding what I would buy to retire my 03 Tahoe Z71. I wanted a SUV or truck that has 4WD/AWD, that is more fuel efficient than the Tahoe and priced closer to $30K than $40K. In the end, the vehicle that fit me (6-4")and my criteria best was the Ridgeline. Now that Ive had it for a couple of weeks I am confused with the two most common complaints that I read during my pre- purchase research - gas mileage and power. To the issue of gas mileage, it compares very well with every other 6 cylinder powered vehicle out there. As to power, it is very capable in town and on the highway, but again, its a 6. In the end, the Ridgeline is great at being what it is.

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  Best Snow Vehicle - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By rgreenberg - January 12 - 11:46 pm

  I live in Montana. Over 20 years, I have owned Audi A8, Audi A6, BMW 328xi,Yukon XL, Toyota Landcruiser. The Ridgeline is the best snow vehicle of the bunch. The combination of long wheelbase, traction control, front weighting and front-biased all wheel drive makes it very stable and very difficult to lose control of the vehicle. I run with Toyo Open Country A/Ts summer and winter.

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  The swiss army knife vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By jlan - January 8 - 1:56 pm

  Sure this is not all truck, but if you commute that is good. It gives you some of the things a truck has while keeping all of the things to love about a car. First unlike most trucks you still get a trunk. Second the interior, because of Hondas flat floor design fits 5 people better than a Toyota Camry. Then there is the fact that you get all wheel drive. So while the big rear wheel drive trucks are sliding around in the snow the Ridgeline hugs the road. I live in a marine community and 5000lbs towing is enough for pulling boats. So no it is not totally a truck, which is great.

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  The do everything vehilcle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By JC - January 7 - 9:14 am

  Ive had the Ridgeline for nearly a month now, so I feel I can give a better review at this point. Having owned several Hondas, I was excited to finally have the opportunity to drive a Honda Truck. My favorite things about the truck are its versatility and ride. I love being able to flip the seats up for extra space and being able to fit five adults if need be. I cannot stress how well this truck handles and how comfortable this truck is to drive. Weve had some snow in the north east recently, and the AWD worked exceptionally well. There are a few design quirks (placement of cruise control on/off switch, cavernous space below wipers for snow to gather), this is a great vehicle overall.

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  Nice weekend warrior vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rich - January 1 - 4:18 pm

  I have not owned this vehicle long and I love it. The first day I drove it was during a snow storm and it handled very well. The interior is well done, steering feels tight and I now have plenty of room in the back to haul my ATV. If you are looking for a truck, but dont want to suffer with the gas mileage a full size truck gets, then this makes for a nice alternative.

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  I love it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By scottsdale - January 1 - 5:46 am

  I bought to replace the hauling capacity of a surburban and the passenger use of a GMC van. Of course not as large as the Safari van, but what a vehicle. Looks good, rides like a car and I got a good price.

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  fire hazard - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By squire - December 28 - 8:29 am

  I use my Ridgeland off road a good amount. I regularly smell burning grass after drivng down dirt roads with grass growing in the middle. I have had a serious fire in the engine compartment which caused over $5,000 of damage. I have had one other small fire which I put out with a garden hose. There is a connection around the exhaust pipe that catches grass and leaves which smolder and/or catch fire. You may remember the Honda ads during the last March Madness showing a "herd" of Ridgelines crossing a field of tall grasses. That was a brush fire in the making. This pickup is safe in the mall parking lot, but dont go near the grass. Honda has been unresponsive.

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  Great truck. Waiting for next redesign - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By S - December 27 - 9:52 pm

  The Ridgeline is quieter than my 06 Accord (very happy with both). I haul two dirt bikes, get around hunting lease, and take the family camping. Added the roof rack, side step to help with the looks (which Im still getting used to). Overall the truck has exceeded my expectations. Pros: very comfortable in the city and on the highway, great AWD mgmt system, good (not great) stereo, back seats fold up, tail gate lays down and swings open, great storage space between the front seats. Cons: Mileage, front end needs to be redesigned, bed is a little too short. Best buy for the price. Shop well. Sticker was $31K, I paid $26k including roof rack, side step and bed extender.

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  IT WAS WORTH WAITING FOR - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Douglas - December 23 - 1:27 am

  It is as simple as this, if you need to tow more than 5,000 lbs or like to off road then buy another vehicle. In the truck talk around RV campsites it beats ALL the competition in the rest of the needs hands down. Compare the ride and it is a no-brainer. Also, if you are older and like climbing a ladder to get into the vehicle then dont buy it. Entry into the vehicle is simply open the door and sit down ! !