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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  Dash sensor error - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jaxnana52 - December 20 - 7:00 pm

  Twice I have had an issue with the sensors giving every error. This is due to the sensor compartment getting wet. Dirt time driving in the rain. Second time after a car wash. I am told they will order parts and replace the unit. But since others are having the same issue. Honda needs to take another look at this area of the design. I paid cash for my vehicle, I love the truck. But will not put up with this issue.

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  Honda Ridgeline RTL - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By denvrfan - December 18 - 1:53 pm

  We just took delivery on a new Ridgeline RTL with moonroof. Initial impression: WOW! This is my first truck although you can hardly tell that its a truck. It rides like a well-mannered SUV (ie Pilot or MDX). It is quiet inside, very roomy and loaded with all kinds of innovative storage ideas. Plenty of power although Im sure it would be challenged if I ever decided to tow something. This is certainly not my intent. Rather, it will be a great vehicle for garden center runs, any other light duty hauling. Frontier, Tacoma, even F150 shoppers should drive this vehicle before making a buying decision.

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  Fun truck with room for improvements - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Central Missouri - December 8 - 3:43 pm

  This truck is fun to drive. Has a superior stereo system. Great quality of workmanship. My friends have deemed it the "swiss army knife of trucks" due to all the great engineering that went into it. Gas mileage is "ok" (17.8 MPG on trips with tires at/near top PSI) I guess for an AWD vehicle, but I am certain that Honda could make it better by using the new engine innovations from the new Odyssey minivans. For a truck topping $30,000 MSRP, I expected heated outside mirrors and a rear window defogger like the Honda Odyssey of my wifes.

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  2007 Honda RidgeLine - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Truck Guy - December 3 - 10:56 pm

  I have had my 2007 Honda RidgeLine for over a year now and put on close to 19k miles on it. I am extremely pleased with the performance, quality, ride, comfort and extensive flexibility this truck has to offer. Once again Honda has proven that it stands for very high quality and thus its reputation as one of the most reliable and innovative auto manufacturers in the world.

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  Happy Owner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jack gleason - December 1 - 3:16 pm

  Just took delivery last week and could not be more pleased. Was planning to buy a sports car...drove the new Corvette, Boxter, and a two year old 911, as well as a Lexus 430SC. Also rented a new f-150 in October so new what a truck was like to drive. In the end, I went back to Honda and took a second look. I am so glad I did. This is the thinking mans truck for those who want a car/suv/truck but can only get one. The sports cars were nice, but sometimes I have more than a duffle bag to take along. This is one sweet ride. I am a happy owner. Try it, but only if you want to be sold.

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  Great planning - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - November 23 - 11:20 pm

  Just gave my wife my 05 pilot and bought the Ridgeline. This is also first truck I have owned. After seeing and driving it, I was taken by car like ride and Honda quality. Creative engineering, such as amazing room, teriffic options, trunk in truck bed, and outstanding sound system. This is my fourth Honda and I will keep buying as long as they continue to get it right!

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  my ridgeline is a lemon - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgeline Lemon - November 10 - 10:58 am

  My Ridgeline has been in the shop 5 times and counting. The dealer has been somewhat reluctant to believe my problems, until I took the shop foreman for a test ride. Problems include: 1) trans light 2) trans light again 3)instrument cluster replaced - resulting in 4) squeaky dashboard 5) dashboard now squeaks in two places... Honda regional representative will not give you a straight answer or tell you who her superior is. I HOPE TO LEMON LAW MY RIDGELINE, GET MY $ BACK, AND WILL NEVER BUY FROM HONDA AGAIN !!!!!

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  Worth the money, worth the wait. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By pbear - November 7 - 1:46 am

  My Ridgeline is my ideal version of a 4- wheel Swiss-Army knife. Versatile, solid, powerful, quiet, lots of room for the family and gear, open bed for hauling stuff when I need to, reliable, lots of features for the price, and everyone one and their dog doesnt have one. Lack of the "herd mentality" in the design and engineering.

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  One month after purchase - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve Ostling - November 6 - 6:48 pm

  Traded in our 2009 Ridgeline w/ all bells and whistles. The new 2017 is lighter, quieter, steers straighter, more alive and fun to drive. The navigation is way easier lights are where they should be and both the headlights and taillights , LED are beautiful. RDl-E. love it

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  ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bea - November 2 - 7:40 pm

  I bought this vechile for the saftey features as well as the space. i traded in a 03 toyota 4runner for this vechile. I have enjoyed driving it, its extremely smooth ride. the kids have more room than before. as well as having the trunk in the back. i wouldnt trade this truck.