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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  Almost a perfect 10 - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - November 11 - 6:20 am

  I love the smooth ride over almost any surface. The Ridgeline features superb handling, innovative storage features, and lots of power.The trunk in the bed, and swing aside tailgate are very practical design features that we use almost daily.

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  Oh my God! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By frank - November 10 - 7:14 pm

  Love my Honda. Rides Great and the interior is awesome. However, Im not used to having a cruise control on switch that if isnt on the steering wheel

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  2006 Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda Ridgeline - November 10 - 3:35 pm

  I have owned toyota, ford, chevy, GMC, dodge and this Ridgeline is by far the best overall value. It is the best handling, most solid and comfortable truck compared to all the others. Very satisfied.

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  Love my Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By william canady - November 7 - 7:40 am

  I love the space and the look and feel when I am driving on the freeway or in the city. So much room from the trunk to the seating space. I feel safe. I have had other cars and trucks but this one I really enjoy. It feels like I have a car and a truck.

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  Supercrew Convert - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom Nuckles - November 4 - 11:13 pm

  Its a Performance Sedan with a Pickup Bed. As a former owner of 2001 5.4L F- 150 Supercrew 4x4, I feel I know what "nice truck" meant before Honda introduced the Ridgeline. While you can certainly buy "more truck", you cant buy a better one than the Ridgeline. If its ample capabilities meet your needs, you neednt look elsewhere. It asks for no compromise if you you want both a medium duty truck and a full size sedan, you get all of both. There is no truck on the market that is remotely similar to it in design or engineering quality. Drive one, and youll buy one.

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  Mean Machine - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Moondog - November 4 - 7:58 am

  A truck that handles like a sports car. A huge interior with lots of storage and a fantastic stereo system. The bed is deceiving, with the waterproof trunk it has plenty of cargo space.

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  great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By cheryl - November 1 - 1:31 pm

  best built truck i have ever driven.have only had a few months. but the only thing i would take for it is another new truck just like this one. love it keep up the good work honda

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  Simply Amazing!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Canadabeef - October 29 - 11:48 pm

  Weve had this truck for over a year and it never ceases to amaze us. We do a lot of long-distance driving and with the Ridgeline, its a lot of fun - even with the cold winters in the north. We look forward to the snowstorms now! Were pushing our 50s so weve had a few vehicles in our past and this is the best yet!

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  Why they call me HOT TRUCK! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By HotTruck - October 28 - 9:43 am

  I was one of the first to purchase this odd looking truck back in May 05, and I must say 18 mos later, it is the most fun ride I have had since my Nissan 300 Z in 1984. Super reliable, a real head turner, and fulfills all my suburban/back road weekend needs and fantasies. Every time I stop for gas, a guy will come up and ask to see inside, and get my opinion. I outright love it! I dont understand why it isnt a big seller, but thats ok, because it just makes mine look that much more unique. HONDA really hit this one outta the park, as far as Im concerned.

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  Its a kick - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JJersey - October 26 - 7:26 pm

  Purchased for Honda reliability, previous Accords. Vehicle is the best all around pickup Ive owned as far as exterior and interior quality. Power train is great with front wheel drive normal driving and rear kick in when needed. MPG could be better but it still beats my previous Dodge and GMC pickups. Since I dont need a truck as much as before this Ridgeline is definitely all that and more.It drives like a sports vehicle with a definite feeling of stability and road handling is excellent. It is definitely a good choice for anyone that wants quality but only needs a truck on a part time basis. Its not a "Hard line truck guy" type of vehicle, but more for the DYI.