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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  Best Value Truck on the Market - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ramzey - October 24 - 4:43 pm

  This truck is great. Best overall value on the market. Get all the safety features, side air bags-VSA- electronic Brake assist-4wd, etc. Best interior room in its class, best ride, best options. The truck is awesome. I test drove the Tacoma Double Cab, Frontier Double Cab and the Ridge wins! The other models in the class I think are way off for quality.

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  RidgeLine tops Blazer and Tacoma - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By TheGreatOz - October 21 - 7:40 am

  Having driven a Chevy Blazer since 1996 and after shopping three dealerships for a new TrailBlazer, I settled on the RidgeLine for its versatility, price, and Honda quality. Ten years of improved safety features, better gas mileage, and features unavailable on the new Blazers made the choice a hands-down cinch. The fit-and-feel and ride-and-handling cant compare to anything by GM except the Suburban, which I also drive. The Amazon Green looks like something out of the movie PATTON, but aside from red, its the most appropriate color for the RidgeLine. I was close to buying a Toyota Tacoma, but the rear seating in the extended cab is for children only, plus the RidgeLine has more style.

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  Awesome Truck!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve3589 - October 18 - 7:15 pm

  I have had all of the big 3 and they just dont compare to this truck! Love the ride and handling of this truck! Has great power too! Bought mine in May for $21,600, awesome deal!

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  Good Vehicle. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Hugh Rye - October 18 - 10:24 am

  This vehicle drives and rides like a mid-size sedan. Turning radius is more than anticipated for a vehicle this size. Its brakes are superb however, I dont use it for towing. Acceleration is acceptable and drive train is smooth. Was dissapointed with gas mileage. Could be a few mpg better. Middle arm rest needs to be re- designed to allow it to come farther forward for greater comfort and to make the internal compartments more accessible. Usual Honda reliability so far. We have three Hondas.

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  Love my Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By PBEAR - October 6 - 7:00 am

  No matter what the pundits say, I love my Ridgeline and have nothing but great things to say about, plus I have had absolutely NOTHING go wrong. Would purchase another one in a heartbeart...

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  Great Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RJM - October 4 - 1:47 pm

  My third Honda and just as great as the others. Total quality and very functional. Flaws? It does have a blind spot where the rear pillers are but the mirror helps illiminate it. I would definitely recommend this vehicle. Lots of power and creature comforts.

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  Great Fun - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - October 1 - 12:50 am

  This Truck is a wonderful in between for people who want a truck and need room for a family. I was real suprised with the way it drove. It rides almost like a car. I was also able to take it off road and was really impressed with the way it handled. I think Honda gave this market exactly what it needed.

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  Owner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By P - September 28 - 5:42 am

  Excellent vehicle with no problems so far. Everytime I fill the tank, someone asks me about it. Ive had people take a look and say they were heading right to the dealership to buy one. So versatile. Nothing else like it with Honda reliability.

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  best Ive ever owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By frank - September 19 - 5:24 pm

  This car/truck is the most comfortable, versatile, and stable vehicle Ive owned. It replaces an F- 150 and a Honda Pilot. Well satified with both, neither is as much fun to drive nor as pracitcal. It hauls and tows willingly, has a cavernous interior, yet, its easier to park and handles better than the Pilot and its more stable on the road than the F-150 or the Pilot. My wife drives it around town, and I on the road to work. Were we to replace it, it would be with a comparable model 2007 Ridgeline.

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  Smooth as Glass - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mr.Winner - September 19 - 7:53 am

  This has been the ultimate family vehicle. We have already taken day trips with the wife and 3 kids plus the dog and its been great for all. From the room inside to the versitility of the bed/trunk. Theres room for everything even when you go grocery shopping you can fit all of your grocerys in the trunk.