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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  My Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridgeline - September 18 - 9:46 am

  This truck drives like a midsize car. Handling is superb. I received even better performance when towing loads of 1k lbs or heavier, amazing.

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  Best truck ever owned hands down - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave - September 17 - 10:36 pm

  Been a Chevy truck guy for years , but this is THE truck for me now. Great ride, interior, design great. The trunk in the bed and dual swing gate are definite wows. Minor complaints-sluggish acceleration with Eco setting on-switch it off and vroom. Also as absolutely everbody says-why, oh why Honda, why would you not put a lock on the tailgate?? Great vehicle-cost on the high side but worth it!

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  my new truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By cheryl - September 16 - 10:56 pm

  i have always wanted a ridgeline ever since they came out in 2005. i was very impressed the size and handling of this truck. it handles like a car, but you can do more with it.

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  Great Noncomerical Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dan - September 14 - 11:53 am

  I love the truck,it rides great, the pick up is good . Gas mileage is ok 22 mpg highway. Just an allaround great truck.

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  I lvoe my ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bjleau - September 12 - 10:36 am

  I have had my Ridgeline for 7 months now and love it. It rides great, has plenty of space, gets good fuel mileage and has had no mechanical problems in 10,000+ mile (can’t say that for my last Chevy or Ford) My fuel mileage is usually 20 - 22 on the highway and drops to 18-19 when pulling two heavy 4 wheelers. This is the first truck that I have had that might wife likes to drive which is also a bonus. I like it much better than my previous full sized Ford or Chevy as it feel and is finished like a nice SUV rather than a pickup truck.

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  Ridgleline is A+++ - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - September 7 - 7:10 pm

  Very well thought out truck. I drove one for the weekend (our shop truck) and realized my Dodge Ram was not as practical and did not drive nearly as well as the Ridgeline. This truck has enough power to do what 95% of truck owners need. If people would just drive this truck, they would love it. The looks grow on you, and it is a head turner for sure. I would recomend this truck to anyone with no hesitation.

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  1 Ridgeliner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rex - September 6 - 8:37 am

  I like the fact that it was new. I love everything about this vehicle. Its my first pick-up, my first Honda anything, and its well known reliability records among other owners I know. Its a lot of fun to drive, and it still turns heads in traffic. In fact, I have conducted a few tours to friends, co- workers and one time while I was fuelling up. Anyone that sees me with are always asking questions. I had 1 incident when I was asked to bring my mother-in-law home from the hospital after she under went knee surgery. She asked me as a favor to transport her home because of the roominess of the interior allowed her stretch her knee in comfort. She enjoyed the smooth car like ride all the way.

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  Love the Ridgeline! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Andy - September 3 - 7:24 am

  The Ridgeline is my second Honda vehicle after having driven american cars for the past twenty-five years. This truck rides and feels like a luxury car yet handles like a sports car and possesses all attributes of a 1/2-ton pick-up truck.One test-drive and youll be hooked! Trust me on that. Build quality is number 1 along with reliability and performance. Fuel economy is not what it should be for a 6-cylinder yet lets not forget that this vehicle is in fact a truck and not a Civic.

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  Now, this is a truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Marathonman262 - August 29 - 11:49 pm

  What a truck! I did a lot of homework before buying this truck. Ive had 2 f- 150s and it cant come close to this one. I like just about everything about this truck. One of my favorite features is the trunk. Everybody likes to complain and my complaint is the cruise control button is kinda hard to reach. The engine can use little more power. Thats about it so for. I have 6000 miles on it now.

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  Quality Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert Rentie - August 28 - 7:52 pm

  I love this truck. I have been waiting for Honda to develop a truck. I currently own a Honda Accord and I have also owned a Acura Legend. This is just another quality and reliable vehicle designed by Honda. I get stopped all the time and ask how do you like your truck and I say I love it!