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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  So far its everything I needed. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By P-Bear - July 21 - 3:03 am

  Growing up with pick-up trucks on our farm, I have first hand knowledge of what the traditional truck is supposed to handle. The problem is, I dont haul cattle, horses, or feed anymore and the concrete highways here are a bit smoother than the West Texas farm land I grew up on. That being said, my Ridgeline is a multi-purpose vehicle that handles everything that my family needs at this time. Reliability, seating, room, pick-up a yard or two of soil for our yard, haul hardware for the house, etc, etc. And the driving experience is just remarkable. I understand what the traditional truck is supposed to do and they do it extremely well, but for what I need, this "truck" nails it!

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  Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By psdir - July 15 - 2:56 pm

  Traded up from a 2004 Pilot and was pleased with the power and performance of the Ridgeline. The vehicle has over 18K miles on it and has not had one mechanical repair. The Ridgeline has a smooth shifting 5 speed automatic with plenty of power to pull a trailer, carry a load or just to pass a slower moving vehicle. Everything works perfectly. The gas mileage is a consistant 21 mpg which is reasonable using 87 octane fuel. It has high ground clearance with no real blindspots. Constantly get compliments on it. I would recommend the Ridgeline to everyone.

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  My 2007 RTL - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - July 14 - 12:31 am

  I just love this truck. I am a female that sold my BMW in order to buy this truck. It handles like a luxury car, no cabin noise, very smooth ride, its great to be able to go shopping and stow all your purchases in the trunk, completely out of sight. I also haul chicken feed, hay, straw and groceries. I would not trade this truck for anything. It is very stable on the road during bad weather, rain, snow. I feel very safe in it and it has handled everything Ive put it through I would definitely recommend this truck to females who desire a working truck with great cabin features that dont want the mini van look or feel.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MJM - June 29 - 10:51 pm

  By far the best truck Ive ever owned. Fun to drive and handles like a car, but is built and hauls like a truck. Excellent in snow (live in Minnesota).

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  31,000 and amazed at the quality - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Weekend Warrior - June 28 - 12:29 am

  The navigation system is cool. The trim is polarizing, just like the body. Either you like it or not. But having never been a Honda owner before, I cannot believe that for a first try, Honda could have almost nailed it. At every turn, Im impressed. Driving impressions are superior, thoughtful storage and utility abound. The technology is Acura quality, and the safety is second to none. No, it wont haul a small country, but most people dont. When used for what most people use it for, it has enough command of the road or the trails to feel convicted about the build, the utility, and the quality to get you there and back, whether its work, camping, or snowboarding...it can do it very well

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  2006 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ft. Wayne Indiana - June 26 - 1:26 pm

  So far so good with a recent purchase of the Honda ridgline. The vehicle handles and drives well. I recently towed a large boat with it and it handled it like a champ. Very well engineered. Kudos to Honda.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jmtip - June 25 - 6:00 pm

  This truck is more of a gentlemans truck where the ride and the handling are far superior to the Chevy truck and the Yukon that I had previously. The interior fit and finish are excellent and the brakes are better than most cars. I have pulled trailers and it does this with ease. If you want a heavy duty work truck, this vehicle may not be for you, but if want a great safe everyday driver this is the truck. By the way, my son is 6 3" and he can ride in comfort in the back seat. I would buy the Ridgeline again.

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  Great "truck" that isnt! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By NYS traveler - June 25 - 3:22 pm

  This vehicle is great if you want the benefits of a truck without most of the drawbacks. It can hold lots of cargo and 5 people in comfort. Backseats are much better than any of the vehicles in class. Smooth ride and acceleration. Gas mileage so so. In bed trunk is brilliant and should have been developed years ago. Folding rear seats offer even more cargo. Well equipped for price paid. Really not used for towing much. Towed a small boat just under 2000 pounds and not much strain though gas mileage did suffer. Will never get anywhere near the 5000lb Max so this vehicle is great for me and my family.

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  Read this before you buy - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Charlie1974 - June 23 - 8:22 am

  I drove the Ridgeline RTL-T and found the interior cramped especially around the driving pedals -- the parking brake pedal interferes with foot and leg movement. Try stretching your leg all the way out...tall guys cant do it. The tailgate does not have a lock--good for thieves to steal -- yes this does happen. Ground Clearance is awful -- 7 and a half inches. After the drive we pulled into a parking slot at the dealer and the front end scraped on the cement parking barrier. So much for any off road fun. Spare tire is a donut and not really good for any off road areas. Option packages do not include an XM radio until you are in the RTL-T price range of $35,860. This is ludicrous, as the "lower" priced models of $30,000 to $34,000 dont have a decent entertainment system. Any vehicle that is priced over $30K should at least have an XM radio. Also who really needs speakers in the truck bed?? Towing capacity is very weak...how am I supposed to tow my three Honda motorcycles to the motocross XC events? Bottom Line: This "truck" is not a working truck. It is for people who like the image of driving a truck, but dont need the utility of hauling or going to off road areas. I would call this a Sport Utility Truck, as it is just another Pilot but without the covered luggage area. Honda had the opportunity to build a Tacoma crushing vehicle, but has instead built a truck that people cant decide whether it is a Sport Utility Vehicle or just a weak truck. On the positive side...my wife likes it.

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  ridgeline is the best - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ron - June 22 - 3:36 pm

  i have put 22000 miles on in 4 months and have had no problems it is the best truck i have ever had it tows great plenty of power