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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  Comfortable trucking - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Greg Kaufmann - July 3 - 4:25 am

  Fairly luxurious ride. I would term it a"gentlemans truck". Great storage and utility, the large locking trunk is a game changer. You see so many trucks with tool boxes taking up 1/3 of their bed space and they have to climb in the bed to access it. The Ridgeline tool box is easily accessible thanks to the side opening tailgate. The available tonneau cover easily folds back for open bed cargo and keeps things dry and protected when folded down. I drove a Prius for 4 years previous to this and suffered from a sore tailbone from the seat, since driving the Ridgeline my pain is gone thank you very much. I do miss the 50 mpg and am getting an average after ~1000mi 21.4 mpg. They are having trouble keeping them in stock in my area, Austin TX, but the black painted models are still available. It is a joy to drive if you need a truck.

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  Honda did it right - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dopplerdon - June 30 - 6:53 pm

  Excellent truck. This is my 5th truck I have owned by far the best. Price was a little high, but the Honda quality is worth it. I recommend this truck for anyone who needs a 4 door 4WD medium duty pickup.

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  The Best - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - June 26 - 11:53 am

  I am extremely happy with the Ridgeline. The storage space is unbeleiveable-rubber bottoms on all of the dash board holders. Always four wheel drive. The lines of the truck, the smooth ride, everything. I have owned Fords, Chevrolets, and Toyotas, but I think I have a real winner with the Ridgeline.

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  Most Excellent! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stan - June 23 - 9:10 am

  I have never driven a vehicle that gets this many looks from other motorists and pedestrians. It has awesome futuristic exterior styling and the most spacious and well thought out interior of any vehicle I have ever seen. I bought it because it excels in safety, versatility, reliability and probably resale value. The stereo is as good as it gets, and the ride is smooth, but responsive.

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  A very special truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kevin - June 11 - 9:13 pm

  This is a solid truck! When you get behind the wheel you feel like you are driving a well oiled machine. We have had, a Bronco, Blazer, Cherokee and a Navigator. The Ridgeline blows them all away. Its better and more practical than an SUV. The gas mileage is very good, especially based on the performance of the truck thus far. I drive a cadillac and for the first time I enjoy driving the other car in the family.

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  gas hog - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By damiter - June 7 - 10:20 am

  I really like the truck, but I wish it got better gas mileage.

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  I drive with a smile - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Aubrey - June 1 - 8:49 am

  You have read it other reviews, but the full throttle power is pretty awesome. I have the front wheel drive model and have to back off of the pedal due to spinning the tires too much. The braking is very good. The ride is so much more quieter than the older model. The suspension handles potholes and big bumps without worry, as in the beginning I would wince and brace that I surely would have a jarring experience. The sound system is very good. I had not heard HD radio before and now I wont use XM radio. Old songs sound great again on HD radio. I do have some comments and complaints. The -T in RTL-T stands for technology and lots of computer processing. After starting engine, the navigation takes a while to boot up and I have learned not to touch it until I think its available and then wait 5 more seconds before I use it. You cant jump in and start your truck, plug in an address in the navigation and take off. Also after starting, the steering wheel volume buttons dont react at all sometimes and your natural instinct will be to keep pushing the volume buttons. Eventually, the volume will react to all of the pushing on the volume buttons and will give an extremely loud or quiet volume. These are minor and you learn to adapt. My complaint is that my truck comes with receiver to tow trailers or boat, but is pre-wired for the trailer lights. When I asked for the wiring kit, it was $266 at thdealer. Really Honda? Update: I bought the trailer wiring kit for $200 and installed it. If you plan to install yourself, download the instructions to see if you want to take it on. It wasnt an easy task. You have to remove the rear seats, remove covers, and remove the trim by the side air bag to access the brake controls. A special rivet nut tool is needed to mount the 7 pin socket/harness.

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  just perfect for me - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By stan - April 25 - 9:56 pm

  Love it, Comfortabel, quiet and rides like a sedan.

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  Its a great all around truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By cisco - April 25 - 12:03 pm

  I love this truck! I have owned a chevy, and ford 4WD. And the Honda is the most versatile truck Ive owned. The ride comfort is superior to any truck on the road. Although it is a midsize pickup, you would never know that sitting in it. It is very roomy even two adult males can sit in the back seat very comfortably without having their knees dug into the back of the front seats. The Honda is a nice balance between hauling/towing and a smooth comfortable ride thats roomy enough for day to day use.

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  Ridgeline is perfection - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By don - April 11 - 10:36 pm

  I recently bought a Honda Ridgeline and traded in my 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer for it , there is no comparison, the Ridgeline is built so much better its like comparing apples to oranges, So far I have 5000 miles on the Honda and not one hint of a problem,unlike the Trailblazer which was problem ridden from day one,leaky shocks, electrical problems, noises, etc. This thing turns heads everywhere I drive it and it goes anywhere.I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants extreme fit and finish with attention to detail.Definitly 5 stars