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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  Good Stuff - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By A. Warren - March 4 - 10:13 am

  Ive had my truck for about a year and a half and its done accomplished everything Ive needed it to accomplish. I can (pretty much) keep up with my dads Mini on the corners, which is pretty decent for a truck. Its got room for 5 actual adults to ride in, which is great. An air-intake and cat-back system do wonders for the trucks perceived masculinity factor, not to mention kinda poky high-end. It sometimes gets stuck in a gear just after highway merging, but you just have to kick it into neutral and back again quickly. The trunk does a great job of storing odds and ends that would otherwise cluttering the cabin. Great stock sound system.

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  Wonderful Truck, but a few quirks - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Wissnificent - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Hey, its a great casual truck for all the reasons given in other reviews.......great ride, handling, looks, utility, etc. Id buy another in a heartbeat. But as an ex automotive engineer, there are some quirks that it is best potential owners know about: 1) oil filter is somewhat difficult to reach 2) Battery is hard to access, especially when jump-starting; 3) Actual MPG is 1-2 less than indicated; 4) Feature to auto unlock all 4 doors will not program on my truck; 5) Radio menu structure is a mess (has the low end system); 6) Trip Data menu and display items could be better. I realize items 3, 4, 5, and 6 are very minor, but this used to be my job at another company, so I know when it is or isnt done right.

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  07 Honda Ridegline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe - February 25 - 9:50 am

  Had many other trucks/cars and the Ridgeline is by far the best. The ride is is quiet and comfortable, it handles well, the seats are great,the motor is silky smooth with plenty of power. Plenty of room in the cabin with all the amenities. Navi system works like a charm. It is a great combination vehicle that can do many things well. Simply put...it just fits.

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  First Honda - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By racecars - February 25 - 8:00 am

  After leaving items at Home Depot that would not fit in my much loved Mercedes C240 AWD sport Wagon my search began for something larger. Weeks and many test drives later. I have what I think is the perfect mode of trasportation. A truck that drives like a car! The Ridgeline is a hoot to drive and has tons of room and all the safety and creature comforts of a luxury car. You must at least test drive this truck. Honda has a real winner.

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  Huge inside! 4ft wide bed! Great Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Trevor - February 22 - 11:41 am

  I couldnt decide which truck to buy before the Ridgeline came out because none of them met all of my needs and wants. The Ridgeline is a great truck and drives great. By transverse mounting the engine Honda gives this "mid-size" a full size interior. The bed, although only 5 ft long, is 4 ft wide and can handle 4 x 8 sheets. The Ridgeline also handles great in the snow it snowed 15" last year and I was out driving right through it before they even plowed without problems. Wouldnt recommend it for offroad use however, but I never offroad so it doesnt affect me. I would highly recommend this truck.

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  We Just Started! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MaceThomas - February 22 - 12:10 am

  First of all, this is an impression from only having it for a week. Smooth ride and very little engine noise while cruising, even at 80. The controls take a few moments to get used to. Tight steering feel (in a good way). Shifts are barely noticeable (5 spd auto). Overall a GREAT START for Honda and its Ridgeline!

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  Heavy Duty with Style - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Shooter2 - February 18 - 3:04 pm

  This truck is a heavy feeling truck with a six cylinder that is well matched. The pick up is snappy and strong. The in-bed trunk is a great idea with uses that are not immediately appreciated. The fit and finish are tight and solid. The cab is roomy and this rig handles like a car never forgetting it is a rugged truck. Gas mileage is at 16 mpg most of the time. Havent done any long hwy driving so I dont know how well it does for mileage there. This is a useful rig for anyone who not an on the job construction worker. The bed is 5 feet but wide enough for a full sheet of plywood. The technology under the hood is outstanding. Electric everything. Honda quality cant be beat!

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  Love My Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By kellnron - February 17 - 9:01 pm

  This vehicles exterior design may leave something to be desired however, the safety and innovative features won me over. I love my Ridgeline and I didnt consider myself a truck Person before buying it.

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  good truck so far - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Troy - February 16 - 11:28 am

  10K so far and going good. Bigest issue so far has been windshield washer lines getting blocked as they are so far from the windshield.

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  we love it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By sharon - February 16 - 12:50 am

  We have had our ridgeline for almost a year now and we love driving it. I feel so safe in it, and the 4 wheel drive is great in our winter weather. We find it very comfortable for traveling in. We would recommend this truck for any one. We will be buying another one in 2 years at the end of our lease agreement or purchase the one we have.