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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  2017 Ridgeline All Mine - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By 1138mf - December 31 - 1:43 pm

  The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is just was I was looking for. One look and I was smitten. A versatile vehicle that is comfortable to drive every day. The Honda Ridgeline combines the best aspects of a terrific SUV with a modern tech savy truck. The technical aspects of the Honda Ridgeline are beyond my expectations. Drives like a dream and will haul anything I will need. Coupled with Hondas industry leading reliability and customer satisfaction I couldnt be more pleased.

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  2006 Ridgeline RTS - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By moose - December 11 - 11:40 pm

  I didnt expect to buy this yet, as I still had 10 months left on the Tundra. But I got such a good deal with 0% financing for 5 years, that I could not resist. Only have about 150 miles on it, but I really love the way this truck rides, handles and operates for creature comfort. Will be towing a motorcycle/sidecar combination with it, so that should be interesting. It gets a lot of looks and great comments. Everywhere I go, it is really an attention getter. But it deserves it. It is one great truck. And that after 15 years of Toyotas, 3 tacos and 1 tundra. Early mileage around town is very hige teens, but too earlhy to tell. Get yours now!

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  Exceeding Expectations - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steelerfan - November 28 - 6:10 am

  I was able to drive 2 of the 1st Ridgelines received by my dealer and purchased my truck the next day. I had a CRV for 5 yrs and feel Honda has developed another winner. The ride and overall performance is not like any truck on the road today. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone. Everyone continues to ask me at work about the truck and I now have more friends wanting me to drive to lunch. The interior and sound system makes driving exciting. My wife loves driving it more than her Explorer! Overall storage capacity is very good.

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  My Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By thais a. conroy - November 16 - 10:20 pm

  The best vehicle we have owned.The ride is excellant along with the comfort.As we are campers living in the North East,we need the truck part that is availiable.The storage under the body is also very handy. As owners of a large Golden Retriever the fact that the back seats fold upmakes ample room for him.In short, there is nothing bad about this vehicle at all. Its great.

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  Great Used Hauler - 2012 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tim McConnell - November 13 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased this truck about a year ago with 100k miles and Ive driven it as a daily commuter. I replaced an old Dodge V8 truck, which I loved, and although I sometimes miss that rowdy V8 exhaust rumble and the engine torque, that truck doesnt at all compare to this one. The Ridgeline has performed fantastic in the snow, mud, and rain. It has a ride thats very comfortable and a powertrain that suits the vehicle. It sits high enough to feel like a proper truck and it has been very durable. My buddies at work make fun of me but they appreciate the trucks functionality. Recently I had to drive a couple of days in freezing snow and I never felt the truck lose traction. I would buy this truck again.

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  My 5th Honda Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jon - October 27 - 12:40 pm

  This is my 7th truck. The interior is almost as nice as my wifes MDX and is bigger inside than my F150 Supercrew was. Have been waiting for Honda to build a truck and so far am very pleased. Have checked the mileage in town and it has been between 17-18 on short drives. Have not checked on the hwy yet but expect it to be 20-23. That is just lower than what the MDX gets with the same engine. Ford Ranger only got 19 hwy. Ford F-150 got 17 hwy.

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Alex Eubank - October 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is the best vehicle that Ive ever owned so far. Its a quiet ride for a truck and very good sound system. I love to drive it and so does my wife. It is a very stable ride especially on crooked roads.I really like the under bed trunk.

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  Excellent Blend/Cross-over vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By B241 - October 13 - 6:50 pm

  Whether you are researching the purchase of a truck,SUV, or a moderate luxury sedan-compare this vehicle-Then ask yourself "how do I use my vehicle?" I believe that Honda truely hit a huge niche with this model. It is not for everyone-dont expect to haul a loaded four horse trailer or pull down a house like an F-350. Nor should you expect to bust through mud or sand dunes like a Tacoma TRD or Grand Cheerokee. Those who are considering this model who have previously owned SUVs will most likely enjoy the additional cargo/storage space. Ever notice that SUVs keep getting larger, but the cargo space keeps getting smaller? The ride is better than any SUV or truck that I have driven.

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  The perfect vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By 4wdave - October 7 - 10:36 pm

  The perfect vehicle for people living in snow country and mountains, that hauls occasionally -- but not big horse or boat trailers. Feels and rides like a car inside, but good power and 4WD ability when needed. The "trunk" is the perfect place to store tire chains, flares, tarps, ropes, etc. I cant imagine anything better!

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  Good Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron - October 4 - 9:26 pm

  Truck has been everything I expected and more. Is great in the sand on the beach and was very good in the snow. Trunk is awesome - hold lots of stuff.