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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  No Contest - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MDFUZZ - February 12 - 8:05 am

  Was skeptical at first because of its peculiar styling and V6 engine. 23 thousand miles later I am sold! Ride and reliability are a dream! Ive tested her with my 500 mile a week commutes and long distance interstate trips, but it still drives & handles like the first day. Its a V6 dont be fooled. She has more passing power than my 2004 Hemi Ram 1500 had & gets way better MPGs! Ive had many trucks in my life made by the big 3 when I only bought American that later had me sitting at the dealership for repairs, recalls & excuses. Not to mention losing my shirt when I traded up at the dealer because nobody wants used American trucks or cars. This truck has yet to let me down. Bravo!

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  07 Honda Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Vu - February 6 - 11:42 am

  Great Truck! Very well designed comes with almost everything youll ever need in a vehicle. It drives like a champ! I live in Alaska, where roads are rough and icy in the winters. The AWD system works great! It delivers great traction on slick icy roads.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mark - February 1 - 10:56 am

  Most people who buy trucks think bigger is better. However, they never take advantage of the extra payload, power, size, etc. The ridgeline offers everything someone who wants the utility of a truck can offer. If you indeed need your truck as a "work truck," this isnt the right vehicle for you. If you need a family vehicle that will exceed every expectation of other family vehicles, the Ridgeline IS for you. How can you beat Honda reliability, resale value, safty and versatility? I have never owed a vehicle better than this one! And for all those people who claim the ridgeline isnt a truck, Honda has just redfined what a truck is!

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  My Two Cents - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mark81 - January 30 - 6:20 pm

  My experience has been two sided actually. From a family hauler perspective it is great for taking the kids to after school functions and throwing some groceries in the back on the way home, glad to have the cover. As for a truck, I really wish i had my Silverado back , having traded it in on this. We camp in the summer and also tow the boat over to Dale Hollow on the weekends, the salesman assured me a 3500# boat would not be a problem. This is not the case what so ever. The V-6 struggles getting the boat off of our street let alone the heart attack I almost had trying to get it up a ramp. The brakes offer no confidence either when trying to bring the trailer to a halt (w/ trailer brakes!).

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  Surprisingly pleased - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dan - January 24 - 11:06 pm

  Overall quality has been excellent. I spend a lot of time on the road (31,000 miles since late August) and it has actually been enjoyable. This truck is very quick, making passing a breeze. And the seats (heated) are very comfortable. Fuel economy has ranged from 19 to 22 on the highway. The AWD (4WD all the time) has handled amazingly well in a Michigan winter. The sound system with subwoofer was a nice surprise. From the beginning, I have been impressed with interior size and comfort, and the smooth, quiet ride.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris G - January 24 - 11:44 am

  If you are looking for a truck to haul a big trailer this is not the truck for you. Otherwise, i highly recommend it. Build quality is excellent. Power is good enough to tow smaller boats and trailers. In bed trunk is awesome and im getting 21 hwy mpg. All around good buy. Liked it better then the Tacoma after driving both.

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  Honda Quality - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mobes - January 22 - 3:27 pm

  I have waited to buy a truck for years in the hopes that Honda would build one. They finally did and it was worth the wait. The ride, handling and quality are second to none. It is a SUV and a truck all in one. This truck has storage everywhere and has a lot of power under the hood as well. I love this truck...

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  Great "truck" - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTL - January 17 - 5:39 pm

  Absolutely love my truck, I have to be honest though, it took some getting used to. When I first bought my ridgeline i would see the toyota tacoma and think i was missing something, until i test drove it! what a sloppy piece of work! compared to the ridgeline the tacomas interior is cramped, and the handling and steering felt so bad! bravo honda!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By MyNewHonda - January 14 - 8:54 pm

  If youre looking for the utility of a truck with the ride of a sedan youve found the right vehicle. Its comfortable handles well, acceleration is more than adequate, has great visibility, and gas mileage is good for a vehicle of this size. Interior is spacious, having plenty of, leg, shoulder, and head room for all 5 occupants. Controls are well placed and made of quality materials. Side airbags all around, brake assist, and stability control standard. Its hard to beat this vehicles list of features for the price. Simply put, a great vehicle.

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  Id buy another one - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Happy Ridgeline Ownr - January 14 - 12:37 pm

  I use to own a Chevy Avalanche and I thought I loved it. This Honda is a far better choice for "me". I work in construction and the Honda was a much better work horse. The only draw back is the short 5 bed and the pass through cargo into the cab, but I learned to work without it. So far, other than scheduled maintenance, one headlight bulb burnt out, vs broken and worn out parts on the Chevy for the same mileage/time frame. I wish it had more horsepower for my own needs. Looking online now for a Turbo kit. In 2008 I will be ready for a new one - maybe they will change the style then.