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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  best truck Ive ever owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By avenoso - April 1 - 9:13 pm

  Ive had 3 Rams (96, 00, 02), 95 Chevy Silverado, 89 Ford Ranger, all purchased new or nearly new at the time. All were "ok", but this is the most utilitarian, versatile, dependable, luxurious truck of all! I waited a while to see if any of the domestic idiots would develop a comparable truck. Chevy is the closest with the Avalanche, but too big and too thirsty. Say what you want about the Ridgelines tow limitations or lack of low range, this truck will fill the bill for a large number of truck owners. Get over yourselves, you all dont need a full size, gas guzzling domestic.

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  A very versatile and high quality vehicle - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By collis - February 1 - 10:22 am

  The Ridgeline is more than I expected. Sized just right for the homeowner who wants to haul "stuff" and people without having to accommodate a beast of a garage-filler, this vehicle has excellent build quality and comfort that is unmatched in any other mid-sized truck. And remember, thats what it is... mid-sized. It isnt, by design, a huge, over-sized work truck. If thats what you need, get a Ford F-150... theyre great, too. But, if you compare this vehicle to Fords comparably sized Explorer Sport Trac, you will be amazed... I promise!

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  Great truck for what it is - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By timmyboy188 - January 21 - 9:19 pm

  I have owned Toyota 4x4s, GM 4x4s, new and old. I like 4 wheeling, but dont NEED to do it, so I hardly ever went 4 wheeling anymore. I wanted to buy an 07 Tundra 4x4, but couldnt afford it. I drive mostly highway miles, and take trips snowboarding and camping and use it for work hauling water around a flat city, so this truck has everything I need to make that happen. Im verry happy with it, MPG is ok (averaging 18 MPG city/highway mixed). Its a great truck, its weird as heck, but a good truck.

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  Still love it after 5 yrs - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This truck served my need for a combination of SUV and truck. Nicely appointed and extremely comfortable, Ive had it for 5 years and still love it.

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  Used 06 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTrider - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this Ridgeline in 1/09. Quality is outstanding. Have put 25K on it. Took a trip to LA and averaged 23.8 MPG on the Freeway. I would buy another used Ridgeline. Rides very smooth and is fun to drive. Easy to see what is around you and is not noisy. Maintenance seems to be pretty normal compared to other vehicles. Even had my 17 year old 115 lb daughter change the brakes in about 30 minutes. Has 67K and feels like it will last another 200K. It has no rattles or squeaks.

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  Nice mid-size truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jeff - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought it with 12,000 miles off a return lease. Had to have the leather seat cover on the drivers side replaced, and the complete headliner (it also has the moon roof) replaced, it came apart in the rear. I have 29,000 miles now and its been pretty good so far. Oh, had to also replace the right rear rotor & brake pads at 22,000 miles. Honda wouldnt cover or help with the repair bill while still under warranty, sort of crappy of them.

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  Ridgeline is king - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By xrockx - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a number of short bed pickup trucks and the ridgeline is the best of all. The interior storage beats all other trucks and the in-bed storage is light years ahead of the competition. Safety features and solid build make for one excellent vehicle.

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  Awesome - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By Cwhulser - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Ridgeline! The first one was perfect and so is this one. It is the perfect combination of rugged and elegant!

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  Nice All around vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Charlie - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Had a 3 yr Lease and will now buy out the lease at 19k and hopefully own for years to come. I like the Truck. Rides really well. Trunk is great. Fits golf clubs plus a folding chair. Inside is comfy. I wanted heated Seats,mirrors, a roof, so I went for the better model. No Nav. (would have liked it, but it seemed too much $$, when you can get a GPS for $125. or so.) The shifting you feel as you ride along is annoying. Glad I read others had an this issue, or I may not have purchased it out, as was not sure problem existed. I would have expected better mileage from a Honda product. It needs 5 mpgs more both city & highway. I dont drive enough to worry about it but...

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  Lacking in audio technology - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By matt7530 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Havent had too long but love this truck my third & first Honda. Interior well laid out and very comfortable passengers say the back is comfortable too and great ride. My complaint id that Honda is so far behind in technology features: no full control or partial Ipod adaptability just an aux port no HD radio and the radio display doesnt show song and artist and no USB port (my wifes 02 vehicle is light years ahead). Gas mileage is what it says & I dont know why people complain about mileage when they know what theyre buying? Its right on the sticker!