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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  2006 RL review in 2010 (SE Texas) - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By new tx RL owner - July 25 - 10:40 pm

  Since 1993, owned trucks from all the big 3. Took chance and got this one with 72K miles. 1 month later and very pleased. 20mpg on a 250 mile trip to S TX coast this wk, 17+ overall so far. Great AWD system. Passed up a Chevy T-blazer stuck in sand this morning up to axle. (yes I helped him out, thank you tow rope) Held my breath driving through 50 yards or so of soft lose sand to get to it but it went through like butter where 2wds parked and hiked to beach. Great in mud at family ranch too. Will take this hunting. My weekend veh. Plan to keep it 10 yrs Funny, some people on truck sites get sensitive if you call this a truck so so just call it a Swiss-Army Knife Utility Vehicle

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  Why stop? - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By SPANKIE - July 21 - 6:57 am

  Word is that Honda will no longer build the Ridgeline. Too bad. Yes, it is different, but who else has the in bed trunk? I carry enough tools to fill it and I can keep a clean truck without loading and unloading daily. The ride is great and it pulls my boat with ease. I hope someone takes this concept and continues. If you really need a truck, buy one. BUT, if you just need a truck once in a while, the Ridgeline is great. Im on my 3d one, so I was sold by the versatility and pleasant drive.

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  23+ MPG - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By Big Lew - July 11 - 6:32 pm

  My wife and I + 2 friends just finished a trip of just over 1100 miles. We could not be more satisfied with the gas mileage on this trip. Our friends could not believe the room and comfort in this vehicle. So quiet! My brother says its like riding in a car. We were able to put all of our luggage in the trunk (4 people traveling for 1 week). The transmission shifts extremely smooth. Fit and finish are perfect. You have to love the lift up rear seats. My computer (in its case) fit perfectly under the passenger side rear seat. There is just so much storage room! My wife says she loves it, loves it, loves it! Gotta love the large door handles for closing the doors. This is the perfect truck!

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  No Rattle and Roll - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill - June 11 - 3:30 pm

  I have driven my Ridgeline commuting to work in all kinds of New England weather. It is very stable in snow, ice and slush. It has excellent acceleration for a truck, especially in tight spots. Its great for a homeowner because of all the space in the rear passenger compartment and the trucks bed. The dealer installed trailer hitch and towing package have worked great on some heavy loads (2 tons). My only complaints are the brakes sometimes "grab" in wet weather when first applied and the seat is not quite as comfortable as my last Volvo wagon. The truck has yet to exhibit any rattles or squeaks in 4 years of ownership. Its versatile and well built.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Idaho Nate - June 4 - 1:41 pm

  I love my 06 Ridgeline. I have owned Ford, GMC, and Chevy Trucks and the Ridgeline is by far my best truck to date. Pros: AWD makes driving in snow/ice and off road a pleasure In bed trunk is a must I keep motorcycle riding gear, golf clubs, camping gear etc.. and love it. Reliability: Most reliable truck owned to date, I complete scheduled maintenance and have had 0 issues with the truck. Fun To Drive: The AWD handles like a car and has plenty of power to tow around my 18 ft fishing boat and small camper. Cons: Bed Length: I haul two dirt bikes but with the tail gate down Ground Clearance: Like she said, a few more inches would be nice. GREAT TRUCK

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  The best SUV/Truck in the world! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brent - May 26 - 3:07 pm

  Simple: Everything is top notch! I get over 550 km per tank -- about 22 mpg. So fun to drive! Love it ! Love it! Love it!

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  Honda Quality - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By sam - May 18 - 8:08 pm

  Owned the 2010 Ridgeline for 30 days and 700 miles. Have owned 7 Hondas,all have been excellent vehicles.This is all the truck most people will ever need and rides like a full-size car.

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  Like Nothing Else, In a Great Way! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By travelindog - May 5 - 9:11 pm

  Very pleased after 35,000 miles! Great in the snow and serves my hauling and occasional off road needs just great. Ive owned Chevy, Dodge and Ford trucks, and this Ridge is the best vehicle Ive owned, period. My hats off to Honda engineers and designers who obviously had their hats on straight when they drew up this vehicle. Would suggest that anyone considering a light pickup truck take a look at this.

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  My best vehicle yet! - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By 209flyboy - May 4 - 6:31 pm

  If you dont need to tow your 8000 lb. house around and are looking for an excellent family utility vehicle, ride, comfort and reliability, this is the truck for you. Sometimes I forget Im driving a pickup. The rear seats have a pull down center arm rest with cup holders which is a blessing when the kids are riding with me. I like the huge trunk space under the rear deck and the two way deck door opening. I carry my golf clubs under the lift up back seats. Just finished a 3600 mile round trip from California to Texas and back which was very comfortable. Avg. 21.8 MPG over the whole trip. High Grade Michelin tires are supplied on alloy wheels. You cant go wrong with this truck.

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  Nice - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By ejb - April 22 - 1:07 am

  A terrific happy medium. Very functional as a family car, work car and a hauler. Well designed inside and out. I ordered an aftermarket bed cover with lock which makes the bed like a huge trunk. Gas mileage could be improved and a little more power would help. My truck had an unusual whistle at certain speeds from wind noise. A Honda dealership worked hard to fix the problem. They added a sunroof wind protector and bug shield in front which solved the problem.