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:

• 

  1 Ridgeliner - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rex - September 6 - 8:37 am

  I like the fact that it was new. I love everything about this vehicle. Its my first pick-up, my first Honda anything, and its well known reliability records among other owners I know. Its a lot of fun to drive, and it still turns heads in traffic. In fact, I have conducted a few tours to friends, co- workers and one time while I was fuelling up. Anyone that sees me with are always asking questions. I had 1 incident when I was asked to bring my mother-in-law home from the hospital after she under went knee surgery. She asked me as a favor to transport her home because of the roominess of the interior allowed her stretch her knee in comfort. She enjoyed the smooth car like ride all the way.

• 

  Love the Ridgeline! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Andy - September 3 - 7:24 am

  The Ridgeline is my second Honda vehicle after having driven american cars for the past twenty-five years. This truck rides and feels like a luxury car yet handles like a sports car and possesses all attributes of a 1/2-ton pick-up truck.One test-drive and youll be hooked! Trust me on that. Build quality is number 1 along with reliability and performance. Fuel economy is not what it should be for a 6-cylinder yet lets not forget that this vehicle is in fact a truck and not a Civic.

• 

  Ridgeline - Not perfect but close - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dtag44 - August 31 - 1:31 pm

  I love my Ridgeline but a few things I dont like are... 1. too much plastic on the body 2. low ground clearence 3. rear suspension weak, cant load bed up due to low weight capacity, need heavy load rear spring option 4. no chrome on the exterior body 5. trailer light package doesnt generate enough amps to power trailer lights

• 

  Now, this is a truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Marathonman262 - August 29 - 11:49 pm

  What a truck! I did a lot of homework before buying this truck. Ive had 2 f- 150s and it cant come close to this one. I like just about everything about this truck. One of my favorite features is the trunk. Everybody likes to complain and my complaint is the cruise control button is kinda hard to reach. The engine can use little more power. Thats about it so for. I have 6000 miles on it now.

• 

  Quality Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert Rentie - August 28 - 7:52 pm

  I love this truck. I have been waiting for Honda to develop a truck. I currently own a Honda Accord and I have also owned a Acura Legend. This is just another quality and reliable vehicle designed by Honda. I get stopped all the time and ask how do you like your truck and I say I love it!

• 

  My first Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By diondomino - August 28 - 4:08 pm

  I really like how the Ridgeline drives. It handles like a car with great power.

• 

  Great All Purpose Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Monte - August 27 - 9:11 pm

  If you are looking for a vehicle to haul the family, move cargo, and is as comfortable at a work site as a formal evening event, the Honda Ridgeline is your type of vehicle. It is a great truck for the weekend "do it yourself" type. Not a truck for heavy duty construction. Terrific ride with front wheel drive when the computerized 4WD isnt kicked in. This is the most enjoyable vehicle I have ever owned. Highly recommend it to someone who wants a car like ride with a box for hauling bikes, lawnmowers, etc. The trunk under the bed is a brilliant feature that really enhances your hauling capabilities. Overall, Honda has hit a home run in their first venture into the pickup market.

• 

  A great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Iris - August 26 - 6:51 am

  A great truck. At first (first 800 miles) it didnt get the mileage that was on the sticker but now it is getting 20.5 with the air on on the road and driving 70 to 80 mi hr. Handles great in rainstorms.

• 

  Concur with most reviews - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By godzilabob - August 23 - 1:42 pm

  First and foremost, let me say, I love this car. It handles waaaay better than my 2004 Tacoma xtended cab. Gets the same or slightly better MPG. Has TONS more space in front and back (but the bed is a foot shorter!) The trunk and tailgate feature ROCK as does the rear window feature! But as far as CONS: They are all SMALL in comparison to the PROS. The non- automatic lights...hard to reach radio...ugly big silver door handles...and non extending steering column...the scratchable bed liner...all are minor, but they are notable... Other than that, the rig is great!!!

• 

  The Truck for everyone - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ryan Ashby - August 21 - 6:07 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned (I traded in an Acura TL). I needed a truck, but I am in sales and needed trunk space. I got the best of both worlds. It is bigger than you think. Longer than a Tahoe/Yukon, shorter than a Suburban/Avalanche. I would recomend this truck to anyone looking to purchase a truck.