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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  First "New" Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom Moran - March 8 - 1:52 pm

  Overall experience has been great. I use my truck as my daily driver throughout Minnesota winters and most of the summer. Handling and ride are excellent for a truck, my previous truck was a GMC Sierra and the Honda is better in pretty much every respect other than raw power and towing capacity. Interior design is highly functional but a little drab and goofy in some respects such as the cartoon large interior door pulls. I have towed a race car on a open trailer (near 5000 lbs. total) hundred of miles with no problems and the truck has plenty of pulling power and stability as a tow vehicle. The bed is pure genius not only for the truck but also for the full 48" width.

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  Dependable - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Sr. - March 4 - 6:19 pm

  We love our Ridgeline except suggested improvements see below). Have over 50K and still runs quiet like new. We pull a boat about 4,000 lbs and it is fine but not real good mileage. It has no rattles inside is quiet and my dog and kids cant hurt the interior.

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  ridgeline,you should be mine - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By robbin steele - February 17 - 10:16 pm

  very comfortable and quiet, didnt care for the $1500 blacked out edition,but sunroof is only available on top two trim levels-and anything else is difficult to find(hondas fault?) nice ride,lotsa storage-nice compromise if you need a truck that acts like a car.

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  85% Perfect - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By tallwoods - February 17 - 5:43 pm

  I have a Volvo V70 that I drive daily (18k miles/yr), and a Mitsu Montero that I off road. I wanted one car to do it all, and the Ridgeline is almost that car. It drives VERY well, but it needs more ground clearance for off-roading. The 4x4 system is good enough, but it bottoms out too easy. The bed should be 6" longer, same as the F150 SuperCrew (56"). The bed needs a power outlet! The exhaust hangs low and will get destroyed off-roading. I dont climb rocks, but there are rocks on the trails and 2-track roads I take... The sound system is weak. Love the climate control. Would like to easily remove the rear seats when needed. And it needs to look "brawnier", like a Subaru Brat.

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  My Opinion - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Denny - February 17 - 9:56 am

  After 3 months I have some opinions about the new Ridgeline. Overall I have few complaints. My mileage has been around 18 mpg for city and highway driving. I have had no problems of any kind with the vehicle in the first 2500 miles. There is a small problem with rear quarter visibility but with proper adjustment and use of sideview mirrors I have had no close calls. I didnt like the fact that the doors didnt unlock when the vehicle was put in park but checking the manual gave me information about how to reprogram the locks so they do now unlock when put in park. I have driven the Ridgeline in ice and snow and was able to go anywhere I needed to including very slick hills.

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  Excellent decision to buy! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Daniel - January 29 - 10:43 am

  Former 04 Nissan Titan, considering Toy Tundra, but this was more practical. Cheaper, what a deal!, Fun to drive, gave me more space in the garage. Now well have more fun, distance to cover at lower cost.

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  First 3,000 miles - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Phil Scudder - January 23 - 1:53 am

  I bought this truck for sales and travel purposes with storage. I travel all over the USA representing a line construction tools. For years I used a Dodge Caravan with mixed feelings about having my euipment inside with me and the passengers. I thought the Ridgeline would be perfect for what I do. Living in Colorado I wouldnt think of the Ridgeline for serious off road purposes. There are too many very good trucks and SUVs for this. But if you consider the Ridgeline for light industrial usage and having to get to worksites and traveling long distances for a living, this is it! My gas mileage so far just under 20 mph on the hiway. 17 mph in town.

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  Loved it from Day One - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - January 13 - 7:22 pm

  This is the most enjoyable truck Ive owned. To the point my own father is thinking of getting one for himself. Consider hes a loyal GMC fan. Anyhow Im in the military and its a dream to drive, it reminds you of driving a car. But you have to convince yourself your in a 4x4. Take one on a test drive and you be the judge.

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  Handy - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dad - January 4 - 12:36 am

  I have 14K on my Ridgeline RTX. Thus far the swing out tailgate latch and the rear seat vent have broken. Otherwise OK. I have towed boats and trailers with no problems. Brakes work well while towing but fuel mileage drops to 10 MPG or less. Shifts a lot even without a trailer - very annoying. I think the engine could handle it if the tranny would wait to drop out of high gear. I noticed torque steer when passing, it surprised me and made me swerve. Trunk is awesome. Drives and parks like a car. Fuel mileage is only so-so. Averaging 17-18 and 19-20 on hwy. Functionally the truck is great. Its kind of ugly and my buddies make lots of fun but its really practical and does what I need it to do.

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  Bulletproof - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Hogman - December 23 - 11:13 am

  This is my first truck. I love it. Everyone that rides in it comments on how spacious it is on the inside. I have had zero problems. I drove it half way across the country from California to Texas and got good gas mileage (for a truck). Average was close to 26 MPG. It has plenty of passing power and I experienced no problems passing on steep inclines (plenty of torque). I have a factory tonneau cover which I highly recommend. I spend time sitting atop the tonneau with my girlfriend watching fireworks, sunsets and picnics in the country. Additionally the cover helps to hide contents in the bed of the truck. Honda hit a homerun with this thing!