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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  06 Honda Ridgeline is the top dog! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By tex - December 17 - 1:16 am

  drives like a caddy works like a truck. got the tonneau cover and runnning boards...a must have items. its a dream vehicle combining sub and pick-up trucks. RTL w/ moon roof and XM radio is super plus!

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  Super truck for Honda 1st try.. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dave from MA - December 4 - 12:30 pm

  Honda, hmm??? Its a Honda. I bought it in July 2005 and boy, I put a ton of accessories on that truck and walked away w/ the price @ 35,000. Not thing to complain on ride, handling..etc, but a minor prolem for me and maybe major soon. Well I put 13,700 on this truck, I really enjoyed every bit of it, unfortunately, my truck has a major leaks. The water gets in the vehicle through unsealed body seams, front end of the vehicle. Its taking Honda three strikes to try, and now its back to the dealership for the third time...I love everything about this truck but, minor prolem shall put down Hondas reputation, at least to me..So my suggestion is wait til the 2nd generation then go for it....

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  Handling - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By ed legarsky - December 1 - 7:48 pm

  Great handling and ride, well thought out interior.

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  Best tool I own - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By aaanders - November 26 - 12:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after LOTS of research. Not only did it meet all of my requisites, but exceeded most! A true joy to drive, it handles inclement weather like it was born to be in the rain. Comfort for five with no hump in the middle! 900 lb payload still had over 17.5 MPG. Clients love it on road trips. Valet parkers ask if I wouldnt mind having it left in front. Regularly exceeds 21MPG on extended road trips up and down the State of California. Trailer of 1500+ lbs to Vegas...no sweat. Its a Honda.

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  A generation ahead of the competition - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Frank Corbin - November 25 - 12:02 am

  I researched and test drove the Tacoma, Frontier, and the Colorado. The Ridgeline was hands-down the best truck for me. I am a contractor & this is my daily driver. I carry tools in the trunk, and three or four men to job sites every morning. Theres always something in the bed. Honda could take a cue from Chevy and put a step in the rear bumper, as the bed is high to make room for the deep trunk. The truck is quick, smooth driving, quiet and comfortable. Payload is more than adequate for a midsize truck, and it tows 5000 pounds with ease.The trimline packaging limits configuration. I would like to have had the suite of safety features without some of the frills that came with higher trim levels.

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  A Great truck with style - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lenny - November 24 - 3:50 pm

  This is a great truck. It has all the features and luxury options that my Acura TL has and more. Besides it is very stylish and a pleasure to drive. It is capable of more than I will put to use; off road capable, heavy towing, etc. Honda high quality and long expected life are a plus over the competition. The gas mileage is not bad considering the size and weight of the vehicle and it takes Regular gas!

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  Vajcha - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By swelectrical1981@att.net - November 10 - 12:26 pm

  First time bayer. Excellent, quiet, silky drive, lot of space, sound system is better than great. Quality finish. Comfort beyound expectation. Ton of electronics, navigation and working. Acceleration is fantastic. Extra compartment outside and can be locked. Hope this toy will lust.

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  Must drive to appreciate - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bklynboy11 - November 7 - 11:43 pm

  It is a fantastic driving vehicle giving you a feeling of size, power and great handling as well as ample accelaration when needed. You feel like you are driving a large comfortable SUV rather than a bouncy pickup.I also own an Odyssey and the cab space of the two is almost identical. I have two car seats in the back and the kids really enjoy the ride(5 & 3)especially when I open the roof and rear window!!

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  Jims - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim Kirkman - October 29 - 11:27 am

  Great vehicle. Everything I wanted and more. Honda quality!

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  An SUV that hauls - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kathryn Watts - October 28 - 3:01 am

  Am in love with the 10 way driver seat with the lumbar support and the adjustable arm rest. This should fit any driver. Was looking for an SUV that was comfortable for 4 adults that would pull a lightweight trailer. This will do that, plus I can haul gardening supplies or camping gear in the back without trashing the inside. It handles like an SUV, the best turning radius of any truck I ever owned. Love the locking huge trunk under the bed. I think its very attractive and I cant wait to take my first road trip.