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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  Nice Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By f4oXr4d - August 20 - 12:46 pm

  Nice riding truck. Love the trunk space, with the removable plug so you can spray it out. Honda always thinks of the little things.

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  Nice Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Kens - August 11 - 12:53 am

  Very nice truck for Hondas first year. I put on about 3,000 miles per month and I own it now for 9 months. Everything in the truck suites my needs well. The drawback for me is I need a larger cargo area, at least 6 feet long with tailgate up. It should come standard, like with the top of the line truck, the enclosed watertight hard cargo cover. It should have running boards and fancier wheels (chromes). Other than that, I cant see anything else the truck needs unless you are gong to pull heavy things - then you will need a larger engine... Good Luck in your purchase.

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  Perfect for what we do - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By notsnuf - August 5 - 12:36 pm

  We purchased the vehicle for use as a work truck for Land surveying. The trunk and 4 doors are perfect for securing all of our equipment. We do not use it for severe off roading, but we do use it on muddy construction sites and in moderate off road situations. It has done everything we have asked it to do and have had no problems what so ever. We are very happy with the Ridgeline.

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  Roomy and Smooth, but experieced a few glitches - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By joe Russo - August 3 - 6:35 pm

  The interior crew cab is the most roomy and comfortable of all the competition. And the ride and power are awesome. But not without its problems. The truck was delivered with one of the engine mount sensors disconnected which gave it a rough ride. After this was addressed the dash instrument module plastic window began to rattle and vibrate at various speeds. Also when driven on the highway around 70-75 in ECON mode coupled with cruise control, the engine vibrates and causes the dash to rattle. I returned the car to the dealer to fix (they were unable to fix) and the loaner civic they gave me was very cheap and plastic and also rattled so I think the quality at Honda has become hit and miss. This truck is truly amazing at its best, and around town I dont experience any of these issues. But on the highway, the dash rattle and vibration is not acceptable, and I dont intend to buy another Honda.

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  Poor value and not up to par with others - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By eddie324 - July 27 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned my ridgline for about 5 months and have not been pleased. I average consistently 16 to the gallon and that is bad for a V6, i nearly get that on my wifes f150 5.4. The brakes are starting to make a squeal at 6k and its getting annoying. very uncomfortable seats and small interior. The thing that most made me angry is my axle seals needed to be replaced at 3350 miles which seems to be common with these and electrical failure. I bought this car because my 88 honda was good. not the case with this.

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  Insult to the truck industry - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By george - July 24 - 10:50 am

  This vehicle is the worst vehicle I have driven, and am happy to be selling it and buying a f-150

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  Best Mid Size Pickup - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard Wood - July 23 - 12:56 pm

  This is the best mid sized pickup on the market. It drives like a sedan and has superior finish (inside and out) to competitors. I compared to Nissan, Chevy, GMC, Ford (F150), Ram, and Jeep Cherokee / Grand Cherokee. This vehicle outperforms them all and has better features and creature comforts and gas mileage by far. If you are looking for a hardcore work truck consider a full size, but if you want a very upscale vehicle with truck capabilities do yourself a favor and check out the Honda. I even comes with a trunk/cooler and stereo built into the truck bed for tailgating. This truck also has better visibility and a far smoother ride than the others. I got the top of the line Black Edition AWD and love it.

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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By GGolds5 - July 21 - 6:46 pm

  As usual Honda thinks about every detail when they design a vehicle. Ive had Chevy, Ford, Mazda, even Toyota pickups and this truck is far superior in every way. Drives like a sports sedan and works like a truck. In freezing winter temperatures heater heats up instantly, easy to park, feels like im driving a truck half its size. Steering, breaking, excellent. Transmission feels as though it knows exactly what im thinking.Incredibly responsive. Ive had 14 new trucks in my life and this one is superior to them all. GM should be ashamed after seeing what Honda can do. Chevy trucks might be tuff but they are crude, trucky, and have many thoughless design features. Nothing better then this Honda.

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  not what they used to be, expected more. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brent Jones - July 21 - 8:03 am

  I have owned many makes and models and this is not one i recomend. I own a 2004 chevrolet silverado and a 2003 dodge ram as well currently. my son drives the ram which has 43000 and my wife has 19500 on her chevy and they have been far better on quality and simular on gas with large V8s. i bought this due to the old rep for reliability that honda has. I had my instrument panel replaced due to failure and my axle is having some trouble. and on an 06 with 5500 miles this is not good.

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  About Time! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Aaron_trader - July 21 - 7:03 am

  Been looking for a mid-size truck with all-purpose capabilities. Almost went with Tacoma just about the time the Ridgeline hit the market, and even though its a first year model, I went with the Honda. Im counting on Honda reliability and the fact the much of the technology was taken from the Pilot and MDX. Overall, the vehicle is just want I wanted and meets or exceeds all my expectations. I would highly recommend a few accessories that help turn an otherwise unattractive vehicle into a looker: custom Honda grill, chrome bumper kit, side body moldings, custom wheels and tires. Also take off the front license plate and youll have a great looking truck with all the fantastic features.