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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  2017 Ridgeline 2 Week Owner - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Colorado Wing - September 27 - 3:14 pm

  The new design and reviews were the main selling points between the Ridgeline and other mid-sized trucks. We were not interested in the infotainment technology of the RTL-T/Es, and the RTL had just the right options for us. I love the smooth non-truck like ride and the quietness overall from exterior noise and road noise. I have not been a fan of the Honda fairly firm seats, but find it quite comfortable mainly because of the terrific suspension offering a very smooth ride. I keep the Econ engaged 99% of the time, only turning it off when real power needed. Results are great with nearly 23-24 mixed city/highway driving. The extra storage trunk in the bed is a huge plus, not to mention the dual opening tailgate. So many great attributes about this 2017 Honda Ridgeline...far too many to mention. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone not really needing a beefy 4wd truck. After researching various buying programs (Edmunds, TruCar, USAA, etc), we found the very best, untouchable price through Costco. Another dealer, who had the exterior/interior color combo we desired available within a couple weeks, matched the one dealer Costco dealt with in the Denver area. I couldnt be happier with the first truck I have ever owned over the past 40 years.

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  Great vehicle for a pretty good price..... - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Charlie - September 26 - 5:33 pm

  I bought a year end 2017 Ridgeline. Honda over all doesnt discount their cars much like the American auto makers do. They only produce a curtain number of cars and dont give huge year end close out discounts - but with that said - I got what I thought was a fair price on my Ridgeline. Somewhat no pressure - from what I hope is a great dealer ship - outside to the Phoenix areas - High Pressure - "what can you afford per month" approach to trying to get you into a car. Im a bottom line type of guy. Show me the bottom line - Not what my monthly jail term payment is going to be. Well see how the dealer ship is after I have some service work done. Ive owned a 2006 and a 2007 Honda Ridgeline - the model redo is some much nicer. Interior is nicer. Exterior looks great and it still has the trunk and dual opening tall gate that i love. Im extremely happy with my purchase!!!!!

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  great truck but - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Savanna - September 24 - 6:40 pm

  I have a 2006 RTL Ridgeline. I had to bring it back to the dealer for repair to the paint in the door jams....cause dirt in the paint.....From Honda??? Bought tonneau cover and its designed to leak in the middle?? Honda Corp claims this is a good design.... I am worried that Hondais no longer a Japanese quality concerned car company......

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  Love my Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Wynoochekid - September 11 - 6:33 pm

  We purchased the Ridgeline as a compromise (I wanted a pickup and my wife wanted a car). It turned out to be the best move we could possibly have made. We both love the truck and consider it the finest vehicle we have ever owned. Everything is top quality and we are 100% satisfied. Strangers constantly approach us with questions about the Ridgeline and make favorable comments about its appearance. We have owned many new vehicles but that is a real first.

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  squeaky noise - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Albert - September 5 - 10:36 am

  Every time that i put pressure on the steering wheel i heard this squeaking noise, i return it to the dealer but they still canot fix it. plus the seat is a little bit too long, very uncomfortable.

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  First Honda - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve - August 28 - 5:16 pm

  Everyone has told me about Hondas reliability and quality. I would have to say that what they say is true. The only reason I gave the build quality an 8 is because the outside mirror switch was broken on my Ridgeline when I received it. The dealership has made good on the repair and so far everything else is working great. I broke in the Ridgeline per owners manual and am getting approx. 18 miles/gal.

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  What a truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Forrest - August 19 - 8:33 pm

  Typical Honda build quality and features. This is the reason you buy a Honda. Everything has been well thought out. Drives and handles like a vehicle with sport suspension. Ride comfort is excellent. Smooth gear shift. Dealer was great to work with.

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  Meets all my demands - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe Brosky - August 8 - 7:53 pm

  First, the dealer experience was outstanding from no-pressure shopping, to the test drive and the conducting of negotiations via the telphone. I have had fusion spinal surgery and the firm leather seats with heating elements that cover both the bottom of the seat and the adjustable back is just what the doctor ordered. Plenty of room in the crew cab for comfortable seating both front and back. The addition of a trunk in the truck bed is pure genious. I am very happy with the composite bed and my bed extender-nice system. My wife likes the fact that she can control the temperatures on her side of the cab whether she is a passenger or the driver. The fit & finish is all Honda-they do it again.

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  Not Just a Pick Up - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard Spahn - August 8 - 8:50 am

  Im retired and this multipurpose vehicle replaces a Lincoln Town Car and a small motorhome. It rides and handles like a car with low road noise plus comfortable rear seats for passangers. Theres plenty of storage for everybodys gear in the trunk. I can take the Ridgeline to the Opera, the Country Club, the desert, the beach, the mountains, dining out or shopping. I plan an extended trip through AZ, NM, OK, AR, and TX next month and will tow a travel trailer part time and drive on the beach at one point. The sound system is excellent and satellite radio guarantees great listening anywhere. The rugged design should test out as the safest vehicle on the road.

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  best of over 20 trucks I have owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Anthony - August 3 - 10:40 am

  comfortable, great handling, well suited to the type of loads I carry 99.9% of the time, super sound system, well laid out, and without any doubt, the single most comfortable vehicle of any kind that I have driven on long trips. Nothing macho here...just a great truck for all the uses most of us really have for a truck. Highly recommend. The looks actually start to grow on you after awhile.