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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  Great Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By H Morvant - July 31 - 5:23 am

  Would buy again

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  Comfortable Truck and Practical - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Alex - July 13 - 5:20 am

  Like the new styling.

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  awesome truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By johnsi - July 8 - 2:50 am

  excellent 0-60, hwy driving is like a car, fun to drive, 4 wheel drive in mud works like a charm. feels solid and high end.

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  The Best Truck out there - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ivan - July 1 - 5:50 am

  This vehicle drives great, as you drive it you can feel the power under the hood. The drive is comfortable and responsive.

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  Ridgeline is at the top - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Marcus - June 21 - 1:14 am

  Rides like a car with more technology than a luxury car and at a terrific cost

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  This is the one! Thanks Honda!! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By John - June 18 - 2:46 pm

  Since making the decision to purchase my Honda Ridgeline Ive been loving life. I look for excuses to take it for a drive (Oh, we need milk)! Everything about the truck is very cleverly designed and executed. Drives like a Honda, like you’re on rails (very responsive). Transmission shifts smooth as silk. Uni-body = no shutter between cab and bed (unlike Tacoma…). 4 wheel indi- suspension = superior ride (unlike Tacoma…). 3 large adults can and have sat very comfortably in rear seat. It’s like Honda looked at all the competition and came up with a far superior way to build their product! If you are in the market, just take it for a test drive and compare for yourself. This is a great Vehicle.

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  First in Cincinnati - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron - June 10 - 10:06 pm

  Great Performance except when the A/C is on. With the A/C on, the automatic transmission shifts up and down often. Great features, like the trunk,GPS, XM Radio. Matter of fact, the radio is fantastic. The truck is more quite than others that I have driven. Nice interior for a truck. The worst attribute is the poor mpg. I have averaged between 15+ to 16+ mpg. including expressway driving.

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  Not a stupid big truck. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ridge Runner - June 9 - 1:06 am

  The Ridgeline handles and drives like a car. Power rear window, in bed trunk, hidden radio antenna, center console with plenty of room, all wheel drive, 60/40 rear seats that flip for hauling a bike. I could go on and on, but, true test is getting behind the wheel and take this truck for a test drive, you will be sold.

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  Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By HondaGuy - June 4 - 10:53 pm

  This is a great vehicle for us city slickers! It seems to do eveything I want or can think of. I personally installed all of the options. Even the backup camera. The Honda installation directions are very straight forward and if you are a little handy, you can save a bunch of money.

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  Mr Dow - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Philip Dow - June 3 - 12:30 pm

  I have a chronic back problem and the inflatable lumbar support is really nice. This truck is FUN to drive. I listen to classical music and Tenors and I sometimes stay in the garage when I pull in from work because the stereo with built in subwoofer is very close to being in a concert hall.I have the aluminum roof rack and aluminum side steps and a silver pin stripe on this black truck and people to turn and look. These additions really dress up the truck. Im so happy to get out of a 2 door coupe and really love all the space i now have