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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  Should have studied it more - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Should have studied it more - September 26 - 9:11 pm

  I have bought more than ten new Accords and Fits and always been please completely. Buying the Ridgeline was a mistake I made. It seems to me to be mostly plastic and not designed with the owner in mind. The engine has a timing belt rather than a chain which will require substantial cost in the future if I keep it which I probably will not. The engine is covered with a shield that is secured with rubber grommets that came off and went flying when I removed it. It was difficult to reinstall. The bed is slanted such that it holds moisture and dust. It is difficult to get in and out of the drivers seat. The view out the back window is restricted by the head rests. The road noise is more than any vehicle I have owned but I understand some think this is from the Firestone tires. The ride seems floaty like being in a boat. I thought I was buying a Honda truck but instead got a Honda car with a partial truck bed that seems to not be designed by the Honda engineers that structure the cars. The bells and whistles are far too many and seem to be added in some cases because they could be rather than being needed. The instructions of using them take time to comprehend. The selection was my fault for having owned many Hondas in the past and never having to investigate the quality of any of them. Study the vehicle in depth before buying and you may be very pleased but as it is different so do not assume it is like prior Honda vehicles you may have owned.

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  Excellent job - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ron hugate - September 13 - 12:10 pm

  I consider myself myself as a rainy day driver(test drive on rainy days)of various trucks, the Ridgeline far exceeded all the other brands in all categories, just pick one. You can tell by the quality to detail and practicality of all the bells and whistles. excellent

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  If you drive it, you will buy it. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By King Rick - August 29 - 11:43 am

  The interior adjustments make this truck very comfortable to drive. The ride is exceptionally smooth and quiet. You have more than enough storage space at you finger tips. If your front or back seat passangers are over 6ft tall, they still ride in comfort.

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  WOW! What a Great Truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Michael Ryan - August 7 - 9:33 pm

  This think looks fantastic in person. It is a real treat to drive. Handles great and is extremely comfortable. Tons of storage and hauls evreything I need and then some. Typicaly Honda quality puts other trucks to shame.

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  The Cruck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Steve - August 1 - 7:20 am

  I have owned my Ridgeline for about a month and bought it to take the place of my Prelude and my Ranger...neither of which had a back seat (for all practical purposes) for our new baby. It has been the perfect answer to all of my needs. What else can haul five people comfortably, a truck bed full of mulch, and a trunk full of groceries (under the mulch) at the same time??? Its awesome! My wife hated the looks but after riding in it and using it she loves it! This car/truck ("Cruck") is what Ive been waiting for. The cabin is quieter than my wifes Accord. The acceleration is great. I would recommend this cruck to anyone without hesitation.

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  Ridgeline - highly engineered truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By College Student - July 30 - 7:58 am

  Sports utility truck, not a work truck, ideal for many people. If you want to lift your truck and go off-road rock crawling, this truck is not for you. if you want a highly designed, engineered and comfortable truck to help you through your active mobile life, seriously consider the new G2 Ridgeline.

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  Blessing to the Truck Industry - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By gary - July 29 - 5:36 am

  This truck is the greatest truck I have ever owned. I have owned just about every brand of domestic truck out there and though this is not as heavy duty as some of the domestics, it definitely holds its own.

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  Very, very good - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By loon - July 8 - 8:43 pm

  Have had no trouble except for engine light coming on. This is after the Check Gas Cap warning scrolls across for two start-ups, then the third is the engine light. It is now in the shop to hopefully fix it.

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  2nd ridgeline awsome - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By tony - June 26 - 9:50 am

  love this truck fits my life style perfect ,owned bigger trucks before but this is the best one so far!!!

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  My review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brian Ruderick - June 22 - 6:30 pm

  When I shopped Prices Ford,Chevy,Toyota All said They could not beat the price.When I test drove it, the Ridgeline felt like a car, excellent handeling comfort and styling were all I needed.Besides a few minor problems except for the peeling paint on the rear bumper that they say they are going to fix,I love this truck,yeah I said it TRUCK to all of the naysayers from Ford,Chevy,& GMC, it is the truck of the future soooo catch up fellas!