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:
Showing 71 through 80 of 880.00-
Great Truck, Super Value! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
By TRacer - June 25 - 4:13 pmAll around, a great vehicle. I had never owned a truck prior to buying my used Ridgeline, as my prior vehicles have been of the high or ultra high performance coupe or sedan variety, and I have racing experience. Performance for the average driver should be more than adequate (top speed is limited to 120), it rides very smooth for a truck, and the fuel economy is fine given it has a drag coefficient of The Vatican combined with substantial mass. I wish these had been available back when my 10 year old was born!
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Love affair is over - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
By cheryl driscoll - June 19 - 11:49 amI was so happy when I first brought home my ridgeline. The problems started when the first sleet and ice storm hit, when I was coming home from work that night at 10: pm I couldnt get the defroster to melt the ice off the windshield and had to pull over several times before I got home to scrape the window. My feet were freezing, mechanic said you can either have warm feet and not much windshield defrost or vise versa. Second problem, steering box under the left front wheel broke at about 7,000 miles. Next, the rear left lens cover let water in the tail light, and now, heat/ac completely gone at 26,000. I didnt realize I would become best friends with my mechanic. Toyota, Im coming back!
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2009 Honda Ridgeline - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
By Larry - June 18 - 11:40 pmNot real quick but will tow well and is build like a brick **** house. A 17 year old plowed in the back end of my truck and you could barely tell. Her car had to be towed.
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No Rattle and Roll - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
By Bill - June 11 - 3:30 pmI have driven my Ridgeline commuting to work in all kinds of New England weather. It is very stable in snow, ice and slush. It has excellent acceleration for a truck, especially in tight spots. Its great for a homeowner because of all the space in the rear passenger compartment and the trucks bed. The dealer installed trailer hitch and towing package have worked great on some heavy loads (2 tons). My only complaints are the brakes sometimes "grab" in wet weather when first applied and the seat is not quite as comfortable as my last Volvo wagon. The truck has yet to exhibit any rattles or squeaks in 4 years of ownership. Its versatile and well built.
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Best Truck Ever - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
By Idaho Nate - June 4 - 1:41 pmI love my 06 Ridgeline. I have owned Ford, GMC, and Chevy Trucks and the Ridgeline is by far my best truck to date. Pros: AWD makes driving in snow/ice and off road a pleasure In bed trunk is a must I keep motorcycle riding gear, golf clubs, camping gear etc.. and love it. Reliability: Most reliable truck owned to date, I complete scheduled maintenance and have had 0 issues with the truck. Fun To Drive: The AWD handles like a car and has plenty of power to tow around my 18 ft fishing boat and small camper. Cons: Bed Length: I haul two dirt bikes but with the tail gate down Ground Clearance: Like she said, a few more inches would be nice. GREAT TRUCK
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Second Ridgeline and an Improvement - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
By Artback - May 31 - 2:14 pmJust traded up from an 06 RTL with Navi and many features have been improved. Some complain that we have not yet seen a complete redesign of the RL, yet I couldnt be happier. New Bali Blue color is the best yet. Improved gauges and touch points versus the 06. Integrated fog lights, slight horsepower gain (feels like substantially more), better software, "tweaked" transmission, bluetooth and information center. Interior design improved (toned down those metallic door handles), and carpeted floor mats versus the rubber of old. Im in the business of mechanical devices (I drive a RL to move them), and can attest that several years into a platform enhances reliability.
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The best SUV/Truck in the world! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
By Brent - May 26 - 3:07 pmSimple: Everything is top notch! I get over 550 km per tank -- about 22 mpg. So fun to drive! Love it ! Love it! Love it!
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Not reliable - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
By Randy Gilligan - May 25 - 3:26 pmI had many issues with the Ridgeline, at 18,000 mile front rotor locked up, 30,000 mile tire pressure monitoring sensor went bad, 80,000 blown engine (supposedly from a loose spark plug) and 90,000 compressor for air conditioning needs replacement (leaking).
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Honda Quality - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
By sam - May 18 - 8:08 pmOwned the 2010 Ridgeline for 30 days and 700 miles. Have owned 7 Hondas,all have been excellent vehicles.This is all the truck most people will ever need and rides like a full-size car.
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Open your mind and think about this truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
By boatshop - May 11 - 12:20 amIm one of those who has a lot of use for a truck, but who doesnt much like the traditional pickup arrangement. Honda did an intelligent job of rethinking the pickup and came up with something that for this user, continues to make a whole lot of sense. Ive hauled a great deal with it, from wobbly old wooden boats to loads of lumber, carrying 6500 pounds at 70 mph over hundreds of miles sometimes. This truck can do the work. Meanwhile, I can keep my tools secure in the trunk, not out in an open bed. I can carry long lumber and spars on the roof rack. Its awesome on snowy, variable roads, or blasting down a dirt road at 40 mph. 87k on the first set of tires. Dont get the RT--the seats stain
