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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  Supercrew Convert - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By R Nuckles - November 23 - 4:00 pm

  I bought my Ridgeline about a month ago while traveling with my family from Cincinnati to San Antonio. My 2001 F- 150 Supercrew 4x4 5.4L with only 79k miles experienced a repeated stalling problem that my dealer at home, and the one I stopped at in Memphis could not diagnose or fix. Being fed up with my second unfixable Ford of the year, I walked 3 blocks down the street to a Honda dealer and purchased my Ridgeline that afternoon. Though I had read its reviews,I was absolutely dumbfounded by how incredible it was to drive, how roomy its interior was. I own a boat, have a wife, 2 sons and 2 dogs and the Honda handles them all as well or better than my F-150, and handles like a touring sedan.

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  2009 Honda RT Ridgeline - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ed - November 23 - 9:38 am

  I bought a Ridgeline 3 weeks ago. Have used it for hauling dirt bikes, firewood and took it deer hunting in the woods. This thing does it all for the everyday man. Not for the contractor worker. Runs great, peppy, hugs the road - no lean. First out I did trip displays, got 18.2 - 20.3 mpg. Not bad for 500 miles on it. Compares to mpg on my Chevy silverado. Roomy front and back seats and lots of storage. Love the trunk idea. Works great for locking the chain saw in and other valuables. A good all-around multi-use vehicle for the everyday dad/man.

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  Great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By big guy - November 22 - 8:00 am

  It just runs great in all weather conditions and is fun to drive and is comfortable

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  Good Choice - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richie - November 10 - 11:07 am

  We were looking for a versatile vehicle, the Ridgeline RTS fits the bill perfectly. We didnt need a work horse like a Ford 150 or GMC mule. I dont need to run off road over rocks and through rivers. The Ridgeline is very comfortable, quiet and the styling does turn heads. Getting 17 in the city and have seen 22.8 on the highway. Use cruise control for best mileage. I enjoy having a good handling vehicle for hauling those lighter loads and towing my 20 boat If you are a not in need of a big truck and want reasonable utility, this is your vehicle. Take it from me, you wont be sorry.

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  Glad I got one - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ken young - October 30 - 12:56 pm

  Still like the truck get to blend in with everyday pickup trucks , when people notice it they come up talk to you about it

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  #1 Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ed L. - October 29 - 6:53 am

  This truck has been so much fun and works great on the sand as well on the pavement. If youre looking for a truck with pizzazz and durability the Ridgeline is the answer!

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  Fun to drive all the time - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By BC - October 22 - 7:34 pm

  Bought my ridgeline 19 months ago I look forward to driving it every day. Im in outside sales so this truck is my office and lunchroom. What a vehicle for those contemplating a truck purchase. Dont overlook this vehicle. Im averaging 19-20 mpg. Ive owned chevys, gmcs and fords - this truck is the best of the best.

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  I Miss My Ridge - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By WhatWasIThinking? - October 21 - 10:59 am

  I bought an RTL in May of 2007. I loved it but traded it 15 months later on a 2008 Jeep Saraha Unlimited. I knew very quickly that I had made a BIG mistake. The Ridgeline is just a great truck. It tows reasonable weights with ease. People are critical of the mileage, but it is a truck. It has the convenience of a truck, the towing of a truck, and the ride of a car. I love the convenience and security of the in bed trunk. The ride and comfort was fabulous. My next purchase will be a New 2010 Ridgeline RTL with navigation! Dont make the mistake that I made. If you want a do just about anything truck, at a reasonable price, with a good track record of reliability the Ridgeline is the best choice!

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  "I love my City Boy Truck" - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Alex - October 12 - 2:51 pm

  I bought my Ridgeline about 2 months ago when they first came out and I am In Love!!! This is my first truck and 2nd Honda (06 Honda Accord) and I have found the perfect truck for me. I live in the city and just need a truck on weekends and moving stuff once in a while. This is perfect, the Ridgeline is so quiet and drives like a SUV. I sometimes forget that I am driving a truck. Gas is not an issue, I have to fill it up once a week if that. the technology is great. Apple Carplay, Bluetooth, Navigation, rear view and side view cameras, its all there! the Inside is comfortable, quiet and has tons of storage space. When I am stopped at a stop light people stare, so being one of the first to drive around in one of these is pretty cool too. Highly recommend this truck for people like me that dont need a big Truck for their everyday lives but for the people that drive to the office back and forth Monday through Friday but need that extra truck space every once in a while.

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  Ridgeline is an Awesome Vehicle! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By R. Stearns - October 12 - 3:26 am

  I love everything about my Ridgeline. The backseat is very comfortable, and surprisingly roomy. The in-bed trunk makes a big difference over other trucks. The back-up camera is a must- have, makes it so much safer, especially with kids around. A very fun car to drive!