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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  better than expected - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Willie - June 18 - 4:43 am

  I have owned this truck for about 1 month now. I am very happy with it my old truck a 2005 f150 which was eating me up in fuel costs but I still wanted a big cab. I got it in this honda but gave up some bed room. Smooth ride and well built have been getting 20+ mpg on hwy and 17 in city. Going on a long trip to Oregon 1800 miles will know better after trip.

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  irratic lane assistance - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gordon Vredenburg - June 15 - 5:43 pm

  Letting me know when I am out of my lane is very erratic on the 2017 Ridgeline. Ill cross over a double yellow line or even a solid white line. Sometimes I will be alerted that I am out of my lane and sometimes it doesnt let me know. Ill do this on purpose just to see what will happen. Even on the same road. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt!

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  WOW - What a first impression - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bblh627 - June 6 - 11:10 pm

  I have only owned my Ridgeline for a couple of days, but what a couple of days it has been. I was not sure I liked the looks of the truck when I first saw it. But after comparing and reviewing other models and trucks I decided to take one for a test drive. I was hooked as soon as I started to drive. The cabin inside is luxiourious, comfortable, and well thought out. Storage space is close to overwhelming with the coolest center console I have ever seen. The truck truly drives like a fine tuned machine with no shacks, shimmies, or jolts: I think it rides better than my Accord EX I just traded in. The power is good and strong and will not leave standing at a stop light. I love my truck

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  Best Truck Ive Owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By David Swain - June 1 - 2:50 pm

  Ive been looking at this vehicle on the net for the past several months. I thought it was just what I needed and so far Ive not been disappointed. It drives like a car, very quiet, smooth, and no creaks, or rattles like some of my other trucks. The trunk is an excellent feature and after several washes and rain storms does not leak. The engine has plenty of power and doesnt boog down on hills. It has plenty of room inside and a ton of storage compartments. They bed is plenty big enough and will carry 4x8 plywood with no problem. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in a truck with plenty of passenger space as well as hauling capacity. Its the best truck Ive owned by far

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  Honda Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By E. Gray - May 23 - 2:40 pm

  Just drove the Ridgline 2,700 miles. Front seats very comfortable for ten hours of steady driving. Ride comfort was pleasant. Avg mpg 21 incl mostly interstate at 65-70 mph. Loved the lockable in bed trunk. Recommend this Honda product for anyone needing the usefulness of truck for small homeowner type jobs and one not requiring a comfortable back seat.

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  Its a Honda! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Doug - May 17 - 8:30 am

  What can I say... its a Honda. And for you non-Honda owners, that is a very good thing. The Ridgeline is built to last, and with usability in mind. They seem to have thought of nearly everything, from rubber floor mats that you can get dirty, to storage pockets everywhere, to a composite bed. If I had one complaint, it would be that the base RT model has too many standard features, making the base truck too expensive in my opinion. The Ridgeline definitely sells itself if you take a one for a test drive.

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  Nice mid size truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Shutty - May 14 - 8:43 am

  This is the nicest riding mid sized truck on the market. Im very happy with mine.

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  My 2013 Honda Sport Review - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By Roy Higgins - May 10 - 7:00 pm

  I highly recommend getting a bed cover. It will help with the mileage. Only other complaint is that the radio reception seems worse that most cars. I love all the storage. You give up some getting a four door short bed, but the truck (under the bed) is huge. I was able to put a table saw in it with plenty of room. The fold up rear seats are great too.

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  Bobs truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bob - April 23 - 7:06 pm

  Love the truck. Wish the rear doors opened wider. Wish the radio had a tuning knob.

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  comfortable, roomy, but god, that whine!!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By David ONeill - April 20 - 3:43 pm

  I have the Firestone tires that appear to be the cause of a subtle high pitched whine. I love the truck and Im enjoying the ride but beware of the road noise.