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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  "Not Just a Truck, Its a Honda" - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By melly mel - September 3 - 10:20 pm

  Ive had my Ridgeline RTL for 2 mths now & I love it. I live in Michigan. I use to sell Hondas & yes, they are quality and reliable vehicles with high resale value. My concerns with the ridgeline is that it doesnt offer rear defrost, tonnuea cover too expensive and when I play the radio, I have to turn the volume up louder than when I play a cd. Also, because of the weight of the vehicle I feel a v-8 would be better but would sacrifice fuel economy unless cylinder deactivation was offered with dual exhaust. Thinking of adding a turbo chrger if i can find one. Honda is working on a v-8 for 2010 if not sooner. Other than that I love and enjoy my truck whenever my wife is not driving it.

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  06 Honda Love It - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By swami - August 28 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this vehicle after researching and test driving everything from a Titan to an F150 and found this vehicle to be exactly what I need. Mileage is very good for a truck and the ride is the best the market has to offer. Havent used the AWD yet, so no comment. I would highly recommend this truck for anyone needing a light duty truck, but needing the carrying capability of a car.

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Edward - July 26 - 1:36 pm

  I didnt appreciate how much I was going to like my Ridgeline until I really got to drive it off the lot to my home. It drives just like a car with all the benefits of a truck. I use the trunk all the time for everything from groceries to my kids band instruments. I havent had any problems or complaints, but then I never expected to. I have owned many Hondas and dont plan on buying anything else. Get your Ridgeline today!

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  What a great vehicle! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By TruckStir - July 25 - 2:50 am

  The Ridgeline is the perfect all- purpose vehicle. It was designed, engineered, and built to be versatile and it lives up to its intent. I was skeptical until I test drove all of its competitors and the Ridgeline on the same day. One stood so far out from the rest that I bought one the next day. It was the Ridgeline.

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  Love IT - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Te - July 5 - 8:23 am

  Bought from out of town dealer.Better deal and correct color. Transmission leaking first day. I returned to local dealer and Honda replaced with new tranny in 2 weeks time I had it back again.I really enjoyed the service dept. and the free loaner. My loaded Ridgeline has no more leaks and drives brand new again. I would buy another one for my wife.

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  alot of truck for a high price - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By james - July 2 - 11:06 am

  The new Honda truck is a very nice truck, but I feel it`s too much money for what you get, You can still get a truck at 80% of a Honda in a Ford 150 at about 10,000- less when ford is on sale. Honda needs to compete. On the truck, it needs more leg room in rear, also the gauges are tilted away from you behind the wheel, that has to change, and for sure you will pull out your back when you try to get something out of that back trunk,you have to lean over the tail gate. And the radio set up is very blah. But the seats and truck looks are very nice.

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  Love, LOVE the Ridgeline! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Seric927 - May 27 - 12:40 am

  I have not had a truck since the late 80s, but needed something to haul cargo. This truck is fun to drive, along with Hondas durability, reliability and resale, I couldnt go wrong! Drives just like the 2003 Accord I traded in. Only wish I would have gotten the Navi system

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  Ridgelinen Special - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lee Hutchins - May 26 - 7:47 pm

  This is my third Ridgeline. 1st 235,000 miles normal service no major repairs, 2nd 171,154 miles normal service no major repairs still use this truck in my work,the 3rd one is my Wife’s. She loves this truck, handling, comfort, fuel mileage, looks, TRUNK, an safety features. Just came back from a 1375 mile trip. Drove About 2 MPH below the speed limit which ranged from 55-80 mostly 65-75. Actual MPG was 24.2. My 2006 & 2012 were & are good & reliable trucks. This new 2017 Ridgeline is better in every way. Can’t say enough good things about the things that count about this new Ridgeline.

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  No Surprises - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Lamar Jackson - May 21 - 5:02 pm

  Having owned several Hondas, including a Gen 1 Ridgeline, this vehicle has been no surprise. The engine is smooth and responsive. Fuel economy is good. The exterior paint is excellent. The interior design, and quality of materials is very nice. Seats 4 adults comfortably, 5 in a pinch. Quiet, smooth, ride. Lots of tech to keep me amused. Lots of storage and versatile.

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  Ridgeline Review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jp - May 2 - 8:20 pm

  I am a first time Honda owner. For a truck, this is the best handling truck by far, that I have experienced. With the independent suspension, the ride is excellent over any type of bumps/potholes that I have encountered. No dancing of the rear end over bumps, like I had in my previous "solid rear axle" vehicle. The 5000 lb towing capacity, and the comfortable, all purpose utilitarian design of the Ridegeline are also very important to me, and I could not find another vehicle that met my requirements as well as the Ridgeline. My spouse also likes the Ridgeline as well as I do, and she is the meticulous/particular type. I expect the Ridgeline to be a very successful vehicle for Honda.