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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  WILD E COYOTE - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By wILDMAN - April 22 - 8:26 am

  Lacks power compared to V8s available in other manufacturers. Poor fuel economy based on more power needed to accelerate at highway speeds and pulling over hills. Very bumpy ride, rattles in doors, door sills not aligned properly, squeaks.

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  blind taste test - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron Steffens - April 15 - 4:47 pm

  Be prepared for the price to be higher for similar equipment than previous years.That said,theres much more technology in the new model available.

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  2006 Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Yodathejedimacster - April 9 - 1:53 am

  The Ridgeline doesnt ride like my old Toyota truck, its very smooth. The road noise is almost nonexistent. Its easy to step up into the bed w/ the tailgate that swings to the side. The hidden trunk in the bed is great for storing tools & even a cooler. It has plenty of glass all around you for good visability.The cab has all kinds of room, both front & back.

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  Very Practical - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By P.Oehler - March 21 - 7:23 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle, trading in the Chevy Avalanche for it. It was the best decision I have ever made regarding a vehicle purchase. The Ridgelines capabilities are awesome for a small truck/car. It is very fun to drive as well. And with our fuel prices being what they are today, the gas mileage makes it all the better. I have owned my Ridgeline for almost a month now and am so happy with its performance. The body style and function are incredible. I am also the owner of a Mercedes and can honestly say that the Ridgelines ride is a sweet, if not better than the Mercedes. I also feel very safe driving it.

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  Ya got to get one - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ken32851 - March 11 - 5:20 am

  I enjoy the truck a lot. It is loaded and rides great. I dont know I am crusing at 65 MPH on the highway. My only mistake, I wish I got the Navigation system, but couldnt swing the extra cost. For the first truck out - Overall, Id give it a 9 - then again - youd prob like it more - I am picky - LOL. You got to get one - it is fun truck and rides and handles great. I own my truck for 6 months and have 11,000 miles on it with NO problems.

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  My favorite vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bewelder - March 8 - 3:56 am

  We shopped around before we decided on the Ridgeline. The safety features along with the options you can chose make it ideal for everything. It is even great on long trips, everything from gas mileage to comfort.

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  Lovin the Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JH - March 2 - 3:06 am

  I have owned 2 ford trucks a full- sized Bronco, a Bronco II and an Explorer. This Honda blows them all away. It is tight, runs well, and I havent had to take it back to the dealer for major warranty work like every one of the Fords. The ride is fantastic. The trunk and gate remind me of my dads old 57 Ford Fairlane stationwagon. These items are practicle and useable. The Ridgeline may not be a "real truck" but it has done everything Ive asked of it. I cant wait for our first snow storm. If this thing goes in the snow Ford has lost me as a customer forever. And that is saying a lot as my father worked for Ford Motor Company for nearly 30 years.

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  Brakes defective - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bob Akins - March 1 - 9:49 pm

  2017 and presumably 2018 Honda Ridgeline have poor brake rotors. Over heat and warp quickly. Entire vehicle shakes.

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  fun honda - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By kitana - February 29 - 11:30 pm

  Being the first truck from Honda, they went all out on this very user friendly, fun to drive sports truck, with its VTEC V6 engine, theres no problem getting up to the desired speed!

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  Great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By great truck - February 29 - 12:10 am

  Great truck, fuel economy is great for a truck 23-24 mpg on the hwy and 19-20 around town, better than every truck in its class in fuel economy. Rides like a car, handles like a car, has a lot of power for a 6 cylinder. The power rear sliding window is a great. Truck has a lot of storage - the trunk is bigger than most car trunks, can fit 3 golf bags in it and still have some room. Its the perfect truck for a family, can take the family along and still have room for stuff from home depot. The composite bed is nice - dont have to worry about dents or scratches.