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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  Like Nothing Else, In a Great Way! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By travelindog - May 5 - 9:11 pm

  Very pleased after 35,000 miles! Great in the snow and serves my hauling and occasional off road needs just great. Ive owned Chevy, Dodge and Ford trucks, and this Ridge is the best vehicle Ive owned, period. My hats off to Honda engineers and designers who obviously had their hats on straight when they drew up this vehicle. Would suggest that anyone considering a light pickup truck take a look at this.

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  My best vehicle yet! - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By 209flyboy - May 4 - 6:31 pm

  If you dont need to tow your 8000 lb. house around and are looking for an excellent family utility vehicle, ride, comfort and reliability, this is the truck for you. Sometimes I forget Im driving a pickup. The rear seats have a pull down center arm rest with cup holders which is a blessing when the kids are riding with me. I like the huge trunk space under the rear deck and the two way deck door opening. I carry my golf clubs under the lift up back seats. Just finished a 3600 mile round trip from California to Texas and back which was very comfortable. Avg. 21.8 MPG over the whole trip. High Grade Michelin tires are supplied on alloy wheels. You cant go wrong with this truck.

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  Nice - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By ejb - April 22 - 1:07 am

  A terrific happy medium. Very functional as a family car, work car and a hauler. Well designed inside and out. I ordered an aftermarket bed cover with lock which makes the bed like a huge trunk. Gas mileage could be improved and a little more power would help. My truck had an unusual whistle at certain speeds from wind noise. A Honda dealership worked hard to fix the problem. They added a sunroof wind protector and bug shield in front which solved the problem.

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  Its a Keeper - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Patrick - April 2 - 12:00 pm

  Has all the things in need in a pickup, all I read is that they have no power etc. BS. I traded in a 02 Silverado 5.3 V-8 and can honestly no tell much difference at all. But the gas mileage is much better. Dont listen to Non-Owners theyre full of it. Only listen or talk to owners for there input.

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  Could not be happier - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By John B - March 29 - 8:33 am

  Love it! Thats just for starters. I honestly report that, on interstate highways, I will get over 24 mpg and sometimes as high as 27. I have the moon roof, luggage rack (not necessary), towing package from Honda. I added a thick rubber flooring to the bed, stainless steel Nerf bars, and a folding tonneau cover from after market sources. The rear passengers say it is very comfortable and quiet. The dual action tailgate is a stroke of genius.

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  A gentlemans truck - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By victor brunst - March 26 - 7:17 pm

  My Ridgeline is great - it is comfortable, has enough power, great handling and very practical. I especially like the rear window opening feature which allows cross ventilation. Dual climate controls and heated front seats are a luxury found in more expensive cars. Fit and finish are perfect, everything works. it is SO QUIET! I was very positively impressed with the Michelin tires which handle very well. Do NOT find any problems with braking or stopping distances as mentioned by Edmunds. One problem I have is wind noise on the drivers side coming from the mirror. It starts at about 60 miles but disappears when the mirror is folded. Am taking it to the dealer next - hopefully they can fix it.

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  One of the Best Vehicles I have owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron B - March 25 - 7:02 pm

  I have owned several pickup trucks over the years. They all drove and rode like a truck. I almost purchased the Honda Pilot after driving it and then I knew I would regret not getting a truck so I drove the Ridgeline. That was a mistake. It was part SUV and part Truck. I could not believe the manner in which it drove. The truck handled very, very well. I pull a small Casita Travel Trailer and it pulls it without any problems. We love this truck and would not trade it for anything else available anywhere. It is just the right size for what we use it for. It doubles as a very nice SUV and a very nice Truck. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a great vehicle. Its a Honda!

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  Love the truck, hate the seats - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By readycash - March 14 - 10:19 am

  Purchased new in 2007. Now at about 35k. No problems at all. Truck handles great in bad weather. Better than the Jeep Wrangler we had prior. The trunk is a great feature. Michelin tires still look new. Perfect vehicle for someone who wants utility. Only complaint is the cloth seats on mine stain way to easily, even water like has been mentioned in previous reviews. I am going to have mine re-covered with leather.

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  Bought when first released - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By MAD - February 23 - 6:13 pm

  I got my Ridgeline in April of 05 when they were first released. I was driving an 04 Acura TSX and loved it, but needed more utility, and certainly got it! Love the "regular" opening rear doors, split folding rear seats, trunk, bed extender, bed lights, multi- opening tailgate, power, 4wd. Much more useful truck than my 01 Silverado with the "suicide" rear half doors and non-split folding rear seat somewhat better gas mileage. I stopped commuting a couple of years ago so havent racked up the miles like I used to, but no issues other than the [common] one below. A great car/truck/suv all rolled into one!

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  Nissan Owner NO MORE - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By cmiller65 - February 23 - 10:45 am

  I have always owned Nissan vehicles for performance and rugged reliability. My Ridgeline was a 2009 leftover so it was worth looking at for the price. Simply put, the most fundamental, practical, and comfortable vehicle ever made.