2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline: Road Test

Ridgeline delivers more than adequate go-power, thanks in part to its smooth, responsive transmission. Performance is on par with rival V6 compact pickups, but behind Dodge's Dakota with its available V8. The V6 also may be taxed when asked to meet Ridgeline's 5000-pound towing capacity, or its 1550-pound maximum payload. Fuel economy is passable but nothing to boast about. Test RTLs have averaged 16.2 to 18.3 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Ridgeline's V6 uses regular-grade gasoline. Ride quality is exemplary for a pickup. Comfortably controlled, the ride is marred only by minor thumping on washboard surfaces. Honda's class-exclusive independent rear suspension cushions bumps better than most solid-axle competitors. On the steering/handling front, Ridgeline drives more like a car or minivan than a typical pickup. Still, Ridgeline's ample height and heft translate to body lean and moderate noseplow in fast turns. Steering is too light at low speeds, but relatively tight turning circle aids parking-lot maneuverability. Braking is strong and sure. For a pickup, Ridgeline is impressively quiet. Honda's refined V6 rises only to a muted, classy growl at full throttle. Road noise is no worse than in most passenger cars. Wind rush ranks below the pickup norm at highway speeds, even with the sliding rear window open. Honda-typical gauges complement large, simple, handy controls. The optional navigation system is easy to use and does not absorb climate controls. Like Honda's Pilot, the Ridgeline has its shift lever on the steering column, suffering the same imprecise movement that allows it to overshoot Drive from Reverse or Park. The cabin pleases with metal-look accents, inviting soft-touch surfaces, and high-grade materials. Headroom is adequate for six-footers with the RTL-available sunroof, and ample otherwise. Leg space is fine, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. Ridgeline's rear-roof design hinders over-the-shoulder vision, but no problems are evident elsewhere. Step-in is slightly elevated compared to cars and minivans, but low for a pickup. Ridgeline mimics the Pilot with good rear-seat room for two adults, or three in a pinch. But seat padding is a bit thin for best comfort, the cushion is rather flat, and the backrest is too upright. No-strain entry/exit is a bonus, though door openings could be larger. With the tailgate dropped, the cargo bed carries 4x8-foot sheets flat. Even then, floor length is just 6.5 feet, and most rivals offer long-box options. On the other hand, the tailgate's swing-open feature is nifty. So is the in-bed "trunk" with its 8.5 cubic feet of covered, lockable space-enough for three regular golf bags, Honda claims. Useful in-cab cargo space beneath the rear seat becomes generous with the cushions flipped up. There's ample small-item storage, too.

Value for the Money
Ridgeline blends pickup utility with carlike civility in a solid, sensible, Honda-style package. The light-duty design won't suit hardcore truckers, but they aren't likely to be Honda-shopping anyway. Ridgeline should meet the needs of families and recreational users--just as Honda intended. Innovative pickup features help give Ridgeline a Recommended rating, but strong resale value translates to hefty prices on the used-pickup market.