2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2006 Honda Ridgeline
2008 Honda Ridgeline
View the Photo Gallery

2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline ▼

  • Price Range:  $14,100 - $23,900
CG Rating

61

out of 100

About our Road Test

Reviews & Ratings

Pricing

Explore

Specifications & Safety

Related to Honda Ridgeline

Related Reviews

View Another Vehicle

Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Ride
  • Passenger comfort (front seat)
  • Cargo room
  • Control layout and materials
  • Quietness

Cons

  • Visibility (rear)
  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Honda's first pickup truck was a compact-class five-passenger, four-door crew cab with a five-foot cargo bed. Several Ridgeline design features were unusual in the pickup market, including an independent rear suspension rather than a solid axle, and unibody construction as opposed to traditional body-on-frame. Made of dent-resistant plastic, the cargo box had a steel-reinforced floor that incorporated a locking "trunk" bin at the rear. The two-way drop-down/swing-out tailgate also set Ridgeline apart from the pack. Six tie-down cleats in the bed are capable of holding 350 pounds each. Competitors included the Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma, but Ridgeline had a shape and feel all its own, distanced from traditional domestic-model pickups. Sole powertrain was the same 255-horsepower V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission used in Honda's Pilot SUV. Ridgeline borrowed the Pilot's VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system, too. The system normally powers the front wheels and engages the rear wheels when the front tires slip. Though Ridgeline was not designed for severe off-road use and lacked low-range gearing, a dashboard button could lock in a 50/50 front/rear power split for extra traction. RT, RTS, and top-of-the-line RTL models were offered. Exclusive to RTL versions were such features as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, and navigation system. All models had front bucket seats and a 60/40-split rear bench, with cushions that flipped up to increase in-cab storage space. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes, antiskid/traction control, and 17-inch wheels were standard. So were front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Covering both seating rows, the curtains were designed to deploy in a side impact or when sensors detected an impending rollover. Ridgeline's transmission shift lever was mounted on the steering column. Between the front seats, a center console could slide fore and aft by several inches, to customize storage space.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Honda Ridgeline RTL Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 8
Total Score: 61
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline.

Year to Year Changes


2007 Honda Ridgeline: XM satellite radio became standard on the RTS model, along with a moonroof. All Ridgelines gained a lighted vanity mirror. A new RTX trim level stood above the base RT. Otherwise, little change was evident on 2007 models.
2008 Honda Ridgeline: The 2008 Honda Ridgeline got no major changes.

Our road test for the 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Honda Ridgeline RTL Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 8
Total Score: 61

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Honda Ridgeline includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Honda Ridgeline .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: The transmission may not shift back up into fourth gear after a kick-down requiring reprogramming of the powertrain control module. (2006-07)

Engine noise: Noise or roughness during turning is usually caused by the VTM fluid being contaminated by clutch wear or condensation requiring drain and refill. (2006-07)

Odometer: Due to a class action suit claiming that the odometers were reading high, the company extended the mileage warranty by 5 percent. (2006)

Sunroof/moonroof: Moonroof may leak and the gasket and/or glass may have to be replaced. (2006-07)

Suspension noise: Noise from the front when going over bumps could be due to the bolts that mount the steering gear become loose. (2006)

Windows: The rear window may not go up or down because the glue attaching it to the regulator fails. (2006)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $555
Alternator $310
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $955
Brakes $390
Constant Velocity Joints $1,985
Exhaust System $550
Radiator $600
Shocks and/or Struts $940
Timing Chain or Belt $310
Our price chart for this generation Honda Ridgeline details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
Ridgeline RT, RTX $20,000-22,000 $18,400-20,200 $13,000-14,300
Ridgeline RTS, RTL $22,000-26,000 $20,200-23,900 $14,300-16,900
2007
Ridgeline RT, RTX $17,500-19,200 $16,100-17,700 $11,200-12,300
Ridgeline RTS, RTL $19,200-22,500 $17,700-20,700 $12,500-14,600
2006
Ridgeline RT $15,500-17,000 $14,100-15,500 $9,900-10,900
Ridgeline RTS, RTL $17,000-19,000 $15,600-17,500 $10,900-12,200
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Honda Ridgeline include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification crew cab
Wheelbase, in. 122.0
Overall Length, in. 206.8
Overall Width, in. 87.3
Overall Height, in. 70.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 4494
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1558
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.8
Rear Head Room, in. 39.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 36.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only a single powertrain has been available in Ridgelines: a 255-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
ohc V6 3.5 / 212 255 252 5-speed automatic: 16/21 5-speed automatic: 18.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Canada
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Honda Ridgeline include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2006 Ridgeline
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2006: A coil wire inside the fuel pump relay may break, causing the fuel pump to lose power and the engine not to start. Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump relay free of charge.
2008: The hood support rod may fail to hold the hood in position, increasing risk of injury, because the hole in the sheet metal front bulkhead that serves as the base and pivot point for the hood support rod was not punched to specification. Dealers will inspect the prop rod base hole and, if necessary, install reinforcement parts free of charge.

2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline Buying Resources

Search Local Listings
Sell Your Car
Free CARFAX Record Check

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

cars.com
submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement

Buyers Services

Advertisement