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2008 Honda Ridgeline Full Review
Date Published: 11/18/08
Also in the 2008 Honda Ridgeline Review:
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Honda Ridgeline Full Review
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2008 Honda Ridgeline Review
The 2008 Honda Ridgeline gets no major changes. This pickup truck is a compact-class five-passenger 4-door crew cab with a 5-foot-long cargo bed and standard all-wheel drive. Ridgeline has several design features unusual to pickups, including independent rear suspension and crossover-style unibody construction. Its cargo box is dent-resistant plastic with a steel-reinforced floor that houses a covered well at the rear. The tailgate drops down or swings out. The sole powertrain is a 247-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb. Ridgeline lacks a low-range gear for off-roading, but a dashboard button locks in a 50/50 front/rear power split. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. The rear window has a power sliding center section. Ridgeline comes in four trim levels. Exclusive to the top-line RTL model are leather upholstery, heated front seats, sunroof, and navigation system.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.
Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.
Our Best Buy is the Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Dakota, Honda Ridgeline, and Nissan Frontier.
News
Ridgeline is still pretty new, so expect no big changes for the next few years. A possible exception is the fuel-saving VCM cylinder-deactivation system already used in Honda's Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV, which share Ridgeline's V6. Another prospect involves optional diesel power. Honda plans to offer "clean diesel" vehicles in North America by 2009 with next-generation 4-cyl and V6 engines. The latter would certainly suit Ridgeline and provide much higher fuel economy than today's gas V6, but we'll have to wait and see which models Honda decides to "dieselize".
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2008 Honda Ridgeline Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Ride/handling balance | No long-bed option |
| Refinement | Acceleration when towing |
| Build quality | No powertrain options |
| Passenger room/comfort | |
| Standard AWD | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Better than adequate go, thanks in part to a smooth, responsive transmission. Ridgeline is on par with rival compact pickups with V6s--but behind Dodge Dakota with its available V8. V6 also may be taxed when asked to meet Ridgeline's 5000-lb towing capacity or 1558-lb maximum payload.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.9 |
Better than adequate go, thanks in part to a smooth, responsive transmission. Ridgeline is on par with rival compact pickups with V6s--but behind Dodge Dakota with its available V8. V6 also may be taxed when asked to meet Ridgeline's 5000-lb towing capacity or 1558-lb maximum payload.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, Ridgeline RTLs averaged 16.2-18.3 mpg. Ridgeline uses regular-grade gas.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Ridgeline RTLs averaged 16.2-18.3 mpg. Ridgeline uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Exemplary for a pickup. Comfortably controlled, spoiled only by minor thumping on washboard surfaces. Ridgeline's independent rear suspension cushions bumps better than nearly all solid-axle-equipped competitors.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.6 |
Exemplary for a pickup. Comfortably controlled, spoiled only by minor thumping on washboard surfaces. Ridgeline's independent rear suspension cushions bumps better than nearly all solid-axle-equipped competitors.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Drives more like a car or minivan than a typical pickup. Still, Ridgeline's height and heft mean a fair amount of body lean, and noseplow in fast turns. Steering feel is too light at low speeds, but a relatively tight turning circle aids parking lot maneuverability. Braking is strong and sure.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.9 |
Drives more like a car or minivan than a typical pickup. Still, Ridgeline's height and heft mean a fair amount of body lean, and noseplow in fast turns. Steering feel is too light at low speeds, but a relatively tight turning circle aids parking lot maneuverability. Braking is strong and sure.
Quietness
Again, impressive for a pickup. The refined V6 rises only to a classy growl at full throttle. Road noise is no worse than in most cars. Wind noise always heard at highway speeds, even with the sliding rear window open.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.5 |
Again, impressive for a pickup. The refined V6 rises only to a classy growl at full throttle. Road noise is no worse than in most cars. Wind noise always heard at highway speeds, even with the sliding rear window open.
Controls
Honda-typical gauges. Controls are simple, but some radio adjustments require a stretch. The same goes for the available navigation system, but it doesn't absorb any audio or climate controls, which is a big plus. Ridgeline has a steering column-mounted transmission shift lever with the slightly imprecise movement that allows it to overshoot Drive from Reverse or Park.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.9 |
Honda-typical gauges. Controls are simple, but some radio adjustments require a stretch. The same goes for the available navigation system, but it doesn't absorb any audio or climate controls, which is a big plus. Ridgeline has a steering column-mounted transmission shift lever with the slightly imprecise movement that allows it to overshoot Drive from Reverse or Park.
Details
Ridgeline's cabin is more than serviceable, but overuse of hard plastic trim disappoints. Assembly quality mostly top notch.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.7 |
Ridgeline's cabin is more than serviceable, but overuse of hard plastic trim disappoints. Assembly quality mostly top notch.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Headroom is six-footer adequate with RTL's standard sunroof, ample otherwise. Fine legroom, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. The rear-roof design hinders over-the-shoulder vision, but no problems elsewhere. Thick roof pillars an obstruction to visibility all around, with view to the rear especially compromised.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.6 |
Headroom is six-footer adequate with RTL's standard sunroof, ample otherwise. Fine legroom, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. The rear-roof design hinders over-the-shoulder vision, but no problems elsewhere. Thick roof pillars an obstruction to visibility all around, with view to the rear especially compromised.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Good rear-seat room for two adults, three if necessary. Seat padding is a bit thin for best comfort, the cushion is rather flat, and the backrest is too upright. No-strain entry and exit, though door openings could be larger.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 2.7 |
Good rear-seat room for two adults, three if necessary. Seat padding is a bit thin for best comfort, the cushion is rather flat, and the backrest is too upright. No-strain entry and exit, though door openings could be larger.
Cargo Room
Ridgeline's cargo bed carries 4x8 sheets flat with the tailgate dropped. Even then, floor length is just 6.5 ft, and most rivals offer long-box options. The tailgate's swing-open feature is nifty. Ditto the in-bed "trunk" with 8.5 cu ft of covered, lockable space--enough for three regular golf bags, Honda says. Useful in-cab cargo space beneath rear seat becomes generous with the cushions flipped up. Small-item storage is ample, thanks to a large console, glovebox, and assorted handy bins.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.6 |
Ridgeline's cargo bed carries 4x8 sheets flat with the tailgate dropped. Even then, floor length is just 6.5 ft, and most rivals offer long-box options. The tailgate's swing-open feature is nifty. Ditto the in-bed "trunk" with 8.5 cu ft of covered, lockable space--enough for three regular golf bags, Honda says. Useful in-cab cargo space beneath rear seat becomes generous with the cushions flipped up. Small-item storage is ample, thanks to a large console, glovebox, and assorted handy bins.
Value within Class
This Recommended pick blends pickup-truck utility with carlike civility in a solid, sensible, Honda-style package. The light-duty design won't suit hard-core truckers but should meet the needs of families and recreational users, as Honda intends. Innovative pickup features and Honda's solid reputation for reliability make it well worth consideration.
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.8 |
This Recommended pick blends pickup-truck utility with carlike civility in a solid, sensible, Honda-style package. The light-duty design won't suit hard-core truckers but should meet the needs of families and recreational users, as Honda intends. Innovative pickup features and Honda's solid reputation for reliability make it well worth consideration.
Total Score
| RTL w/navigation | Class Average |
| 61 | 49.7 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 35 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 61 |
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2008 Honda Ridgeline Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/16/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| RT crew cab | $28,000 | $25,362 | $670 |
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| RTX crew cab | $29,500 | $25,814 | $670 |
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| RTS crew cab | $30,425 | $27,553 | $670 |
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| RTL crew cab | $33,090 | $29,961 | $670 |
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| RTL crew cab w/navigation | $35,090 | $31,769 | $670 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| Ridgeline | 1.9%-3.9% financing. | Customer | 12/01/08 |
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| Ridgeline | $3500 dealer incentive. | Dealer | 12/01/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
RT
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, traction control, locking rear axle.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power sliding rear window, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo-box light, in-bed storage box, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front and rear tow hooks, 245/65R17 tires.
RTX adds to RT:
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow hitch, trailer wiring, alloy wheels.
RTS adds to RTX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic air conditioning, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel radio controls, outside-temperature indicator.
RTL adds to RTS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, satellite radio, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2008 Honda Ridgeline Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Ridgeline crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 122.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 206.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 70.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4491 |
| 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.
Engines
| sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /212 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 247 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 245 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 15/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Ridgeline crew cab |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear 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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Canada
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Honda Ridgeline Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Honda Ridgeline Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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