2008 Honda Ridgeline Review

The Ridgeline is Honda's first pickup truck, debuting in 2006. It features an integrated bed and cab, giving it a totally unique look. While it's able to haul half a ton and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, it also offers a full array of standard safety features and a class-leading interior. It has racked up scores of awards in a very short time, including being named "Truck of the Year" in 2006 by Motor Trend, The Detroit News, Maxim, and the North American International Auto Show.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Honda Ridgeline has roared into the truck market putting many competitors to shame. While vehicles built to handle both cruising and hauling are often just cars or SUVs with a tacked-on bed, the Ridgeline delivers a perfect blend of comfort and utility. It won't replace a traditional pickup for tough jobs, but it's more than enough for moving or trips to the lumber yard.

What's New For 2008:

The RTS and RTL have new wheels. The interior fabric has been changed to a one-tone color scheme. Four trims are available: RT, RTX, RTS, and RTL.

Request a free, no-obligation, new 2008 Honda Ridgeline price quote or choose any other model you're interested in and receive the Buying Advice Team's Insider Report for New Car Buyers.

Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$28,000

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
5

Gas Mileage:
15/20

Engine:
3.5L V6

Horsepower:
247@5750RPM

Torque:
245@4500RPM

Transmission:
5 Speed Automatic

Drive:
FR/4WD-FT

Fuel Capacity:
22

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/60000

Rust Warranty:
60/Unlimit

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Ridgeline 4 stars for mechanical quality, and 3 stars in performance and design. Reported problems include engine noise, suspension noise, stuck windows, shifting issues, leaky moonroofs and inaccurate odometers. It was recalled once in 2006 for breaking fuel pump wires. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Ridgeline earned perfect government crash test scores. IIHS scores are not available. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, full side airbags, and stability and traction control come standard.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Tight, car-like handling
+ Strong safety
+ Capable towing and hauling

Cons
- Love it or hate it styling
- No V8
- Won't replace a traditional truck

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Ford Explorer Sport Trac costs a bit less, but has almost 40 less hp and lacks 4WD. The Chevrolet Avalanche costs a few thousand more, has over 70 more hp, but lacks 4WD and has fewer airbags. The more traditional Nissan Frontier, when equipped with a crew cab and 4WD costs the same, but lacks traction control, side airbags, and has less payload capacity.

What Others Are Saying:

"The 2006 Honda Ridgeline is like Vail Colorado, upscale, sophisticated, top-notch, yet wild and wonderful...a fine combination for a great place to live and a great new vehicle...thanks Honda." - The Auto Channel

"Great execution that sets a new standard in pickup gentrification, but woeful styling." - USA Today

"With the passenger space of a large SUV and enough utility to work like a truck, Honda has hit another home run." - Forbes

Read more about the 2008 Honda Ridgeline at the Honda manufacturer web site.

Published on Thursday, January 31, 2008 - Email to a friend

Copyright 2006 BuyingAdvice.com, INC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.

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What do you think?

Road Test: Honda Ridgeline
Read User Comments

Traditional pickup buyers want nothing to do with the Honda Ridgeline. That's because the Ridgeline was never designed to replace the traditional truck. Rather, it's an evolutionary step to fill the new role pickups play: On-road people movers with really big trunks.

Chosen Model Trim:

The RTS is near the top of the Ridgeline lineup, priced at $30,000 and well equipped. Other models include the base RT, RTX and top-of-the-line RTL. Despite the alphabet soup of editions, all Ridgelines come with the same 245 horsepower V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior & Interior features/comforts:

The unique styling of the Ridgeline is due to its car-like unibody construction. To provide extra strength to handle heavier truck duties, there's also a more traditional ladder-type frame woven into the undercarriage. One of the why-didn't-I-think-of-that innovations is a large, water resistant cargo area under the latter half of the bed that can be locked like a trunk, allowing people to secure smaller items like groceries. Inside is typical Honda with the exception of the goofy-sized speedometer, which is easy to read, but out of place in an otherwise logically arranged interior. Since all Ridgelines are crew cabs, seating for five adults isn't a problem, though rear-seat legroom can be tight.

Driving Experience:

The Ridgeline is not designed to be a rugged, off-road workhorse like traditional pickups, but rather a pavement-based passenger vehicle with benefits. The four-wheel drive system is more like a car-based system in that sends power to the front wheels first and then distributes power to the rear depending on slippage. There's also a 50/50-lock mode for off-road or special conditions, but it's limited to the first two gears. With a 247-horsepower V6 as the only engine option, it's not well suited to toting heavy loads. What the Ridgeline does manage to do better than any other truck is provide a car-like ride with impressive handling while still offering the versatility of a pickup and the ability to tackle limited off-road duties when needed.

Summary and My Opinion:

The Ridgeline is the next level of the trend that began with the SUV. People are no longer interested in having multiple cars with specific purposes. They want a single vehicle for all situations and the Ridgeline takes a bold step into what may become the crossover-pickup segment. Most critics agree that the Ridgeline is an outstanding first effort for Honda into the pickup market. By offering car-like characteristics with truck capabilities, Honda has built a vehicle many people never even realized they needed. Now that it's here, it'll rewrite the truck segment.

User Comments

2008 Honda Ridgeline Review discusses a new breed of truck.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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2008 Honda Ridgeline Review