Honda Ridgeline

Reviewed by: Jeff Fortson of JeffCars.com
Date: August 2007

Arrival Date:

In the spring of 2005, Honda’s first full-size pick up truck rolled into dealership showrooms.

Target audience:

This is the last vehicle segment, which hasn’t been dominated by the imports. Although Honda doesn’t offer enough variations of this truck to compete with the Big 3 - Ford, Chevy and Dodge, they hope to keep many of their loyal owners and lure some conquest buyers too with the Ridgeline. During June and August, one of the three most traded-in vehicles for the Ridgeline was the popular Ford F-150.

Replaced:

When the Ridgeline was introduced, it entered into an all-new vehicle segment for Honda.

What’s new:

It’s basically a carryover from the previous year, with the exception of a new monochromatic paint scheme on the leather seats.

Body type:

It’s only available as a four-door pick up.

Seating:

The Ridgeline is capable of seating five adults, with its spacious cabin.

Popular Standard Features:

-Dual Zone Automatic Air condition (standard on test vehicle)

-Power Driver seat (standard on test vehicle)

-Power locks (standard on test vehicle)

-Power windows (standard on test vehicle)

-Remote Locks (standard on test vehicle)

-AM/FM/6-disc CD player (standard on test vehicle)

Safety Features/Awards:

- NHTSA ( National Highway Traffic Safety Administration):

*5 out of 5 stars rating for driver & passenger, frontal crash

*5 out of 5 stars rating for front seat and rear seat, side crash

*4 out of 5 star rating for rollovers

-Air Bags (side curtain standard on test vehicle)

-Rollover Sensors

-Vehicle Stability System

-Tire Pressure Monitoring System

-ABS (standard on test vehicle)

-Remote Keyless Feature

-Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls (standard on test vehicle)

Warranty:

Basic warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first)

Powertrain warranty: 3 year or 36,000 mile (whichever comes first)

Maintenance Included: No

Towing Included: No

Engine/Gas Mileage:

3.5L 6-cylinder, 247 horsepower, 15 city/20 highway

Fuel efficiency:

Like the first Fords that rolled off of the assembly line in one color, Honda has taken the same philosophy, offering only a 6-cylinder engine.

Looking forward:

This is Honda’s first time competing in the full-size truck market. If they want to be on par with their competitors, they must consider adding the following configurations – an 8 foot bed, more engine choices, a rear window defroster, daytime running lights and increase the weight and the towing capacity. Honda realizes, until they make the necessary changes, it will be an uphill battle winning over the typical American pick up truck owner, specifically those in the construction or farming industry. As you know, we shouldn’t take Honda lightly, just look at the success story of the Accord and Civic. Within time, Honda will be a true player in this segment, just like the bigger and bolder Toyota Tundra.

What’s so special:

If you’re looking for a good quality vehicle to drive around town or to tow your motor bikes or take care of some light yard work, this is the perfect truck for you. Because of its size, the Ridgeline is easier to navigate when parking, than most of the American trucks.

Furthermore, the Ridgeline I tested came with a lot of nifty standard features – navigational system, leather seats, power sunroof, the lockable truck inside of the cargo area, split fold seats with a cargo area and a dual-action tailgate, open like a regular truck bed and swings out like a car door to allow drivers access to the lockable cargo area.

How much:

The well-equipped Ridgeline I tested, stickered for $35, 725. Unlike its competitors, Honda offers a simple ordering and pricing system, which eliminates customers and dealers ordering non-popular equipment. The Ridgeline can also be ordered with less equipment, which immensely lowers the price.