2009 Honda Ridgeline Review - Kelley Blue Book

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2009 Honda Ridgeline. As a brand, Honda has been known to push the boundaries of automotive engineering. So it is not surprising that a pickup truck built by the Japanese automaker would be a bit different from other pickup trucks.
The American formula for a pickup truck has for a long time favored V8 engines, solid rear axles and a body-on-frame design. In bold contrast, the Honda Ridgeline features an efficient V6 engine, independent rear suspension, all-wheel drive and car-like unibody construction. Other features including a dual-hinged tailgate and in bed storage help the Ridgeline standout as an enticing alternative for non-traditional truck buyers. For more new car reviews, interviews and automotive news visit www.kbb.com today.

[@jsyn1992]

i work at a honda dealership and i get to drive these trucks daily. The ridgeline is one badass truck!

[@epicman148]

Why do people think it's so ugly I think I looks great

[@coleomo]

this truck is looking better the older it gets in my opinion. has that nice boxy shape not really any pickup trucks have these days.

[@xd9x19]

Good review. I've had my Ridgeline for 4 years now and it's been a great truck. Only less-than-great thing about it has been the gas mileage. Zero dollars spent on anything other than regular maintenance. The ride surpassed by far any other so-called "real truck" out there. Handling is exceptional and the truck feels like it's glued to the road. I'm 6'1" and it would be nice to have a few more inches of leg room in the front, however. I'd buy another one if I ever needed to replace it.

[@jtlovespi2493]

350,000+ miles, original engine, and still using it as a daily driver. Going Strong!

[@shadowman1992]

Do you still have it ? Is it still going strong ?

[@gregsandy6560]

I own a 2007 Honda Ridgeline, there isn't enough space on the site to tell you how great this vehicle is. We were in an ice storm in Bella Vista Ar. There was a 1/2 inch of ice on the ground and on the truck. It got us out of Ar (very hilly) and on the highway.There were trucks of every brand stuck every where. You hear the truck take over the wheel traction control constantly. It got us home. It's truly amazing truck I still have it 2017 runs GREAT no problems.

[@arthursmith643]

Greg Sandy you must have gotten a good one. My friend bought a 06 brand new. Replaced most parts with 87,000 miles including timing belt kit. Sold it to me with 104,000 miles brand new tires and brakes in Jan 2018. It's looks just like the one in the video. Same color silver. With rear tonneau cover.

[@TomTomTom87]

I'm thinking of getting a 2008 Honda Ridgeline RT, maybe I'm crazy but the seats feel really stiff and uncomfortable?!

[@gregsandy6560]

Gorden, ours seats are very comfy and we love the vehical it is well mantaned we have followed all the services.

[@TomTomTom87]

Greg Sandy thanks for the reply, can I ask which model you have - RT, RTL, etc? And is there any issue you think I should look out for? I’m new to these trucks but love what I’m reading about them

[@gregsandy6560]

@@TomTomTom87 I believe it is the RTL . The age of these vehicals are getting up there. I 've seen about 150000 is the norm. All I can tell you is what we've had done on our Ridgeline, this was a repaired head liner air conditioner problem. Had the truck checked out it think it was the past owner let out the freon. The way we bought it was on a repo. From a bank they just wanted there money. There is an avenue to check out. Also Peach Tree city were there are a bunch of retire people. I meet a service head at a gas station he told me don't sell they last forever and do not break. Be careful when buying bring yourr future purchase into the dealer to get checked out. It will cost but better be safe then sorry. Best idvice I can give Gorden best of luck G.

[@Fishwagon22]

I love the look of this truck the back looks like a chevy avalanche but I love my Honda Ridgeline

[@GoatRoper911]

Best truck that I ever owned. I had almost all of them too. Dodge Ram and dakota, Chevy big and small,Ford, and Toyota. It is fast and has amazing suspension and the fuel mileage is good at 18 city. But the best thing is the stereo. Amazing and I finally have a truck that i don't have to put a system in..

[@arthursmith643]

729,000 miles 07 Honda Ridgeline. Conventional oil and filter every 10,000 miles.

[@valleytractorservices9310]

You should make a video on it!

[@Cooldad310]

Wow i'm buying one!

[@zingymantella590]

I'm switching to conventional oil!

[@alzaraza]

No transmission issues? Impressive!

[@AfaanOromostock-]

Liars you.. where's video?

[@beatleknight1]

Great truck. My Ford Ranger was junk in comparison. My dad's F-150 was nice but still not as good. The Ridge is smoother, more comfortable, and overall a better value. Plus, it's got that great Honda reliability. I still like the F-150 but I like the Ridge even more. 4 years and 56k miles later and people still think it's a new truck. No sign of rust anywhere.

[@gregsandy6560]

The 2007 Honda Ridgeline which I still own is an outstanding truck, It fills or needs 100%. It pulls a 20' deck boat which was the lightest in its class, 5000 pd tung weight I feel, with no problem. We were caught in an ice storm in Bella Vista Arkansas. The ice on the Honda Ridgeline was over 1/2 inch thick we could not open the doors. On the highway every make of truck could be found either in diches or rolled over. One spatular roll over was a brand new Dodge Ram all I saw was the head light going round and round down the embankment littering the Hwy. The break system / Traction control on the Honda you could hear working its butt off on the ice. It was scary as all get out, but the Honda got us home in one piece. GREAT TRUCK.

[@thefastandthefurious1]

I recently bought an 06 ridgeline with 215000 km's and it runs like new. I don't know who had it before me but damn the body and paint look near perfect and the engine and tranny run smooth as silk. I had a 2005 F150 but sold it because the Ridgeline was twofold better. So many cool features of this ride! Neat little storage spaces, comfort, leather, reliability, and I installed an audio system that makes my head shake! I can't recommend this vehicle enough. I love Honda. I had an 09 Civic before this that I bought brand new so I know this Ridgeline runs like new. I'll never buy an American truck again! J-spec trucks all the way!

[@rickcochranerealestate]

GT -R how many kms now?

[@robertberin4872]

@@rickcochranerealestate It cost more than a Nissan Frontier yet I can't find a single one on sale with more than 220k Miles. Why?

[@klatup]

To me the Honda fit with the type of persons who love Subarus (i am one) which dont want to be hard core Jeeps ( i respect & admire then too) but like to do some off road too.So Honda Ridgeline is for the kind of person who like to tow few light things & do some offroad too.Perfect because we are a few not the mass.

[@OneLBil]

I was a long time full-size chevy P/U owner and flipped to the Ridgeline 2 years ago. Still carries a full 4x8 sheet in the bed and cruises in the snow. great car, good stiff ride with a very solid and stable feel. more room in cab for people then my extended chevy. 2008 RTX

[@gmoneygnice1546]

I could have bought a real truck but I couldn't pass up this multipurpose vehicle. I like it a lot

[@mraccent]

It is what it is, a very versatile LIGHT truck. No, you're not going to Haul a multi-car trailer with it, nor are you going to do a serious amount of off roading, but really ... how many people need that. I just bought one (didn't want to at the time, but glad I did now), it does everything I ever needed out of my 2 Ram 1500s and my F250, plus it'll still be worth something a few years down the road.

[@XxITZRAPTORxX]

I am a Ridgeline owner. Pros: lots of storage, awsome navigation system,spacious,nice interior,very comfortable ride,in bed trunk,great off-road,great stability control. Cons: mpg and people bitching too much about this great SUT. If you dont like it, don't buy.It's simple.

[@Toolshed76]

The Swiss Army Knife of trucks, I just wish I could afford one.

[@AfaanOromostock-]

U can

[@TheHoveybuilt]

I had a Dodge Ram 1500 SLT quad cab 4x4 offroad Bought new in 2001. I put 186,000m on it. Loved it. And now I love my Honda great 4 my dirt bikes & can load my gang box in it 2. Its very practical & my 2 monstrous Labs like it 2. If u need blocks or pallet of shingle get it delivered. Its a practical 4wd 4 what u want & need. Might need a rack 4 my kayaks

[@DisneyMusicVideos]

My dad may buy this truck sometime next year. I really hope he does cause it looks cool & would be a nice upgrade from his 2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

[@lasershow215]

I usually average around 15-16. The other day doing all highway I got just shy of 21 doing about 65ish for 70 miles. I was pretty impressed actually haha.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I was thinking of getting one, but that mileage seems dismal. My Fit gets twice that, so it would be hard to start using a gas guzzler for a daily driver.

[@waynevaughan5815]

i love the Honda ridge line

[@MortadinTheDwarf]

As a Honda technician, I can tell you that we've never seen any of those truck have ANY serious trouble... even after high mileage, this post is not to down any other compagny. but to say this truck is well designed even if it's capacity isnt made for hardcore work, It would be for the family that want to go on a trip with 2 motorcycle on the back or a quad during summer.

[@Fritzw911]

my favorite truck that i have ever owned.

[@educortazarc]

It handles great

[@ibaneziceman2007]

The Ridgeline is like a step above an S10 or similar sized truck. The difference is that it can haul more but it's not a full size truck and it's not a little truck like Rangers or S10s.

[@TheCarArchives96]

the engine on the 2005-present Honda Ridgeline Engine 3.5 L 250 hp V6

[@gregsandy6560]

Someone said something about the suspension "which is fantastic". I can only talk about my 2007 Honda Ridgeline "as reference" When they pick it up for service the wheel travel is unbelievable. The wheels keep dropping down, It has a large amount of wheel travel. I can't rotate the tires. My jack can't lift the Honda high enough and I have a really good hydraulic jack. The tires are always on the ground . 2020 still runs GREAT no problems. NOT FOR SALE

[@ZH0710]

Would you sell it?

[@Jufullback35]

i wish they'd make a full size version

[@skai30]

This is a great out standing truck and recommend it to anyone

[@bewd6797]

Best car in it's class!

[@wtrdogg20]

I really dont see the car was made to be a hardcore competitor against big trucks like F-150 or Dodge Ram...I think this truck is a really good for a family, as someone said: to get one or two motorcycles, outdoor gear, fishing and things like that. It is not a heavy duty truck. It is an SUV with some features that you can find in a truck, comfortable for long trips and functional. I really like it. If I want a truck for heavy work, give an F-150.

[@morrowind22]

its amazing!

[@streetsNY]

An advice to all the owners like me. If you see children around you just never back up. When you park always do it so you don't have to back up when you are leaving.

[@joek0617]

@XxITZRAPTORxX well, good luck with off raod, towing, hauling, and any other things a pickup is used for, the ridgeline is a unibody, no c channel and tube frame, just sheet metal

[@Ntsesman]

@Scotty6211 and a regular truck with a frame bed can?

[@rider56AK907]

@xmodrock well ya your moms explorer is a truck, this is an crossover with a pick-up bed

[@upsidedowndog1256]

It drives like a real truck should. It replaces my 84 Nissan pickup. A solid boxed in frame. Nissan and everyone else forgot that aspect. I like this Ridgeline.

[@xmodrock]

@chinchillawrangler no my mom did.. so i went with her to check it out while i was visiting.. and its not exactly what i expected.. we bought the explorer from 2010

[@Ho0di]

cargo and safety make it the top choice.

[@alexcheetah79]

@theTorpidKings That's just marketing, the ridgeline is AWD it can't be put into 2wd mode and has no low range 4wd is just a term Honda uses.

[@alaneabd]

hello so how much should i pay for a 2007 honda ridgeline that has branded title and 85k?? plz help

[@296jayce]

i say a competitor for this truck is more like the chevy avalanche, ya you get more power with the avalanche, but other than that, the versatility and over all use of the truck I say makes a good competitor for the ridge line, i would not mind having both lol, along side a lot others lol

[@joek0617]

@tehatemachine unibodys suck at that too, they are made entirely out of sheet metal, so when u dent a panel, the structure may be compromised, and unibody rust out a hell of a lot faster, what with all the salt used on the roads these days

[@tuffr2]

I owned a 2006 - it was a perfect city guys truck. I then moved to the country. The Honda just could not do country guy stuff...like carry alot of firewood, tow a heavy trailer, or Home Depot would not rent a ditch witch to me - said I had to have a full size truck. Traded the Ridgeline in on a F-150. I like both trucks - Ridgeline for the city guy. It can carry mulch, and bags of stuff just fine and I liked the car like ride. F-150 just carries more and can do more.

[@SimbaTheGreat]

@jblackapple its a truck for ppl who dont want a Full Size pick up, but need one that offers good fuel economy, and features. Its a half ton pick up

[@genius-no5sl]

These are cool trucks

[@captainredneck0683]

I like how he says it's a fuel efficient v6. In actuality if you compare fuel economy numbers, most of the v8s actually get better fuel mileage.

[@ebo574]

I stil don't get it why people would compare the RL to the common traditional pickup truck, it's in class by itself. F150's, Silverado's, Tundra's, Ram's are designed for purpose of heavy hauling/off roading at the expense of comfort and safety, not everyone hauls half a ton or has to go off-road on his daily commute or needs a lot of horsepower (V8) to waste. It is not for heavy duty work (get an F250) it's a multi-purpose family vehicle, a safe midsize SUV w/ a bed. I have one (3/05 RTS).

[@MilanSSK]

Nice truck for Canadian urban areas.

[@genius-no5sl]

This is a cool vehicle

[@joek0617]

@mtwigs9 bullshit, a unibody has more lateral rigidity, but a ladder frame has better vertical stiffness, and they don't twist nearly as much

[@XxITZRAPTORxX]

@joek0617 Why are you here if your going to hate ? Some people don't need to tow 10K pounds. I obviously got the truck knowing what I needed it for so there's nothing you can lecture me on about my Ridgeline.

[@DjHamraaz]

Just love it :)

[@altima1fuga2]

This isn't a serious truck that is designed for the tough stuff like the F series or the Dodge. The design looks a bit bold, but it's still a good truck that drives like a car around town.

[@joek0617]

@ibaneziceman2007 actually, it hauls less than those, as it's a unibody,,, it will like bend into a v if you put a real load on the hitch

[@NateNoShlong]

I want a black one with black rims

[@SecularTechnology]

@coolgames14 I don't hate the Ridgeline But for the record. the 3.5 in the new Explorer has 40 more Hp, than the 2011 3.5 Ridgeline.

[@joek0617]

@ShiftCommandH don't, the ridge line will rust out within 3 years, because of road salt and it being a unibody

[@atgskater14]

you know damn well it was a typo. and yeah both GM and ford have passed honda in sails in the U.S

[@larryc1964]

The grille on this silver Ridgeline appears to be the 06-08 style. This is a 2009 Ridgeline Review ???

[@Dreadzedan]

i like how it looks, engine swap and jack up would be good for it.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Buy a penis pump instead. It's a lot cheaper.

[@carlife6529]

OMGWTFLOL. OMG!!! 😂

[@sidhucer00789]

if the payload is 1500lb, then with 5 passengers @175lb = 875lb so then the payload would only be 625lb?? or one atv

[@abram7117]

@jblackapple minus-well just get a American truck. their V8 have alot more power get almost the same MPG as this, plus have leaf springs and a solid axle for heavy towing. Nice truck, but theres really now reason to consider it over an American truck.

[@joek0617]

@XxITZRAPTORxX why are you hating, i'm just stating simple facts

[@Jimbo718Slice]

if you dont call it a truck, its a fantastic vehicle

[@cowlumbus]

Stop it...S10, Rangers and Hi Lux are all great trucks for certain jobs. Just like this. No it's not an F350 but it doesn't claim to be.

[@prettysheddy]

JNFmx If this isn't a truck then a 2011 Ford ranger 2.3 isn't a truck.....

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Blah, blah, blah. It's not a car or a motorcycle.

[@bk_shrooms7993]

I mean it is a truck, but its very different from all other trucks out there.

[@joek0617]

@EpiDemic117 the entire purpose of getting a pickup is to haul heavy shit, the ridgline is a car with an extra large, uncovered trunk

[@PsychoSpaceAce]

nice a front wheel drive truck

[@lasershow215]

This truck is kinda like a soccer mom's version of a truck.. The bed in that thing is so tiny. Plus my 5.4 v8 gets better gas millage than most ridgelines

[@atgskater14]

@MAGICKUWAIT hell yeah

[@wtrdogg20]

@wtrdogg20 BTW, I just realized NorthAmerican people has a very distorted concept of the difference between Heavy Duty Truck (F-150, Ram, Silverado), a regular Pickup truck (Tacoma, Frontier, Ranger) and this family truck that is a kind of a Crossover car with truck features. Why NorthAmerican people think a truck is just that huge vehicle to tow or move a huge load? Not because you ignore about other type of cars you have to insult them. C'mon, thats enough!

[@EEKSPLEE]

i like it but it needs a V8

[@rider56AK907]

@xmodrock were you thinking of buying one of these??hahah just get a tacoma you cant go wrong there. or wait for the remodeled ranger.

[@jblackapple]

so its a truck for people who don't need a truck? a truck with a car engine? and the 16/21 mpg fuel economy rating doesn't really make it better option it does have cool features though

[@mikixP]

nice i bougth mine for 9k :D

[@TerminaorXX]

tell me all the bad things about this car because I am about to buy either an Honda Ridgeline or a Ford Sports Track

[@danull16]

i own one. and i have pulled a chevy out of a mud hole. and i fly over the same terrain that the chevy had trouble with at 20 miles per hour. so if you like slow off roading, yeah a chevy is better. don't talk till you know, booker.

[@zacrs4]

So glad I chose the second gen Sport Trac over this. Mush sleeker looking front end, V8, body on frame yet it still rides much nicer then this truck. Simple but perfect interior design. And riding inside it is as quiet as my gf's Lexus, literally. Coming up on 160k miles with no problems. Don't know what there isn't to like...

[@Disishalloween]

u spelled hear wrong and i had a ford i loved it but that bitch started making noise after 2 months of use everything felt like it was gunna fall off so much for tough

[@DaminoLordXL]

A truck for grocery shopping. Nice one Honda.

[@luiszorto1222]

2007 166.000 miles you see my ridgeline in my perfil..

[@TwoWheelWarrior]

Mmmmmmmmmm....I love the KBB Girls

[@XAVIXguy]

more leg room? haha maybe idk

[@MortadinTheDwarf]

In other word.... It's for the Big city guy that love to go away and escape from civilisation !

[@crazysunami]

this is a half ton. for those of us who dont need to tow 12,000 pound horse trailers and only throw lumber, bicycles, lawnmowers, and the occasional dirtbike in the back.

[@plasmaborne4rel]

I talked with a women who owned with her husband a four wheel drive capable truck. I asked her how many times her and her husband had their truck off road. She and her husband didn't even know how to engage the four wheel drive! They'd owned the truck for four years never hauled much in it nor gone off road or even engaged the four wheel drive in the snow. Buying a truck capable of things you'll never do simply to look cool is foolish. I have a 2000 Dakota which I love. They don't make them now

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Yeah, they haven't made the 2000 Dakota since 2000.

[@redskinjim]

NOT MANY OF THESE SOLD

[@epa316]

I agree with you, but I wouldn't go so far as to call this joke on wheels a "truck."

[@alikos88]

safer? maybe I hear Chevy did poor on crash rating -- side crash

[@FUBBA]

A HUMMER H3T or Dodge Dakota would tear this thing a new one.

[@atgskater14]

this isnt a truck, a truck has a frame this has a uni body. this is an accord with a bed.

[@Jurgonkitfok]

all i care about is that its got VTAKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!111

[@XAVIXguy]

ik it doesnt make sense

[@Gastualfulkan]

I think they are pretty neat vehicles, but if I needed a truck, I would get a different vehicle than this.

[@BodyOnFrame4L]

The Japanese can't build trucks so they just put car engines in them (Ridgeline). And since the Americans can't build cars, they just put truck engines in them ('70s sedans like LTDs with Ford 400 and C6 trans). Gotta love unique cars!

[@ShaneSaw2593]

This shouldnt even be called a truck. Uni-body construction? C'mon now. I've heard that this truck also has front end problems (along with other Hondas)

[@xmodrock]

@chinchillawrangler thats not how they were advertising it at the honda dealership i went to.. its a lame ass truck... its not a truck,.. it shouldn't even be produced..

[@mowog1000]

Ah try GM coyed HONDA

[@Sig721Tau]

KBB Your comment about not accessing the trunk because you have cargo on top of it, is just plain dumb. Prior planning prevents piss poor planning.

[@NissanTy]

if a japanese truck came to mind it would be the nissan frontier or toyota tacoma, 2 ofthe best midsize trucks out there. this truck aint really a truck, i think of it more of a minivan with a bed and a lift kit. it aint a BAD truck but it just aint really A truck. on a personal opinion note, i think its ugly.

[@dunti21]

I does make sense, fool. It's derived from the french word chassis. ch, sounding like "sh" It's like you call a coupé a "coopey". But I'm guessing you call it a "coop". You don't call a café a "kaif" do you? Shows how dignified you are.

[@dunti21]

Sorry, I missed the t in "it". If You've never heard the word coupé then I definitely can't take you seriously. "American-wise". The american version of a hyundai Tiburon is a hyundai coupé, So it does exist in America. .. What's wrong with the café one. It's exactly the same as you calling a chassis how you do. café is french, you say the "e". chassis is french, you say ch like sh and don't say the s. There. Explained enough to you kiddy?