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Honda Ridgeline - What the Auto Press Says

The Ridgeline delivers superior handling and unique cargo possibilities and holds up Honda's solid reputation for reliability and value. However, it only offers a V6 engine, and some reviewers have complained of rear visibility issues.

With its car-like handling, spacious five-passenger cabin and Honda nameplate, the 2008 Honda Ridgeline is a good choice for people who need some of the capabilities of a truck, but aren't ready to commit to a big rig. A lure for many buyers will be innovative features like an in-bed trunk and a dual-action tailgate.  However, its car-based construction and lack of four wheel drive (the Ridgeline has all-wheel drive) means that it isn't as strong for towing and off-roading as a conventional truck is. Price is also a downside: though the Ridgeline comes fully loaded, it does not come cheap.  Buyers may save a little money at the gas station: the Ridgeline has the best estimated gas mileage in the class. 

• "The Ridgeline is unapologetically aimed not at mythical blue-collar Bubbas, but at the middle-class people who actually buy many of the pickups sold today: white-collar professionals in green suburbs, in blue states as well as red ones." -- The New York Times
• "For most of us, it's all the truck we need." -- BusinessWeek
• "Of vehicles in its size class, we can't think of any others that deliver a more comprehensive menu of all-around utility attributes." -- Car and Driver
• "There are expensive models of all pickups, but there are only expensive Ridgelines." -- The Orlando Sentinel

Ridgeline Performance - 7.9 (Good)

Although the 2008 Honda Ridgeline does not have the performance capabilities and capacities of traditional trucks, writers say it's sufficient. USA TODAY states, "Honda has melded sporty-car driving with weekend-warrior toting, creating what's likely to be the perfect blend for many people."   Read More

Ridgeline Exterior - 6.4 (Mediocre)

Opinions of the 2008 Honda Ridgeline's exterior are split. Reviewers like the Detroit News writer hate it -- "the Ridgeline reminds me of the old Rodney Dangerfield joke about how he was so ugly as a kid his parents had to tie a pork chop bone around his neck so the dog would play with him." In contrast, the Los Angeles Times finds the Ridgeline "sleek, sophisticated ... the thing looks like a Heckler & Koch assault rifle."  Read More

Ridgeline Interior - 7.6 (Good)

The 2008 Honda Ridgeline is appreciated for providing a spacious five-seat cabin with good storage possibilities. As Kelley Blue Book states, the Ridgeline has "a great set of front bucket seats and a unique storage compartment below the bed that's perfect for hiding valuables." Read More

Ridgeline Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)

The 2008 Honda Ridgeline does very well in federal government crash tests. Reviewers like the Detroit News "can't think of anything they didn't put on the Ridgeline in terms of safety features," but are equally concerned with the truck's poor over-the-shoulder visibility.  Read More

Ridgeline Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2008 Honda Ridgeline reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Honda Ridgeline is covered by a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More