Honda's new Ridgeline Pickup – Ideal for the Weekender

By Alan Gell

WOW! ... That appeared to be the average comment heard during the Oklahoma City Auto Show last weekend whenever attendees checked out the new Ridgeline.  This tough-as-nails pickup is terrific. It looks small – and, well, actually it is – but don't let that smallness fool you. This little half-tone pickup is terrific.

Brand new, the Honda Ridgeline is a 2006 model. A gorgeous Silver Metallic was on display at the Springfield, Missouri Auto Show the week before and two were on display at the OKC show.  One model was a deep, dark black and the other one was a beautiful dark green.  I found out later that these are called Nighthawk Black Pearl and Amazon Green Metallic.

The Honda PR folks are calling this the next-generation truck, and there's obviously a lot of design ingenuity everywhere. The most obvious is the double-swing tailgate.  A lot of SUV's are featuring these now, but the dual-action tailgate swings down or sidewiays.  The bed is not a full length, but more than adequate to carry most loads with ease.  When the tailgate is dropped down, a stack of 4x8 plywood or sheetrock can be  carried easily, since there's no wheelwells.  Take lots of rope, however, since it will have to be tied securely.  But generally, a half-ton payload is no problem. There is a nifty In-Bed locking trunk space under the composite bed in the back. 

Most importantly, does this baby have any power?  Absolutely!  There's a 255 hp, V-6 VTEC engine, partnered up with a five speed automatic transmission. Towing shouldn't be a problem.  It's designed to pull up to 5000 lbs, which should be adequate for most around-town and weekend loads.  Remember, this is not your grandpa's pickup.  It's not designed to pull hay wagons, but it probably could, as well as travel trailers, boats, etc.

When you slide behind the wheel, or even into the passenger seat, you immediately notice all the convenient storage pockets and trays.  Even the center console cup holder slides forward and backward to allow placing stuff easily within reach.  There's compartmented tray over the glove box, trays in the console, pockets in the doors, and more.  Although I didn't try out the back seat, those that did commented that there was very ample leg room in the back seat area.

Most of the time, the Honda Ridgeline is in all-wheel drive mode, but there is a heavy duty VTM-4 that monitors and can almost instantly distribute the necessary torque to all four wheels for a true, four-wheel drive mode.

Other features include, 105,000 mile tune-up interval, side curtain air bags with rollover sensors, vehicle stability assist, tire pressure monitoring, heavy duty tie-dopwn cleats in the bed, 1 160 watt AM-FM-XM with CD audio system with seven speakers, dual-zone climate control, 8 way power adjustment for the driver's seat, available power moonroof, and a whole lot more.

Ridgeline by Honda immediately attracted attention as soon as it hit dealer showrooms a few short weeks ago.  If initial sales are any indication, this next-generation pickup truck will continue to be a tremendous hit. It's powerful and it's tough.  If you didn'see it at the Oklahoma City Auto Show, stop by your Honda dealership soon.

(Alan Gell is an experienced journalist, specializing in the automotive industry.  He is an active member of the Texas Press Association and administrator for the Texas Auto Writers Association.)