 About the Honda RidgelineThe Honda Ridgeline is a cross between an SUV and full-sized truck. Sharing a platform with some of Honda's car models, the Ridgeline has a smoother ride than a pure SUV or truck. The front engine design and four-wheel drive allows the Ridgeline to carry a significant load in the bed, although not as much as a full-sized truck can. With the Ridgeline's variety of abilities, it can perform a number of roles reasonably well.The Ridgeline produces 250 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque from its V6 engine. The EPA estimates that the Ridgeline will get 15 miles per gallon in city driving and 20 on the highway. A trailer hitch is standard equipment for all trim levels and allows a Ridgeline to tow up to 5,000 pounds if equipped with a towing kit and hitch ball. Honda did most of... View more the design work for the Ridgeline in Tochigi, Japan. Honda assembles the Ridgeline at plants in Ontario, Canada, and Lincoln, Alabama. The Honda Ridgeline was displayed as a prototype as early as 2004 but did not make it to the open market until the 2006 model year. Critics questioned whether the Ridgeline's limited truck bed and towing capacity could appeal to people. While customers made the Ridgeline a modest success, there were some initial quality problems. This was especially true for customers who wanted to drive the Ridgeline off-road frequently. Honda has tightened up quality control for the vehicle, but it is still not recommended for significant off-road driving. Honda offers the 2011 Ridgeline in a single body style with three trim levels. The trim levels in ascending order are RT, RTS, and RTL. The base RT trim includes standard 17-inch steel wheels and a 60/40 rear seat with a storage space underneath. Locks, windows, and other accessories are fully powered. The RT trim also includes a trip computer. The RTS trim upgrades the wheels to 17-inch alloy, places audio controls on the steering wheel, and gives automated climate control in two different zones. The top-tier RTL trim has leather seating, a sunroof, and satellite radio as some of its standard features. The seats are heated and a 115 volt outlet can provide AC power. RTL purchasers may also opt for a Navigation system that adds Bluetooth capabilities and a rear-facing camera. The Ridgeline's awards include the Motor Trend Truck of the Year for 2006. J.D. Power and Associates gave the Ridgeline an APEAL award in 2005. On Wheels Incorporated awarded the Ridgeline their 2006 Urban Wheel Award for Urban Truck of the Year. Independent automotive reviewers have noted that the Ridgeline offers more cargo space than an SUV but provides a relatively smooth ride for a truck. View less | |||
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