2006 Honda Ridgeline New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Honda Ridgeline?
Honda enters the truck market with a virtual home run, the mid-size 2006 Ridgeline. Powered by a 255-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 driving all four wheels, the Ridgeline is chock full of innovative features: A crew-cab design with a reconfigurable second-row seat; a five-foot composite bed with integrated tie-down cleats and a locking in-bed trunk; ABS with brake assist, stability control, traction control, and front-, front-side, and side-curtain airbags; and a 5,000-lb. towing capacity. The new 2006 Honda Ridgeline should also be able to tackle off-road trails thanks to a locking center differential, and impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles.

Advantages of the 2006 Honda Ridgeline:

• Roomy interior
• Refined powertrain
• Nimble urban driving character
• In-bed trunk
• 5,000-lb. towing capacity
• Side-curtain airbags
• Dual-action tailgate

Objections to the 2006 Honda Ridgeline:

• Funky styling
• Could use more power, especially when loaded with cargo or pulling a trailer

Editor's Advice:
Leave it to Honda to bring what some might call the perfect truck to the marketplace. With a strong, fully-boxed, unibody frame; a mid-size exterior paired with a full-size interior; an innovative in-bed trunk to keep valuables safe; and a dual-action tailgate; the 2006 Honda Ridgeline is a truck with car-like qualities and vice-versa. Loyal, longtime pickup truck owners will see the Ridgeline as a paradox. We see it as a perfect tool, one that resides next to the apple peeler and bread slicer on the shelf of great ideas.