2009 Honda Ridgeline Consumer Reviews

Good Choice

Written by: Richie on 11/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RTS 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We were looking for a versatile vehicle, the Ridgeline RTS fits the bill perfectly. We didn't need a work horse like a Ford 150 or GMC mule. I don't need to run off road over rocks and through rivers. The Ridgeline is very comfortable, quiet and the styling does turn heads. Getting 17 in the city and have seen 22.8 on the highway. Use cruise control for best mileage. I enjoy having a good handling vehicle for hauling those lighter loads and towing my 20' boat If you are a not in need of a big truck and want reasonable utility, this is your vehicle. Take it from me, you won't be sorry.

Favorite Features

Ride comfort and excellent handling, tightness and storage, space galore. Big trunk under the rear deck is a major plus, climate control, 5 speed automatic, 4 wheel drive and stability.

Suggested Improvements

Improve gas mileage if possible, drivers seat could go back a little more.

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Second time's a charm!

Written by: Bmore Fuzz on 10/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RTL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Navi (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Traded my 2006 Ridgeline RT for the 2009 RTL. This truck was so practical and reliable in the past 3.5 years I decided to do it all over again...this time with the leather, Navigation, XM radio and sunroof. The 2006 I traded in with 60K miles drove as good as the day I drove it home new. The 2009 feels a bit tighter and quieter but considering the 2006 was its 1st year production, Honda just kept improving it and it shows!

Favorite Features

Full size trunk in bed and bulletproof reliability. RTL is Honda's answer to the Escalade pickup!

Suggested Improvements

Swiveling bed extender should be standard. Go with the planned V8 in 2012!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Just the right size

Written by: David on 08/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RTL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB w/Navi (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Since 1985 I've owned an F-150 and four Silverados. By far the Honda is better built and more versatile. I don't need to tow my house or haul cattle. I park it instead of docking it. It is agile, and rides as well as my wife's Acura. We drove it to Colorado from Houston with another couple and the ladies' only complaint about the back seat was the height of the seatbelt anchors.

Favorite Features

Steering feel, transmission smoothness and responsiveness. Five foot bed is plenty big.

Suggested Improvements

Telescoping steering wheel, auto on/off headlights.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Nice all around vehicle

Written by: Rick on 08/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RTS 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Just completed a 3500 mile road trip with the wife and all the luggage that brings. Drove well on freeways and secondary roads, also did did well in the southwestern sun and downpours back east. Mileage was 19.4 for the trip and though it runs well at eighty the gas mileage really takes a hit. It is a tight vehicle with no rattles, vibrations or sqeaks. My general use other than road trips is around town and to the hardware store. Honda did well as this is one great truck.

Favorite Features

The well laid out interior and center armrest/storage area was great for the little items. Rear seat bottoms that fold up were nice and we used that area for a cooler, jackets etc.

Suggested Improvements

The headrests lean too far forward if you drive in a more upright position, ended up using a vice to bend the seat rods so our necks could get a break. I am 6'1'' and wife is 5'8'. Transmission searches for the right gear under certain conditions.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Awsome Truck

Written by: L on 08/06/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RTL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

The truck is great. I'm not trying to bad mouth anyone, but I'm not too sure as to what another writer was stating in reference to the looks of the 09 versus to earlier models. The only changes are cosmetics, i.e. new grill, colors, and other minor changes. The truck is awesome. It has the same payload as the small F-150. Again not to knock Ford, but I don't need a truck that size. The Honda carries my sportbike. You will need a trailer or a bigger truck such as a Ford or Chevy to to carry a bigger bike due to the length not the weight. I live in a townhouse not on a ranch, and the Ridgline does everything I need. The truck drivers like a large Accord.

Favorite Features

Trunk, XM, & Heated Seats. I live in the North East.

Suggested Improvements

Ergonomics: Stereo and other control placements.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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SUV to Truck

Written by: Lefty on 08/06/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RTS 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have been a SUV owner for the last 12 years, wanted a truck but never wanted to give up the space of an SUV. This has been the perfect cross over to a truck. Fun to drive, solid vehicle. Would highly recommend. I get 17 MPG.

Favorite Features

Trunk, Gate, inside storage, cold air.

Suggested Improvements

Homelink on the RTS. Inside controls seems a little mismatch, kind of high tech meets low tech.

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Listen to real owners not to trolls

Written by: Real owner non troll on 07/15/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

First and foremost let me reiterate that I'm a real life Ridgeline owner. I came from a Ford F-150 and contrary to what others say, I have no reliability problems ever. I downgraded to a smaller house with a small garage and the Ford's size was just too much and it was an old workhorse. Enter the Ridgeline, and all I can say wow and wow, if this truck had a more peppy engine, it would be the BMW of pickups due to its almost telepathic handling. Truck is small on the outside, but humongous on the inside. The old Ridgeline was ugly and dorky, the new one is more visually appealing.

Favorite Features

Clever packaging inside, looks and feels big inside while diminutive on the outside. Is one heck of a looker when accessories are added. In bed trunk is brilliant. 19 mpg average, worst was 15 mpg, best was 22 mpg. Fits three car seats if needed, or two car seats and one adult. Smooth high speed handling.

Suggested Improvements

Torque, a bit more torque please, bed should be a foot longer, non reclining rear seats. Rear passenger space should stretch a bit.

17 out 17 people found this review helpful

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3rd Ridgeline in three years

Written by: GR8-1 on 07/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RTL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Third Ridgeline to date. Very reliable, dependable. Complaints: Add more seat travel or legroom for the driver! I am 5'10", another 2 - 3 inches of seat travel would make a WORLD of difference in comfort on long drives. I seldom have any passengers in the rear seat, for the one or two times yearly this occurs, I could move the driver seat up a bit. And speed up the wipers on the "high" setting. Otherwise, very comfortable truck. Adequate power on highways, full time four wheel drive great in snow/ice conditions.

Favorite Features

Power rear sliding window. Finally, a rear sliding window that is convenient! Auto down and UP for the driver window! In bed truck, two way tailgate. Heated wiper area.

Suggested Improvements

Again, add some legroom for the driver. And speed up the wipers a bit.

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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Great truck for the money

Written by: Phil on 06/26/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RT 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is an excellent truck for the money. Base level model has all the features you'd want. It drives like a large car with a comfortable ride yet has the utility of a truck. Truck capabilities more than adequate for light duty work (towing a boat, hauling yard stuff or pulling a smaller RV) yet space and driving manners perfect for a family. This is about as close as one can get to the perfect vehicle that does everything for everyone. I have only had it for about a week and put on about 500 miles yet I am delighted with it. I have owned F150s which are also excellent trucks but this is by far a better value for someone in need of a "pleasure truck" (F150 much better heavy duty work truck).

Favorite Features

Carlike road manners and ride, great storage under the bed, long list of standard features, great gas mileage (for a truck), Honda quality - fit and finish excellent. This is also a very sharp looking truck that is extremely quiet and refined.

Suggested Improvements

Include trailer 7/4 pin connector as standard equipment (standard on all other trim levels) since it already comes prewired with a class III hitch. No other suggestions - this is an outstanding vehicle.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Should have bought years ago!

Written by: Smokeybob on 06/22/2009

Vehicle

2009 Honda Ridgeline RTL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Owned 5 fords & 1 chevy and finally decided to get out of the big truck mode. This was a huge decision and I am extremely please to say the right decision. What a great design, fun to drive and a pleasure to own. All this and I get to keep the extra dollars saved on gas. This is a solid built truck and does the job. Hard to believe the big three couldn't figure out how to put the trunk feature in the full size trucks or design seats that actually fold up and give real cargo space. Oh did I mention no rattles either. Don't but a truck without test driving the Ridgeline. Get over your manly belief that only a full size truck will do. You will be surprised & a lot happier you did. I did & I am!

Favorite Features

Obviously the locking trunk is an innovative & great option & can hold two sets of golf clubs. Double hinged tailgate a bonus. Well laid out interior not too fancy but nicely done with great storage. Leather interior is nice. Real comfortable & quiet on the highway. Not having to bail out Honda!!!

Suggested Improvements

Auto headlights, passenger seat adjustments should be electric like drivers. Memory seat on driver's seat.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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