Used 2008 Honda Ridgeline Consumer Reviews

Five Years to Write this Review

Wow! So much to say, so little space. I have been looking and researching this segment for nearly five years. I really wanted a Tacoma, but even with the low car sales plaguing the industry, Toyota didn't want to play. Honda immediately offered me an incredible deal on this 08 RTS that I didn't need any more incentive- I snatched it up. This is an incredibly smart truck- all space is usable; seats are comfortable, even in the back where I was concerned most because this often overlooked space is easiest to get cheapest attention (Chevy Colorado). Absolutely the smartest design in this category (if you're looking for heavy hauling, look to full size trucks); fits me like a glove. LUV IT!

Need a truck but want a car?

I looked at the Tacoma, the Frontier, and the Ridgeline. Granted, people told me the Ridgeline wasn't a "true" truck, well that's all right with me! Drives like my Accord V6 - but with loads of space to haul or tow things. Super comfortable, super styling, and Honda reliability - how can you go wrong??

Rear Tires Locking Up

I love my Ridgeline, but 2 months ago I noticed something with wheels feeling like right front tire was flat. Next week had to have vehicle towed, because it wouldn't accelerate. Make a long story short took to Honda 3 times they wouldn't take wheels off would only do road tests. I had to take truck to dealer every night so when it happened again it would be there. They would not check it out unless they actually saw what truck was doing. It ended up being the rear differential that was locking. It only happens in 30 degree or less weather. I live in Charlotte, NC it usually doesn't get cold here, but it has. So if you experience this locking of wheels you now know what it is.Thanks warranty

Innovation abounds in this Solid Truck

Excellent Vehicle

I have owned Honda Accords for the past 27 years. Last year I bought a new 2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL. I loved the Accords but the Ridgeline is the best of all. I is another superior vehicle which Honda always provides.

My well kept Ridgeline

Faithful ride, excellent machine and stylish

Best vehicle I have ever owned

So far so good, 240,000 miles and Counting. No major issues other than normal maintenance. Tows a 5000 lb trailer very well. Having a trunk in the bed of a truck is the best feature. I have recommended the Ridgeline too many people.

First "New" Truck

Overall experience has been great. I use my truck as my daily driver throughout Minnesota winters and most of the summer. Handling and ride are excellent for a truck, my previous truck was a GMC Sierra and the Honda is better in pretty much every respect other than raw power and towing capacity. Interior design is highly functional but a little drab and goofy in some respects such as the cartoon large interior door pulls. I have towed a race car on a open trailer (near 5000 lbs. total) hundred of miles with no problems and the truck has plenty of pulling power and stability as a tow vehicle. The bed is pure genius not only for the truck but also for the full 48" width.

STILL Love It.

I bought this truck, new, well over a year ago, and I've never regretted it once. In fact, quite the contrary. If you have a family, a house, or do any light duty stuff (for ex. trips to the dump), this is a GREAT vehicle. I live in New England and it's solid in the snow as well. I also take long trips (500+ miles) with my family of 4. The Ridgeline is all about comfort and stows a TON of gear. The trunk in the bed can't be beat (even "big truck" guys agree). My wife likes driving it, which is something a few guys have asked me (hey, it stinks, but once in a while I have to give up my truck); the visibility and comfort are great for me at 6'1" and my wife at 5'2". Awesome all-around vehicle.

2008 RTL

The Ridgeline is turning out to be a near perfect vehicle for me. I'm a salesman, driving about 50K yearly, so my vehicle needs to be comfortable as well as practical. The Ridgeline's innovative trunk swallows up a couple of big plastic tubs full of catalogs, plus I can still get a garment bag flat on top of the tubs and get the lid closed, so that works great! Plus, my golf clubs fit perfectly under the back seat. So, for a full week of travel, everything I need either goes in the trunk or under the back seat other than my briefcase with laptop, which I don't trust to anything other than the back seat.

TWO BUGS THAT WILL WIN EVERY TIM, MADE BY HONDA

For as much as you can depend on a bug to keep things going, not only on the outside but by the outside. I believe in this manufacturer as the 100% way. We have had little problems(maybe none) and are looking to buy maybe an Accord this year. Our 2012 Ridgeline has a little over 44K and is still just as dependable as if it were new. We have a 2012 4-wheel dr., also. We are very pleased with both trucks. My husband Is a fishing guide and uses the 2008 and his transportation and pulling of bass boat. I use the 2012 for all other uses and it performs very well. The 2008 gets approximately 15 miles per gallon of gas and the 2012 gets approximately 17 to 17-1/2 miles per gallon around town. On the road the 2012 gets approximately 26-27 mpg. The 2008 gets a little less, being it's a lot older. There is nothing about this vehicle that I don't like. It serves several purposes and is capable to do just anything you would expect out of a much bigger truck. We have talked briefly of getting an accord and let my husband use the newer truck for his fishing and sell the 2008. The 2008 was purchased in Feb, 2009 because it was a left over from the previous year with very little mileage.

My experience

The interior on this vehicle is extremely easy to get stained. I had to purchase seat covers at over $300.00 to protect the interior.

Great truck

95000 K so far, no issues, very good in snow, easy to park, pulls 5000 lbs okay, also overloaded it a few times with heavy items and no issues, had full size before but don't need or want a full size.

Problem Truck

I have had nothing but issues with this truck, the first problem showed up the day after I bought it. I have owned my truck for about a year and a half and have had numerous seals replaced included a gas cap. Most recently my brakes. They have frozen up on me and the emergency brake stays on. Neither the dealership or Honda know how to fix, they know there is a problem but have told me they can only fix it once I am stranded again. Not looking forward to that. I would never recommend this truck or Honda again, I had better luck with Hyundai.

I didn't buy it to haul, push or pull

I wanted a truck that drove like a car and would do the odd errand to Home Depot to pickup garden supplies or home renovation supplies, move the odd furniture and go camping. It's a quiet comfortable truck that really rides and feels like an expensive SUV.

Right Choice

After looking at vehicles for two years, I made the decision to buy a Ridgeline over a Toyota Tacoma. I have been delighted with all aspects of the truck with the exception of the mileage. Although it is not horrible, I would really like to see 25 mpg on the highway. The design features are well thought out and everything is easy to use. Ride comfort is outstanding, although cabin noise could be less. I went to a different tire and noise dropped, but body insulation improvement needs to be worked on by Honda engineers. I take long trips and also used the truck on a rugged ranch and have no complaints. Online forums often mention the easily scratched bedliner, and this is a problem.

Great Purchase

I have enjoyed this vehicle overall and recommend it. No, it is not overly powerful, but it does have enough power to do what I need it to. No, it is not overly roomy, but it does have a lot of functional space when configured that way. No, it is not a looker, but there are worse. You WILL be able to fit it in a garage, move moderate sized trailers easily at 55-60 mph. You will also get about an average of 16 miles/gal overall. I have gotten up to 23 (once) and as low as 12 (many times) in the winter. You can fit 5 smaller people comfortably. Not if they are over 200 lbs and 6 ft tall. It is a truck that is not great at anything but good at everything.

Ridgeline is ideal.

I'm an IT Consultant and lug around a lot of technical tools. It's nice to be able to store them in the lockable, waterproof trunk. This frees up the cab for the dog and friends. Adequate power from the V6 and I really like its look. Black with standard gray interior. I also like the fact that it comes with a XM radio enabled stereo ready to activate.

Wrecked when new!

Looked at GMC & Ford but went with R'line for Honda quality. With 8000 on the odo, wife was run off the road and into a tree by teenaged driver. Bags didn't deploy, and no one was hurt but $15,000 in front end (including frame) damages later, local dealer's body shop did a superb job getting R'line back on the road. Will have to drive it into the ground now, since it has little trade-in value but seems to be back at 100% Have had to replace navi and a heated seat control both under warranty, unusual reliability for a Honda. Very comfortable front seats in which to drive, especially on highway trips. Rear seat not comfortable for my teenagers and fuel economy no better than a GMC 1500.

Great Truck

I have owned Dodge Dakota, Ford F-150, and Chevy, none compare to the Ridgeline. This is a great truck it rides great no problems. 247 hp engine plenty of power, very nice.

Highly Recommended!

I recommend the Honda Ridgeline to anyone looking for a nice 'Truck'. It rides and handles like car, but it is a truck. Great in the snow! The gas mileage will remind you that it is still a truck, but it is better than most trucks out there! I am getting about 18-20 mpg, compared to 11-12 on the Durango that I previously owned. I don't have as much power, but I don't need all of that anyway, especially with $4/gallon gas! I am very happy with my purchase, and I anticipate that Honda may change the styling a bit by the time my 36 month lease ends. I definitely plan to purchase another one!

Satisfied Owner So Far

I am a former owner of Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota Trucks. Friends and family tried to steer me towards purchasing a new (08 or 09) Chevy/GM Truck with their current low prices. I drove and tried to make a deal on both GM products along with a new F-150, but the sales folks couldn't quite get me to where I wanted to be. The first time I test drove a Ridgeline, I knew this was the vehicle for me. I don't require the services of a full size truck, so the Honda is the perfect fit for me. I recently took my truck on a road trip consisting of 2,000 miles through rain, sleet and snow over mountains, and through major metro areas. It handled great in the snow! Averaged 19 MPG/Hwy.

Love my Ridge

It's the perfect vehicle, it's fun, rugged, roomy, luxurious, versitle, comfy, and reliable. What more could you ask of a midsize truck? It also has a class leading payload of 1550.lbs, it can tow 5000.lbs w/500lb toung. I'm sold on the Ridgeline for life. The engine, transmission and drivetrain are as refined as they come. No vibration, shifts are silky smooth which you rarely feel. The only time I will get rid of my Ridge is when they redesign it with a V-8. A lot of people out there are really missing out on a great truck. If you're in the market for a midsize truck don't follow the sterio types opinions of what a truck should be you be the judge and test drive it, you will love it

Wanted to tow my Harley in style

I was looking for a compact pickup to do some light towing, some low-stress off-road stuff and Home Depot for plywood or fertilizer. This RTL is the ultimate fusion of a luxury car and a utililitarian truck. The fit/finish is impeccable. The lockable bed trunk is amazing. No more cranking down the spare from underneath the bed if you have a flat. It's on a slide out tray in the bed trunk. Easier to get to than most car spares. Interior is well thought out from cup holders to flip up rear seats which yield plenty of room for 2 yellow labs in comfort. Only knock is blind spot caused by those "wings." Other than that, well, it's a Honda so you know the reliability will be there.

Wow!

After 6 years with my Toyota Tacoma, I felt it was time to change. After comparing the Tacoma, Frontier and Ridgeline, I went with the Ridgeline because of the ride, comfort and storage room. All three are solid bets, depending on your need. Some say the Ridgeline is not a real truck but I have had it off road with no problems. I love this truck.

Can't beat it

I have owned practically everything over the last few years, not being able to be satisfied. I owned trucks (Frontier, Tacoma), cars (Forester, Matrix), and have finally settled on a Ridgeline. I chose the base model and is has plenty of equipment. I am one who likes vehicles loaded. This one is not loaded, but for a truck is equipped well enough for me. The ride is the best part. It rides like a car and is extremely quiet inside. My wife loves it in the snow. We had some snow in PA and she bragged about how she was in the passing lane while 4X4 full sized trucks were fishtailing in the slow lane. I chose the base model to try it. Now that I have one, the next time, I will go up.

Better than first impressions

Found the Ridgeline does not stand out out in any one area, however it does do everything very well. Performance is Ok if you get on it hard enough; there is just a ton of storage room (more than it looks; 15 in the city and 19 on the highway and it seems to be getting better. I have 4000 miles on it now and no problems. Some rattles and squeaks from the front dash corners by the windscreen where the speakers are which will be repaired at its first service. I am liking my ridgeline more and more as I drive it. Under the back seat fits my golf bag with the seats down:)I would recommend this vehicle to anyone with realistic expectations

Best of both worlds

I traded in my Ford truck and my Dodge Durango thinking I could get the best of both worlds with the Ridgeline. During the first 1K miles, so far so good with the exception of mileage. The Ridgeline handles great, the AWD grips fine in inclement weather and the interior is comfortable. The storage spaces are very well designed from the sunglass holder to the pull forward center console that reveals additional CD storage to under seat storage in the rear. In terms of complaints, the navi system is not worth the extra money. My $200 Garmin is easier to use, gives more detailed directions and displays the speed limits which is great on unfamiliar roads. Save the $2K and skip it!

So far, So Good

Sold my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac and bought the Honda Ridgeline. I've had the Ridgeline for almost 1 month and am not disappointed. It has the quality that I expect from Honda. (My 2001 Ford Sport Trac failed in comparison to the Ridgeline with respect to quality, roominess, comfort, design, handling & 4wd performance). We got a six inch snow the day that I bought the Ridgeline. The 4WD with vehicle stability assist (VSA) is an excellent performer. I took the Ridgeline to an empty lot and tried to get it to fish-tail or spin-out. It didn't....good engineering.

Love the Ridgeline

Never consider myself a "truck-guy" but now I don't think I could consider driving something other than the Ridgeline type truck/SUV/car. I consider the outside looks a blend of a truck and SUV but it really drives like a car. I use the truck bed way more than I could have imagined but it still never feels like I'm driving a truck. It feels better than my wifes Lexus 470 and that's no knock on the 470. The bottom line is the inside feels like an SUV, the back is enough of a truck for what 90% of us need when hauling things and it drives like a solid car...couldn't be happier!

Perfect Retirement Vehicle

We purchased this vehicle as our last retirement vehicle. We needed a light duty pickup that has a 5000 lb. towing limit. I am 55 years old and wanted to be able tow our sports car around to shows and races. My bride had a few things that she wanted for her 1) comfort 2) passenger ability 3) resale 4) durability. So far we got it all from Honda Ridgeline

Excellent decision to buy!

Former 04 Nissan Titan, considering Toy Tundra, but this was more practical. Cheaper, what a deal!, Fun to drive, gave me more space in the garage. Now well have more fun, distance to cover at lower cost.

"Great Running truck"

I have owned several trucks, and none compare to the Honda Ridgeline it is a smooth riding truck. It has a car like feel but still has the performance of a full size truck. I can have my family in the truck and still haul everything else.

A Great Truck

I have owned this truck for about a month. I get a lot of positive comments when people see the truck. My truck is silver with the RTX package. The gray painted alloy wheels look great. We had 20 inches of snow here in Ohio a couple weeks ago and I didn't have any problems getting around town in this truck. I would recommend this truck to anyone. Great looking truck and drives even better!!

US carmakers take note!

So my 1999 Chevy Blazer goes down with a broken crankshaft, which is funny cause I just about replaced everything else on it. Well I really can't complain 200,000 miles later. So a friend turns me on to the Ridgeline. Since the first test drive I still wonder why people buy Chevy and Ford. The Ridgeline offers a comfortable smooth car-like ride while keeping the power and durability of a truck. A wider wheelbase and higher elevation makes driving easier with better sight of the road and amazing handling. No blind spots and sweet take off power.

2nd Time Ridgeline Owner

Due to my previous Ridgeline being totaled in an accident I had to go and buy a new vehicle. An easy choice..another Ridgeline. I upgraded to the RTL with navigation. Honda was (maybe still is) having a $3500.00 cash back on new ones. I was able to upgrade from a 2 year old RTS for only 1K more. If you haven't driven one, due yourself a favor and try it before you go and buy another GM clunker. Compare the fit & finish, quality of materials, and the drivetrain refinement. I use a Chevy Silverado for a work vehicle that has a 6 cylinder in it. No comparison! The Chevy revs high and sounds like its going to explode. Chevy also makes the cheapest looking dashboards with hard plastics. Go Honda!

Ridgeline

Nice crossover for a compact truck. Trunk is a nice but if you put a cover over the back you can only open trunk 75% not so good. accessories pricey.

2008 Ridgeline RTS

Truly enjoy this truck! Was looking at a Tacoma, but decided on this for the price and the trunk inside the bed, which justified getting a truck with 2 small children.

Great family truck

We have had our truck for about 6 mo and it is great. It is amazing on the snow. My wife is from the south and hates driving our Lexus in the snow but does great with this truck. It handles and rides better than any other truck I test drove (Tundra, Tacoma, F150, Frontier etc.) and it gets reasonable mileage for a truck. It has good acceleration and the inbed storage trunk is a stroke of genius. We are very happy with our truck and would highly recc it to others.

Fantastic Truck

This truck is a fantastic value with the current Honda marketing program. This is my first Honda and I am very impressed with the product, they really thought outside the box when they designed this truck.

Lovin' my ridgeline rtx

Had my rRdgeline for two (2) weeks I've put 1000 miles on her already and I couldn't be happier. I'm a 60 year young guy doing outside sales. My truck is basically my office. In the past I've owned two s-10's one GMC Sonoma and a Ford ranger. The Ridgeline puts them all to shame. Fuel mileage of the Ridgeline was my biggest concern but my fears were for naught as I am averaging 19 mpg combined city/hwy. I can only assume that my mileage will go up as the engine gets broken in. Allin all I couldn't be happier with my choice

2008 Honda Ridgeline RTL with NAV

You have to drive this truck to truly appreciate it. It's economical for a truck with all wheel drive yet feels more sturdy and rugged than other crew cabs such as the Colorado and Frontier. The leather seats are very comfortable with adjustable lumbar. Sticker was 36,002, invoice was 32,401 and I got mine for 28,285. That did not even count the 7,000 trade in I got. I'm moving to Oregon next month so we'll see how it does in the snow. They are great trucks and now at unbeatable prices.

Best truck I've owned

I've had this truck for 3 months and I can honestly say this is the best truck I've owned!! I've mostly had Ford trucks and I can tell you the ride and quality is great. I owned a F-150 for 4 months prior to the Ridgeline and I wish I hadn't. I'm about as "American Pie" as they come but if only the big American Truck companies put a better product, I would have one. Especially, w/gas prices and economy!

Happy Owner

I just bought my Ridgeline and have put on 300 miles so far. I traded in my 1999 Dodge Durango with 126,660 miles on it. I love the Ridgeline and all of its features. Very roomy and comfortable drive. Turns heads as i drive down the street. No complaints and I am a satisfied driver

Love my Ridgeline

Never happier with an auto purchase. Love the truck. Able to take a family of 4 on an 10 hour holiday trip with gifts and luggage. With car top carrier we had the same amount of gear that I would fit into an Odyssey.

The do everything vehilcle

I've had the Ridgeline for nearly a month now, so I feel I can give a better review at this point. Having owned several Hondas, I was excited to finally have the opportunity to drive a Honda Truck. My favorite things about the truck are its versatility and ride. I love being able to flip the seats up for extra space and being able to fit five adults if need be. I cannot stress how well this truck handles and how comfortable this truck is to drive. We've had some snow in the north east recently, and the AWD worked exceptionally well. There are a few design quirks (placement of cruise control on/off switch, cavernous space below wipers for snow to gather), this is a great vehicle overall.

Nice weekend warrior vehicle

I have not owned this vehicle long and I love it. The first day I drove it was during a snow storm and it handled very well. The interior is well done, steering feels tight and I now have plenty of room in the back to haul my ATV. If you are looking for a truck, but don't want to suffer with the gas mileage a full size truck gets, then this makes for a nice alternative.

The swiss army knife vehicle

Sure this is not all truck, but if you commute that is good. It gives you some of the things a truck has while keeping all of the things to love about a car. First unlike most trucks you still get a trunk. Second the interior, because of Honda's flat floor design fits 5 people better than a Toyota Camry. Then there is the fact that you get all wheel drive. So while the big rear wheel drive trucks are sliding around in the snow the Ridgeline hugs the road. I live in a marine community and 5000lbs towing is enough for pulling boats. So no it is not totally a truck, which is great.

Love this nearly perfect truck!

Bought my 2008 RTS in April 2008 and got $4,500 cash rebate. Out the door I paid about $6k below sticker price -- nice! The truck is my second vehicle (1st is a BMW M3), and I use it pretty much only for carrying a quad to Rocky Point, Mexico, or out to the desert here in Phoenix. The Ridgeline is perfect for these trips....the ride is amazingly smooth (better than my BMW) and the truck tows and hauls pretty effortlessly. Mileage varies from about 15-20mpg, but again this is always with a 400lb TRX450 quad in the back which is both heavy and not aerodynamic, so I am not complaining. Plus, did you know gas is only $2.15/gal. in Mexico??

RTL w/nav Love it!

Traded in a 6 pax vehicle for the Ridgeline RTL w/nav. Love it! Did lots of research, and felt that the Honda was the best for our needs. We wanted the car-like ride, with the occasional need for an open bed. The truck is perfect for our needs. Love the ride, quality of materials, and Honda reliability.