Honda's full-size pickup is based
on a unibody structure for car-like ride and handling abilities. It offers
lighter-duty all-wheel drive instead of the traditional SUV's two-speed transfer
case and four-wheel-drive Low range gearing, but can still tow up to 5,000
pounds and carry 1,500 pounds in its bed. For 2007, the Ridgeline is available
in a new, value-oriented RTX trim level, which includes a standard trailer hitch
and popular features such as alloy wheels, accessory grille and body-color
painted door handles, in addition to a lower base price. All other Ridgeline
trim levels (RT, RTX, RTS and RTL) now include a driver side illuminated vanity
mirror. Four new exterior colors are available as well -- Aberdeen Green
Metallic, Nimbus Gray Metallic, Dark Cherry Pearl and Formal Black. A sunroof
and XM Satellite Radio are now standard on RTL models, which also include a
HomeLink remote system, interior compass in the rearview mirror, heated front
seats, DVD navigation with voice recognition and MP3/ auxiliary input jack. The
Ridgeline RTS adds alloy wheels, a seven-speaker 160-watt audio system with
subwoofer and six-disc, in-dash audio system with steering wheel-mounted
controls, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-way power driver's
seat.
The five-passenger crew cab
Ridgeline comes with four doors and a five-foot cargo bed. The standard engine
is a 247-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine teamed up with a five-speed automatic
transmission. The standard Variable Torque Management system routes engine power to the wheels
with the most traction, as conditions demand. Stability and control, front-side
and head-curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard. The Ridgeline
features a split-fold-and-tumble rear seat with hidden under-seat storage, a
two-way tailgate that can open either from the top or the right side and a
unique lockable and weather-protected 8.5 cubic foot trunk that's integrated
into the cargo bed.
REVIEW:
2006 Honda Ridgeline