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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Honda Ridgeline

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Honda Ridgeline

Overview

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2009 Honda Ridgeline Review

By KBB.com Editors

When compared to the traditional pickup truck, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline may look a bit quirky. From its flying-buttress sheetmetal connecting the cab to the bed to its unit-body construction and four-wheel independent suspension, the Ridgeline is anything but conventional. Intended to appeal to younger buyers with an appetite for weekend adventures, the Ridgeline is designed less for work and more with play in mind. It offers a roomy cabin for four with a great set of front bucket seats and a unique storage compartment below the bed that's perfect for hiding valuables. The Ridgeline's eight inches of ground clearance and advanced VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system can tackle just about any obstacle, making it ideal for traversing deep snow as well as going off-road.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a medium-sized pickup with outstanding resale and build quality, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline may be just the ticket. A locking weather-resistant trunk positioned in the cargo bed floor is easily accessed via the dual-action tailgate, which flips down in the normal way or swings open like a door.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you need a pickup for serious payload and towing duties, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline will not be your first choice. Towing capacity and offroad capabilities, while suitable for target buyers, fall short of many traditional body-on-frame pickups.

What's New for 2009

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline gets a major refresh job, with a new grille, new front and rear bumpers and an updated interior. Other changes include more horsepower from the 3.5-liter V6 and a standard trailer hitch on all models.

Driving the Ridgeline

Driving Impressions Refined solidity is the byword, along with a comfortable highway ride. On some rougher surfaces, though, quite a bit of road commotion is transmitted. Except for bit of engine noise...

under hard acceleration, there is very little truck-like sensation inside. The Ridgeline handles moderate off-road treks with ease and, when towing a maximum-weight trailer, or with its bed filled, you hardly realize you're pulling a load. Still, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline has a heavy overall feel, due in part to its all-wheel-drive componentry, which cuts a bit into agility. Passing power is adequate, but not wholly energetic at all speeds. Four-channel anti-lock braking (ABS) incorporates electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist for more effective "panic" stops.

Favorite Features

In-the-bed Trunk
Why didn't anyone think of this common-sense idea before? On the down side, if you plan to load up the cargo bed, don't put important items inside the trunk because they won't be accessible.

Dual-Action Tailgate
Even if you're not reaching for the trunk, the ability to open the tailgate to the side rather than flipping it downward can be handy.

2009 Honda Ridgeline Details

Interior

Five passengers can ride in the Ridgeline, though rear knee space is marginal. Handy storage spots are all over the front compartment, including a huge, easy-to-reach glovebox. In the rear, the 24-degree seatback angle matches that of an Accord sedan. Under the rear seat is 2.6 cubic feet of storage, and a mountain bike can fit inside with the rear seat flipped down. Engineers have concentrated on neat details, like heater elements in the windshield that turn on automatically when needed, to prepare the wipers in cold weather. Side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags with rollover sensing are also standard and Honda claims a five-star rating in government crash-testing.

Exterior

Even up front, the Ridgeline is different, with a new look Honda refers to as a "more chiseled appearance." Built on a relatively long (122-inch) wheelbase, the Ridgeline is nearly a foot-and-a-half shorter than a Ford F-Series CrewCab. Fitted with four lights, the five-foot cargo bed is made of SRC composite, and the In-Bed Trunk holds 8.5 cubic feet. Honda claims bending rigidity is 2.5 times that of a traditional pickup, while torsional rigidity is 20 times stiffer. Up to 1,100 pounds of cargo can go into the bed, and the Ridgeline can tow a 5,000-pound trailer.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In addition to the Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive system (VTM-4), standard equipment for the RT trim includes air conditioning, cruise control, heated wipers, a tilt steering column, power sliding rear window, 100-watt six-speaker CD stereo, Vehicle Stability Assist, Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring and Electronic Brake Distribution. Up one level, the RTS adds painted alloy wheels, seven speaker audio system with subwoofer, an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support and dual-zone automatic climate control. The top-of-the-line RTL adds leather upholstery, a power moonroof, XM Satellite Radio and heated front seats. Honda claims the Ridgeline was the first pickup with standard electronic stability control.

Optional Equipment

The only factory option is the navigation system available on the RTL; it's equipped with voice recognition and Bluetooth and can display reception details of the available XM Satellite Radio. In addition, there are dozens of available dealer-installed accessories.

Under the Hood

The Ridgeline's 3.5-liter V6 is plenty strong, making 250 horsepower and giving the Ridgeline good off-the-line acceleration, ample cruising power and surprisingly good fuel economy. The engine can be loud at full-throttle, but not annoyingly so, and, typically for a Honda V6, it's also quite smooth. Honda is legendary for its durable engines and the 3.5-liter unit in the Ridgeline is no exception.

3.5-liter V6
250 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
247 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/20

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Honda Ridgeline vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Honda Ridgeline Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 579 Ratings for the 2006 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.1/10

Section where brake light is mounted on rear roof.

By U turn Vern (NC) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Truck is fair"

Cons: "Honda will not stand behind there product."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Section where brake light is mounted on rear roof, blew off three to six month after paying $34,000,00. I was hearing something flab I did not know what it was. Dealer would not replace call Company rep. They did not stand behind truck. Would not buy a Honda Ridgeline again. Next truck will definitely be a Toyota or anything but a honda."

1 person out of 4 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle I've owned

By Jstu202 (NJ) on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 126,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliable, Maintenance is cheap, comfortable drive"

Cons: "Short bed, Low Towing Capacity"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"One must not go looking at this vehicle if they are expecting a full size truck, since it is clearly not. However, it is a perfect median between an SUV and a pick up truck. It's not too large and its not too small. It also drives much smoother than any other truck out there, feels like you are driving a car/suv. I've been towing my motorcycle enclosed trailer with this up and down the east coast since it was brand new, and I have never experienced a problem with it. Not even a check engine light... (knock on wood). The maintenance is by far one of the best in most vehicles I've seen, and the brakes/tires last 80k plus easily. Don't overlook this truck."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Best truck/SUV I ever owned

By Pam (WI) on Sunday, June 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 76,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive, lots of room and storage. LOVE IT"

Cons: "It can't tow my horse trailer like I was told"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2000 Toyota Tundra with lots of miles and its for sale too, but it runs like a top. It doesn't feel anything like this Ridgeline though. The Ridgeline is like a car with the ability to use as a pick up with hidden truck space. If I didn't have to sell it, I certainly wouldn't be. Why bounce around in a truck when you have the luxury ride of this vehicle with truck features."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle I have ever owned

By Tmmers1 (NV) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 122,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was debating whether to get a Toyota Tacoma or the Ridgeline. I am so glad I got the Ridgeline. It acts like a car and a truck. It handles beautifully in ice and snow situations. The hidden trunk is a very useful feature. After 125000 miles I have only really changed the oil when it tells me to, and I have bought two sets of tires. That's it! I will drive this until it becomes dust, then I will drive the dust. Then I will go buy another Ridgeline!!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great truck for travel and light towing.

By Carlos (FL) on Saturday, May 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Reliable, comfortable to drive"

Cons: "Turning radius too wide"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Great trunk for travel and light hauling and towing. No major mechanical problems in 48000 miles. Had minor problems with heater/AC fan which required fan replacement. Only complaint is wide turning radius which causes problems when trying to get into parking spaces."

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2006 Ridgeline RTL w/Navigation Awesome!!

By Reno/Keno (NV) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 106,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very reliable with great ride and fun to drive."

Cons: "cup holders in front doors"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this truck brand new in July 2005. I have never and I mean never had one issue with this truck. I love this truck and love to drive it. I just had the brakes done and still had pads left and these were original brakes. This truck has exceeded my expectations but I am not surprised since we have owned Honda's since 1987. I had told the Honda corporation to make a truck way back in 1997 and told them if they did I would be one of the first to buy it. The back seats fold up and my two German Shepherds love to ride back there on their dog beds. This is one awesome truck and would purchase again in a heartbeat."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 579 reviews