Honda Ridgeline 1st Gen
06-14 · Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline 1st Gen is the most practical light-duty truck built — car-like to drive, with an in-bed trunk and Honda J35 V6 reliability.
Scores last updated: January 1, 2025
Score breakdown
Well-rounded scores across the board. Salt-belt rust is the biggest risk. Best for buyers in dry climates who want a practical hauler.
Our take
What it really is
The only pickup truck with an in-bed trunk, a 400-watt outlet in the bed, and a ride quality comparable to an SUV. It will never be a work truck. It is the most practical light-duty hauler built.
Why it's on this list
The Ridgeline does 85% of what a mid-size truck does with the reliability of a Honda Accord and a quieter, more comfortable cabin. The in-bed trunk locks and is watertight.
The honest trade-offs
No manual, no 4-low range, no true off-road capability. Body panels rust severely in salt states — inspect thoroughly. VCM cylinder deactivation causes engine vibration at highway speeds; the fix is a $200-500 kit.
What to buy and what to avoid
The 2011-2014 RTL for heated seats and the best feature set. Install a VCM muzzler kit at purchase. Inspect all four door panels and the rear wheel arches for rust before buying any salt-belt example.
Annual cost of ownership
Regular fuel. VCM deactivation cylinder workaround kit recommended ($200-500 one-time cost).
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Body panels and wheel arches rust badly in salt states. The unibody is more resistant than a traditional frame but body panel rust is a real issue on high-mileage salt-belt examples.
Known issues by mileage
Engine vibration at highway cruise. VCM muzzler kit ($200-500) is the workaround.
Best and worst years
Best years
- 2011Mid-life reliability peak; best feature set before final years
- 2012Strong reliability; good value in used market
- 2014Final year; best resale value floor; all issues well-documented
Years to avoid
- 2006First year; VCM calibration most problematic; early production issues
- 2007Second year; VCM vibration most common; rust issues starting
Reliability data
Repairability
Unibody construction with Honda J35 V6 — well-documented and affordable to maintain. VCM workaround kits available online.
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile
Looking to buy a Honda Ridgeline?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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