1. Autos

2006 Honda Ridgeline Truck Test Drive and Review

From Colin Hefferon

On the Road in the Ridgeline Truck
2006 Honda Ridgeline Truck

2006 Honda Ridgeline Truck First Row Seating

Photo by Colin Hefferon
One of the best things about any Honda vehicle is the engine. This one has a 24V, 3.5L, VTEC, aluminum alloy V-6, which puts out 255hp and 252lb-ft. It can move the 4,500 lb Ridgeline from 0 to 60mph in under 10 seconds. A 5-speed auto with column shifter and overdrive is the only tranny available.

The Ridgeline is a remarkably safe place to be in a crash, especially considering we're talking about a pick up truck here. It's the first 4-door pick up to achieve a 5-star frontal and side crash rating from NHTSA.

Both VSA (electronic stability control) and TC (traction control) are standard as are front and side airbags. The 4-channel disc brakes are equipped with ABS and EBC. Both are very important since pick-ups are naturally back-end light. When empty, they're notorious for switching ends on you if you're not paying attention especially if the road is slippery.

4WD is standard. The VTM-4 system has an electric locking rear differential - useful if you find yourself trying to start off in deep sand or snow.

Towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. To ensure against overheating, it has both a heavy duty radiator and a heavy duty transmission cooler.

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