Proven reliability and smart design keep 2010 Honda Ridgeline pickup popular year after year
Introduced in 2005, the Ridgeline was Honda’s first attempt to enter the North American pickup truck market.
How did that work out?
Famously. The Ridgeline was an almost instant success.
By 2010, the Honda Ridgeline was equipped with a transversely-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. At the time, fuel economy was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 L/100 km on the highway. While this model never claimed to be the most powerful pickup and didn’t offer a V8 option, it showcased Honda’s characteristic refinement and a responsive engine that easily met the needs of most drivers. Its all-wheel-drive system featured a front-drive bias, engaging the rear wheels only when the front ones started to slip.
 The Ridgeline never laid claim to being the most powerful pickup and never had a V8 option. But, like most Honda products, it featured an extremely refined and willing engine that was – and is – more than enough to handle what most drivers will throw at it. |
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Although it wasn’t billed as a heavy-duty work truck, the Ridgeline’s bed could handle smaller loads. Honda claimed it could fit a couple of bicycles, two dirt bikes, an ATV, or even a full-size motorcycle. Options like bed extenders and loading ramps were available for larger cargo needs.
The Ridgeline’s two-way tailgate could swing open to the side or fold down, providing versatile access to the bed. Underneath, a lockable storage compartment added even more capacity. Inside, the rear seats folded up, creating additional storage space behind the front seats, and Honda claimed the Ridgeline’s interior offered nearly as much space as an Accord. This emphasis on comfort extended to features like a steering-column-mounted shift lever, an expansive centre storage bin, and seating comfort rare for a truck of its size.
From 2009 to 2011, there were minimal changes to the Honda Ridgeline’s design. All three years offered four trims: DX, VP, EX-L, and EX-L Navi. The EX-L trims provided premium features such as a power sunroof, leather interior, security system, power front seats, and upgraded 18-inch wheels. Across all trims, standard equipment included a power sliding rear window, eight tie-down cleats, steering-wheel-mounted cruise control, and tilt steering (though telescoping was absent). The EX-L Navi featured a backup camera, although this could be obstructed when the rear gate was down.
Safety recalls remain non-existent, according to Transport Canada and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). However, the latter logged around 10 complaints from owners, including incidents of unexpected acceleration, a door failing to stay closed, and an unexplained window explosion.
Consumer Reports continues to endorse this Ridgeline generation, giving it a “Good Bet” designation for reliability. Except for minor “paint and trim” issues, it scored highly across categories. “While not designed for serious off-roading, it proved capable in most applications,” noted CR.
Some owner comments, courtesy of Consumer Reports, include:
- “Like a Subaru on steroids.”
- “No quality issues other than declining fuel economy.”
- “Amazingly flexible.”
Marketing researcher J.D. Power gave this generation high marks for dependability, quality, performance, and design, with owners appreciating its versatile storage and cargo capabilities. However, some expressed concerns about a lack of power and fuel economy that didn’t quite match Honda’s estimates.
In 2010, the Ridgeline’s base model started at just below $35,000 and has held its value remarkably well. In today’s market, a 2010 Honda Ridgeline in good condition can fetch between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on factors such as trim level, mileage, and overall condition.
The 2010 Honda Ridgeline has proven to be a well-rounded, reliable truck with staying power, making it a solid choice for those who want a versatile, comfortable pickup.
| Troy Media
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