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Is the 2006 Honda Ridgeline a reliable vehicle?

The 2006 Honda Ridgeline is generally considered a reliable vehicle, with a reputation for durability and dependability. While no vehicle is perfect, the Ridgeline has proven to be a solid choice for many owners over the years.

Reliability Ratings and Owner Feedback

According to various automotive research and review sites, the 2006 Honda Ridgeline has received above-average reliability ratings. J.D. Power and Associates, a leading provider of consumer insights and data, gave the 2006 Ridgeline a reliability score of 4 out of 5, indicating "better than most" reliability.

Owner feedback on sites like Edmunds and Consumer Reports also reflects the Ridgeline's reputation for reliability. Many owners report that their 2006 Ridgeline has held up well over time, with few major mechanical issues.

Common Maintenance and Repair Considerations

Like any vehicle, the 2006 Honda Ridgeline may require regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Some common maintenance items include:

Routine oil changes and fluid checks

Replacement of wear-and-tear parts like brakes, tires, and suspension components

Addressing any issues with the electrical system or engine

While the Ridgeline is generally reliable, it's important for owners to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and address any issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's longevity.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2006 Honda Ridgeline is widely regarded as a reliable vehicle, with a reputation for durability and dependability. While no car is perfect, the Ridgeline has proven to be a solid choice for many owners, provided they maintain the vehicle properly and address any issues that arise. With its combination of reliability, capability, and comfort, the 2006 Ridgeline remains a popular choice in the midsize truck segment.

What year to stay away from Honda Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline years to avoid are primarily 2006, 2017, and 2018-2019, due to significant engine and transmission issues. The 2006 model is linked to a specific cylinder failure problem, while the 2017-2019 models suffered from transmission, torque converter, and fuel injector problems, especially on certain trims.

This video discusses reasons to avoid the Honda Ridgeline, including its design and off-road capability: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 27, 2025
First generation (2006-2014)

2006: Prone to engine failure in the fourth cylinder, often occurring around 100,000 miles.
2006: Other issues include problems with the engine, interior accessories like the gauge cluster, and exterior paint clear coat fading or peeling.

Second generation (2017-present)

2017-2019: These model years are known for issues with the six-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter failure.
2017-2019: Also reported to have failed fuel injectors, which can impact fuel efficiency and performance.
2017: Specifically, the 2017 model year had a higher frequency of fuel injector failures.
2020: While 2020 was the first year of the new ZF 9-speed automatic transmission, some sources still cite concerns and note that the 2020 model year was part of a lawsuit concerning the transmission's programming, according to ClassAction.org.

Is the 2006 Honda Ridgeline any good?

The 2006 Honda Ridgeline is praised for its comfortable, car-like ride, spacious and innovative interior with features like the in-bed trunk, and excellent on-road handling. Downsides include a lack of serious off-road capability and towing limitations, a relatively short 5-foot bed, and some complaints about fuel economy, brake performance, and minor issues like potential corrosion in salt-belt states.

This video provides a general overview of the 2006 Honda Ridgeline, highlighting its unique features and handling: 1mMyRide on AutobytelYouTube · Feb 29, 2008
Pros

Comfortable Ride: Features a smooth, car-like ride thanks to its independent rear suspension.
Spacious & Versatile Interior: The interior is roomy, with many storage compartments, a comfortable cabin, and a weatherproof in-bed trunk.
Handling: Offers responsive and agile handling for a truck, making it easy to drive for daily commuting.
Safety: Features a unibody construction and achieved five-star crash test ratings.
Capability: Has a decent 1,500 lb payload and a 5,000 lb tow rating, making it suitable for light hauling and towing.
Reliability: Many owners report high reliability and longevity, with some having over 190,000 miles.

Cons
This video discusses some common problems with the 2006 Honda Ridgeline: 57s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jul 26, 2025

Off-Road & Towing Limitations: Not designed for serious off-roading and has a V6 engine with limited low-end power for heavy towing jobs.
Fuel Economy: Overall fuel economy is around 15 mpg, which is not better than larger trucks.
Braking Distance: Stopping distance from 60 mph is on the longer side.
Visibility: Visibility can be hindered by large rear headrests and the bed design.
Common Issues: Some owners report issues like plastic parts breaking (e.g., rear seat retractors), potential rear frame corrosion in rust-belt areas, and some minor electrical problems.
Ergonomics: A lack of a telescoping steering wheel can hurt the driving position for some drivers.

What is the value of a 2006 Honda Ridgeline?

The value of a 2006 Honda Ridgeline varies, but it typically ranges from roughly $2,200 to $8,100 depending on its condition, mileage, and trim level. For example, a vehicle with average condition and high mileage might sell for around $1,800, while a well-maintained, lower-mileage model could be worth up to $8,100. Online marketplaces show a wide price range for listings, from around $2,750 to $12,985, with an average price of $8,103.

Factors affecting value

Condition: A vehicle in rough condition with high mileage will have a lower value than one in excellent condition.
Mileage: A significant factor in determining the final price, with lower mileage typically resulting in a higher value.
Trim: The original trim level can impact the used vehicle's value. For example, the RTL model typically has a higher original MSRP than the RT model.
Vehicle history: Factors like accident history and the number of previous owners can influence the value.

How to get a more accurate estimate

Kelley Blue Book: Provides estimates for trade-in, private party, and dealership retail values based on your vehicle's specific details, including mileage, condition, and options.
Edmunds: Offers a tool to get a more precise appraisal based on the vehicle's specific details, allowing you to see estimates for different transaction types (trade-in, private party, dealer retail).
Online marketplaces: Websites like Autotrader.com, Edmunds.com, and CARFAX.com provide a good overview of current market prices and listings.
Online appraisal tools: CarMax offers an instant offer for your vehicle, which can be a useful benchmark for current market value.

How long will a 2006 Honda Ridgeline last?

The Honda Ridgeline comes in at first place in the category of trucks most likely to last 200,000 miles.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.