I owned a 03 Accord before the purchase of a used Ridgeline (2006). My good experience with the Accord was a huge factor in looking at the Ridgline.
First was the fact that the Ridgeline had MORE accessories and bells and whistles than the Accord EX L. Sure, its a leather interior, climate control (separate for both sides) 5 sp automatic, 6 disc in dash CD, heated front seats, and a great ride. And I did lose the sunroof that the Accord had. But the gains are things like Homelink (transmitter built in that opens up to 3 garage doors), the pick up truck bed that I can now carry most anything I want, a power sliding rear window, and full time 4WD.
Some things that are always mentioned, but need a bit of clairification, the "trunk under the pick up bed" is always mentioned. But something thats not mentioned is that when you lock the doors, this "trunk" door locks too! so its secure. If you hit the unlock button on the key fob, you then can open the "trunk" without inserting the key in the latch. The seal on the "trunk" is VERY weatherproof, thing stay dry and secure down there. And to get to this "trunk" the tailgate opens both like a door, and like a regular pick up tailgate, dropping down. I use the swinging door function much more than using the drop down tailgate.
Also my truck has the Hondaline hard tonneau cover. This is a very secure and nice option (it was not standard when you bought the truck, is about a 1,100 option plus install). its hinged about in the middle of the five foot bed. Two large levers on each side unlock the tonneau so it can be hinged forward. But one thing thats a bit annoying, if you have anything larger than the hinged opening allows, its not feasable to open the entire bed up, it always has the forward section in place. To remove (or open up the entire bed) you must remove the tonneau with tools, and thats not too convinient. But the tonneau also lets you lock the tailgate from being opened as well. SO the items in the bed are locked and the "trunk" under the bed is under two lock and keys. The bedliner/tonneau is very durable, its a hard plastic with at good antislip finish. What you put in there stays dry and secure. There are four tie downs in the 5 foot long and four foot wide bed (you can carry sheet plywood flat) that are very strong.
Rear seat seats three accross if needed, and the center of the rear seat pulls up to be a headreast. The outermost two seats have headrests that are up all the time. The rear seats also fold up, as the bottom cushion hinges up and locks in the upper position, leaving a large floor section that allows for large items, such as a bicycle. And there is storage under the rear seat bottoms that is always available, never blocked. Rear seats are surronded by priviacy glass, so its fairly dark and private back there. And the rear window slides via power from the drivers door. If you happen to leave the rear window open when the key is pulled out, a warning buzzer reminds you that the back window is open,(along with a idiot light on the dash).
All seats are very comfortable, the drivers seat is a 8 way power plus a power lumbar. Heated front seats are a blessing in the cold Cleveland winters. A enormous center armreast/storage compartment between the front seats is moveable, you can put larger items than you would think in it, and portions slide making it very user friendly. Clear controls are abundent, IE there is a huge rocker switch that is clearly marked to light the interior lights (8 of them) and another for the bed lights (four, two in the "trunk" and two in the bed).
Stereo is 160 watt unit, and has a separate subwoofer behind the back seat. Sound is above avarage. Has in dash XM satellite radio if you got the sunroof and/or Navagation package (which I do not). Also Power mirrors and a separate defrost switch just for the mirrors. Like all new Honda's if you hold down the unlock button on the key fob, all four door windows go down. Nice in hot weather to cool off the interior faster. The truck also has the TPS system (tire pressure monitoring system that tells you if you have low pressure in one of the tires) and thats something I have not had before and think its a great idea.
Power is via a 3.5L V6 and is ample for the truck. Milage varies, I have gotten 22 on highway, and avarage about 18-19 in all around driving. It has VSA (Vehicle stability) which helps keep the vehicle from losing traction and control. Antilock breaks are standard as is front, side door, and side air bags. Also standard is a security system, power windows, lock and a tilt steering wheel (no telescope, just up and down), vairable speed wipers and 17" wheels and tires.
The ride is almost as good as the Accord was, its quiet and sure footed. I always feel in control and sitting up higher is nice.
All in all I am very pleased with this purchase. As my other reviews, I will update as needed.
Amount Paid (US$): 19.900
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2006
Model and Options: RTL