27-08-2006
Introduced as a 2006 model in March 2005, the mid-sized Ridgeline brought a
number of innovative and exclusive new features to the half-ton truck segment
including an In-Bed Trunk(TM) and a fully independent four-wheel suspension.
Recipient of both the prestigious Motor Trend Truck of the Year and North
American Truck of the Year in 2006, the 2007 Ridgeline receives a new
value-oriented RTX trim level that comes with a standard trailer hitch and
popular features such as alloy wheels, accessory grill and body-color painted
door handles.
New standard equipment on all Ridgelines (RT, RTX, RTS and RTL) includes a driver side illuminated vanity mirror and four new exterior colors, including, Aberdeen Green Metallic, Nimbus Gray Metallic, Dark Cherry Pearl and Formal Black.
On the RTL trim level, the moonroof and XM Satellite Radio(R) become standard features and the leather interior option is now monotone (previously two-tone). The RTL includes HomeLink(R) remote system, interior compass in the rearview mirror, heated front seats, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(R) with voice recognition and MP3/ auxiliary input jack. The Ridgeline RTS adds alloy wheels, a seven-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer and six-disc, in-dash audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls, dual-zone automatic climate control and an eight-way power driver's seat.
Standard engineering features include a 247-horsepower, 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine; 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission; advanced Variable Torque Management(R) four-wheel drive system; 5-foot cargo bed with six heavy duty tie down cleats and 4 bed lights; an 8.5 cubic foot, secure, lockable In-Bed Trunk; and a dual-action tailgate.
Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; power windows and door locks, power sliding rear window; cruise control; keyless entry; automatic heated wiper zone; six-speaker 100-watt audio system with CD player; 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with underseat storage; and all-weather floor mats.
All models also come equipped with standard transmission and oil coolers, heavy duty brakes, dual radiator fans, an exclusive fresh air intake system for improved towing performance in hot weather conditions and pre-wiring for 4 and 7-pin trailer hook up.
The Ridgeline includes the most comprehensive list of standard safety equipment in its class. In keeping with Honda's industry-leading "Safety for Everyone" initiative, all Ridgeline trucks are equipped with standard anti-lock brakes with Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA(R)) with traction control, brake assist, advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's SRS airbags, driver's and front passenger's side airbags (passenger side with Occupant Protection Detection System), two-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Ridgeline was the first-ever 4-door pickup to receive federal government's top five-star safety rating, the highest safety rating possible, for both frontal and side impact crash test performance.
The Ridgeline's lockable In-Bed Trunk has enough room to store a 72-quart cooler, three sets of golf bags or other bulky items under the pickup bed; a dual action tailgate that allows for easy loading and unloading of the In-Bed Trunk. Its unique body architecture delivers vastly superior body rigidity and provides the foundation for the Ridgeline's spacious interior cabin and bed, outstanding safety performance and class-leading ride and handling performance.
Designed to meet the needs of a growing population of consumers purchasing trucks to support their active, outdoor oriented lifestyles, the Ridgeline delivers the right mix of overall truck capability, towing performance, ruggedness and value in a fun-to-drive and responsive vehicle.
Text and photos courtesy of Honda
