2009 Initial Quality: Pickups and Vans

Midsize Pickup Segment


Highest Ranked: 2009 Honda Ridgeline
The 2009 Honda Ridgeline is the highest-ranked midsize pickup in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS). Unique among its peers, the Honda Ridgeline is the only unibody pickup in the segment. In layman’s terms, this means the Ridgeline’s body structure and platform are a single unit instead of a separate cab and bed mounted to a ladder-type frame. The latter arrangement is common, and frequently preferred for towing and hauling, in the pickup truck segment. The advantages of the Ridgeline’s design include increased passenger room within the cabin, a smoother ride, and weight savings. Honda also claims that the Ridgeline is several times more rigid than a comparable ladder frame found on all of the competitors. Furthermore, while most pickups use solid rear axles and feature optional part-time 4-wheel-drive systems, Honda fits the Ridgeline with a 4-wheel independent suspension and permanent full-time all-wheel drive for better ride and handling in all kinds of weather conditions. The Ridgeline is also unique in that it offers a locking trunk under the cargo bed floor. All Ridgelines are equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

According to owners of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline, the top five problem areas are:

• Climate controls are difficult to use or see, or are in a poor location
• Paint chip or scratch at delivery
• Excessive wind noise
• Excessive fuel consumption
• Transmission gearshift is hard to operate

Learn More About the 2009 Honda Ridgeline
See 2009 Honda Ridgeline Pictures
View 2009 Honda Ridgeline Ratings
Read 2009 Honda Ridgeline PowerSteering Review
View a Photo Gallery of the Most Problem-Free Trucks
Browse Other Honda Models


Ranked No. 2: 2009 Nissan Frontier
Ranked No. 3: 2009 Ford Ranger