Innovative Four-Door Truck With In-Bed Trunk(TM) Delivers Class-Leading Safety Features and Four-Wheel Drive as Standard Equipment on All Models

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new Honda Ridgeline truck, scheduled to make its debut at Honda dealerships nationwide on March 1. The 2006 Ridgeline will be available in three trim levels starting with the well equipped RT, the fully featured RTS and the luxury-oriented RTL. Prices will range from $27,700 for the RT up to $31,490 for the RTL. RTL models may also be equipped with a Moonroof, XM Satellite Radio and Honda's satellite-linked Navigation System with Advanced Voice Recognition.

"Honda is entering the truck market with a product that delivers a combination of performance, features, value and refinement unique in the truck segment," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "The Ridgeline has all the utility of a half-ton truck while maintaining the fundamental Honda qualities of being fun-to-drive, environmentally responsible and safe, with characteristic Honda dependability, quality and reliability."

All Ridgeline models will come with a long list of standard comfort and convenience features including 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 Electronic Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, advanced dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags, driver's and front passenger's side airbags (passenger side with Occupant Detection System), two- row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Additional standard features on all Ridgeline models include a 255-horsepower VTEC V-6 engine; 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission; advanced Variable Torque Management four-wheel drive system; air conditioning; tilt steering wheel; power side windows, power sliding rear window and door locks; cruise control; keyless entry; automatic heated wiper zone; 6-speaker 100-watt audio system with CD player; 60/40 split lift-up rear seat with underseat storage; all-weather floor mats; 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(TM); and dual-action tailgate. All models also come equipped ready to tow 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 RTS adds alloy wheels, a seven-speaker 160-watt audio system with subwoofer and six-disc, in-dash audio system with steering wheel controls, dual zone automatic climate control and an eight-way power driver's seat.

The Ridgeline RTL adds leather seating surfaces, HomeLink(R) remote system, an interior compass in the rearview mirror and heated front seats and an available power moonroof. Models with the power moonroof are equipped with

standard XM(R) Satellite Radio and are available with the Honda Satellite- Linked Navigation System.

The mid-size Ridgeline introduces a number of innovative and exclusive new features to the half-ton truck segment including a secure, lockable In-Bed Trunk with room enough 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 and truck bed; and the segment's first fully independent four-wheel suspension. Its unique body architecture, featuring two fully-boxed longitudinal frame rails and seven high strength steel cross members in a unitized body construction, 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.

2006 Honda Ridgeline Highlights