2008 Honda Ridgeline

Honda decided to enter the lucrative North American pickup truck segment in 2006 with its Ridgeline.

Many were skeptical, journalists and the general public alike, but the vehicle won several awards in its first year, two of the biggest being Motor Trend's Truck of the Year and the coveted overall North American Truck of the Year.

Unlike most pickup trucks on the market, the Ridgeline comes only in a one-size-fits-all configuration with four doors, seating for five and a five-foot-long cargo bed.

A unique feature of this cargo bed is a small covered trunk inside. It can be accessed via the tailgate, which both folds down, like other pickups, but also swings to the side for easier access.

Despite its car-like unit-body construction, the Ridgeline can handle off-road duty thanks to its standard Variable Torque Management four-wheel-drive system (VTM-4) and locking rear differential.

These four wheels are driven by a 3.5-liter 247-horsepower V6 engine through a five-speed automatic transmission. A heavy-duty transmission cooler is available.

Expect 15 miles to the gallon in city driving and 20 on the highway.

Four trim levels are offered: the base RT, RTX, RTS and top-of-the-line RTL.

The RTX features a towing package as standard. It includes a high-capacity radiator, plus heavy-duty power steering and transmission coolers to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The other trims feature varying levels of interior amenities, with the top RTL getting all the luxury goodies such as leather seats and steering wheel, heated front seats, a power sunroof, heated exterior mirrors, HomeLink remote system, XM satellite radio and an available voice-activated navigation system.