Garage sales can be more demanding of one’s time when the big day is not being played out in the “home garage.” It requires loading up the car and driving to the sale site with piles of stuff that one hopes (in my case prays) will never be seen again.

For some reason, my wife is enamored with participating in the selling end of garage sales, which is why I was pressed into transportation duty one summer evening. It was certainly no way to begin the weekend, but the wife’s “treasures” simply had to be there the night before and she knew I just happened to be driving a truck all week.

Now some people might say the Honda Ridgeline is not really a truck. Although hardcore truck owners feel they need a big, beefy V-8 vehicle for hauling anything from a load of dirt to large plywood planks, that same requirement is rarely needed among the masses. To my delight, the Ridgeline had enough storage space to prevent a second trip for additional garage sale items.

Recognizing the need for a truck that can provide both comfort and versatility, Honda unveiled the Ridgeline several years ago to a mostly U.S. market with the idea that this crew cab pickup would be a wonderful cross between a sports utility vehicle and a truck.

Admittedly not a fan of big or small trucks, I enjoyed the Ridgeline quite a bit. It has won praise from a number of vehicle publications, who also see its value. Despite the considerable acclaim, last year’s sales (around 50,000) indicate the general public is not as charmed by the Ridgeline’s makeup.

One reason might be the price; it does run high. The 2007 Ridgeline RTL driven here for a week costs $32,940. Granted, the low end model dips to $27,800, yet that is still nearly $10,000 more than the going price of some American-made trucks produced by Ford and GMC.

Developed purposely for the U.S. market, the all-wheel drive Ridgeline is based on a modified version of the platform used for the Honda Pilot. Due to a fully independent rear suspension, the Ridgeline drives much more like a car than a truck, absorbing bumps and providing sedan-like handling and strong, reliable braking.

The Ridgeline engine is a 3.5-liter, V6 with 255 horsepower and five-speed automatic transmission. It provides enough on-demand power for most situations, but with a 5,000 pound maximum towing capacity (the minimum to be called a truck) it may be considered whimpy by many truck purists.

The bed of the Ridgeline is the same as most compact pickups (five feet long) and over four feet wide, which is a bad dimension if you have a big load yet good if you are backing up in a tight space. However, a nice feature is a tailgate that pulls down and also swings open sideways. There is also a hidden locking trunk that measures 8.5 cubic feet and is capable of storing a sizable suitcase or golf clubs with ease.

The Ridgeline has large, easy to operate gauges, which is typical of Honda vehicles. The truck seats five passengers and does it comfortably. Front and back occupants have good head and leg room. Even with three adults in the rear cabin, the Ridgeline offers solid comfort.

Gas mileage is not truck-like either, getting between 16-21 mpg. A 22-gallon tank means fillups are less frequent.

Fast Facts

Power — 3.5-liter, V6, 255 horsepower

Mileage Estimates — 6-21 mpg                                         

Standard Features — Traction control; brake assist; antiskid system; tilt steering; versatile center console; split-folding rear seat; power windows, doors, mirrors; rear sliding power window; audio system with seven speakers and XM Satellite Radio; heated front seats; climate control; HomeLink System; 12-volt power outlets; eight-way driver seat; and more.