With a reputation for innovation that dates back to its post-World War II roots, Honda Motor Company is rarely behind the curve when it comes to an engineering or design category. Honda leads in motorcycles, decimating the Brits (almost 40 years ago) with more cylinders, performance and reliability. And Honda is a leader in cars, where a combination of clever design and efficient performance puts Honda at or near the top of the sales heap. To the truck and SUV clambake, however, Honda's been notably late to the party.

In the rush -- by virtually everyone else -- to establish a family of SUVs, Honda was left to align itself with Isuzu, using both Isuzu's Rodeo and, later, Trooper to badge engineer some entries in the category. Only later did Honda establish its own designs and nameplates, with the CR-V, Pilot and MD-X serving both the category and dealer network. Given Honda's track record, no one expected an entry in the pickup sweepstakes early; in point of fact, many of us suspected Honda wouldn't be bothered.

The Ridgeline, introduced for the ´05 model year, is Honda's delayed response to the U.S. auto industry's dominant segment. And in taking its time, it's done a “Honda,” imbuing its entry with enough originality to essentially redefine the segment. While that's certain to generate a full measure of curiosity, it doesn't ensure a sweeping sales success. In a corporate culture that fully expects to hit each and every new entry out of the park, the Ridgeline has been met with adequate acceptance, but -- for the most part -- almost restrained enthusiasm.

That restraint begins with reaction to the Ridgeline's sheet metal. Built atop a stretched variant of the Pilot/Odyssey platform, the Ridgeline certainly adopts the muscular cues of the genre, looking as if GM had crossed its Avalanche with its H2 SUT. The face is certainly purposeful, but its monolithic appearance lacks the sophistication we've come to expect in Honda products. And while the long wheelbase and short overhangs suggest an off-road capability, that longish wheelbase -- and Tahoe-like width -- suggests keeping it at the trailhead, and taking your Honda ATV on the trail.

Inside is where Honda will win the converts, with a convertible environment that welcomes both human cargo and, well, cargo cargo. That long wheelbase provides plenty of room between the axles, giving generous legroom both front and rear. Front passengers are supported by big-ass buckets, while those in the rear can spread out -- and we will -- across a three-passenger bench. And if it's just you, your hunting partner and three or four kegs, the bench cushion folds up to carry as much of your favorite beverage as any party might realistically require. For those whose sporting pursuits aren't carbonated, you can even park a bike back there.

The Ridgeline's biggest -- perhaps only -- “wow” factor resides in the pickup bed. No, you won't be stunned by its length or cubic volume (five feet with the tailgate up, six feet and nine inches with the gate down). The “wow” comes from more than eight cubic feet of trunk space -- lockable and weatherproof -- beneath the bed floor. And while -- obviously -- eight cubic feet of lockable, concealed luggage space won't swallow all the stuff for a family of four, it will certainly provide a secure resting place for the run to the airport, or the weekend getaway. On the spec sheet it doesn't stand out, but in day-in, day-out utility, it is a standout.

At price points in the high $20s and low $30s, there's more than a little bit of sticker shock when comparing a V6-powered Ridgeline to its better-established, V8-powered brethren. This is a pickup for those never really thinking they'd be shopping for pickups. Whether you're a 50-something without kids, or a 30-something with a young family, it might just meet your needs. Or, it might not.

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