I have had my Honda iPod Music Link for about 8 months now. It is available as an option on 2006 Hondas and also as a dealer installed accessory. My 2006 Ridgeline RTL did not come with this option. I debated about spending the significant amount of money to add this feature to my Ridgeline. The iPod Music Link retails from Honda for $214. It sells for quite a bit less on eBay. If you want Honda to install it, it takes about 3 hours and about $300, as the dash face, glove box and radio must be removed and there is cutting and drilling involved. Though I installed a similar kit on my 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche in an hour, after looking at Honda's installation instructions, I decided to let the Honda dealership install it. The kit allows the iPod to sit in your glove box, charge and play your MP3's through the Honda factory radio using the radio and steering wheel controls. Once you put the iPod in the glove box, you need never touch it again. It's also a nice touch that it isn't visible to thieves when you leave your truck open and unlocked.

Now, if you thought there was only one Honda iPod Music Link, you thought wrong. I am not familiar with other Honda vehicles, but, for the Ridgeline if you have a 2006 RT or RTL without a sunroof you need PKN243. If you have a 2006 RTS or RTL with a sunroof you need PKN242. Additionally, if you have a sunroof AND XM radio, you will need to buy a 2 Port Bus cable, Honda number 1224, for about $15.

This kit works with 4th Generation iPod, iPod Mini, iPod Video and iPod Nano. It does NOT work with 1st, 2nd or 3rd Generation iPod or iPod Shuffle.

While there are other, cheaper kits out there that allow you to play your iPod through a factory radio, none integrate it seamlessly in a Honda except Honda's iPod Music Link. In the kit, you also get a CD which you use on your PC or Mac to allow iTunes functions to be used with the Honda! Your iTunes-iPod playlists function on the iPod and in the Honda. This is a great feature. Though the kit carries Honda's name, it is made by Alpine. After 6 months of daily use, I still think it's a great addition to my Honda Ridgeline.