A method of producing aluminum alloy sheet product includes casting a slab or ingot, homogenizing the cast slab, and hot rolling the homogenized slab to provide an intermediate gauge product. The temperature and other operating parameters of the hot rolling process are controlled so that the temperature of the ingot at the beginning of hot rolling is maintained at a temperature between 925.degree. F. (496.degree. C.) and 1025.degree. F. (552.degree. C.), and the temperature of the intermediate gauge product exiting the hot rolling step is between about 500.degree. F. (260.degree. C.) and 600.degree. F. (316.degree. C.). The intermediate gauge product is then subjected to a cold reduction of 45% to 70%, annealed, and cold rolled to final gauge. The combination of controlling the hot rolling to provide the desired hot line entry temperature and the desired exit temperature of the intermediate gauge product and annealing prior to cold rolling to final gauge minimizes or eliminates the appearance of ridging line defects in the aluminum sheet product when the product is subjected to further straining in a forming operation. An improved aluminum alloy sheet product is produced having a superior surface finish for use in automotive components while maintaining a higher strength than that of the prior art.