Honda's fuel-efficiency strategy pays off

Honda's fuel-efficiency strategy pays off

"In recent years, while many automakers were building bigger and brawnier trucks and SUVs, Honda Motor Co. stuck to its core business of making fuel-efficient vehicles. Unlike its leading Japanese rivals, Honda passed on developing a full-size pickup. It didn't offer a powerful V-8 engine for its premium cars and SUVs either, focusing its resources instead on designing better versions of its stalwart Civic compact and tiny Fit."

Back in the heyday for the large and powerful, Honda always seemed the odd man out not having a V8. Now in 2008 they are racing Jerry Seinfeld to the bank the cash their checks fast enough. Honda kept their brand image focused on efficiency and when things started to go sour with gasoline prices, Americans looked up their old pal Mr. Civic and his buddy Mr. Fit. Too bad the Civic has that craaaazy instrument panel!