AT A GLANCE

TECHNOLOGY: Honda has made profitable and potentially market-changing advances in fuel cell, natural gas, ethanol, and hybrid electric vehicles.

HISTORY: Founded in Japan in 1946 by motorcycle builder Soichiro Honda; expanded to the U.S. in 1959.

FAMOUS MODELS: Civic, Accord, CR-V

KNOWN FOR: Efficiency, reliability and innovation

Rock-solid reliability

Soichiro Honda’s dream to build a fast, efficient motorcycle took him nearly 20 years and several failed attempts to achieve—until he began to trust his instincts and stop racing around at dangerous speeds.

Honda’s ability to mass-produce extremely well-engineered, highly efficient and innovative vehicles has paid off on a global scale, and shows no signs of slowing down.

The company is aggressively developing a new fleet of vehicles that relies on alternative energy sources, including natural gas, ethanol, and fuel cell batteries. Honda is also developing the “New Small Concept,” a vehicle designed primarily for the Asian market, along with its sporty hybrid vehicle, the CR-Z.

As a sponsor of the Copenhagen climate talks, Honda continues to champion and increase the high gas mileage of its vehicles. Honda’s intrinsic belief that efficiency and profitability can be achieved in one package makes this global car company a pioneer in the new realm of environmentally friendly profit.

One of its most notable cars is the Insight hybrid, the most affordable hybrid on the market, proof that green technology can be brought to the masses.

Honda also continues its reputation for reliability with cars like the rock-solid Accord, which is completely redesigned for 2013.

2013 VEHICLES TO WATCH

Accord
One of the world’s most popular vehicles, the Accord is all-new this year. It sets new standards for comfort and efficiency.

Insight
The Insight remains America’s most affordable hybrid car for 2013. It’s known for its high-tech powertrain and versatile hatchback design.

Ridgeline
Already known for practicality and value, the Ridgeline is a better deal in 2013 with the addition of a standard rear-view camera.