Future products: Honda aims to build on momentum surrounding the Odyssey

Honda has run into a few problems with its new-vehicle introductions of late. The current Accord was a bit too large in this era of downsizing, the Accord Crosstour was knocked for its styling, and the Insight hybrid suffered disappointing sales.

Things may have changed, though. The newly redesigned Odyssey minivan has received high marks. The crucial question is how the delayed Civic redesign, due in February 2011, will be received.

Electric vehicle: Honda will sell a battery-electric "commuter car" in 2012 for the 2013 model year that will look similar to the EV-N, unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo auto show. The EV-N's retro style evokes the original N600 that Honda debuted 40 years ago. In addition to a standard plug-in, the EV-N gets power from solar panels on the roof.

Fit: Honda Europe will get a hybrid version of the small car, but the company has canceled a hybrid for North America. Instead, Honda will use that powertrain in the similarly sized Insight.

Insight: No major changes are planned in the next three years.

Civic: The redesigned Civic arrives in February 2011 as a 2011 model. Originally meant to be larger, the car was delayed six months when the recession and upcoming corporate average fuel economy regulations forced Honda engineers to shrink it.

Spy photos of the new Civic show a more aggressive rake to the windshield and B-pillar. The C-pillar of the sedan version borrows BMW's "Hofmeister kink" in the rear quarter-window. The trunk lid appears more rounded and less stubby and angular.

A Honda source said the boy-racer "Si" version will continue. A hybrid version with a lithium ion battery pack comes later in 2011, probably in the fall. Also, because natural-gas vehicles get carpool-lane access in California, Honda will outfit the GX trim in better materials. The current version is cheaply packaged for utility fleets.

In 2012, Honda will sell a battery-electric commuter car that will look similar to the EV-N, shown.

CR-Z: The hybrid-electric sporty coupe has just debuted. While Europe and Japan get a 2+2 seating configuration, the U.S. market has only a two-seater. A Honda source said a higher-performance version may be on the way.

S2000: Honda killed its sports car during the recession, but reports from Japan say a new version could be in showrooms as soon as 2012 as a 2013 model. The S2000, slotted above the CR-Z, could be offered with the "large car" hybrid powertrain Honda has been promising will go in vehicles such as the next Accord.

Accord: A midcycle freshening is planned for the 2011 model year; a redesign is due for the 2013 model year. Although the Civic was delayed, executives say the Accord's redesign is on schedule. Honda engineers realize they made the current Accord too large in an effort to bridge the gap between the Toyota Camry and Avalon.

Expect the next Accord to be a tad smaller. Also, the current model's suspension is a bit floaty. If the Odyssey redesign indicates Honda's revised attitude toward responsive handling and road feel, expect the next Accord to regain some suspension tautness.

Accord Crosstour: The tall hatchback version of the Accord was launched for the 2010 model year.

FCX Clarity: Honda's hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle is trickling into Southern California garages as part of a beta test for a 2018 launch.

CR-V: The compact crossover will get a redesign next summer. It already is the best-selling vehicle in its segment, so a lot rides on Honda's getting it right.

Renderings in Japanese spy-photo magazines show something akin to a Ford Kuga, but expect something more like the Acura RDX. The 180-hp, 2.4-liter engine is expected to be carried over. No V6 option is forthcoming, but don't count out a hybrid variant.

Element: A 2010 model year freshening this year should extend the cycle for a couple of years. Honda has said it wants to do something interesting to replace this vehicle, but the crossover's future is unclear. The Element is tied to the Civic platform, which doesn't necessarily mean it will require a redesign when the new Civic arrives. Honda is known for keeping niche models on older platforms for a couple of extra years.

The redesigned Odyssey features bolder styling, second-row seats that pivot and larger third-row seats.

Pilot: No major changes are expected in the next three years.

Odyssey: Honda's minivan gets a redesign this fall. It features bolder styling, second-row seats that can pivot side to side and more ample third-row seats. The minivan adds larger brakes, a six-speed automatic transmission and 15 cup and bottle holders. The new Odyssey also has an independent rear suspension. Honda sources said a hybrid variant is doubtful.

Ridgeline: Some cosmetic changes and a new instrument panel will keep the pickup truck in production for a couple more years. Expect the redesigned Ridgeline to move onto the new Odyssey platform in the 2013 or 2014 model year.

By Mark Rechtin- Automotive News