04/07/2008 02:51. Thomas A. Edison famously quipped, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

Honda ( HMC ) has apparently adopted Edison’s methods, since it continues to post modest but steady sales increases in a downbeat auto market.

Honda’s sweat-soaked insight: reliable, high-mileage cars at a good price. That sure beats fancy cars loaded with gewgaws and gas-guzzling SUVs.

The company has long relied on the Civic and Accord to deliver profits. It now offers the Fit, another car that barely sips gas. Overall, Honda has the most fuel-efficient models in the industry. Buyers have noticed and year-to-date sales are up 4.8% and just over 1% in June.

Honda also makes a small SUV that gets an estimated 20 miles per gallon around town and 27 on the highway. Toyota’s ( TM ) monster... // Minyanville.com