I owned nothing but Hondas for years. Great cars and I am really liking the new Civic. No matter what people say its hard to knock Honda's success with the Civic platform. Smart manufacturer.

I have owned both RX-8 and S2000, great machines, but my S2000 gets 25MPG and has not had any recalls. The RX-8 sounds better and is smoother.
The S2000 handles like a go-cart but lacks stability control and traction control.
The RX-8 has much more room and rides better.
The S2000 has better fit and finish.
The RX-8 has better gadgets.
The S2000 has better A/C, much better.
The RX-8 has a better stereo but both suck.
The S2000 has much better HID headlights, that look more blue.
The RX-8 has more airbags.
They both put a smile on your face.

It is too close to compare them until it comes time to put the top down.

I could go on forever

The S2000 is built in the same plant as the NSX, the only 2 that are.

My hate for Honda? I wish my experience was like everyone else who has posted, but it hasn't been. Owned two Hondas... '89 Prelude Si and '93 Ascot (JDM). The Prelude was an amazing POS and it was never modded or beaten. Go figure. The car went through 3 timing belts in about 140,000 or so miles. Two of them broke thus stranding me and costing all kinds of wonderful money to replace bent valves and remachine the heads. The clutch slave cylinder went out on the car twice (thus stranded again) too. Non-technical.. the spoiler (?!) got ripped off and stolen... hail storms... side swipped and finally it was totalled after an SUV ran a stop sign (but at least it still ran). Just couldn't win with that car.

The Ascot... that lovely twin carb 1.8L engine. I bought it used in '99 for about $3,600 and put practically no money in the car. I changed the oil and did what it needed to pass inspection. That car wasn't so exciting to drive, and power... what power?! ... but it did get amazing gas mileage which I saw on monthly trips between Northern Japan and Tokyo.

The only other Honda experience I've had is with a rental Civic last year. Not bad at all for Honda's economy car and a rental at that.

Unfortunately... the Prelude scarred me badly and there are absolutely no aftermarket parts for the Ascot (probably because it's a low class Accord). Add in HOnda's boring ass designs or WTF designs (the upcoming Civic Si, paricularly the interior) and the fact that Honda just can't seem to get past FWD cars... even for Acura! That market is ALL RWD or AWD, but their damn cars are FWD?! Come on...

Why don't I like Honda? A really bad experience combined with them not making a single car I would consider buying (including the NSX and S2000).

Manufacturing in China... according to the latest articles I've read the quality is improving, but is not good enough for worldwide export yet. The majority of manufacturers are shipping the parts in from Japan, etc. and only assemblying the cars in China for Chinese market consumption. However, one or two manufacturers (Toyota is one I believe) is looking to begin exporting the cars to SE Asia.

BTW... I do love Honda motorcycles. As this is their roots... this is something that Honda does right... Toyota/Lexus right. JDM... everyone says Honda makes the best quality and reliable bikes. Yamaha is highly regarded as well.

Honda does make a great car, some of the new Honda designs suck however.

Hondas are very easy and reasonably fun to drive, but unexciting. I have a Civic which is very reliable and economical. It's just not a sexy car.

the fact honda is so popular and there are so many aftermarket parts available. Rice or not is just personal choice.

There are many option for NA setup... not to mentioned the FI.

Honda and Mazda ...........apples and oranges

I believe the Insight is also built at the same plant.

I stand corrected....

I have NO hate for any cars or car company...only "at the moment" preferences.

I think Honda is a great company that builds great cars. Some people will hate on them but honestly they pretty much build the best cars on the road (along with Toyota). They routinely pull alot of HP out of their smaller engines (smaller than the competition that is).

I like Honda but I don't like their style...it's just plane unorganized. Parts of the cars look good but parts of it looks bad (just look at what they did to the “cool” concept Civic, the final rendition really stinks). It's like they have a cool designer working with a bunch of blind accountants.

The S2000 is pretty nice, the past Civics have been nice, and their NSX has always been sweet!