I searched for a long time (and read countless reviews) before finally coming to the conclusion that this was the mower for me. No, this mower doesn't have all the bells and whistles that others do, but that's exactly what makes it perfect. This thing is built like a tank, but still weighs about as much as any generic, self-propelled mower you could get at any of the big-box stores... only it's nothing like any of those mowers. You really have to see one to appreciate it. I drove 300 miles round trip just to check this mower out, (and, obviously, snatched it up).
That it is not self-propelled, and has a manual choke and throttle control, are bonuses to me. The wide, 9"-tall, sealed ball-bearing wheels (all the way around) make it really easy to push, and to pull. The quality of this machine is simply outstanding, and I completely expect this to be the last mower I ever purchase... and that's really why I purchased it. From the GSV160, to the design of the deck and bag, this thing effing rocks. A mediocre, generic mower might have cost half as much, but if one just looks at the vast differences in quality, they'll realize this mower will easily outlast any other mower, by a LONG shot.
So, option 1: buy a blah mower, get pissed off that it is such crappy quality, use it for several seasons until you can't tolerate it anymore, and then, buy another blah mower, and another... Or, option 2: buy a Honda, and have a blast every single time you use it. Seriously. It's made mowing fun for me again. I'm glad Honda is still making this model... and if they ever decide to discontinue it, well, I already have mine!