Comments: 1-15, 16
Although I definitely agree with Honda being an engine company due to there motorcycle background, they're also one heck of a standard transmission company. If you know anything about these cars, their standard transmissions are damn near bullet proof.
I have never found Honda's to have cheesy interiors, actually I feel quite the opposite. After being in countless Tempos, Cavaliers, Taurses and virtually every other make of car over the years, always looking for a DEAL... I've always been surprised with how Hondas are after 15 years of use. Very frequently reliable servants.
Other than PGM-FI relays and some automatic transmission issues (which are avoidable buy using proper fluid and actually changing it ever year or two) I really feel Honda makes the best small cars, hands down.
Look up a 1995 Civic VX's fuel mileage, there are plenty of cars today that can't touch that thing!