From the 2013 CR buying guide.
"The best self propelled gas mowers we tested come from Honda and Toro. But we found some differences in value and performance for the 100-plus other mowers we tested this year.
Honda HRX217VKA
Toro 20381/82
Honda HRR216VYA
Honda HRR216VKA
...then they list the Toro Recycler, a few craftsmen models, a few Troy-Bilt, a Lawn-Boy. The Husqvarna models they have rated at 14/15 and lower.
CR recommends the Honda HRX217VKA and HRR216VYA, Toro 20381/82. Their best buys are the Honda HRR216VKA and the Toro Recycler 20333/32/34.
John Deere, Husqvarna and Troy-Bilt were the most repair-prone brands among self-propelled mowers. Sample size of 31,371 from 2007-2011.
