Toro vs. Honda mowers - thoughts?

DH and DS are contemplating the merits of self-propelled mid-range priced ($300-$400) lawnmowers, and have pretty much settled on one of these two makes. Any thoughts on one over the other? (Our old, cheap push mower gave up the ghost last fall, and spring is fixin' to spring up on us ;o) Is front-wheel better than rear-wheel drive, or vice-versa?

We don't need a fancy lawnmower (the push mower gets used where the riding mower can't reach), but we've learned the hard way that you get what you pay for with a $100 mower. (Hard to start and lots of headaches ;o)