As far as the Honda 2000 gen,I have had mine for over fifteen years, and it still runs great and starts on the third pull! I believe Honda'a are expensive because of the cost of quality components, Honda is know for good engines that last a long time with regular maintenance.
I also have a Honda 1800 open frame Generator thats at least 25 years old! I rebuilt the carb on it once and it is a running fool!! I have taken that thing allot of paces camping!! it has been out in the weather and run at maximum capacity for hours at a time and still runs and functions perfectly,, So Marketing ploy?? No not for me,, proven performance.. You get what you pay for on that one there!!
