Are lawnmowers built worse than 20 years ago?

After 10 years of owning a Craftsman self-propelled mower on which I replaced almost every part....twice, I bought a Honda. I couldn't believe how much quieter the Honda is compared with the Craftsman. As noted above, it starts on the first pull always! After seven years I had to replace the first part this weekend. The self-propel cable head broke off. I recommend Honda to anyone that asks......that goes for snow blowers also!