I think the hate is directed towards "ricers" more than Honda in general. Just seems that Hondas tend to be a magnet for it. Clearly, a Honda (or in the OP case, Acura) can be built. But I digress.
Car in OP reminds me of a buddy of mine, he loves older (relatively speaking) cars, but his style is to build up the engine, but keep the outside stock.
He has a Toyota MR2 (W20), Pontiac Fiero, Mitsubishi Galant VR4... and another one or two DSM's that I can't remember. All stock on the outside, but work done on motor. Actually, the Fiero is a track only car... no interior on that one.
- HP