change that to cheap aftermarket ones, and i will agree.

GM and DCX use whomever bids the cheapest to make their filters, as do a few other manufacturers. i am not sure about honda, but i assume that its the same way. you may be getting two different filters, at different times, and they are made differently.

I have never had an issue with Wix or Hastings. We go through about 50-150 filters a WEEK, and rarely have issues. i use OEM ford, subaru, and Volvo filters due to cost constraints, i buy about 200 of each at a time and get a better price than my Wix ones.

the whole saying "you get what you pay" for comes to mind.