All of the problems you described could be solved simply by getting a proper installation kit from Crutchfield or a similar source.

With that said, I put my player in my Honda, using the factory pocket, without an installation kit. It looks perfect and slides in and out without the slightest trouble. Pictures are here.

Oh, and if your Honda is anything like mine or my wife's Hondas, they are NOT double-din. They are like 1.75-din or something like that. Some have managed to cram an aftermarket stereo in along with an empeg, but it wasn't easy.