I know everyone probably has brand loyalty. When I first upgraded to a better quality I asked a friend who had been a home ec teacher what she would recomment and at that time she said Viking. I have stayed with Viking because my feet for my machine (which are many) work with each upgrade.
If you need a small inexpensive one to start with I agree the Brother from Walmart works great-love the needle threader with mine (I have the sewing-embroidery machine)