I have a Janome sewing machine and love it. They have ones you can spend big bucks on and they also have ones that are under $400 at my dealership.
I also have friends who have bought Brother as well as Bernina sewing machines and love them. Berninas are really expensive though.
I wouldn't touch a Singer with a 10 foot pole anymore. I bought one and it was horrid. It would bunch up stitches and was a total mess. After calling customer service they told me to return it that I had a defective machine. It was also cheaply made. I was happy to return it... so I bought the Janome and havne't looked back since. It's a fabulous machine.
I would spend a day or two and visit some local sewing machine stores and try them out and see what you think then shop around for best pricing. :)