you might want to check out consumer reports. they have a rating system for sewing machines based on function (garment, quilting, general purpose).
i agree with the previous poster about tons of bells that never get used. i have a machine with tons of fancy stitches, embroidery module, etc and i hardly ever use them.
i'm in the market for a new machine in the next year and now i want a straight stitch, very fast, side loading bobbin, thread cutter, needle down - thats it.
i'll be considering Brother, Janome, and Juki