I have a 35 year old Kenmore, which was then labeled as "Sears Best." Have been very happy with it, until recently. Probably just needs a good servicing.
My "baby" is a Janome Horizon 7700QCP. I was drawn to it, because of the 11" harp. After reading specs, numerous reviews and seeing it, in person, I was hopelessly in love with it. Still am! :-)
I'm now considering a Brother CS6000i, to teach my DD and DGD, to sew. Just not quite ready, to let beginners use my Janome . . . and would like to teach them, on a machine they can take home with them.