My last machine was a Necchi. My mom had it for almost 15 years before giving it to me and I used it for several years. It was fairly plain with only 10 stitch functions but it worked great for her. I made two quilts and several smaller crafts. She sewed tons of kids clothes and doll outfits.
I liked that it was very heavy (mostly metal) and didn't rock. It kept consistent stitches.
I didn't like that my model had a top drop bobbin and I could never get the tension right without a thousand adjustments. I love the new machines that do it automatically.
Overall, though, I have only positive feelings about Necchi. My problems with the machine were do to a goofy user, not the machine. :-)