I got my first Kenmore in 1965, top of the line (paid it out forever) and had it until '96, only one repair all that time and never paid anything on the 25-year warranty. then I got a computerized Kenmore about '95 no repairs, my girlfriend bought it about '05. Then found out these were made by Janome, both were great machines. Bought my Innov-is 4000d in '05, great machine, and then won a Project Runway limited ed in '08 or '09, great machine for carrying around. So I have to vote for Brother and/or Janome. oh yes, also have the brother 1500 novelle for use on my handi-quilter frame. Now that one is really a workhorse.