I have an old #1030 Bernina that is my workhorse and I love her.

Also have Jem Platinum and Jem Gold - love them too

I tell people it is like cars, There are Ford people and Chevy people. I love my Brothers (I have 3), My mother loves her Viking and my sister loves her Bernina. Sometimes it comes down to what features you need and like.

Impossible question for me, as I love the vintage Singers, but have no interest in the current models. Years ago drooled over Pfaffs only, but I'm not convinced that the quality is the same since they are no longer German -made. I think Janome is a reliable, quality brand, based on reviews and reading the Horizon yahoo group posts daily. Janome has a gazillion models, plus they make Elnas and many Kenmores. You seem yo get a lot of features for the price with Janome. Bernina quality, innovation , and customer service are going strong, but they only have integrated dual feed and big harps on the 8 series machines, and they are the most expensive. Finally, I have a Babylock Quest Plus which I LOVE as much as my Bernina.

I have had/have the following
Kenmore, Elna, Brother and Husqavarna Viking sapphire - I thought I loved my Elna best until I started with the Sapphire.

I have always been a Janome person - and still believe you get the most bang for your buck with them. However, I have had Pfaff, Singer, and Brother. They all have their good points (not a new Singer - the oldies)! I currently have a Babylock and love the features and ease of use. So really, it is individual taste and you just have to try one to see if it fits!

I love my Bernina...have had my 1230 for 18 years+ and it is a real
sturdy machine.
Also bought a Brother a couple of years ago, a straight stitch only machine for quilting..and love this machine too.

I love Singer! Have one that is 25 years old, and sews great. I want to get FW too. I like my Pfaff machine I use now. Also have a Bernette serger that doesn't get used much.

Old Elnas from when they were making their own. Right now I'm doing my piecing and FMQ on a vintage Singer. If I were able to purchase an embroidery machine, I'd look at Babylock.

I currently own a Featherweight, two Bernina sewing machines, a Bernina Serger and Embroidery machine and a Brother embroidery machine. I purchased the Brother because it uses the same software as the other embroidery machine but can make a bigger design. I fell in love with Berninas when I worked for a dealer who also did custom dressmaking and alterations. I got to work with the various machines everyday I worked. I was able to purchase my 1260 at dealer cost. That model did not have a mileage meter on it. If it did it would probably be pushing a million miles. I actually wore out the computer and had it replaced.

I have an old Morse which can't be beat. I also have 2 Janome machines. I use the 6260QC for piecing and the 1600p on my grace frame. I have to say that I love my Janome machines and they can't be beat for the price.