Here's my "stable" of machines. I love my newer Janomes!

Janome 1100 - going on 4 years, never a problem. My "go to" machine.
Janome 3160 QDC - my newest travel machine. One year and no issues and I don't expect any!
Janome 1600p- on my Grace Pinnacle frame, workhorse!
Janome MB4 embroidery machine - terrific!
Babylock Imagine serger - this made me love sergers again.

And my little vintage machine collection:
White VS treadle, what fun and gorgeous too!
Singer FW 222K - works like a charm
Singer FW 221 - currently at my Mom's because her machine has gotten too heavy for her to lift.
Singer 301 beige - in cabinet. My favourite for piecing
Singer 301 black long bed - new to the stable, but works very well.

No woman needs all these machines:) But I do love them all.

Pfaff!

It does depend on what you are looking for. The old, heavier machines handle bulky seams better but modern machines have the precision for paper piecing and the useful features like needle-down, dual feed etc. You need to anticipate how your own interests will develop, also. A new machine is a huge investment nowadays.

I love my Pfaff!!!

I love my Berninas, have 3 of them, and my Singer Featherweights, have 2. All are user friendly and hard working machines in their own way.

I have 2 Berninas. The old one is an 830 about 30 years old.
I used to sew curtains, bedskirts, etc. professionally. I went through 3 foot pedals and it still run like a top. I would never get rid of it. I also love my 730 new machine. I traded in an Artista 165 for it.

You make me feel SO much better - I have 5 Singer FW's, a Janome, another Singer and a Bernina.

I have a Pfaff - that I still keep learning tricks on it, and absolutely love its differential feed. I have a WalMart Brother sewing/embroidery machine which I found is pretty darn good - as stated elsewhere in here the simplicity of use is commendable and it turns out really nice work. I also have an old Kenmore that I got from a thrift store and nursed back to health (with oil), fancy stitches to it means put in a "cam" but it is a fabulous workhorse. And I have a White serger that has been golden. Got it in early 1980's, and while threading it is not my favorite thing, it has been fabulous!
Marysewfun

I love my Janome Horizon. It has an 11" harp opening for quilting and sews beautifully.

I like my Berninas. (730e and 440qe) I have an old antique treadle in the garage that I should get working again. I also have a very old Singer Futura (not the embroidery machine - much older than that).

I still sew on the Bernina Record mechanical that I inherited from my mother. It is a dream to sew on but I have got used to the needle down position and there is none of that on the Record. :)

I have used other machines at shows and workshops where machines were supplied and I don't think I would mind purchasing other makes but it just makes more sense to order the same brand. I don't think I will be buying the Bernina 830 though I have hinted big time but no notice is taken ;)