I know everyone probably has brand loyalty. When I first upgraded to a better quality I asked a friend who had been a home ec teacher what she would recomment and at that time she said Viking. I have stayed with Viking because my feet for my machine (which are many) work with each upgrade.
If you need a small inexpensive one to start with I agree the Brother from Walmart works great-love the needle threader with mine (I have the sewing-embroidery machine)

My first 2 machines were Brother but there is no one here that can fix them so I bought a Janome the last time.

Hands down my bernina but they are expensive.

I collect Singer and embroider on Brother. Would love a Babylock if I could afford it.

Katt

Pfaff

I love my old Berninas 1080 & Nova also my FW.

Pfaff, will always be my favorite, my hubs just bought me another Pfaff I have the 1469 and he just bought me a 1471 that was on ebay, i am waiting for it to come. These machines are so well made and hold up for years, I have had the 1469 for 25 years. Love them.

I thought of something. What about the extra feet I've purchased? If I stay with a Brother will I still be able to use them?

I just bought a new Brother quilting sewing machine SQ 9000. I just love it.

I have a Janome that I have had for 12 years, never been to the shop and will still sew thru several layers of denim, it has made 50 quilts or more and lots of patching. I clean it regularly myself. If I ever have the money to buy a new one it will be Janome.