My two go to machines:
Janome MC6500 - had it for since it first came out, nice harp size, works great, nice for FMQ, enough fancy stitches, etc. etc. very happy with this machine
Juki 98Q - this thing was a work horse, power, power, power, very nice stitches, straight stitch only, great for large quilts, FMQ, The only downside I had with the machine was it wanted to go way too fast, but still used it for years. It's not as elegant as a Bernina but more blue collar. Made a lot of queen size quilts with flannel backing.
Between these two machines I have made a lot of quilts, from preemie size to queen size. The whole extended family is covered by my quilts.
On Friday afternoon I bought a Juki TL-2200QVP Mini at the local Quality Vaccuum and Sewing. Feels the same as the Juki 98Q but with a couple little changes. Speed control, different feet, etc. I am definitely happy to be behind a Juki again. Don't have enough time on it to give a full review. I looked at other machines but decided to go with Juki. Go test drive them if possible.
I have other machines: Bernina (for buttonhole applique), Singer featherweight, etc. but the Janome and Juki get the job done. It just depends what you are looking for in a machine. I just make quilts.