What's a reliable, user friendly, yet inexpensive sewing machine?

summary of best online reviews: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/sewing-machines/index.html

There's a pretty good comparison chart that Threads magazine put out in '02 that's still viable to a certain extent. It at least gives you a sence of what's out there: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00130.asp You can't go wrong with Bernina or Pfaff (pfaff is my preference, but they're a little pricier and the interface is slightly different from most machines, but not dauntingly so). Husqavarna (sp?) makes a good machine, but the interface is substantially different from most machines. I find it a little non-intuitive.

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Go with a non-computerized machine if you can find one. I love computers, but a mechanical machine tends to last longer, be easier to repair, and is just simpler in the long run. You don't need all those settings and options unless you're doing serious machine embroidery. I work in a costume shop and we do almost everything on industrial machines that only do a straight stitch. We have a bernina to do zig zag and buttonholes, and some sergers to finish edges, and that's all we need to build an astounding range of things. If you find an old metal machine that's in good condition, (i,e. sews straight, doesn't skip stitches, etc.) you've likely found a workhorse that will last for a long time. Target also carries a basic machine that friends of mine have had good luck with. Unfortunately, I don't know the make or model.

Best sewing machine (other than an old Singer Featherweight which is hard to find these days) is a Viking Husqvarna. Buy it a smaller sewing machine/vacuum cleaner store, get last years model on sale

I was going to answer but boy elocin and Ma-goo seem to have covered it. I would look for an old Singer as mentioned above. If I had it to do again I would have never given my old Singer to a daughter. Just keep it simple for a first machine.