The 1911 is like the AR-15, so many people making them, some great, some not so great.
My favorite are of course any WWI or WWII GI issue rather its a Colt, Springfield, etc.
For low budget 1911s, Ive had great experience with Rock Island Armory. The new Kimbers and even Springfields these days are woefully lacking in quality. IMO if spending a grand or less on a 1911, go ahead and go RIA and save $500 and have a gun just as good. If you have deep pockets, its hard to beat Dan Wesson, Wilson Combat or any of the other custom made in the USA guns.