bang for the buck is craftsman. snap-on, matco, mac, etc are definately a superior product, but not woth the price to the do-it-yourselfer. i refuse to buy them just due to the price and the inconvenience of tracking the guy down whenever something breaks. i have always had craftsman stuff, even when i worked in a shop for 6 years. if i broke it, i went to sears on lunch and got a new one....done. they have sales often, so watch for them.
on a side note, some people prefer 6 point sockets, others 12 points. if youre messing with stubborn parts on old cars, get the 6 points, they grab the fastener better and are less likely to round off heads.
i did buy a couple of small sets from autozone in their 'great neck' line years ago. they are the most convenient set i have ever had. and i have yet to have broken one of them. the round handled ratchets that say great neck on the head are my favorite ratchets. they have never let loose and busted any knuckles and have never stripped, even the 1/4" set. and they have a very fine turn gear so you can use them in tight places without having to move it back and forth as far to get it to click for the next turn. i have broken countless craftsman ratchets, never one great neck. the quality feels like a snap-on.