I use an HP laserjet 1018 for black printing, which reduces the cost per sheet dramatically, and an HP 5940 for colour and photos.
I'm happy with the quality and performance of both, although I don't run high volumes on either. I agree with someone else who said don't install the HP software, it runs through a load of stuff you probably don't need and can always install later if you do.
I have had 2 Lexmarks, each worse than the other, and a Canon which was great but expensive to run.