Good Kits

Ditto what longhair says. I've built a Tamiya kit or two, and they are nice, but expensive. For the most part, domestic kits-- AMT, Revell/Monogram, etc, are very good kits for the money. There will always be a bad egg or two. Same goes for the import kits.
Lee
Ex Spec.4, Co. A, 682 Engineers

I come from the other side of the fence. I've never built anything but Revell and AMT/Ertl kits. The foreign kits were always way too much for me (especially up here in Canada). From what I understand from reading magazine reviews and feedback from the different forums though, is that Tamiya and other foreign kits tend to be just 'one notch' better than the domestic kits. They tend to have less flash, better fit, extra details such as PE parts etc. Not that the domestic kits are bad, but if you're used to Tamiya kits they may be a little disappointing. Just as long as you have some realistic expectations of what you will get from different kits and manufacturers you should be fine.
As far as instructions go the domestic kits have always had decent instructions, IMO, but like I said, I haven't had a chance to check out a Tamiya kit.
Don't let this stop you from trying some of the domestic kits though. Every model has it good and bad points.

Ray

I never met a kit I didn't like, except once I got a Russian made kit, a Yak something or other that was terrible. Generally, all kits are good, except that some are better than others. The rough ones challenge your skill and scratchbuilding ability. I'm a sucker for Monogram kits and old Revell box scale stuff from the 50's and 60's.

ex-PFC Co A 25th Avn Bn, 25th Inf Div

REVELL AND NONOGRAM IS ALL I USE I LIKE THE KITS INSTRUCTIONS ARE GOOD AND SOMETIMES THE KITS CAN BE NEEDED TOSHAVE OR ADD DETAIL TO THEM BUT CHECK OUT THE REVIEWS SECTION OF www.briansmodelcars.com TO GET GREAT INFO ON DIFFERENT KITS.
SPC FREES US ARMY 214TH FA BDE

with the other brands, there usually some additional hand fitting necessary, though that may not be the case nowadays. The last revell kit i touched was the lotus esprit 300GT, was a nice kit, though somewhat lacking in features such as steerable wheels. Details was very nice. Instruction was straight forward as well. The tires, however, was a downside for me, pretty much hard rubber/plastic that's still attached to their tree. Otherwise it's a good brand.