I love my GeForce 2 GTS 64 DDR and GF4 Ti4200. The first served me several years and others since. I've lended it out to two others now who have used it flawlessly. My Ti4200 is still in one of my desktops and is probably the best performance vs. pricerange card out to date. That's the old card though.
I currently have an ATI preference. Nvidia is making a comeback towards ATI in the newer line of cards, but in the generation and price range you're looking at, ATI is probably the way to go.
For under $150, you can pick up a new or used (cheaper) 9700 pro 128. If you're willing to go a bit higher you can get a 9800 pro 128.
Use Newegg for reliability and pricewatch for the obvious.
Use reselleratings.com
Use the right forum to ask questions. Obviously someone reads this forum.