The general consensus seems to be kimber for good reason. I was shopping for a 1911 myself until I got this crazy notion of changing careers. Anyhow, from my research I surmised that Kimber and Sprinfield are the gold standard. If you have a kimber and a colt side-by-side you will see that the kimber is by far the superior weapon. The action is so much smoother and the fit and finish is rock solid. The colt to me (flame suit on) felt loose like a toy. And what the hell is with the plastic trigger? True the colt is much cheaper and has name recognition, but who cares? I like my bushmaster just as well as I would love a colt if I had one. Same argument for the name. Also, Kimber didn't stab gun owners in the back.
There are other qualities to kimber like one peice barrel rather than two peice, Chip McCormick parts, and a whole bunch of stuff you can see in their brochure. Kimbers cost an arm and a leg, but to get the Colt up to speed you will eventually spend more on the Colt. Ante up!