My Favorite 9mm Pistols:
For pure dollar Value = Taurus PT92 - I think this is the absolute BESTvalue out there!
For simplicity & field proven reliability = Glock 19/26 - Plus there are a TON of great mods to make it your own.
For quality and "show & tell" factor = Sig Sauer P226/P229 - Top of the line, also field proven like the Glock. Lots of nice custom shop options if money is no object.
Honorable mentions:
Springfield XD - I don't like the backstrap safety, but great guns
Kahr - Great pistols, but a little expensive. Is a good alternative to a Glock perhaps if you like.
S&W/Walther P99 - Just a dang great gun, period. Alternative to a Glock, Springfield, or Kahr.