I currently have 5 acoustic guitars, and have had owned many over the past 40 years. Agree with all comments regarding it being personal taste, and also that the variations between guitars of the same model can often be on the same scale as differences between different models / brands.
@coffee_nudge nailed it regarding lower-priced Martins.
Play a bunch of different guitars to see which ones "feel" right (how the fretboard and neck feel, and how comfortable your playing arm is draped over the guitar). And if you are just beginning and can’t yet play very well, bring someone who plays along with you so you can hear how the different guitars sound.
I personally prefer Martin over Taylor in the higher price points, but agree with many that the Taylor can be better value at the non-stratospheric end of the price spectrum. And definitely do not get a Martin just because everyone else has one.
My current favorites in my collection are my Lowden (hand-made in Ireland) and my Martin (mass produced in Nazareth)...