What are your top 3 favorite turntable companies (manufacturer) and why?

If the price is right, whatever this is, I'll take Walker. I hope British will forgive me.

By the way, no one mentioned French J.C. Verdier. Not good enough ? I have no idea.

I am bit surprised, no one mentioned CS Port LFT1M2. One of the finest among the cost no object turntable’s. 
https://www.csport.audio/products/lft1m2-en

I love my VPI Classic. I also still use my Thorens TD-125 MKII occasionally that I bought in 1973 when I was in high school. Belt drive, 24 pole synchronous motor, aluminum tonearm with a removable magnesium head shell. I talked my Dad into cosigning a loan for my first real stereo system. Thorens turntable with a Stanton cartridge, a Pioneer power amp (I figured it would be easier to update later) and Klipsch La Scala speakers.  I told him I wanted it more than a car! 

@inna 

I love the design of Platine Verdier. If I had the know how to build turntables, I would build them that way. There was another very similar. I do not remember the name. 

@jpcmrc 

Pretty nice first rig. I also got my first loan for stereo equipment but Radio Shack was all I could afford the first time around. I think I was 17 years old. Second time I borrowed money was for an engagement ring, third was my second stereo. Both good investments, still have the wife, the stereo gear is still in the family somewhere. Crown IC150 and DC300A, Pioneer PL12D turntable and Shure V15III, Bose 901 series II speakers (save the hate, I've heard it all:)). Only piece still working is the Pioneer although the 901's could still be, sold that pair in the 80's. I wanted the Thorens TD 125 but it was 3 times the money of the Pioneer. Had to cut somewhere.