A question like that will get countless replies, and all of them will have a lot of merit because there are a lot of fine acoustic guitars being made right now.

I suggest just playing several that have your interest. There is nothing like holding the guitar in your hands, playing and listening, to determine if you will bond with it.

I love my son's mahogany Martin, but I'm playing a Carvin Cobalt auditorium style because of the sweet tone, excellent workmanship, and price. Price is always a factor for me, sadly.

In any event, the search should be a lot of fun. Good luck on finding the right instrument that can be your friend for life.

Fire, the wheel, and the I IV V -- foundations of civilization.