I wouldn't buy a Carrier unit.

Consumer Reports gives all of those brands, along with Carrier and Lennox, highest scores for reliability and owner satisfaction. Whatever your HVAC guys prefer is fine. A bigger question is this: Efficiency. Do you pay less now and pay more every month for years to come with low efficiency, or do you pay several thousand more now for much higher efficiency, then see your heating and cooling bills drop by half?

Here’s the Consumer Reports link. I myself would go for higher efficiency, but that’s just me.
Central Air Conditioning Brand Reliability

I would recommend looking at Lennox. Had a new unit installed last year. Thermocool sells and services this brand along with Bryant. Very good technicians and I've been with them for about 12 years. Very satisfied.

I personally love Munn’s. Phenomenal service. Great techs. Always on time. I would ask them who they recommend. I personally like Rheem.

Munn's came to my house, very professional looking, well-spoken, etc. and then never followed up with a quote other than the estimate the sales person gave me when he visited. Meant to say in a previous message that my brother, in the business, said the most important factor was proper installation so that given that most units are very similar, he would go with the installer who had the best reputation.

Check out Lennox air conditioners

munns is great get at least 3 quotes

After interviewing four AC dealers, I decided on a Carrier staged Heat pump that controls the temperature and humidity independently. My house is very comfortable with the relative humidity set at 55% and the temperature set at 78 degrees.F.
IMHO, Summa and Tony's AC, an authorized Carrier dealer located in Eutus, FL, offers a quality service, competent, highly trained technicians at a lower price then three other local AC dealers. They were the only dealer that insisted on checking the air ducts to be certain they were capable of returning the proper amount of air to the evaporator and replaced the the entire copper line set that connects the air handler to the compressor. During the first year, I saved $65.00/month, on average compared to the previous year using a Traine. Summa and Tony's phone number is (352) 357-4162.
FYI Bryant and Carrier are similar but not exactly the same. They are built on the same assembly line. The Bryant line lacks a few diagnostics that Carrier uses. I would strongly recommend buying the10 year extended warranty and having the unit serviced annually.

I am in the middle of doing the same thing. All seem to want to sell me Carrier. I have always had Trane, one 22 years old, and the one I want to replace now is 18 (which is STILL working, just want to replace it). I was also told by a relative who owned Heat&Air business for 38 years that American standard is #1 and is the least heard of. But others have told me, like washer and dryers, all come from one source and a different name plate is simply put on. I have settled on Chuck Farrell simply because I lived and worked in this area before I retired to T.V.'s so I have to go with someone whose "track record" I actually know.

Your brother gave you good advice in my opinion. It's the installation, although I can't say enough about always going with Trane. Munn's is really big here, I know people who are satisfied, but I went with a local family owned business that's been around forever and most of us who lived here before retirement know has a reputation for keeping their same installation people, that's the key. Some places have a HUGE turn over.

Actually Carrier is what Chuck priced for me, but I have always had Trane and just finally replaced them even though they were STILL going just fine at 22 years, and this one is 18 but I am going to replace it anyway. Obviously you can get Carrier from them as they priced both Trane and Carrier for me.

Look into High Efficiency Mitsubishi Heat Pump
 

We just installed a Mitsubishi ducted Mini Split style Heat pump (18 Seer), quietest indoor and outdoor unit of them all. 12 year warranty. Very efficient, low temp heat pump with no need for backup electric emergency heat coils.

Try getting a price from M&S air conditioning. They are super professional and neat installation.

Before doing anything, check out the Mitsubishi systems through M&S Air Conditioning out of Fruitland Park.... can’t say enough about how happy we are with the system... quiet, very efficient and just a great system. I can control it from anywhere!

Goodman is usually lower cost. Designed for builders to use in new homes. Low initial cost, shorter overall life.
If you are thinking of moving within 5 years, Goodman would be a good choice. If longer term, then not so good

Air Conditioner
 

DeSantis AC 352-330-4433-Highly recommended