You're going to get a lot of opinions! I've been very impressed with the used oil analysis results I get using Amsoil. But it's only worth it if you go for extended use, I find that I can safely double the recommended mileage in both my cars. Many people say that Mobil 1 Synthetic gives the same results for less $$, but since you want to avoid them... - D
Probably the newest SOPUS products. Research the recently released Pennzoil Ultra Synthetic. It is a true next-generation product that already meets the ILSAC GF-5 standards. Pennzoil - Not just oil, Pennzoil http://www.orangelineoil.com/images/medialibrary/PZ_Ultra_Product_Information.pdf http://www.orangelineoil.com/images/medialibrary/PZ_Ultra_Brochure.pdf Main GF-5 Site Home
Castrol Syntec is popular with the racers. I have used it in turbocharged cars (where the turbo cooks the oil and a synthetic should be a must). It is often cheaper than Mobil 1.
For mass-market oils I like Pennzoil Platinum and Valvoline SynPower for synthetics. For dino you can't go wrong with Valvoline white bottle/MaxLife, Pennzoil yellow bottle/High Mileage, Castrol GTX or Chevron Supreme/Havoline. If you desire something a little more exotic, Red Line. Bottled locally in the Bay Area I prefer synthetics in Toyotas if you use the maintenance light for OCIs. If it was a Honda or GM, I have no problem with dino as they tend to be gentle on their oil.