Stop worrying about the opinions of people on the internet and get out there and buy a gun, start shooting it and form your own opinions!
But unfortunately you are asking for two different guns. On one hand you wnat a pretty gun that's shiny, accurate and reliable (an expensive gun). And on the other hand, you want one that is cheap, accurate and reliable. Sadly, you can't have it all. Like everything, you generally get what you pay for when you buy a gun....
Want a gun that is relatively cheap but still accurate and uber-reliable? Well then you are looking for a Glock or a S&W M&P.... Cheap, super reliable and as accurate as you will ever need. But not pretty. Not unless you subscribe to the "form follows function" school of thought, in which case the Glock is an absolute thing of beauty.
If you want a good looking gun: maybe with a metal frame instead of polymer, and possibly in Stainless; that is still reliable and accurate... well, you will have to spend more than you would for the plain looking polymer gun with the same characteristics.... A lot more in some cases.
Glocks and M&Ps can be found in the $600 - $700 range new, and even less used. a Sig will, generally, run you at least twice that amount in stainless; a bit less for one with a black Nitron finish. An all metal gun just cost more to manufacture and finish, unfortunately.
If you do happen to find a pretty looking fun in a budget price range, you really need to take a close look at the overall quality of the gun and the reputation of the manufacturer. Chances are you are getting what you pay for... The paraphrase an old adage, "An inexpensive gun, a quality gun, a pretty gun; Pick any two, but id you want all three it's gonna cost you!
But good luck making your choice. Your first pistol is a very tough decision. But the good news is that you will spend far less time and energy when you buy the rest of your guns! After the first one, the rest come pretty easy!