I own three Martins. D35 HD28 and M38. My local store stocks Talylors and I've played every model over the years. Fine consistant instruments. The only Guitars I've ever played that are either equal to or better than any of my Martins are Santa Cruz and Collings. A friend has a 1948 D18 that sings and a D28 from the same year that is simply beautiful beyond words. Of all the Taylors I've played and I've played loads, not one has made my pulse race the way it does when I again pick up a Martin.
That is why Martins are the price they are. Sheer quality and tone at a consistant level. There are poor Martins but so few and far between it's not worth mentioning. Taylor = Toyota does everything it should. Martin = Bently it's the benchmark that everyone aspires too.