Ariens still makes good blowers... The engine that they
use are used across the board with other brands too.

What's really considered the "best" out there now are the
Honda's. Strong machines, work real well.

Toro's are good, probably in line with the Ariens units.
Simplicity (not really avail too much out in the northeast)
makes good machines and so does Huskavana (spellings off I think)

What you really need to decide first is if the driveway that you have
need a two stage or single stage unit. The old ariens you have most
likely was a dual stage. Depending on how large and how much snow
you usually get at a sitting really dictates what size and type of
blower you'll
need. The smaller single stage units are good because they are MUCH
lighter BUT they handle snows generally around 6-8" well. If its a
real wet snow that may be a slight problem. (just go slower)