You probably can't beat this for the money:   
http://www.stiguns.com/the-sti-spartan-iii/   
I've heard good things, never seen one in person though.  For under a grand I'd go with that, a Rock Island (mine has been dead reliable), used Colt, Remington, Springfield.  Para and Auto Ordnance have been around forever, never hear any complaints.   
Magnum Research (Desert Eagle) has a nice looking 1911, don't know if it will run or not but I'd like to try it out.  Bud's price is $684, not bad.   
Sig Sauer makes good ones, not sure on pricing but I think they can be had for under a grand.   
So for all of these GOOD options out there, there is NO reason to go with a brand that is known to perform unreliably, and with unreliable customer service.  Skip the Kimber.