I'm a big fan of the Tekin FXR.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPNV6&P=7
On the cheap, the Traxxas XL-1 is reliable.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJM28&P=7
Or a step up, the XL-10.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLHE2&P=7
For a little more money, you can pick up a nice Novak ESC as well. There are many options. If you ever think you'll want a brushless motor, there are ESCs that can do both brushed and brushless motors, like those from Castle Creations, so they have room to grow.