American Girl dolls have always been high quality and very high priced. They are collectible quality. They also mimic the Cabbage Patch Dolls in that the company gives the dolls each a history, and takes part in the "make believe" aspect of pretending the dolls are real. Check out their repair facility:
American Girls Doll Hospital. When you send the doll in for repairs, they're returned in a hospital gown with a bracelet and a get well balloon. They're a high end item.