Yes, the tried-and-true first apartment cheap stuff is still there. But the majority of what's for sale in IKEA these days is of significantly better quality (and significantly higher price).

The best alternative to IKEA furniture is more expensive IKEA furniture.

Indeed, Ikea nowadays caters to a range of quality/price optima. Kitchen door finishes make a world of difference in durability and prices. Bedside tables exist with wood-on-plastic-slides drawers - and other models with ball bearing drawers.