General Surgery has probably never been as competitive as any of the surgical specialties (ie, Ortho, ENT, Plastics, Neuro, etc.). However, it is and remains more competitive than most of the primary care specialties (ie, Peds, IM, FP, etc.).
Like most specialties, General Surgery competitiveness runs in cycles; the 2001 NRMP was earmarked by a large number of General Surgery positions going unfilled. We've had extensive discussions herewith about the reasons, but it likely comes down to the cyclical nature of applications and the upswing in interest in "lifestyle" specialties (including, but not limited to, Anesth, Rads, EM, primary care, Derm, etc.).
The problem with ranking programs is that it usually comes down to some artifically designed and easily manipulated factor, like NIH funding. In general, the following programs are usually ranked highly - take it for what such rankings are worth:
Duke (however, widely reputed to be the most malignant as well)
UCSF
Pitt
Hopkins
Penn
Washington Univ.
UCLA
Michigan
Cornell
...number 20 (based on NIH funding): MY program! 🙂
Of course, there are many other centers that are known for surgical specialties - transplant (Pitt), peds (CHOP), hand (Kleinert in Louisville), trauma, etc.
The highest rank program is the one that's right for you - where you fit, feel happy and get good training. Bear in mind that all of the above are certainly great programs but often at big academic centers the residency is not unopposed or there are fellows with whom you may compete for more complicated cases and you may get less teaching and personal time.
I'm sure droliver (PGY3 at Louisville) will have something beneficial to add!
Hope this helps.