2009 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ

The Tahoe is Chevy's full-size SUV, the one that seats up to nine and is often the family hauler of choice. It drives big but composed, with a smooth ride that soaks up highway miles without feeling floaty. Inside, you get a roomy cabin with available third-row seating, though the way the floor steps up means the back row is tight for adults. Owners mention door lock actuators failing and some electrical quirks, so it's worth checking those before you buy. The LTZ is the top trim, so you get the niceties like heated leather seats and a Bose sound system that the LS and LT trims skip. A 5.3L V8 with 315 horsepower and the six-speed automatic makes even fully loaded acceleration effortless, but you'll see 16 mpg combined around town. The LTZ's standard Autoride suspension smooths out bumps automatically, though the air-leveling rear helps when you're hauling a heavy trailer.