2000 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2000 Suburban is Chevrolet's full-size SUV, the one that seats up to nine and tows a boat or trailer without breaking a sweat. It drives smaller than it looks, with a surprisingly easy steering feel for something this big, though you'll be moving your head around the thick A-pillar at intersections. The cabin is vast, with three rows of seating and a cargo area that swallows strollers, groceries, or camping gear without folding the seats. Owners report door hardware that wears out, sun-damaged dashboards, and rust on the underbody, but the drivetrain is known to run well past 200,000 miles with basic maintenance. This Suburban gives up the 6.0L V8 of the 2500 for the lighter 5.3L V8, which saves weight and cost but still handles daily driving and moderate towing. The 5.3L V8 and four-wheel drive pull strongly from a stop, and the automatic transmission shifts smoothly, though you'll see 13 mpg combined at the pump. The four-wheel drive system includes a push-button transfer case, so you can shift into 4WD without stopping, which is handy on slick boat ramps.