The top one looks OK. The older ones with all the plastic trim look like ass.
My parents own an 02 and it is also gutless as hell, even though it has the 5.3. The motor puts out plenty of power, but the thing is just too big and heavy.
The blind spots are also the worst I have seen. It is also too much of a hassle to convert the back from the different modes you can use, so they always just leave it alone.
I would either get a real pickup or go for the Yukon if you want more seats. (or the Cadillac if you want to spend more)
My friend just brought one of these back from the Toronto auto auction and the thing is amazing. He only paid $38,500 for a loaded 2007 and already has it sold for a little over $40K, which is an awesome deal compared to the new price.