Seems like they're all "good" -- even the recalled ones because they fix them when they're recalled. Not sure what pushes your buttons: cool/trendy, inexpensive, safe, whatnot. We have three 27-pounders and the issue for us was fitting three car seats across the back seat of a car. We ended up with the Cosco AlphaOmega Deluxe (2006 edition). Easy in and out. Kids are comfortable. Everything is a-ok. Good luck.

If your child is over 1 year old, you could consider the Graco Nautilus (~$150)... it has a 5 point harness for children 20 pounds up to 60 pounds, and then can be used as a booster with a seatbelt for an older child (first with back, then backless later)... you don't have to buy a 'toddler seat' and then a booster seat with a back for a preschooler and then a backless booster for a kindergarten/1st grader Another option is the CarGo (~$95) which is a 5-point and a backed booster...

The Britax Boulevard is the seat to get. It can be used for kids ranging from 5-60lbs, so its an investment, but you'll be using it for a while(depending on how heavy your kids get) Right now they have at Amazon on clearance for 229