Good vehicles for a college student?

I am graduating high school in 3 weeks and I'm going off to college. I drive my parents car because they would never let me get one and now I'm the age where I'm looking and they are talking about letting me get one. But I've driven a suburban most of my high school time and I loved it! But they sold it and now I drive a car. I think they have their pros and cons but I rather have a SUV or a truck. I want something that I can do things in. I've been looking at 2002-2005 Chevy Avalanche, Tahoe, and Silverado. And the 2008 Malibu. I know the car is best on mpg but like I said I rather have something bigger. I'm a bigger guy and I like to have that bigger vehicle. I make around $800 - $1000 a month. And when I drove the suburban I was able to afford it. So my questions are witch one of those is reliable and would best fit for me. And how can I start looking at buying one. Like I need credit, down payment, and other things. Can some one tell me about the buying process? Thanks! I think I personally like the Avalanche!