I had my heart set on a Dyson (either the DC17 or DC33), but they are so expensive. I am a thorough cleaner and want a vacuum that lives up to my expectations. I want to be able to use whatever vacuum I get on tile as well as carpet (we don't have any area rugs. Our carpet is probably medium pile, maybe between low and medium pile), plus I want to be able to easily vacuum our sofa/loveseat and mattress. Also, I want to be able to vacuum under those things without having to move them if at all possible. I talked to my Dad about which vacuum he has and what Consumer Reports says. These are the models that either did the best or very well that are in my price range (I'd like to keep it around or under $300). I don't want to go too cheap and regret it (like I did with our current vacuum), but I don't want to spend more than I have to. I kinda need one sooner rather than later.
1. Hoover Platinum Collection Lightweight Bagged Upright Vacuum ($210.54, Walmart)
I love that this has a second mini vacuum that I can use to clean the car. I believe it was top rated with CR and it is also highly rated on various store websites. I don't love that it has bags instead of bagless, but I could get used to it.
2. Hoover? Platinum Collection? Bagless Cyclonic Upright Vacuum ($239.54,
Walmart)
Another highly rate vacuum, both by CS and customers) and it looks like the filter only needs to be washed, not replaced.
3. LG LuV300B ($299.54, Walmart)
This one supposedly picks up more dirt that the Dyson DC33. The cord is really long (I think the same length as the two Hoovers above). It has a "Click'n'go" wand that looks like it would be easier to clean under the furniture and other hard to reach areas. Also looks like a washable filter so no need to replace it. Seems very comparable to the Dyson.

Re: Help me chose a vacuum? *clicky*
I had a Dyson, one of the first ones out back about 6 years ago. It was great on carpet, but we changed all our floors to hardwood and it didn't pick up very well. That was about 2.5 years after buying it and honestly using it minimally, maybe every other week. Dyson said that since mine was one of the original ones, it only had 1 year warranty. Newer ones have about 3 year warranties I think. So, I just didn't use it for about 8 months. Then...
I brought it in to get it serviced and it was $100 service to tell me that there was some complete assembly that needed to be replaced and would cost another $75 or so. Apparently on the Dyson they don't use parts and peices, you must replace the entire belt assembly if something goes wrong with it.
We ended up trading it in toward a Simplicity Sport which is a lot like the little canister one the first Hoover option has. I absolutely love it. The Dyson was bulky for me and this one I just strap over my shoulder and only have to move the cord about 4 times to vacuum our whole house.
I was hesitant to change from bagless, but really, bags are a lot nicer. With the Dyson I accidently pulled the dump lever a couple times before I had it all the way over the trash can and there was dust and debris everywhere. A nice cloud of it. With the bags, it's all stored in there so you just pop it out and replace it. I got a pack of 6 bags on Amazon for $9 shipped.
I also have borrowed my grandparents Simplicity upright to try to see if I need an upright also. It is amazing. So light and strong on our wood floors and tile.
I am a vacuum horder. Yes it is a condition. I currently love Simplicity, but they are pricey - about $250 for the sport and over $400 for the uprights.
Sport

We have the green one on the right

Thanks for the suggestion. I really appreciate it! I will keep it in mind.