2 meter is by far the most popular "local" band. Dual band is a very good idea but you have to determine what type of communication you will be doing.
70 cm or 440 has less range then 2m but is clearer and more resistant to interference. But I have yet to find anyone chatting on 440 and I've been a Ham a LONG time.
6m has much a much better range and even has better propagation then 440 and I often make contacts on 6m and there tends to be more 6m repeaters then 440.
It is also very nice to have a "dual watch" capable radio. Dual watch is where you can monitor two frequencies on the same radio at the same time.
As far as radios go some might call me a Yaesu evangelist but I do have 5 Yaesu radios (3 mobile & 2 handhelds). I had a Kenwood but I sold it a while ago.
My mobile radio recommendations;
FT-7800 runs about $255, dual band 2m/70cm
FT-8800 runs about $355, dual band/dual watch 2m/70cm
FT-8900 runs about $400, quad band/dual watch 10m/6m/2m/70cm
I have the FT-8900, FT-857 and an older FT-7100 (2m) and I have tortured them from one end of my county to another and they have never let me down.
If you looked at the 8900 and are the least bit interested in it - get it. It may have more capabilities you will use initially but you won't out grow it. That is why I have a 7100 sitting on my bench doing nothing.
