/diy/ - Do It Yourself

Came over from /k/ looking for comms info. I know little about radio and broadcasting, but I was thinking about getting a Baofeng (yes I understand it's a joke) or something along those lines. What are the capabilities of those handsets? It would be nice to have something to just grab out the door and keep with me in the car for... anything really, even bored listening, talking at trucks/farm equipment. Wouldn't mind having CB of course, but is there anything that reaches to HAM range? Anything that reaches some interesting bands? What kind of modifications would improve it while keeping it mobile? I live out in farmland so I do have somewhat of a justification for having one.