I would not go with SQL 2005 either. SQL Server 2008 R2 is the latest version that supports direct upgrades from SQL Server 2000.
Products Released: SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition
Lifecycle Start Date: 1/14/2006
Mainstream Support End Date: 4/12/2011
Extended Support End Date: 4/12/2016
Service Pack Support End Date: 7/10/2007
Joie Andrew
"Since 1982"