The 2010 Dodge Charger receives standard side curtain airbags and minor exterior styling tweaks, but is no longer available with front-seat side airbags.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Charger is a large sedan available in base, 3.5, Rallye, R/T and SRT8 trim levels. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional on all but the base and SRT8.
Stepping up to the Charger 3.5 (formerly SXT) nets you a larger V6 engine, 18-inch wheels (AWD only) and satellite radio. The Rallye adds 18-inch alloy wheels (RWD), foglamps, power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and a rear armrest. The Chrome & Leather package adds 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, automatic headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery and an upgraded six-speaker sound system. Chrome-clad 20-inch wheels are optional on the Rallye.
The Charger R/T adds to the Rallye with Chrome & Leather package (minus the chrome wheels) the V8 engine, an iPod interface, an auto-dimming mirror, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth and a touchscreen stereo faceplate. The SRT Option Group III is essentially the R/T's Media Center package.
The 2010 Dodge Charger is available with four engines, one for each trim level. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on the 3.5, Rallye and R/T. The base Charger gets a 2.7-liter V6 that produces 178 hp and 190 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. Considering the engine's meager power output, fuel economy is a lackluster 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. This engine gets a four-speed automatic with rear-wheel drive and a five-speed auto with all-wheel drive. Fuel economy ratings are 17/25/20 mpg with RWD and 17/23/19 mpg with AWD.
The Charger R/T is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 making 368 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. The Charger SRT8 is the king of the hill, with a 6.1-liter V8 that produces 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. In government crash tests, the 2010 Dodge Charger achieved a perfect five stars for frontal crash protection and rear side crash protection. The Charger's large size and long wheelbase translate into a generously sized cabin with plenty of rear legroom. Unfortunately, the 2010 Dodge Charger's sloping roof line makes rear-seat access more challenging than in other sedans, and rear headroom is a bit less than normal as well.
For 2010, the Dodge Challenger SE now comes with a five-speed automatic as well as stability control. Relative to the Mustang and Camaro, the Challenger offers far better rear passenger space, a smoother ride and a more serene cabin. Cornering performance is compromised by the Challenger's bulk, light steering and (in non-SRT8 models) soft suspension and tires, but like the original Challenger, this one excels on boulevards and highways. Ultimately, the Challenger's appeal depends on what kind of pony car you're looking for.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Challenger is a large sport coupe capable of seating five passengers. A late-availability Super Track Pack is said to include the regular Track Pack's equipment plus high performance tires, a larger rear stabilizer bar, performance brake pads and a revised stability control calibration with an "ESP off" function.
Powertrains and Performance The base Challenger SE is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 250 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed automatic as standard equipment, with a six-speed manual available as an option. In recent testing, the Challenger R/T reached 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and the Challenger SRT8 took only 5.3 seconds. Fuel economy registers an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg in combined driving for the V6 Challenger SE. All 2010 Dodge Challenger models feature stability control and side curtain airbags as standard safety equipment.
Interior Design and Special Features Unlike the Dodge Challenger's distinctive-looking exterior, the interior is quite bland. At 16.2 cubic feet, the Challenger's trunk boasts impressive cargo capacity for this segment.
Driving Impressions While performance numbers for the 2010 Dodge Challenger are impressive, the feeling behind the wheel leaves us a bit flat. In the hands of our experienced test-drivers, the Challenger SRT8 can weave through the slalom cones with impressive speed, but on curvy roads in the real world, even this high-performance Challenger variant lacks the nimbleness and steering feel to keep up with the Mustang GT.
As a boulevard cruiser or road-tripper, though, the Challenger shines. Power down the windows, though, and you'll get to enjoy the Challenger's big-displacement soundtrack.
For 2010, the Dodge Caliber is offered in five new "lifestyle" trim levels ranging from the value-oriented Express base model to the sporty top-of-the-line Rush. All models get an upgraded interior that includes a padded center armrest, padded door trim panels and active front head restraints. The Caliber's two available four-cylinder engines are a good case in point.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Caliber is a compact four-door hatchback that's offered in five new "lifestyle" trim levels. Interior upgrades include a tachometer, fold-flat front passenger seat and 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seatbacks.
Springing for the Uptown model gets you rear disc brakes (versus drums), automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats and a premium nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls and flip-down speakers in the liftgate.
The sporty 2010 Dodge Caliber Heat takes the Mainstreet model's equipment list and adds 18-inch polished alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension and steering, rear disc brakes (versus drums) and specialized interior trim. Building on the Caliber Heat is the Rush, which adds a larger 2.4-liter engine, 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.
Powertrains and Performance A 2.0-liter engine rated at 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque is standard on all trim levels except the Rush. The 2.0-liter engine returns EPA estimates of 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 23/27/25 mpg with the CVT.
Safety Front-seat side airbags and stability control aren't available on the Express but are optional on the remaining trim levels.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber earned perfect scores in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, including five stars in both frontal and side impacts.
The 2010 Dodge Avenger leaves us wondering what it's supposed to be avenging. The 2010 Dodge Avenger's interior is also a letdown.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Avenger midsize sedan comes in three trim levels: SXT, Express and R/T. The Express adds 17-inch alloy wheels, foldaway heated mirrors, eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped wheel and shifter and a six-speaker sound system with touchscreen stereo interface, digital music storage and steering-wheel controls. R/T options include the Express' upgraded stereo or a further upgraded multimedia bundle featuring Bluetooth, a hard-drive-based navigation system, real-time traffic, digital music storage and the additional option of six Boston Acoustics speakers. The front-wheel-drive 2010 Dodge Avenger Express and SXT are powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission is a four-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2010 Dodge Avenger SXT are 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.
Safety Standard safety equipment on the 2010 Dodge Avenger includes antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the Avenger earned a top five-star rating for its performance in head-on collisions. The poor quality of the Avenger's interior materials is a major letdown, especially if you compare the Avenger to cars like the Fusion or Accord.
Driving Impressions The four-cylinder 2010 Dodge Avenger offers sluggish acceleration and unrefined gearchanges from the outdated four-speed automatic. Handling capabilities are likewise underwhelming, though the Avenger does have decent ride quality
A journalist neighbor called and asked if I wanted to drive the Nissan GT-R that had just been dropped in his driveway. The GT-R’s interior is not very impressive. Some cars are rapiers, others a broadsword. The GT-R is a battleax. The GT-R rides hard, like a track ready Viper.
The Nissan’s four wheel-drive system works to put all the power to the ground… sort like a lightning bolt. Not fast like your “chipped” turbo car. Fast like a liter-class superbike. Unlike many cars, the four wheel-drive system in the GT-R does not dampen the fun. With the huge resources on tap, it makes the car civilized. Even in this worst case scenario, the GT-R’s engineering integrity reigned supreme.
The car tracked predictably, up until the low (frozen tire) limits of adhesion. The traction control system stepped in a femtosecond after the car reached its limits of adhesion. The GT-R’s transmission and driveline had a steady whine, and the front airdam was adventurous (read low) for a production car. The GT-R’s rumbling exhaust note projects the same uber-tuner car feel. Nissan’s decision to make this a limited production halo car is completely correct. It’s Unobtanium, unlike a Porsche GT3 or AMG Black Series.
The 2010 Nissan GT-R's launch control system has been reprogrammed to reduce transaxle stress. The 2010 Nissan GT-R marks the second year of production for Nissan's iconic supercar. One of the secrets to the 2009 GT-R's eye-popping numbers was its launch control system, but it put undue stress on the car's rear-mounted transaxle. Despite the car's sizable cabin and trunk space, this ride quality issue can make road trips in the GT-R less appealing. All said, the 2010 GT-R easily retains its title as the most accessible exotic sports car on the planet.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car available only in coupe form with a 2+2 seating layout. The Premium model adds higher-performance tires, heated fronts seats and an 11-speaker Bose audio system with two subwoofers.
The 2010 Nissan GT-R is powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that generates 485 hp and 434 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission routes this power to the ground via an advanced all-wheel-drive system. In testing, we've timed the GT-R (with the transmission reprogramming) from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
Standard safety features on the 2010 Nissan GT-R include massive antilock Brembo brakes, stability control and traction control. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on all GT-R models for 2010. The 2010 Nissan GT-R's interior is a somber but appropriately driver-centric environment in which to make haste. The GT-R also features a trick multifunction performance monitor that offers 11 different informational displays.
Driving Impressions The Nissan GTR'S employs a V6 in place of the iconic inline-6 from the old Skyline GT-Rs, the new car's spiritual ancestors.
The PT Cruiser's rivals are numerous and vastly more capable.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is a five-seat compact wagon that is now offered in only one trim level -- the Classic. The optional Convenience Group adds a six-way power driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat and heated front seats. The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission is a four-speed automatic that drives the front wheels. Fuel economy is a middling 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 21 mpg in combined driving.
Safety Antilock disc brakes, front seat side airbags and a low-speed traction control system are standard for the 2010 PT Cruiser. Interior Design and Special Features Those seated in back are afforded a pleasant view thanks to the Cruiser's slightly elevated rear seats, and head- and legroom are plentiful for adult passengers.
Driving Impressions With the previous turbocharged engine no longer available, the 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser is left with the anemic base power plant and outdated four-speed automatic.
The V8-powered 2010 Chrysler 300C receives standard keyless entry/ignition and rear parking sensors, and all 300 models get standard side curtain airbags; however, front-seat-mounted side airbags are no longer available. If you're looking at V6-powered 300 models, we'd advise cross-shopping front-drive rivals like the Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon, as well as the rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Genesis V6 and any number of V6-powered family sedans.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in Touring, Touring Plus, Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series, Limited, 300C, 300S and SRT8 trim levels.
The Walter P. Chrysler Signature Series adds 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, a different suspension, automatic headlamps, power-adjustable pedals, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, additional chrome exterior trim, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a touchscreen-operated stereo with a six-CD changer and a 30GB hard drive for digital music storage. The Limited adds automatic high-beams, rain-sensing wipers, remote engine start, walnut interior trim, a six-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system and steering-wheel audio controls. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Touring, Signature and Limited gain a larger fuel tank, a five-speed automatic transmission and upgraded brakes.
The 300S adds 20-inch wheels, performance suspension, tires and steering, sport seats, faux-suede upholstery, an auto-dimming mirror, sport steering wheel, different exterior and interior trim, Bluetooth and a 13-speaker surround-sound system with iPod interface.
The base 2010 Chrysler 300 Touring comes with rear-wheel drive and a 2.7-liter V6 that produces 178 hp and 190 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. Fuel economy with this engine is 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. The Touring Plus, Signature and Limited trim levels come standard with rear-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6 good for 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is optional. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard with the rear-wheel-drive 3.5-liter 300 sedans, while a five-speed automatic with manual shift control comes with the all-wheel-drive 300. Fuel economy is 13/19/15 mpg. Side curtain airbags are standard, but front seat side airbags are unavailable for 2010 Chrysler 300.
Side curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags and stability control are standard on all models, and all stereos except the base unit offer USB connectivity. As ever, the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado is a robust specimen.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 full-size pickup truck is available in three body styles: standard cab, extended cab and crew cab. Standard cabs can be had with either a standard bed (6-foot, 6-inch) or a long bed (8-foot). Extended cabs can have a short (5-foot, 8-inch), standard or long bed. Regular cabs can be had in base Work or midlevel LT trims, while the extended and crew cabs are also available in the plush LTZ trim.
There's an LS trim for extended and crew cabs only. Opting for the LTZ gets you alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers (with heated washer fluid), dual-zone automatic climate control (in extended and crew cabs), an exclusive dash design with wood and metallic accents, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats (with 12-way power adjustment and driver memory settings), steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, a Bose audio system (with a six-CD changer and rear audio controls) and remote engine start. There are four different engines available for the 2010 Chevy Silverado 1500.
Work trucks have a 4.3-liter V6 (195 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque) as standard. A four-speed automatic transmission with a tow and haul mode is standard on Silverado pickups with the base V6 and 4.8-liter V8. Silverados with the 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V8 receive a six-speed automatic. Properly equipped, a Silverado 1500 can tow up to 10,700 pounds.
Fuel economy estimates range from 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined for a crew cab XFE down to 12/19/14 mpg for a 4WD Silverado 1500 fitted with the 6.2-liter V8. Stability control, front side and side curtain airbags are also standard.
In government crash tests, the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 earned top five-star ratings for frontal collisions.
Interior Design and Special Features The rear seat in crew-cab models is quite comfortable, and the seat cushions can be flipped upward for a nearly flat load floor.
Driving Impressions The 5.3-liter V8 feels brawny, and the 6.2-liter V8 turns the 2010 Chevrolet Silveradointo a veritable muscle truck.
The 2010 Dodge Charger receives standard side curtain airbags and minor exterior styling tweaks, but is no longer available with front-seat side airbags.
