For 2010, the Chevy Malibu gets minor changes. Most notably, the six-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all but the base LS model, thereby helping to improve fuel economy. There's also standard driver power-adjustable lumbar on all models and E85 fuel compatibility for the 2.4-liter engine.
For 2010, Chevy expanded the availability of the Malibu's six-speed automatic transmission to all trims except the base LS, providing improved performance and fuel economy.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is a five-passenger, four-door sedan available in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. The 1LT adds color-keyed side mirrors and moldings, a six-speed transmission and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The 2LT adds 17-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote engine start, premium faux-suede and vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, a six-way power driver seat (manual back adjustment) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Rear Power package adds a 110-volt AC outlet and manual rear sunshade.
Every Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 169 horsepower and 158 pound-feet of torque. In performance testing, a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LS went from zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds, which is on the slow side for this class. A six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is standard. Fuel economy stands at 17/26/20.
Safety Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Strangely, a four-cylinder 2010 Chevrolet Malibu with different 17-inch tires we tested provided a much different result -- a disappointing 140 feet. In government crash tests, the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu scored a perfect five stars in all frontal and side crash categories.
Driving Impressions The cabin is impressively hushed at highway speeds, and seat comfort and support are superb, making the Malibu ideal for long trips.
The performance-oriented SS model has been dropped from the 2010 Chevy Impala's lineup. The Impala, which carries over largely unchanged for the 2010 model year, remains a solid large family sedan.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options For 2010, the Chevy Impala is offered in three basic trim levels including the LS base model, midrange LT and top-of-the-line LTZ. Entry-level LS models come standard with 16-inch steel wheels, dual-zone air-conditioning, front bucket seats with a six-way power driver seat, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, OnStar and a six-speaker CD audio system (with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio input jack). Interior goodies include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and a premium Bose eight-speaker audio system.
Powertrains and Performance The 2010 Chevrolet Impala is offered with your choice of two different powertrains. The 3.5-liter V6 is rated at 18 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined, while the 3.9-liter engine numbers drop to 17 city/27 highway and 21 mpg combined.
Safety The Impala's list of standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, side-impact airbags for front seat occupants and side curtain airbags that cover both rows. In government crash testing, the Impala earned the highest possible five-star rating in frontal crash tests; for the side-impact tests, it emerged with five stars for front passengers and four stars for rear seat occupants.
Interior Design and Special Features The interior of the 2010 Chevrolet Impala is a microcosm of all that's right and wrong with this full-size sedan.
Driving Impressions When it comes to driving the 2010 Chevrolet Impala, the "competent but uninspiring" trend continues.
Also, the HHR Panel is no longer available in SS trim.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The front-wheel-drive 2010 Chevrolet HHR is available in two different body styles: a traditional four-door, five-passenger wagon and a two-seat Panel van. The Panel van has windowless rear cargo panel doors (they open via remote release), windowless rear quarter panels, cargo floor storage compartments and a rear 40-amp power point for electronic equipment. The LS base model includes 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, full power accessories, OnStar and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The wagon-only SS model comes standard with the base six-speaker stereo (the Pioneer system is optional), but it gains a powerful turbocharged engine, an exclusive sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, unique exterior styling details and two-tone front sport seats and interior trim.
HHR buyers can choose from three different engines. Entry-level LS and midrange 1LT models get a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 155 hp and 150 pound-feet of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings for the base model's 2.2-liter engine come in at an impressive 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission (22/30/25 with the automatic). Considering the extra performance the HHR SS powertrain offers, its turbocharged engine is surprisingly fuel-efficient, with EPA numbers of 21/29/24 mpg when mated to the five-speed manual (19/29/23 with the auto).
Safety Standard safety equipment for the 2010 Chevy HHR includes antilock front disc/rear drum brakes on LS and LT models and antilock four-wheel discs on the SS. Stability control and side curtain airbags are also standard, though front seat side-impact airbags aren't offered. GM's OnStar telematics system is also standard across the HHR model lineup. Both front and rear-seat passengers have ample head- and legroom.
Driving Impressions The driving experience for the 2010 Chevrolet HHR depends largely on the model in question. The HHR SS is another story altogether with its potent turbo engine, superior four-wheel disc brakes and firmer suspension tuning.
For 2010, the Chevy Express 2500 and 3500 models get a standard six-speed automatic transmission that improves low-rpm torque and fuel economy. The optional 6.0-liter V8 is the most robust engine in the full-size passenger van segment.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The standard-wheelbase (135-inch) 2010 Chevrolet Express van comes in a base 1500 configuration as well as the heavier-duty 2500 and 3500. It seats eight to 12 passengers. Other options include power driver and front passenger seats, a sliding passenger-side door, alloy wheels, remote engine start and an upgraded audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer.
The Chevy Express 1500 is powered by a 5.3-liter V8 with 310 hp and 334 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Fuel economy is 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.
All 2010 Chevrolet Express passenger vans have standard antilock disc brakes, stability control and side curtain airbags (for the first three rows of seating). The standard configuration seats eight, with 12- and 15-passenger arrangements also available, depending on which model you choose.
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox has been completely redesigned for 2010. Despite being a bigger vehicle than the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4, the Equinox provides less cargo capacity. The 2010 Chevy Equinox otherwise offers everything that shoppers in this segment are looking for: a spacious passenger compartment, fuel efficiency, strong value and appealing styling. GM needs a winner, and the Equinox could be it.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover SUV available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels. When equipped with the optional V6 engine, 18-inch wheels are added. The 2LT adds foglights, remote ignition, automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming mirror, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, USB audio jack and an eight-speaker Pioneer stereo. The LTZ adds automatic headlights, power tailgate, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, driver memory functions and heated front seats.
Every 2010 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive; all-wheel drive is optional.
Fuel economy is impressive; an Equinox four-cylinder with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. An Equinox V6 with front-wheel drive gets an estimated 17/25/20, with all-wheel-drive versions dropping 1 mpg on the highway.
The 2010 Chevy Equinox comes standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar. The redesigned Chevy Equinox features a cabin high on style.
Driving Impressions On the move, the new Equinox is impressively quiet.
The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette receives launch control on all manual-transmission models, a Grand Sport variant that effectively replaces the old Z51 performance package, a Performance Traction Management system for the ZR1, a Cashmere interior color option for the Z06 and standard side airbags.
The new Grand Sport edition -- an improvement on the discontinued Z51 performance package -- pairs the base engine with unique exterior styling cues; a sport-tuned suspension; Z06-size wheels, tires and brakes; more aggressive gearing; and a dry-sump oiling system for models fitted with the manual transmission. Even the base 6.2-liter V8 cranks out 430 horsepower.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette is a two-seater that's available as a coupe with a removable roof panel (base and GS only), a fixed-roof coupe or a convertible. Trim levels include the base Corvette (1LT), Grand Sport (GS), Z06 and ZR1. Like previous Corvette roadsters, the current convertible features a hideaway top, and for 2010 it features a Z06-style rear spoiler.
Standard on the 1LT coupe and convertible are 18-inch front alloy wheels and 19-inch rears, xenon headlamps, cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, OnStar, leather seating, a six-way power driver seat, a manual tilt steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control. The 2LT Package adds Bluetooth and perforated power leather sport seats with power-adjustable lumbar support and side bolsters. For base Corvettes there is also an optional Magnetic Ride Control suspension that automatically stiffens and relaxes the suspension according to how the car is being driven.
All 2010 Chevrolet Corvettes have a six-speed manual gearbox with launch control as standard, while a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is a no-cost option for the base and GS models.
Regardless of which Corvette you choose, you'll get stunning performance. EPA fuel economy estimates stand at a laudable 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined for a manual-transmission Corvette.
Safety The ZR1 gets the even more sophisticated Performance Traction Management system described above.
Interior Design and Special Features This issue isn't horrible in the base Corvette's price range, but up where the Z06 and ZR1 play, it becomes more relevant.
Driving Impressions The 2010 Chevrolet Corvette's roaring V8s provide endless grins.
For 2010, the Chevrolet Colorado sees a shuffling of trim levels and gains head curtain airbags as standard across the board.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Colorado is a compact pickup available with two- or four-wheel drive in three body styles: regular cab, extended cab (with short reverse-opening doors) and crew cab (with four regular forward-swinging doors). Crew cabs come with a 5-foot cargo box, while other Colorados feature a 6-foot bed.
The regular cab can be had in Work Truck and LT1 trims. The crew cab also offers the option of heated leather seats with full power adjustments.
The 5.3-liter V8 (only offered on extended-cab and crew cab models) makes 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Properly equipped, a V8-powered Colorado can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Safety The 2010 Chevy Colorado comes standard with the OnStar emergency communications system, antilock brakes, stability control, traction control and side curtain airbags. In government frontal-impact crash tests, the Chevrolet Colorado crew cab earned a perfect five stars for the protection of the driver and front passenger. There's lots of room up front, though rear legroom is tight in both extended-cab and crew cab models.
Driving Impressions The 2010 Chevrolet Colorado's inline four- and five-cylinder engines are reasonably smooth, though acceleration and hauling performance are lackluster compared to those offered by the larger V6s of competitors. Chevy's small truck is relatively quiet around town, though wind and road noise increase noticeably at highway speeds.
Model year 2010 likely marks the end of the line for the Chevrolet Cobalt nameplate. The Cobalt also comes in sedan and coupe body styles and can be had in the genuinely fun-to-drive 260-horsepower SS trim level.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt is available in compact sedan and coupe body styles, each split into XFE, LS, LT and SS trim levels. XFE models achieve slightly better fuel economy by using low-rolling-resistance tires along with taller transmission gearing. LT coupe buyers can also opt for the Sport Appearance package that includes a rear spoiler, front foglamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, reworked front and rear fascias, Bluetooth, white-faced sport gauges and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote audio and cruise controls. Leather upholstery with heated front seats is available on the Cobalt 2LT only.
The 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE, LS and LT models are powered by a 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder that's good for 155 hp and 150 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the XFE raises highway fuel economy to 37 mpg. The automatic-equipped LS and LT achieve 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. In testing, we launched a Cobalt SS coupe from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 5.8 seconds. Fuel economy doesn't suffer much either, as it rates 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.
Full-length side curtain airbags are standard on all Cobalts. Most Cobalts have a front-disc/rear-drum brake setup; SS models have performance-tuned four-wheel disc brakes. In side impacts, the Cobalt sedan got only three stars for front seat passengers but five stars for the rear. The Cobalt coupe yielded four stars for the front and rear seats. It's worth noting that the XFE-badged Cobalts, while fuel-efficient, suffer in terms of braking. The Cobalt SS, with stickier tires and ABS produced exceptional braking figures, needing just 115 feet to stop. In lower trim levels, the Cobalt's interior leaves little doubt that it is an economy car.
Driving Impressions Among sporty compacts, we rank the 2010 Cobalt SS almost as high as the staff-favorite Mazdaspeed 3.
For 2010, the Chevy Malibu gets minor changes. Most notably, the six-speed automatic transmission is now standard on all but the base LS model, thereby helping to improve fuel economy. There's also standard driver power-adjustable lumbar on all models and E85 fuel compatibility for the 2.4-liter engine.
