2010 Chevrolet Suburba Reviews

For the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban, the 2LT trim level is dropped, reducing the trims to simply LS, LT and LTZ.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUV is available in 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 models, each available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The LS comes standard with 17-inch wheels, side assist steps, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, a power driver seat, full power accessories, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, dual-zone climate control, rear-seat air-conditioning and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player, auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite radio.

The Suburban LTZ gets 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, the Autoride rear air suspension, premium leather upholstery, upgraded heated and cooled front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding second-row seats with heat and an upgraded 10-speaker Bose surround-sound

system.
Chevrolet offers two engine choices for the 2010 Chevrolet Suburba. Properly equipped, the Suburban 2500 can tow up to 9,600 pounds.

Combined fuel economy for the 2010 Chevrolet Suburban ranges from about 14 mpg combined to 16 mpg combined, depending on the model and the engine. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all Suburbans, as are stability control, GM's OnStar emergency communications system, front-seat side airbags and a three-row side curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor. Although the Suburban's second row is available with a power-folding feature, the third-row seats must be removed manually to optimize cargo space.

2010 Chevrolet Silverado

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 Silverado into a veritable muscle truck.

2010 Chevrolet Malibu,Reviews

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.

2010 Chevrolet Impala Reviews

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.

2010 Chevrolet HHR

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.

2010 Chevrolet Express

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.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

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.

2010 Chevrolet Corvette

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.

2010 Chevrolet Colorado

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.

2010 Chevrolet Cobalt

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.

Chevrolet Astro Van Reviews

While today's minivans offer levels of comfort and performance on par with sedans, the Chevrolet Astro was a minivan from a different era. Compared to front-wheel-drive, car-based minivans, the Chevy Astro was a true workhorse with considerable towing and hauling capabilities.

Chevrolet did offer the Astro van with an all-wheel-drive system, which made it one of the handful of vans, mini or otherwise, capable of tracking confidently through snow and ice.

Most Recent Chevrolet Astro
A 4.3-liter V6 was standard on all Chevrolet Astro passenger vans. Early vans were exclusively rear-wheel drive; Chevrolet added the option of all-wheel drive in 1990. From 1995 onward, Chevrolet sold only the extended-length Astro.
Options included rear air-conditioning, leather upholstery, second-row bucket seats (reducing seating capacity to seven), upgraded stereos, towing preparation and a locking rear differential.

Four-wheel antilock brakes were made standard on Astro passenger vans in 1990. A 1995 face-lift gave the Astro a fresher exterior look. Speed-sensitive power steering was added to ease parking in 1997, and in 1999, Chevrolet adopted a new all-wheel-drive system that sent power to the front wheels only when the rear wheels began to slip -- thus improving fuel economy.

2010 Chevrolet Aveo,Reviews

The 2010 Chevy Aveo gets a 1-horsepower increase, revised manual transmission gear ratios for improved fuel economy and a standard rear spoiler for Aveo5 models.

At first glance, the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo would appear to be a contender for the economy car crown. The 2010 model's changes don't do the Aveo any real favors, either.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is available as either a sedan or a four-door hatchback, dubbed the Aveo5. In base LS trim, the Aveo is sparingly equipped with 14-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, OnStar and a four-speaker AM/FM stereo with an auxiliary input jack.
The Aveo5 hatchback in 2LT form also comes with a rear spoiler.

Powertrains and Performance
Official EPA mileage estimates are respectable for this class, with a manual-equipped Aveo achieving 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. Aveos with the automatic transmission drop to 25/34/28 mpg.

Safety
Front-seat side airbags are standard on all trim levels, but side curtain airbags (a feature that is increasingly common on subcompacts) aren't available. In government crash tests, the 2010 Chevy Aveo sedan earned a top five-star rating for the driver and four stars for the passenger in frontal impacts. Both the sedan and Aveo5 hatchback feature a 60/40 split-folding rear seat that allows for the transport of longer items.

Driving Impressions
Contrary to our customary recommendation to opt for a manual transmission, the Aveo's automatic seems to be the better choice.

2010 Chevrolet Avalanche,Reviews

The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche gets a couple of changes. The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche reflects GM's effort to combine a pickup with an SUV. The Avalanche takes after its pickup parent with its four-door crew-cab configuration. Certainly, the full-sized Avalanche is no slouch in the size department.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche is a full-size crew-cab pickup with a removable rear window and exclusive midgate. The basic LS features a composite cargo bed, a removable three-piece cargo cover, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a front 40/20/40-split bench seat with center storage, a power driver seat, basic OnStar capability and a single-CD stereo with an auxiliary jack, USB port and satellite radio.

The top-drawer LTZ offers standard 20-inch wheels, a navigation system, an adaptive suspension, heated and ventilated leather seats, a rearview camera, integrated turn-signal mirrors and an automatic-dimming rearview mirror.

The 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche is available with either two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). A properly equipped 2WD Avalanche can tow up to 8,100 pounds. Standard Avalanche safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, GM's OnStar emergency communications system and a full-length side curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor. With bucket seats, the Avalanche seats five, but it can carry up to six passengers when equipped with the split-bench front seat.

With the midgate up, the Avalanche's cargo bed is 5-feet-3-inches long; drop the midgate and slide the rear seats forward and the bed grows to over 8 feet.

2011 Chevrolet Volt,Reviews

The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is Chevy's much-anticipated new plug-in battery/gasoline hybrid, featuring an electric-only mode with a range of up to 40 miles.

So what exactly is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt? We say "quite possibly" because you can't measure the Volt's fuel economy in any standard fashion. Even with a $7,500 federal tax credit, a base Volt will still cost $33,500 -- and that's without the home charging station that's essentially mandatory for a plug-in hybrid like the Volt. The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is a midsize five-door hatchback sedan with seating for four.

The Premium Trim package adds leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats. The front-wheel-drive 2011 Volt is primarily powered by an electric motor rated at 149 hp (111 kilowatts) and 273 pound-feet of torque. This motor draws power from a lithium-ion battery pack until the battery charge is 70 percent depleted.

At that point, the Volt's 1.4-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine, which requires premium fuel, comes to life as a replacement power source for the electric motor. In Edmunds range and fuel economy testing, we found the Volt had an electricity range of between 30 and 39 miles in mixed driving. When the battery is depleted, it returned 31.4 mpg. In Edmunds performance testing, the Volt went from zero to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds in electric mode and 9 seconds flat with the engine generator. Safety features on the 2011 Chevy Volt include antilock brakes, stability control, front side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Volt came to a stop in a respectable 124 feet.

The Volt's hatchback design is convenient for loading cargo, but the swooping rear roof line and battery pack location limit maximum luggage capacity to just 10.6 cubic feet with the back seats up.

Driving Impressions
In all-electric mode, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt is as quiet and smooth as any EV we've driven -- and it's still a competent vehicle when the engine-generator kicks in.

2011 Chevrolet Tahoe,Reviews

1The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe gains an integrated trailer-brake controller with the optional Trailering package.

The Expedition offers a third-row seat that conveniently folds away to expand cargo capacity, yet the Ford isn't as powerful as the Tahoe. The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe is available in three trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. The Tahoe Hybrid is reviewed separately.
The base Tahoe LS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone manual climate control, eight-passenger seating with front power-adjustable bucket seats and center floor console, a 60/40-split second-row seat and 50/50-split removable third-row seat. A front split bench seat may be substituted to enable nine-passenger seating. 4WD models include a single-speed transfer case.

Among options not available on the LS are second-row captain's chairs (for seven-passenger seating) and a Luxury package with heated front and second-row seats (with power release), power-folding mirrors and a power rear liftgate. A second-row split bench seat can be substituted for eight-passenger seating. A six-speed automatic transmission transmits power through the rear wheels on 2WD models or all four wheels on 4WD models. The Tahoe's acceleration is strong for a full-size SUV, as the 4WD Tahoe hit 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds in Edmunds testing. A properly equipped Tahoe can tow up to 8,500 pounds.

The 2011 Chevy Tahoe comes standard with antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar emergency telematics. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are available on every Tahoe, while the Tahoe LTZ can be had with a blind-spot warning system.

2011 Chevrolet Traverse,Reviews

Aside from the audio system's relocated USB input and the addition of heated cloth seats to the options list for LT models, the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse remains largely unchanged.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is a large crossover SUV available in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels. Select the 2LT package and you'll get all that plus tri-zone automatic climate control, a 10-speaker Bose system (with USB port), rear audio system controls, seven-passenger seating (featuring second-row captain's chairs), a power liftgate and a rearview camera integrated into the rearview mirror.

The Traverse LTZ ups the luxury ante with 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats (with driver memory settings), Bluetooth connectivity and remote ignition. In our performance testing, a Traverse LT2 posted a sufficiently quick 0-60-mph time of 8.6 seconds.

EPA fuel economy estimates for the front-wheel-drive Traverse are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive Traverse models are very close at 16/23/19 mpg. Properly equipped, the Traverse can tow up to 5,200 pounds.

Safety
Antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows are all standard on the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, as is one year of GM's OnStar service, including turn-by-turn navigation and hands-free phone connectivity. Depending on which trim level you choose, the interior offers seating for either seven passengers with the second-row captain's chairs or eight with the 60/40-split-folding second-row bench seat. There's also plenty of room for stuff, including 24.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third-row seat.

2011 Chevrolet Suburban,Reviews

The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban receives only minor feature changes. The entry-level Suburban LS now gets standard Bluetooth connectivity and rear seat audio controls with headphone jacks.

The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban full-size SUV is offered in 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 models. The LS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, side assist steps, roof rack side rails, power front bucket seats with a center console, a 50/50-split third-row seat, tri-zone manual climate control, full power accessories, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, rear-seat audio control with headphone jacks, and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player, auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite radio.

The Suburban LTZ gets 20-inch polished alloy wheels, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, the Autoride rear air suspension, premium leather upholstery, driver seat memory settings, heated and ventilated front seats, power-folding heated second-row seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a premium 10-speaker Bose surround-sound system with satellite radio capability.

Chevrolet offers two engine choices for the 2011 Suburban. Properly equipped, the Suburban 2500 can tow up to 9,600 pounds.

Safety
The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban's list of standard safety features includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, GM's OnStar emergency communications system, front-seat side airbags and a three-row side curtain airbag system with a rollover sensor. With the available 40/20/40-split front seat, the Suburban can seat up to nine passengers, a total bested only by some full-size vans.

2011 Chevrolet Silverado,Reviews

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 receives the latest OnStar 9.0 system with improved audio quality and speech recognition.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that is offered in standard cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles. Standard and extended cabs are available with either a standard 6.5-foot bed or an 8-foot long bed. Regular cabs can be had in base Work or midlevel LT trims, while the extended and crew cabs are also available in LS and the range-topping LTZ trim. The LTZ piles on alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control (in extended and crew cabs), an exclusive dash design with wood and metallic accents, leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable heated front bucket seats, driver-seat memory settings, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, remote engine start and a Bose audio system with a six-disc CD changer and rear audio controls.

The 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500 is available with four different engine choices. Work trucks are powered by a standard 4.3-liter V6 that produces 195 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. 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. The 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s utilize 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.

Safety
In our testing, a Silverado crew cab with four-wheel disc brakes stopped from 60 mph in a short 120 feet.

Crew-cab models feature comfortable rear seats with flip-up seat cushions that provide a nearly flat load floor. Unlike previous generations of pickups, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is actually pleasant to drive. The 5.3-liter V8 feels brawny and the 6.2-liter V8 turns the Silverado into a veritable muscle truck.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu,Reviews

The Malibu's rear seat space is tight compared to that of some competitors, and it lacks a center armrest. The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu is available in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ.

Standard equipment on the Malibu LS includes 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, OnStar and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack.

The 2LT then adds remote engine start, Bluetooth, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power driver seat, heated front seats, premium upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Every 2011 Chevrolet Malibu can be equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as standard equipment, which generates 169 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Estimated fuel economy checks in at 22 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined.

Safety
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, OnStar telematics, front side airbags and head curtain airbags. In brake performance testing, a V6 Malibu impressed us by stopping from 60 mph in a short, fade-free 122 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features
The 2011 Chevrolet Malibu features a curvaceous dual-cowl dash design up front, emphasized strikingly by a couple of available two-tone interior color options. Mated to the now-standard six-speed automatic, even the fuel-efficient four-cylinder Malibu should deliver enough power and response for most buyers.

2011 Chevrolet Impala,Reviews

Despite a spacious cabin and comfortable ride, the 2011 Chevrolet Impala is outdone by most competitors. The Chevy Impala's practical strengths contribute to its mainstream appeal: a smooth ride, a quiet cabin, room for up to six, a large trunk and a solid safety record.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Chevy Impala is a full-size four-door sedan offered in three trim levels: base LS, midrange LT and top-drawer LTZ. LS models are equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning, five-passenger seating, six-way power driver seat, tilt-only steering wheel, full power accessories, OnStar and a six-speaker CD audio system with satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack.

Powertrains and Performance
The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Impala LS and LT models include a standard 3.5-liter V6 producing 211 horsepower and 216 pound-feet of torque, while the LTZ is equipped with a 3.9-liter V6 that generates 224 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque.

Both overhead valve engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, while the Impala's competitors typically offer more sophisticated six-speed automatics. With less power, however, the Impala manages estimated fuel economy at 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Safety
The 2011 Chevrolet Impala performs well in safety testing, and is equipped with standard antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, OnStar telematics, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Impala earned the highest possible five-star rating in frontal and side-impact crash tests.

Interior Design and Special Features
A quick tour of the Impala's cabin offers a good illustration of the strengths and weaknesses of its aging design.