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.
The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country receives a restyled exterior and a greatly improved cabin. The Swivel 'n Go seating option has been dropped.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country minivan is offered in three trim levels: Touring, Touring-L and Limited. Inside you'll find air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, Stow 'n Go second-row seats, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, full power accessories (including second-row power windows and third-row power vents), a conversation mirror, a back-up camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 115-volt AC power outlet, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a six-speaker CD sound system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and digital music storage.
Moving up to the Touring-L model gets you 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming side mirrors, remote ignition, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats and second- and third-row window shades. Other major options include a sunroof, a power-folding third-row seat, second- and third-row window shades, Bluetooth, Sirius Travel Link satellite data service, a rear-seat DVD entertainment center with dual video screens and Sirius Backseat TV.
The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts out 283 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 2011 Chrysler Town & Country comes with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, full-length side curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags and a driver knee airbag. For 2011, the Chrysler Town & Country's interior gets a major makeover. With all three rows of seats in use, the Town & Country offers a healthy 33 cubic feet of cargo room.
Driving Impressions The multiple mechanical changes make the 2011 Chrysler Town & Country a contender.
Until Pontiac bit the dust in the wake of GM's 2009 bankruptcy fiasco, the Pontiac G6 was the company's go-to midsize car. In a constant battle to steal sales from the class favorites, the G6 offered unusually tactful styling by Pontiac standards, solid performance from its V6 engines and the availability of a four-seat retractable-hardtop convertible body style. Volume-selling models were the five-passenger sedan and four-passenger coupe.
Most Recent Pontiac G6 Coupes were either GTs or GTP/GXPs, convertibles GT only. The GXP topped the range with items like sporty exterior styling tweaks and automatic climate control.
At the time of Pontiac's demise, the Pontiac G6's engine lineup included a base 2.4-liter four (164 horsepower), a 3.5-liter V6 (219 hp), a 3.9-liter V6 available on the convertible only (222 hp) and the GXP's 3.6-liter V6 (252 hp).
The dealer was kind enough to permit me to take the vehicle home Saturday night to Monday morning. I was mainly interested in seeing how the seats felt over a longer drive than the dealer test drive permits, what the dash lights were like at night, and the night time visibility.
I have always liked GM interiors and driven GM cars since 1981 including a Cadillac Sedan de Ville, a Buick Le Sabre Limited with a "T" package, a Firebird with a small underpowered 2.8 V6 and five speed which my wife drove for 12 years and loved, a Bonneville which was nice and dependable, a Montana van, and an optioned up base Malibu. I walked from that vehicle at the end of the lease term.
Options on the vehicle included a rear spoiler (handy for opening the trunk), a sunroof, something I have always wanted but never had in a car, anti-lock brakes. Price, terms and comfort were the biggest issues followed by style, dependability and gas mileage. All a test drive tells you is comfort for a short trip, ergonomics and handling within reason. The sunroof is cool though and the air conditioning works well. Very cool.
The heavy makeover includes updated exterior styling, a vastly improved passenger cabin, a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and retuned suspension and steering.
Introduction In place of the Sebring's low-budget rental car cabin is a nicer interior with high-quality materials that shame other sedans in this class.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 Chrysler 200 is offered as a midsize sedan and convertible. Both are offered in four trim levels.
The entry-level LX model comes equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a four-speed automatic transmission, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
The Touring model adds some desirable extras including 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed automatic, automatic headlights, a power driver seat, automatic climate control, a trip computer, upgraded interior lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. For the 200 convertible, Chrysler offers either a conventional power-operated soft top or a retractable steel hardtop. The front-wheel-drive 2011 Chrysler 200 offers a choice of two engines. A key to performance is the six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard across the line aide from the entry-level LX, which has a four-speed automatic.
Safety The 2011 Chrysler 200 comes with a long list of standard safety features including stability and traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
The convertible also scored "Good" in the frontal-offset and side impact tests (no roof strength test was done).
Interior Design and Special Features The sedan's 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is also a little on the small side.
Sometimes you need the 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe. The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV available in three trims: LS, LT and LTZ. The LS comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, cruise control, dual-zone manual climate control, rear air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split front bench seat with six-way power driver adjustment, a 60/40-split second-row seat and a 50/50 folding and removable third-row seat. The Interior Plus package adds tri-zone automatic climate control, six-way power front bucket seats with a front center console, rear seat audio controls, Bluetooth, interior wood trim and additional body-colored exterior trim pieces. The Luxury Package adds power-folding exterior mirrors, a power liftgate, eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, heated front and rear seats, and a second-row power release function. Second-row bucket seats are also optional for the Tahoe LT.
The Sun, Entertainment and Destinations package available on all trims adds a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system and the navigation system with rearview camera. The 2010 Chevy Tahoe comes with only one engine, a 5.3-liter V8 that produces 320 hp and 335 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, while rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive models are available. In performance testing, a 4WD Tahoe LT went from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined regardless of 2WD or 4WD. Properly equipped, a 4WD Tahoe can tow up to 8,200 pounds.
Every 2010 Tahoe comes standard with stability control, antilock disc brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Tahoe received a perfect five stars for frontal crash protection. The Taho
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.
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.
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.
