There are no significant changes for the 2010 Ferrari California.
California is a different sort of state and it's a different sort of Ferrari, too. The California is the first Ferrari to get a dual-clutch automated manual transmission. It's surprisingly agile and an easy car to drive hard -- perfect for the first-timers Ferrari anticipates the California will attract.
In the 2010 Ferrari California's price range is the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, while Aston's V8 Vantage Roadster, Audi's R8 Spyder and Maserati's GranTurismo are notably cheaper.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Ferrari California retractable-hardtop convertible comes standard with 19-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights, the "manettino" steering wheel knob for adjustable vehicle settings, full leather interior, fold-down rear seatback, a trip computer, hard-drive navigation system and a CD player sound system with touchscreen interface.
The rear-wheel-drive Ferrari California is powered by a 4.3-liter V8 that cranks out 460 hp and 357 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual is the only available transmission. According to Ferrari, the California is capable of sprinting from zero to 60 mph in fewer than 4 seconds. Antilock disc brakes, front side airbags, an automatically deploying rollbar, and stability and traction control are standard on the 2010 Ferrari California.
Like every current Ferrari, the new California has an interior befitting its lofty price.
Driving Impressions Weighing about 3,800 pounds, the 2010 Ferrari California is hardly an elemental sports car.
Lusting after the 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano? Oh, and it's not only a Ferrari; it's the most expensive Ferrari.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a two-seat coupe available in one trim level. Standard equipment includes 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels shod in performance tires, xenon headlights, an adaptive suspension system with magnetic dampers, carbon-ceramic brakes, rear parking sensors, automatic dual-zone climate control, power seats, leather upholstery and interior trim, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system and an eight-speaker Becker sound system with a CD player.
HGTE also adds unique exterior and interior styling cues. Other options include different wheel designs, a space-saver spare tire, run-flat tires, front parking sensors, tinted rear windows, a carbon-fiber racing wheel with integrated LED shift lights, fully powered Recaro sport seats, an iPod interface, a six-CD changer and a Bose Hi Fi premium audio system.
Powertrains and Performance Ferrari offers a traditional six-speed manual transmission as standard or a six-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission with paddle shifters as an option. Antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control are standard.
Interior Design and Special Features Unlike supercars of old, the 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano offers much more than a cramped cockpit with minimal accoutrements. The standard navigation system offers a tiny, antiquated screen and there's no HD or satellite radio available.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is an all-new model for 2010.
Though constructed mostly of aluminum, the Italia is nevertheless a tad heavier than the car it replaces. The Italia's direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 screams to a 9,000-rpm redline and produces 562 horsepower. There are significant ergonomic foibles in the new car to be sure (the turn signals are triggered by buttons on the steering wheel, for instance). The 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia is a two-seat exotic sports car available in one coupe body style and a single trim.
Standard are 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, performance tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, adjustable driving and vehicle settings, automatic xenon headlights, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and trim, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with buttons for the turn signals, wipers, lights, ignition, suspension and other vehicle settings), Bluetooth and a sound system with an auxiliary audio jack.
Optional features include forged aluminum alloy wheels, 19-inch run-flat tires, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, cruise control, power seats, four different seat design choices, four-point race belts, faux suede upholstery and/or carpet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a navigation system, an iPod interface, satellite radio and a premium sound system.
The 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia is powered by a 4.5-liter V8 that sends 562 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission. A traditional manual transmission isn't offered. Ferrari estimates that the 458 Italia will go from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
The 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia comes with antilock carbon-ceramic brakes, traction and stability control, and side airbags. To free up space for the enlarged transmission paddle shifters, Ferrari did away with traditional steering wheel column stalks.
The ACR package gains a short-throw shifter and revised rear wing. The 2010 model year marks the end of the line for the second-generation Dodge Viper, and quite possibly the end of the Viper altogether. Since the original concept car debuted in 1989, the Viper has embodied the brash American spirit of excess. We'll mourn the loss, mostly because of the Viper's unapologetic nature.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is offered as either a two-seat coupe or a soft-top roadster. Inside, the Viper comes with race-inspired seats, power-adjustable pedals, a tilting steering wheel, air-conditioning, full power accessories, six-point harness pre-fabrication, leather and Alcantara upholstery, keyless entry and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player.
Satellite radio and a navigation system are packaged together as options. No, this package doesn't impart a "Jersey Shore" spray-on tan to your skin, it adds tan napa seats, a tan roadster convertible top and matching interior trim. The big performance-enhancing option for the Viper is the American Club Racer (ACR) package, which is only available for the coupe variant.
Powering the 2010 Dodge Viper is a completely bonkers 8.4-liter V10 engine that thunders out 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. The best safety equipment for the 2010 Dodge Viper isn't included with the car. Conspicuously absent are side airbags, traction control and stability control -- making the skills of the aforementioned driver even more critical.
Driving Impressions The 2010 Dodge Viper is rough, raw, loud and unrefined when compared to other sports cars, and therein lies much of its appeal. Novices can appreciate the Viper's straight-line power and fury, but only advanced drivers should explore its cornering limits.
The 2010 Dodge Dakota gains revised suspension tuning for an improved ride and better handling. Dodge hopes to remedy some of that with the 2010 Dakota. Also receiving high marks are the pickup's innovative rear under-seat storage bins and comfortable seating. As a workhorse, though, the 2010 Dodge Dakota still stands tall.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The TRX4 and Laramie models are only available as crew cabs. Standard features for the ST include 16-inch steel wheels, a dual-position tailgate, foglights, air-conditioning, front bucket seats, a front center console, two rear folding seats (extended cab only), a rear under-seat storage system (crew cab only), cloth upholstery, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player stereo.
The Big Horn adds 17-inch alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers and front fascia, full power accessories and cruise control. The Big Horn and Laramie extended cabs can be equipped with a front bench seat in place of the standard buckets. A 3.7-liter V6 is standard on every 2010 Dodge Dakota, producing 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all Dakotas, with four-wheel drive being optional (standard on the TRX4).
Fuel economy registers an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined for rear-drive models, while four-wheel-drive mileage drops slightly to 14/15/18 mpg. A five-speed automatic is standard. In performance testing, a 4WD Dakota Laramie crew cab with the V8 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. When properly equipped, a V8 Dakota can tow 7,200 pounds.
Safety In side-impact tests, the 2010 Dodge Dakota crew cab without side curtain airbags earned five stars for the protection of both front and rear passengers. On the upside, the Dakota's interior design is mostly straightforward.
The 2010 Dodge Nitro gains a deceleration fuel cut-off feature when equipped with the 3.7-liter V6. Nitro was one heck of an American Gladiator. Sadly, the 2010 Dodge Nitro doesn't live up to its namesake as an American-made SUV gladiator.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Dodge Nitro is a five-passenger SUV available in Heat, Detonator and Shock trim levels. Standard equipment includes 20-inch chrome-clad wheels, foglamps, roof rails, tinted windows, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a 60/40-split-folding and reclining rear seat and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The Nitro Shock trim adds different 20-inch wheels, a sunroof, leather upholstery and heated seats.
The Dodge Nitro Heat comes with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available, with the latter being a part-time system with high- and low-range gearing. This engine returns an EPA-estimated 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 16/20/17 with four-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16/21/18 with rear-drive and 15/21/17 with four-wheel. In performance testing, a rear-drive Nitro with the 4.0-liter engine went from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
Safety The stability control includes a trailer sway control feature. Rear parking sensors are standard on the Detonator and Shock. In government crash tests, the 2010 Dodge Nitro achieved a top five-star rating in all frontal and side crash categories. There are 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.
Driving Impressions With its aggressive styling and macho name, you'd think that the 2010 Dodge Nitro offered vigorous power and acceleration.
The 2010 Dodge Journey receives driver and front-passenger active head restraints, a larger 9-inch screen for the rear-seat entertainment system and standard keyless entry.
Other neat options include MyGIG, Chrysler's hard-drive-based navigation and entertainment system, and a rear-seat entertainment system with a 9-inch screen. Speaking of pricing, that's another of the Journey's strengths, as the base SE model costs about the same as a bare-bones five-seat family sedan.
The Journey's cabin materials are no nicer than those of the dismal Dodge Caliber economy car, on which the Journey is based. Overall, the 2010 Dodge Journey has a split personality. Among competing crossovers, Toyota's RAV4 offers a third-row seat along with better performance, and the surprisingly enjoyable Kia Rondo is another model to consider. We do not recommend the Journey.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options A midsize crossover SUV, the 2010 Dodge Journey comes in SE, SXT and R/T trim levels. All models come standard with two-row seating for five; with the optional 50/50-split-folding third-row bench (SXT and R/T only), capacity increases to seven. The top-drawer R/T features 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls.
The base-model Journey SE comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The EPA gives the four-cylinder Journey ratings of 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined. Every 2010 Journey includes antilock disc brakes, traction control, rollover-sensing stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows.
Interior Design and Special Features Inside, the 2010 Dodge Journey is a spacious, versatile family hauler.
The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan gains active front-seat headrests across the lineup and standard tri-zone manual climate control on SE models.
The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan has history on its side, if nothing else. A dual-screen rear entertainment system, Sirius Satellite TV and hard-drive audio storage are also available.
Unfortunately, these attributes are overshadowed by the Grand Caravan's quality issues and other faults like low-quality interior materials and a feeble base engine. The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan minivan is available in three trim levels: C/V, SE and SXT. The SXT adds a larger engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, an eight-way power driver seat with manual lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, power and remote-operated sliding side doors (optional on SE), second-row power windows and third-row power vent-style windows (also optional on SE), an overhead console with storage bins and ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and satellite radio. With the SXT, the rear DVD entertainment system includes a swiveling second-row flip-down screen.
The front-wheel-drive 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with one of three V6 engines. The SXT comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 197 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque and gets 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The Grand Caravan comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, active front headrests and full-length side curtain airbags.
Optional on both the SE and SXT trims are second-row integrated child booster seats (requires Swivel 'n Go). In government crash tests, the 2010 Grand Caravan scored a perfect five stars in all frontal- and side-impact categories. The Grand Caravan's interior design theme is plain but functional, with high-mounted audio controls for easy visibility and operation. Aft of the comfortable front seats, there are various seating choices.
The 2010 Grand Caravan's handling will be adequate for most owners, particularly in sport-tuned SXT trim. As for Grand Caravans with the ancient 3.3-liter engine, we'd say don't bother -- they're sluggish and marginally less efficient than the muscular 4.0-liter SXT.
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.
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.
There are no significant changes for the 2010 Ferrari California.
