CARS REVIEWS:
2010 Lexus IS 250 C Review The 2010 Lexus IS 250C offers the refinement and sophistication expected of Toyota's luxury division, but its transformation from sedan to convertible isn't as graceful as other brands' entries.
Pros
All-weather hardtop, high-quality interior, refined ride with 17-inch wheels, good fuel economy, many safety features, golfer-friendly trunk.
Cons
Poor rear visibility, limited top-down trunk space, cramped backseat, weak acceleration, rear end looks bulbous and awkward.
What's New for 2010
The 2010 Lexus IS 250C is an all-new retractable-hardtop convertible version of the IS sedan that features the smaller of two available engines. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Review The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe bundles excellent rear-wheel-drive driving dynamics and brisk performance into an attractive -- and attractively priced -- package.
Pros
Sharp handling, livable ride from sophisticated chassis, capable engines, sporty cabin design, good value.
Cons
Manual transmission's lack of smoothness and precision, lackluster stereo performance.
What's New for 2010
The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is all-new. 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour Review If you like the Accord sedan but want more room and/or all-wheel drive, the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour is worth a look. Otherwise, a more versatile crossover SUV will likely serve you better.
Pros
Roomy seating, carlike driving dynamics, quiet cabin, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
Compromised cargo capacity, button-heavy center stack, controversial styling.
What's New for 2010
The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour debuts as a crossover wagon version of Honda's venerable midsize sedan. 2010 Ford F-150 Review The 2010 Ford F-150 is an excellent all-around truck, though competitors offer a bit more grunt.
Pros
Refined ride, quiet interior, wide variety of cab and bed configurations, top crash-test scores, good-looking and functional cabin.
Cons
Lackluster performance for this segment, steering wheel doesn't telescope.
What's New for 2010
After a full redesign last year, the big news for the 2010 Ford F-150 is the return of a Harley-Davidson trim level and the introduction of the high-performance SVT Raptor. Beyond that, the flareside body style has been phased out, and there are minor equipment adjustments for certain trim levels. 2010 Volvo XC60 Review The 2010 Volvo XC60 is a solid hit thanks to its combination of convenience, safety, style and performance.
Pros
Distinctive design inside and out, ample interior space, many safety-oriented features, long list of standard equipment, strong turbocharged engine.
Cons
Subpar fuel economy, unremarkable base engine, not as sporty as some rivals.
What's New for 2010
The 2010 Volvo XC60 is all-new. This small luxury crossover boasts an upscale interior, a choice of inline six-cylinder engines and many safety-oriented features. 2011 Nissan Juke Review It might not be love at first sight, but a drive in the 2011 Nissan Juke will have you seeing the inner beauty of this feisty little hatchback.
Pros
Lively performance; sporty handling; comfortable front seats; available all-wheel drive.
Cons
Polarizing styling; limited headroom in rear seat; too much hard plastic in cabin.
What's New for 2011
The Nissan Juke is a new model for 2011. 2010 Kia Sportage Review Though outclassed in many ways by more refined competitors, the 2010 Kia Sportage remains a solid choice for buyers in search of an affordable compact crossover.
Pros
Practical interior, good value compared to competition, long powertrain warranty.
Cons
Both engines lack oomph, disappointing fuel economy.
What's New for 2010
Other than a couple of minor feature revisions, the 2010 Kia Sportage is unchanged. 2011 Kia Sportage Vehicle Preview The redesigned 2011 Kia Sportage will sport aggressive styling and more features. It should be a solid choice for an affordable compact crossover.
What's New for 2011
The 2011 Kia Sportage has been redesigned for 2011 2010 Audi S5 Review The 2010 Audi S5's repertoire expands thanks to the new soft-top S5 Cabriolet and its exclusive supercharged V6, while the classy V8 continues to power the coupe. If you want a luxury performance coupe or convertible, the S5 belongs on your short list.
Pros
Sensuous styling, coupe's stellar V8, sharp handling, upscale interior, available convertible body style.
Cons
Artificial steering feel, convertible is pricey and lacks a retractable hardtop and the coupe's V8.
What's New for 2010
The 2010 Audi S5 gets a cabriolet (soft-top convertible) variant that's available only with a new supercharged V6, whereas the coupe keeps the previous V8. Also, the S5 receives Audi's standardized trim level structure, and navigation-equipped S5s get the third-generation MMI system with a revised controller and real-time traffic. 2010 Acura RDX Review A Japanese answer to BMW's athletic X3, the 2010 Acura RDX offers plenty of sport and style along with an adequate dose of utility.
Pros
Sporty handling, stylish interior, nicely equipped, excellent crash test scores.
Cons
Lackluster fuel economy, firm ride.
What's New for 2010
The 2010 Acura RDX receives a base front-wheel-drive version as well as revised exterior styling, automatic headlights, a tweaked braking system, a back-up camera, Bluetooth streaming audio compatibility, a USB jack and ambient footwell lighting.
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