Providers and Administrators in blue logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Only 2 U.S. Models on Car and Driver's Annual '10 Best' List

December 2, 2009
2 min to read


Car and Driver magazine released its annual "10 Best Cars" list online today, rating its favorite driving experiences based on models available for sale in 2010 and less than $80,000. Michigan Auto provided an analysis:


Among the winners, only two Detroit-bred entries made the cut: the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Cadillac CTS, which C&D describes as "the best American car ever made."

Ad Loading...


1. Audi S4: "The S4 stands apart from the A4 line like a narc at a Dead show, and the rest of our staff can’t deny its capabilities. They outnumber the purists."


2. BMW 3-Series/M3: "It’s the extraordinary precision and response of the perfectly weighted steering, the smooth predictability of the unwavering chassis, the optional sport seats that adjust and embrace in all the right ways, the slick six-speed manual transmissions, the firm but never harsh ride."


3. Cadillac CTS/CTS-V: "The CTS manages to blend refinement, driving dynamics, comfort, and performance in a refreshing, even exhilarating, way that satisfies enthusiast drivers and luxury seekers simultaneously."


4. Ford Fusion Hybrid: "The Fusion’s hybrid powertrain is so refined and compact that it’s almost not there, but the driver-selectable, power-tracking gauge display gives the game away: It is Donkey Kong addictive, challenging its driver to run on electric power all the way up to a possible 47 mph."


5. Honda Accord: "The automatic transmission never draws attention to itself, body motions are subdued, the cockpit is hushed, the steering discreetly reveals what the front tires are up to, and the 2.4-liter four is not only quick to rev but also offers the idle quality of a six."

Ad Loading...


6. Honda Fit: "Everything about this Honda feels like a more expensive, more upmarket vehicle."


7. Mazda MX-5 Miata: "Agility and affordability. In a sports car, it’s a combination that’s tough to beat."


8. Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3: "Getting behind the wheel of the Mazda 3 is a comforting reminder that there is a fun-to-drive car for every economic stratum."


9. Porsche Boxster/Cayman: "There are a lot of words beginning with the letter “P” that can describe the mechanically identical Boxster and Cayman—poised and profitable leap to mind— but we think the most appropriate one is perfect."


10. Volkswagen GTI: "It’s relatively inexpensive and supremely practical yet is an immensely entertaining vehicle that’s as happy meandering around mall parking lots as it is being flogged along a great back road."

More Industry

Photo of the rear of a new BMW iX SUV
Industryby Hannah MitchellMay 12, 2026

New-Vehicle Prices Rise

With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.

Read More →
Graphic of car segments' results the previous week
Industryby StaffMay 12, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.

Read More →
Graphic of last week's estimated used retail days to turn
Industryby StaffMay 6, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
cargo ship with vehicles, at dock
Industryby Lauren LawrenceMay 5, 2026

EU Auto Association Urges Action

Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.

Read More →
two people working on a paper contract together
IndustryMay 1, 2026

Driving into the Super CFC Era

Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.

Read More →
Photo of outdoor electric-vehicle charger
Industryby Hannah MitchellApril 28, 2026

Global Roads Getting More Electric

China easily reigns in the segment, but European countries’ adoption rates are growing. The U.S., probably due to market size, has the second biggest EV fleet.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic of wholesale weekly price index
Industryby StaffApril 28, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

The full-size pickup segment, which has been dominant in the U.S., ended 11 consecutive weeks of gains with a slight dip last week.

Read More →
Line graphic showing week-over-week wholesale auto price changes
Industryby StaffApril 22, 2026

Black Book: Weekly Market Update

Wholesale auto conversion rates dropped slightly as auction buyers proved picky last week, analysts observed.

Read More →
pavement with car and charger wrapped around it painted on

EV Battery Cycle Life at Risk

Fast charging of electric vehicles provides a solution for range anxiety, but it also poses a risk to battery cycle life due to increased temperatures, according to an EV supply chain data provider.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of exterior facade of Beardmore Chevrolet store
Industryby Hannah MitchellApril 14, 2026

Founding Family Sells Nebraska Dealerships

Expanding Midwest automotive group picks up three stores as part of the robust transaction activity early this year.

Read More →