agent Entrepreneur 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

Two dodge cars outside of dealership.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 17, 2026

Auto Affordability Inches Up

The latest Cox Automotive and Moody’s Analytics index shows a slight increase in new-vehicle affordability despite high prices.

Read More →
Five men smiling for photo in front of Honda car dealership.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 10, 2026

Ohio Auto Group Under New Ownership

After 79 years with the Schluter family, Mansfield Auto Group has been acquired by Missouri-based Clement Auto Group.

Read More →
Blue and white RV parked on beach facing the ocean.
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•September 3, 2026

RV Group Expands Carolina Footprint

Blue Compass RV Columbia Northeast is the 13th RV dealership owned by Blue Compass in the Carolinas.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of two men and one woman on a discussion panel
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•September 1, 2026

Agent Acumen

An Agent Summit panel of people who’ve been supporting auto dealers for years gave both timely and timeless advice for those starting out or mulling the prospect.

Read More →
Gloved hand holding two wrenches next to “Turn Overdue into Opportunity” Graphic
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•August 27, 2026

Missed Maintenance Creates Opportunity

As families get back on the road and into daily school routines, service drives have an opportunity to capture customers who are behind on recommended vehicle maintenance.

Read More →
Mitsubishi shadow line-up
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•August 25, 2026

Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan

The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of a laptop, cellphone and eyeglasses on a desk next to an office window
Industry•August 24, 2026

Selling to Grow

The question of whether you should sell your agency and if so, when, is up to you. But it’s a question worth asking to ensure you keep the business on the right path for yourself, employees and clients.

Read More →
Mechanic holding a vehicle diagnostic device while standing above an open car hood
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•August 24, 2026

Recalled Vehicles Hit 5-Year High

Though the number of events has fallen so far this year, impacted units are up significantly. Meanwhile, regulators consider consumer notification changes.

Read More →
outside of car dealership with cars parked in front
Industry•by Lauren Lawrence•August 20, 2026

Auto Group Acquires Top-Performing Rooftop

Car Pros sold its Kia Huntington Beach location to Sutherlin Automotive Group, marking the buyer’s third location in Southern California.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cars from the rear on a Shanghai freeway
Industry•by Hannah Mitchell•August 19, 2026

China as Pacesetter

Automotive leaders huddled on where North America stands in the global picture and how it can strengthen its position against the Asian juggernaut’s surging industry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...