2010 North American Car, Truck of the Year Candidates

No Dodge Ram for truck of the year? What the hell?

I think the Ram was in the mix last year.

I'd definitely pick the Buick Lacrosse and Porsche Panamera. All the other cars don't really contribute much new and exciting in their market.

None of these "trucks" stand out to me in a big way. Maybe the Volvo XC60 for its CitySafe system. However, I agree with cruiserhead that the Ford Transit Connect creates a whole new market for small cargo vans. I wouldn't be surprised if that gets the nod.

LaCrosse

These lists always make me shake my head.

The only slightly interesting vehicles in that lineup are the 335d, Camaro, and, uh, that's about it.

Honda Crosstour?

Seriously??

I get a chuckle out of the Legacy being in the list for car of the year and the wagon version (Outback) being on the list for truck of the year.

I guess that's what happens when the qualifications for being a truck is ... which one is the best car?

Might as well just submit a wagon and call it a truck.

Seriously, how do they "judge" the trucks? What truck-like tests do they give them? Towing capacity? payload? ground clearance? interior cargo volume?

Anything even vaguely truck related?

Subaru Legacy and Subaru Outback

evidently you qualify as a truck driver if you have a minimum ground clearance of greater than 5 inches. hence the outback as a truck due to its increased ride height. but why include the crosstour as a truck? the x6 is categorized easier than the crosstour.

"No Dodge Ram for truck of the year? What the hell? "

Only models significantly changed for the 2010 model year (or all new) are eligible.

Best Car of the Year: Ford Fusion / Fusion Hybrid

I think this car is a game changer for Ford. More so than the Taurus, because the Fusion is in the same price & size category as the Camry, Accord, Altima, Jetta/Passat & Malibu, yet it blows all of them out of the water.

Best Truck/SUV of the Year: Audi Q5

I'm not entirely sold on the Audi Q5 because they are not offering the diesel model in the states yet. I think it's the best looking and most fun to drive luxury CUV on the market, but I don't see it as a game changer.

That said...the Chevy Equinox seems to have the build quality, fuel economy, and engineering to compete with the Rav4, CRV, Escape & Rogue. I like the platform and it's an incredible upgrade from the previous generation.

Honda Crosstour? hahahahaha
hahahahaha
hahahahaha hahahahaha
hahahahaha hahahahaha hahahahaha

My vote is for the Taurus for COTY. Would have been the fusion if they added an Ecoboost option.

Equinox for TOTY.

GMC Terrain!...It looks more like a truck than the Equinox!

i take Panamera and Land Rover LR4.
Plenty of 5/5 star praise for the LR4 in Euro press.

Where's the publicity for the LR4 in the US?

Neither the ZDX or Crosstour. Ugliest cars, seriously. I like the Mercedes-Benz E-Clas, BWI 335d, Ford Taurus, and Buick LaCrosse

Car: M-B E-Class
Truck: Chevrolet Equinox

Camaro , no doubts !:)

what else:
Kia Soul
Tautus SHO - v8 figther -winner (HEMI Chrysler/G
Volvo XC60 - complete car..

How about A5 audi? it's "too old?"

Camaro , no doubts....so awaited..

Kia Soul, Taurus SHO, Xc60 ...

where's A5 or Scirocco, "too old"?

Id say the Fusion should win as its contributed to its segment and Ford itself. Great car minus the interior.

Personally I would vote for the LaCrosse in the car category, simply because it has the potential to revitalize the Buick brand. Buick has been an after thought in the luxury market in recent years. The LaCrosse has the potential to change that I think.

Honerable mention goes to Ford Taurus, Chevy Camero and Mazda3. You could make a compelling case for any of them, but each lacks something for me (like styling that isn't so polarizing in the Mazda's case).

In the "truck" category (which, I'm sorry, hardly applies to most of the nominated vehicles) I vote the Equinox. Early comparison tests indicate that it competes very well with the best the world has to offer in its class.

Honorable mention goes to XC60. I almost voted for the Volvo, but it just does not seem like the leap forward for the company the way the Equinox does for GM. And I like the Q5 a lot, but it isn't revolutionary, its what I would expect from Audi. Same for the E-class in the car category.

And, honestly, I am shocked that I picked two GM products. I've never owned an American vehicle of any kind (my last few cars have been VW/Audi), but suddenly their products are moving to the top of my list. Specifically, my wife and I are looking to replace both our vehicles in the next couple years. And both of those vehicles will likely be at, or near, the top of our list. Wow, never thought I would say that...

There isn't a single truck on the list......so what ten trucks are the candidates?