Top 10 American All-Stars, Part Two

Cadillac STS:

Even luxury-car buyers love a good bargain, and the Cadillac STS certainly qualifies as such. It's thousands cheaper than its European competitors; for the money, you get an energetic base engine and road feel that's pretty agile given the sedan's generous dimensions. You also get the latest in technology, including available lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems.

Chevrolet Avalanche:

If you need a truck that totes cargo and passengers with equal grace, the Avalanche could well be the pickup of your dreams. Thanks to its one-piece body and convertible midgate design, this Chevy offers incredible versatility. When paired with the watertight, lockable bed cover, the Avalanche's midgate (the midgate is the partition that divides the cabin and the bed) accommodates multiple configurations — you can create everything from a pickup's traditional open bed to the sort of fully enclosed dry cargo area typically seen in an SUV.

Chevrolet Camaro:

The Chevy Camaro is the automotive equivalent of a supermodel with a genius IQ — it offers more than just surface thrills, serving up a complete package. Visually, it's arresting, with a pugilist's stance and a snarling slit of a front fascia. It's got the oomph to back up its aggressive look — packing 300 horsepower, the car's base V6 hustles the Camaro from zero to 60 mph in a mere 6 seconds. There's smart value there as well — the Camaro is thousands more affordable than competing models like the BMW 135i.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500:

Domestic manufacturers have long been the ones to beat in the pickup segment, and offerings like the Chevy Silverado are the reason. These days, pickups aren't just used for hauling cargo; they're often expected to serve as family transportation as well. Offering convenience features like keyless entry, heated front seats and satellite radio, and available safety features like side curtain airbags and stability control, the Silverado has the goods to meet most challenges.

Chrysler 300:

When the 300 debuted in model-year 2005, it was nothing short of a revelation. With its square-jawed good looks, Mercedes underpinnings and available V8 power, the sexy full-size sedan boldly announced that Chrysler is more than capable of running with the big dogs. In the years since, the 300 has seen numerous improvements; today, it's more appealing than ever.

Dodge Challenger:

This Dodge's retro look is a nod to the original 1970s Challenger — you know, the one that launched a thousand smoky burnouts. But it serves up more than just nostalgia; available with rear-wheel drive and a Hemi V8, this Challenger — like its predecessor — is a car for folks who truly love to drive.

Dodge Viper:

So you want a supercar. But your funds are relatively limited — after all, we're in a recession, and you're not made of money, right? Game over? Not at all. Drive a Viper home from the lot and you'll get a supercar that offers six-figure talent for a five-figure price. Acceleration is off the charts and handling is racecar-worthy. You'll also get exclusivity — the Viper is still a rare species in most towns.

Ford Taurus:

The Taurus is easily a front-runner in the full-size-sedan segment. Its blocky lines ooze art deco allure, and its cabin coddles passengers with a stylish aesthetic and an abundance of feature content. Other pluses include a quiet ride and a cavernous trunk.