The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6: a classic review from The Car Exam

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6: a classic review from The Car Exam

The Car Exam Quick Quiz #20: The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6

Good Grades: The 304 hp, 3.6 liter V6 has a strong feel, the Synergy Green exterior paint job looks great, and just like the Camaro SS I tested earlier this year: solid chassis, terrific retro exterior styling, comfortable front seats, generally good interior materials.

Bad Grades: The same flaws as the Camaro SS–This car is extremely claustrophobic–the windows all around are extremely small (and the black interior doesn’t help), limited outward visibility, huge blind spot when changing lanes, retro instrument gauges aren’t a good thing (Instrument gauges down by the gear shifter on the console? This is absolutely ridiculous–put them near the speedometer where it makes common sense), small back seats and trunk, and the car is too heavy—it needs to be lighter—and it puts undue stress on the V6. This car would be even quicker if it were 300-400 pounds lighter.

Final Grade: The V6 Camaro is a good choice for customers wanting decent horsepower and looks with out the price and fuel economy penalties of the Camaro SS. However, the more I drive the Camaro with its smallish windows, the less fond of the car I become. I hope Chevrolet would correct that design flaw soon, but it won’t—and probably won’t until the car is due for a serious redesign. My suggestion: get a Camaro with the power sunroof option–it just may improve things a bit (you can’t get a sunroof on the base LS model unfortunately. You’ll have to move up to at least the LT trim package to get one).

The Car Exam Grade: B/B-

Base MSRP: $23,530 (including Destination Freight Charges) 

Mercedes Benz ML 350: another 2010 classic review from The Car Exam

All reviews ©2008-2013 The Car Exam – The legacy site for headlines for car reviews and much more. No portion of this site may be used or duplicated without written consent. 

Mercedes Benz ML 350: another 2010 classic review from The Car Exam

The Car Exam Quick Quiz #21: The 2010 Mercedes Benz ML 350

Good Grades: Pleasant exterior styling, comfortable seats, superb engine/transmission combination— the 3.5 liter, 268 horsepower V6 and the 7-speed automatic transmission work well together. At 4600 pounds, it surprisingly doesn’t feel like it is. The ML 350 drives like a muscle car. It feels and drives more powerful than it is. The Ml 350 feels quick and nimble, and it has good handling (and braking) as well. The ride feels a bit firm, but generally appropriate for the way it drives. The ML 350 seems better suited to paved roads than dirt trails. Out of all of the SUV’s I’ve driven to date, the ML 350 is the most fun by far.

Bad Grades: Stark-feeling, all-black interior on my tester was simply disappointing—put the Lexus RX 350 interior in this SUV, and this would really be a masterful vehicle. Also: too many buttons on the dashboard, an unimpressive navigation system, and less-than-stellar fuel economy (17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway).

Final Grade: If buyers want a fun-to-drive SUV, look no further than the Mercedes Benz ML 350. If you want better fuel economy, then choose the BlueTEC 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine—just don’t expect the driving fun you’ll get the 3.5 liter V6 model.

The Car Exam Grade: B/B+

Base MSRP: $45,700

All reviews ©2008-2013 The Car Exam – The legacy site for headlines for car reviews and much more. No portion of this site may be used or duplicated without written consent. 

Nissan Leaf: a 2010 classic review from The Car Exam

Nissan Leaf: a 2010 classic review from The Car Exam

(Go to the archives to see the original version)

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Good Grades: Excellent low-end power from the electric motor. It felt like driving a strong V6 engine from take-off. The Electric motor makes a “jet engine” sound, which I like. It’s not annoying. The acceleration is strong in “normal” mode. The ride is firm, but not too firm. Cornering ability is decent. Interior materials are good and the gauges are clear. The front seats are comfortable, as well as the driving position. The outward view from all windows inside of the car is decent. The styling of the Leaf isn’t bad–but it won’t appeal to everyone.

Bad Grades: Only an 80 to 100 mile driving range (give or take some), depending upon how you drive it and the use of accessories (a/c, etc.); back seat feel could be a lot better, slow and blunted acceleration in “eco” mode, love it or hate it styling, not enough charging stations and long charging time.

Final Grade: The whole idea of having to plan your trip around town is highly annoying. Most people just want to get into their cars and drive—and a lot of them want to be able to drive long distances. The Leaf does have its merits, especially if you don’t plan to drive a long distance—but if you ever wanted to, you’re out of luck in the Leaf.

The Car Exam Grade: C- (only because of its limited driving range)

P. Scott 11/15/10