Introduction

The holidays are over. You’re overstuffed with turkey, you’ll scream if you have to hear another one of Uncle Ted's corny jokes, and all the gift giving has probably made your wallet quite a bit lighter. But what about the ragged bucket of bolts in your driveway with the missing heater knob and defroster that only melts the passenger side of the windshield? Perhaps New Year’s resolution #1 should be a new car for 2010. With current deals and incentives, you’ll be surprised what heated seats you might be able to find yourself on. Over the next 10 pages, we did all the hard work so you can find the perfect car to get you to the gym, slopes, or wherever with minimal damage to your holiday-struck wallet.

Photos courtesy of respective manufacturers.

2010 BMW X5 xDrive35d

Starting MSRP: $51,300
Base Engine: 3.0-liter 6-cylinder Diesel with 265 horsepower
Base MPG: 19 city/26 hwy/22 cmb
Incentive: $4,500 Cash Rebate
Expires: 3/01/2010

Hot on the heels of the release of the 335d, BMW’s first diesel in the U.S. market, the X5 xDrive35d drops diesel power in a crossover suv. Perfect for wintry jaunts to the slopes, high ground clearance and all-wheel drive make the X5 xDrive35d a true all-season performer. The higher priced diesel option is offset nicely with improved fuel economy and the current $4,500 cash rebate certainly helps sweeten the pot. 

2010 Chevrolet HHR

Starting MSRP: $18,720
Base Engine: 2.2-liter 4-cylinder with 155 horsepower
Base MPG: 22 city/32 hwy/26 cmb
Incentive: $1,000 Cash Back
Expires: 2/01/2010

Hatchbacks and wagons, while practical and spacious, tend to be regarded as boring and dull. Enter the 2010 Chevrolet HHR. No, not a PT Cruiser, the HHR hails from Chevrolet as a unique retro take on the conventional wagon. The $1,000 cash back offer applies to all HHRs, including the sported-up SS model. So if you’re in the market for a wagon, cruise over to your local Chevy dealer and take a spin in 260 horsepower of turbocharged Super Sport wagon-y goodness.

2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Starting MSRP: 30,710
Base Engine: 3.7-liter V6 with 210 horsepower
Base MPG: 16 city/21 hwy/18 cmb
Incentive: $4,000 cash back or 0% APR financing
Expires: 2/01/2010

The definitive SUV and the cousin of the Jeep that started the SUV craze, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is just as comfortable on the on the highway as it is on the trails. With seating for 5, the whole family can enjoy a nice scenic trial ride in a base Laredo or a sub 5-second rip to 60 mph in a 420 horsepower SRT8. The $4,000 cash back offer applies to all trims, so now’s the time to snag the Grand Cherokee that you’ve had your eye on.

2010 Acura TL

Starting MSRP: $35,105
Base Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower
Base MPG: 18 city/26 hwy/21 cmb
Incentive: $1,500-$2,000 marketing support
Expires: 3/01/2010

Despite styling where you can’t really tell if it’s coming or going, the Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan worth checking out. Chocked full of user-friendly tech features, a spacious cabin and a brilliant optional all-wheel-drive system, the TL offers something for everyone. Those who prefer to stir their own transmission will rejoice to find the addition of a manual 6-speed gearbox for 2010, which is so good that fans may forget about the bucktoothed front-end styling altogether.

2010 Chrysler 300

Starting MSRP: $27,260
Base Engine: 2.7-liter V6 with 178 horsepower
Base MPG: 18 city/26 hwy/21 cmb
Incentive: $2,000 to $3,000 cash back
Expires: 2/01/2010

Never mind the fact that the 300 is entering its sixth year of production, it’s still a compelling large car. The optional V8 engines are strong and hark back to the old school days of Detroit muscle and capable of driving the rear or all wheels, the 300 can be suited for any climate. With enough space to put most people’s living rooms to shame, it’s pretty comfy too. Standard features are numerous, and with up to $3,000 cash back, even the penny pinchers will be pleased.

2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Starting MSRP: $35,900
Base Engine: 3.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower
Base MPG: 18 city/26 hwy/21 cmb
Incentive: $3,000 marketing support
Expires: 3/31/2010

Got a hankering for a BMW 3-Series? Make sure you take a bite out of the G37 first. Infiniti’s entry-level luxury sport offering is heavy on the sport while maintaining luxury and technological sophistication. Available as a sedan, coupe, or a drop-top with enough tech options to make Steve Jobs giddy, the G37 is sure to satisfy any appetite. ($2,500 marketing support is offered on the '09 sedan and $2,000 on the '09 convertible.)

2010 Ram 1500 Crew Cab

Starting MSRP: $24,665
Base Engine: 3.7-liter V6 with 215 horsepower
Base MPG: 14 city/20 hwy/16 cmb
Incentive: $2,500 cash back
Expires: 2/01/2010

No, that’s not a typo in the title. Dodge spun-off the truck brand for 2010, making the RAM 1500 its light-duty full size pickup. With a coil sprung rear suspension, meaty 5.7-liter V8 engine option and spacious interior, the Ram 1500 Crew cab is one of the most comfortable and powerful full size trucks on the market. For work or play, the Ram 1500 is up for any challenge, and with $2,500 cash back, any wallet as well.

2010 Nissan Altima

Starting MSRP: $19,900
Base Engine: 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 175 horsepower
Base MPG: 23 city/32 hwy/27 cmb
Incentive: $1,000 cash back
Expires: 2/01/2010

When commuting appliances are too boring, but a conventional midsize sedan is appealing, the Nissan Altima fits the bill. Nissan’s midsizer features a restyled front fascia and standard stability control for 2010, along with an upgraded navigation system that features a larger screen, Bluetooth audio, and digital music storage. Bringing sporty back, the optional SR trim adds sport suspension and a 270-horsepower V6 engine for maximum driving enjoyment. 

2010 Volvo C70

Starting MSRP: $40,000
Base Engine: 2.5-liter 5-cylinder with 227 horsepower
Base MPG: 20 city/28 hwy/23 cmb
Incentive: $6,000 marketing support
Expires: 2/01/2010

Sure, a convertible in the middle of January may seem a bit like surfing in Antarctica. But in the case of the Volvo C70, it’s more like surfing in a heated indoor water park in Antarctica. As far as convertibles go, the hardtop makes the C70 feel more like a coupe than a flappy ragtop when the roof is erected, making it a very civil year-round fun machine. A refreshed 2011 model is launching soon with revised styling, but if you’re fond of the current generation, $6,000 marketing support should be hot enough to melt the snow in your driveway. 

2010 Honda Fit

Starting MSRP: $14,900
Base Engine: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder with 117 horsepower
Base MPG: 28 city/35 hwy/31 cmb
Incentive: $500 marketing support
Expires: 3/01/2010

Honda has always been renowned for building excellent small cars. Expectedly, the 2010 Fit is the car to beat in the compact hatchback class. Inside, passenger seats can fold like origami into infinitely perfect configurations to accommodate any cargo. While not exactly sprightly, the 1.5-liter motor provides moderate performance with stellar fuel economy. If the road gets twisty, the tight steering and taut suspension will certainly bring a smile to your face. Overall, you simply can’t go wrong with Honda’s little hatch.