CAR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR FEBRUARY OF 2010

On increasingly rare occasions, The Good Car Guy delves into his inbox to search for the most inquisitive; most potentially entertaining; most unintelligible auto-related Questions and seeks to answer them in this space. I don't guarantee that it'll be savvy, saucy, or weirdly-kept.

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Are Dodge Chargers Good Cars? Think of the Chrysler 300-based Dodge Charger like this: a large American sedan based on an old Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Can't be too bad, right? The Dodge Charger isn't a particularly modern device. It's not dexterous or agile... at all. However, the Dodge Charger is still a brash beast. Unfortunately for Chrysler, the Dodge Charger is becoming more exclusive as sales plummet, down 47% in the U.S. last month. Right now, the best thing Dodge's Charger has going for it is the commercial at the bottom of this post. And others like it, seen here or here or here.

How Does The 2010 Subaru Outback Compare To The 2010 Ford Mustang? For starters, it doesn't. If you're interested in Ford Mustang alternatives, y'ought to check out the Chevrolet Camaro or a V8-engined Dodge Challenger. Hooked on the usefulness of the Subaru Outback but can't find peace with your decision? Perhaps you should have a look at the Toyota Venza or Volkswagen Passat Wagon. But comparing the Mustang to the Outback is a study in contrasts.

Check Out The Last Batch Of Questions

Are There Any Affordable Cars With Good Handling? The general tone of this query is so.... discouraged. "Affordable" comes with many different definitions. For the purposes of a GCBC answer, let's assume a USD MSRP under $20,000 is affordable. The three-time Good 12-winning Mini Cooper has a starting price of $19,500. Although difficult to find at that price and low on power, the Mini's ability to go-kart around corners is hard to beat. The $19,200 Mazda 6 isn't an very sporty car - and it's grown a fair bit, too - but the challenge of becoming a two-time Good 12 winner was made easier by the Mazda's firm feel, a trait missing in most of its rivals. Finally, the upcoming Ford Fiesta won't be what you want it to be at its $13,320 base price. With a few creature comforts and a $16-18K sticker, the Fiesta will be a lot of fun in the corners and a car worth owning.

Are Turbocharged Cars Bad? Asking a Question like that means you remember the days of laggy Saab hatchbacks of the early 90s and blown turbos under the hood of rinky-dink domestic small cars in the 80s. These days you won't find one of those excellent new diesel-powered luxury cars without a turbo. Moreover, you won't find any modern diesel without a turbo. Bit by bit, turbochargers are being attached to the types of cars not formerly associated with speed, performance or aftermarket tuning. 2011 Buick Regal anyone? Turbocharged cars are awesome. If, by lowering displacement and increasing performance, a vehicle returns improved efficiency with no noticeable lag, there's nothing to complain about.