America's Best Top 10 of Detroit's

The signs are everywhere: American automakers are on the mend. Free of any bailout stigma, Ford is leading the pack, with compelling cars and trucks delivering massive profits. One step behind, General Motors has emerged from bankruptcy as a leaner, nimbler company, with several new models that are scoring well with critics and consumers. And Chrysler has allied with Italy's Fiat to revamp its aging car lineup. Whether Ford can sustain its momentum, and whether GM and Chrysler can thrive again, remains to be seen. What is clear is that Detroit's Big Three are raising their game. These 10 models are proof.

Buick Regal Turbo

With impressive models such as the Enclave crossover and LaCrosse sedan, Buick is suddenly back on the consumer radar. Its sales are up nearly 60 percent in 2010, more than any other brand in the industry. The jewel in its crown is the new Regal. It glows at the curb, with a modern sophistication that's often lacking in Motown sedans. The good vibes continue with a handsome interior that's reminiscent of German luxury cars. And the 220-horsepower turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine delivers the power and smoothness you expect from a premium sedan.

Cadillac CTS

The sedan that kicked off a renaissance at Cadillac adds a coupe for 2011, a sharp-edged rogue that looks one part show car, one part stealth fighter. The CTS is a red, white and blue reply to anyone who says America can't build a sporty luxury car to compete against Europe or Japan. The cabin is Lexus-quiet, smartly finished and loaded with intuitive technology. Its 3.6-liter 304-horsepower V6 engine is mated to a suspension that expertly balances long-distance comfort and sporty control. The CTS sedan also offers the space of a midsize luxury car at the price of compacts such as the BMW 3-Series.

Chevrolet Corvette

No list of America's best cars would be complete without the iconic Corvette. That's not just nostalgia talking: The Corvette continues to up its game, achieving modern feats of performance that leave many exotic foreign sports cars — and their owners — quaking in their boots. For less than $50,000 to start, the Corvette brings a 430-horsepower V8 engine and a fat roster of performance technology. The Corvette's surprising cargo space and fuel economy, at up to 16 mpg city/26 mpg highway for the base model, is just the icing on its speedy cake.

Chrysler 300

Those who dismiss any chance of a Chrysler comeback shouldn't forget cars like the 300. The 300 sedan blew people away when it arrived in 2005, reminding them that Chrysler can score big when it decides to swing for the fences. With Mercedes E-Class components covered by a bold, all-American shell, the 300 became a smooth-driving hit with both urban and suburban buyers. The 300 then spawned Hemi-powered offshoots, including the Dodge Charger and Challenger. An all-new 300 will reach showrooms next year, with a more elegant shape, a higher-class interior and Chrysler's solid new Pentastar V6 engine as the base powerplant.

Dodge Ram

Full-size pickup trucks are the one automotive segment still owned by Detroit. And while Ford's F-150 remains the nation's best-selling vehicle, the Dodge Ram is our current champ. Behind its macho truck-stop grille, the Dodge offers a choice of three engines, including a 5.7-liter 390-horsepower Hemi that outmuscles anything in the half-ton class. The Ram's unique coil-spring rear suspension delivers a less jarring ride than Ford or Chevy, and at no expense to hauling or towing ability. The Ram is also plush and roomy, stuffed with clever storage solutions, including lockable, waterproof boxes in the bed.

Ford Fusion

Who says America can't build a hybrid? The gas-electric version of Ford's popular midsize sedan whips the Toyota Camry Hybrid in looks, handling and fuel economy — 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway versus the Camry's 31/35. The standard Fusion is one of the market's slickest-driving family sedans, with a 175-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or with a 240-horsepower V6. A Fusion Sport AWD provides winter security, though its all-wheel drive and 263-horsepower V6 trim fuel economy to just 17/24.

Ford Fiesta

Small cars have been a notorious blind spot for Detroit. Now, with cars such as the Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Cruze, that's changing. Straight out of Europe, the Fiesta hatchback is the kind of small car you buy because you want it, not because you can't afford anything else. The Ford is cute as all get out, and surprisingly fun to drive, despite a modest 118 horsepower from its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The Fiesta also returns 40 mpg highway, thanks in part to its dual-clutch automatic transmission, a technology typically found in 6-figure sports cars. Its biggest knock: The Fiesta isn't very roomy inside.

Ford Mustang

Loyalty rules in the pony-car war among the Mustang, Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger. But the rare person who tests all three may have to admit: The Mustang is the sharpest-handling and the most fun to drive. The Ford was already updated for 2010 with fresh styling, suspension, brakes and a higher-quality interior. It's a pair of terrific new engines, though, that puts the 'Stang over the top for 2011. Even budget buyers get a 3.7-liter V6 engine that combines a burly 305 horsepower with a stingy 31 mpg highway.

GMC Acadia

Can't see yourself in a minivan? Check out the Acadia — or its siblings, the Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse. With smooth styling, three roomy rows of seats and trusty handling, the Acadia is one of the best large crossovers for Americans with growing families. The GMC accommodates seven or eight passengers, including the ability to comfortably fit 6-foot-tall adults in the third row. The Acadia is roomier than, say, a Honda Pilot, and beats it in the fuel-economy department, at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the front-drive version.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep has seen sales slip away as Americans fled SUVs for crossovers. Now, an all-new 2011 Grand Cherokee looks to lure them back, and it's a dandy. The Grand Cherokee looks terrific, restoring the clean, muscular lines of classic Jeeps but adding newfound elegance. A lavishly redesigned cabin offers proof that Jeep is finally getting serious about interior design. The Jeep is based on the solid Mercedes M-Class, with an independent rear suspension that does wonders for ride and handling. The new Pentastar V6 engine delivers 290 horsepower, with an optional 360 horses from a 5.7-liter V8 Hemi.

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8 Strange Glasses & Goggles

 

8 Strange Glasses & Goggles

Inspired for Edward Scissor...Eyes?

Swiss Army Shades

These were a feature on our site years ago, and they deserve this triumphant return for providing a wacky look and functionality. The glasses can be customized to include as many handy tools as the wearer desires from a choice of more than 200. Edward Scissor Hands would love these, and while they're strange, it's also a bit of a cruel joke having sharp pointy tools hanging out around the eyes.

 Chopstick Glasses

Chopstick Glasses

These glasses might not look like anything unusual; just your typical trendy geek-chic glasses that many celebs have been seen sporting. But don't underestimate their power; because they've also got a very practical function too that makes them pretty unique. The arms on these unique glasses detach and turn into chopsticks so there's no reason to ever be without. How could you not have a pair of these?

Eye Contact Glasses

Eye Contact Glasses

If you've got a friend who is always caught inappropriately staring in public, call them out this April Fool's Day with these funny Eye Contact glasses. Yes, the glasses have two sets of arms and just one set of lenses so two people can get up close and comfortable and do all the staring they need to be satisfied.

 

Universal 3D Glasses

Universal 3D Glasses

These glasses aren't really all that strange, but this would have been a great April Fool's joke a few years ago when the concept of 3D televisions and mainstream movies just weren't on our minds as an offering. Every time you watch a different television or take in a different movie, the glasses will be compatible so you don't need a new pair everywhere you go. They might not exactly be strange today, but they're pretty cool; no?

 Funky Lady Gaga Glasses

Lady Gaga Glasses

Lady Gaga is known for all sorts of extreme outfits

, including some of the most unusual glasses they anyone has set their sights on. She's been wearing wacky designs onstage and out on the town, and she's recently committed to designing a line of sunglasses with Linda Farrow. There's no doubting that like the glasses Gaga has been pictured wearing, they'll be some funky and freaky modern designs.

Fringed Trend in Glasses

Fringed Glasses

Fringe has been hot during the past few seasons, but applying fringe to glasses just might be going too far. Vision obviously isn't as important as funky fashion when it comes to these glasses.

 Gothic Goggles Will Poke Your Eye Out

Spikey Goggles

These freaky glasses are ideal for April Fool's and will be sure to help any gothic fashion lover make a big statement. The joke really won't be on them of course, although blindness will be an issue; they'll get the last laugh when someone gets too close because these goggles offer defense. It might be the wrong season, but in the words of a Christmas Story "you'll poke your eye out" (ok, it was "shoot your eye out" but that's just a minor technicality).

Pure Gold Glasses

Golden Glasses

Seeing is overrated right? Well, not when you're seeing gold all around you. The glasses had their original debut in a gold jewelry design competition in Bejing in 2007. The expression "they're worth their weight in goal" really is true too since they weigh 111.33 grams of pure gold! They might have originally seemed like part of an April Fool's joke to readers when they originally made their news debut, but these wacky glasses by Chinese designer Zhu Fei were the real thing!

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Celebrity Bad Romance Inspired Breakup Songs

Nothing gets the creative juices flowing quite like a broken heart. Countless songs have been written about love gone wrong, but when the failed romantic entanglement involves someone famous, well, that's when things really get interesting. Click through for a host of hit songs that were allegedly inspired by a celebrity ex.

Alanis Morissette, 'You Oughta Know' (1995)
Rumored inspiration: Dave Coulier

Katy Perry, 'Circle the Drain' (2010)
Rumored inspiration: Travie McCoy

Justin Timberlake, 'Cry Me a River' (2002)
Inspiration: Britney Spears

Britney Spears, 'Everytime' (2003)
Rumored inspiration: Justin Timberlake

Pink, 'So What' (2008)
Rumored inspiration: Carey Hart

Carly Simon, 'You're So Vain' (1972)
Rumored inspiration: Take your pick among Warren Beatty, Mick Jagger (who croons background vocals on the tune), Kris Kristofferson, Cat Stevens, Simon's ex-husband, James Taylor, and many, many others.

Taylor Swift, 'Forever & Always' (2008)
Rumored inspiration: Joe Jonas

The Jonas Brothers, 'Much Better' (2009)
Rumored inspiration: Taylor Swift

Miley Cyrus, '7 Things' (2008)
Rumored inspiration: Nick Jonas

Eminem, 'Bagpipes From Baghdad' (2009)
Inspiration: Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, 'Obsessed' (2009)
Rumored inspiration: Eminem

Rihanna, 'Cold Case Love' (2009)
Inspiration: Chris Brown

Derek and the Dominos/Eric Clapton, 'Layla' (1970)
Inspiration: Patti Boyd, then-wife of George Harrison, who penned the Beatles classic "Something" in her honor.

Sheryl Crow, 'My Favorite Mistake' (1998)
Rumored inspiration: Eric Clapton

Bruce Springsteen, 'Brilliant Disguise' (1987)
Rumored inspiration: Julianne Phillips

Fleetwood Mac, 'Go Your Own Way' and 'Silver Springs' (1976)
Rumored inspiration: Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, respectively

Lenny Kravitz, 'It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over' (1991)
Inspiration: Lisa Bonet

Paul Simon, 'Hearts and Bones' (1983)
Rumored inspiration: Carrie Fisher

Jackson Browne, 'I'm Alive' (1993)
Rumored inspiration: Daryl Hannah

Joan Baez, 'Diamonds & Rust' (1975)
Inspiration: Bob Dylan

Frank Sinatra, 'I'm a Fool to Want You' (1951)
Rumored inspiration: Ava Gardner

Kenny Chesney, 'Nowhere to Go, Nowhere to Be' (2008)
Rumored inspiration: Renée Zellweger

OutKast/Andre 3000, 'Ms. Jackson' (2000)
Rumored inspiration: Erykah Badu, Andre's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his son, Seven.

Peter Gabriel, 'Digging in the Dirt' (1992)
Rumored inspiration: Rosanna Arquette, who also inspired the Toto hit "Rosanna," which you will now have stuck in your head for the rest of the day. We're really sorry about that.

Madonna, 'Miles Away' (2008)
Inspiration: Guy Ritchie

Nick Lachey, 'What's Left of Me' (2006)
Rumored inspiration: Jessica Simpson

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