Well, to simply say that folks are off and runnin' to take advantage of the Cars Allowance Rebate System Program (CARS), or "Cash for Clunkers," would be an understatement.

Many have had to part ways with their gasoholic heaps to trade up for sippers that consume 18 mpg or more. Now that Uncle Sam has refueled the program with $2 billion, the extra funds should be enough for about 750,000 jalopy trades.

If you're wondering which clunkers were dropped-kicked at lightening speeds out of your garages, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the program's administrators, here are the top 10 trade-ins. ...

1) Ford Explorer 4WD -- Okay, why am I not gasping? Ponderous, thirsty and not very appealing to the eye. Will you be missed, oh Explorer? Not!

2) Ford F150 Pickup -4WD - Ford went back to the drawing board last year and came back with a more all-around winning version, that now gets quite a few nods of approval. Although still a tad greedy at the pumps, the older models were outright parched.

3) Jeep Grand Cherokee -- I've never met a Jeep whose owners didn't keep a running tab at their friendly neighborhood gas station.

4) Jeep Cherokee -- If you think this model is "on the wagon" because it's a tad smaller, then you're wrong. It's a gas lush just like its sister above.

5) Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan -- Parting is such sweet sorrow. Soccer moms will love the extra fuel savings to put toward megaphones to spur on their lil' darlings.

6) Ford Explorer 2WD -- No word mincing here. Its former owners will be front and center at the cremation, with buttered popcorn in hand.

7) Chevrolet Blazer -- Shhh. Listen. No, it's not an early New Year's celebration, it's Blazer owners celebrating their freedom!

8) Ford F150 Pickup 2WD-- Older models burned holes in the pockets of unsuspecting buyers. Who said Chapter 7?

9) Chevrolet C1500 Pickup -- Although these good ol' boys were not eco-friendly in the past, the folks at Chevy will offer a greener model in 2010 that will redeem itself. Hallelujah!

10) Ford Windstar Van -- I can personally vouch for this clunker. Someone get me a sledge hammer pronto! Even on a good day, it was bad.
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Ruth Manuel-Logan is a Car Chick indeed! She grew up in a family where cars reigned supreme. Who says girly-girls can't be into nuts-n-bolts, metal and exhaust fumes? When she's not car bloggin' at Black Voices, you can find her at the Examiner.