The Top 10 Tailgating Cars, www.kbb.com/toptailgatingcars, were named by the expert editors from Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new-car and used-car information. With college football and the NFL season already under way, the editors thought it would be a perfect time to highlight several new cars and trucks that are great for tailgating parties.

If one seeks evidence of a higher power, ponder the seamless transition between the end of summer and the beginning of football season; one weekend people are picnicking in the park, and the next they are tailgating in a stadium parking lot. To help celebrate this change of seasons (and eating venues), the editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com put together the list to facilitate a ritual that has become near and dear to Americans' hearts. While any vehicle with enough room for chairs, tables and coolers will do in a pinch, today's top tailgating rides offer a variety of party-enhancing extras.

The kbb.com editors chose new cars with such tailgating-friendly features as speakers that flipdown from the rear hatch, multiple video monitors for prime game-watching, built-in table and seating options, fold-down tailgates equipped with stepladder and handle, removable in-vehicle coolers, rear cargo-compartment audio controls, power liftgates, dual power outlets and an array of impressive sound systems, to mention a few.

About the 2010 F-150’s tailgating prowess, the Web site writes:

"If you're planning a big tailgate party, you'd better have a big tailgate, and the full-size Ford F-150 offers that and more. The interior of the pickup can be outfitted with limousine-like amenities, while the rear truck bed can accommodate a virtual restaurant worth of tailgating equipment. And don't forget the tailgate itself - it features a step and a handle to allow you to climb into the bed easily to fetch that massive cooler or gas grill."

It's true, F-150 is the life of the party. But it's also outfitted for work and ready to rise to the challenge of the toughest jobs. F-150 features a fully boxed frame constructed with hydroformed and high-strength steel side rails for durability and safety. The sturdy chassis also delivers class-leading towing and hauling capability across all cab configurations, while still returning fuel economy of 15 city/21 hwy mpg on 4x2 models with the 4.6-liter 3V V8 engine.

F-150 comes in a number of different configurations to meet the widest range of customer needs and wants - all delivered with quality. Customers can choose from the no-fuss XL workhorse, to the sporty STX and off-road capable FX4, and the midrange XLT. For those looking for tough luxury, Ford offers the high-end Lariat, King Ranch®, and Platinum F-150 models. Of course, all models come with top tailgating potential.

“Auto manufacturers are increasingly creating vehicles with particular lifestyles in mind, and undoubtedly the huge football-following American public has influenced some design choices,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

For more information about Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com list of The Top 10 Tailgating Cars, visit www.kbb.com/toptailgatingcars