North American black bears are actually fairly smart, maybe as smart as the great apes. See this Science News article for details.
I'm not certain we needed the scientific proof; I believe we already knew this. Bears have been figuring out how to get food out of locked cars and teaching their cubs how to do it too, for decades.
In Yosemite National Park there have been bears with a fondness for ripping open Hondas, Dodge Caravans, and older Toyotas, according to The New York Times. Some are reported to have favorite car colors as well as brands.
