Best Car for Commuting
The average person spends 9.2 days a year commuting to and from work. Take a moment to absorb that number—this doesn’t even take into account the poor souls we all hear about who spend something ridiculous like four hours a day commuting. So with this in mind why is every alleged “commuter” car so soulless and uninspired? (I am talking to you Toyota Corolla.) While fuel economy and a smooth ride are no doubt important qualities in any commuter does that mean they are at cross purposes with driving enjoyment? Of course not.
Surely there must be a way to inject a little joie de vivre into your everyday commute especially seeing as you may be looking at your dashboard more than you ever see your kids. Commuter cars, in a perfect world, must strike a pleasing balance between efficiency and pride of ownership. The true test of a great commuter is whether or not you look back at your ride as you walk into work and wish that your commute that day had been just a little bit longer.
- Think another product should be best? Leave a comment.
Why it's best:
(Starting at $25,000)—(24 city/31 highway)—With fuel economy ratings not far off of a much slower Corolla or Civic the VW GTI truly is underrated as an efficient commuter vehicle. Perhaps that is because it is so riotously fun to drive. With a pretty extensive in...read full review
Why it's a best pick:
(Starting at $17,800)—(23 city/31 highway)—With more cargo space than a Nissan Murano, the Elantra Touring is one of the most sensible choices in the entire Hyundai lineup. But there is a surprise in store once you get behind the wheel of the Elantra Touring if y... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
(Starting at $19,270)—(23 city/34 highway)—Did anyone else notice that the fuel economy ratings for the 175 horsepower Fusion four cylinder are startlingly close to those of the Honda Civic? (The Civic makes do with 140 horsepower). The 2010 Fusion has been a sal... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
(Starting at $16,099)—(22 city/30 highway)—Just because you don’t have a lot of money to spend on your next commuter doesn’t mean you can’t get something with at least a hint of a personality and all the latest electronic gizmos. The Suzuki SX4 ... read full review
Why it's a best pick:
(Starting at $15,505)—(26 city/34 highway)—Truly the standard bearer by which all efficient commuter cars are judged—the Honda Civic also manages to be quite a blast to drive. Powered by a reliable and efficient 4 cylinder engine good for 140 horsepower, th... read full review
