The benefits of the urban lifestyle are many and obvious — from the cultural advantages to the availability of resources — but one serious downside to living in a big city is driving. While some major metropolises like New York City and San Francisco excel at public transportation to minimize the number of cars on the road, most citizens of the United States continue to rely on their good-old combustion engines to get them from point A to point B, which means rush hour in most big cities is a grind.
Because so many people spend such large amounts of time in their cars, traveling to and from various places of employment every single weekday, it is crucial that their vehicles suit every commuter need. From examining what, exactly, those needs are to providing real makes and models that fit the bill, we present our search for the perfect commuter car.
What We Looked For
Because commuting is a universal phenomenon, countless social researchers have devoted their lives to understanding the process. Studies show that every year, we spend more time traveling in our cars; this year, we should expect to spend at least 50 minutes traveling to and from work every day. That means most Americans will spend about 200 hours, or 8.3 days, cooped up in their cars. Thus, the key to selecting an ideal commuter car is finding a space in which you are eager to spend a few weeks of your life. Basically, the formula boils down to four variables:
- Fuel efficiency. Though gas prices are on the decline right now, most analysts expect them to spring back to what we’re used to — the $2 to $4 range for most of the U.S. — in a matter of months. That means you should be looking for a gas tank that you won’t need to refill every week just to get to work.
- Value. A commuter car is all about balance when it comes to value: You need to find a vehicle that isn’t a pain to be in for long stretches of time, but everyday workers usually can’t afford top-of-the-line luxury, either.
- Comfort. It is simply unacceptable to break your back due to the conditions of your commute. The perfect commuter car has an excellent interior, with comfortable seating (including legroom and headspace) and attractive design.
- Fun. This requirement is difficult to qualify and quantify for large numbers of car buyers with disparate interests, but some cars simply have an unexplainable appeal that makes them a joy to drive. Any activity that eats up 200 hours a year should be enjoyable, in the least.
What We Found
Obviously, not every vehicle stands up to the rigorous tests of the commute. After reviewing hundreds of makes and models, here are our favorite commuter cars for 2015:
Dodge Challenger Coupe. Inarguably, the Challenger is a beautiful car with clean, classic lines that highlight its muscle. In the 2015 model, Dodge added even more power while boosting the car’s fuel efficiency and including exciting technological features, like the new “infotainment” touchscreen controls. While the Challenger still doesn’t quite excel when it comes to fuel economy — it only averages around 25 mpg between city and highway driving — this new generation of the classic Dodge muscle car shines in the fun and comfort categories. Plus, you can find Challengers in gemstone colors sure to stand out on the road; just visit your local Dodge dealership.
Chrysler 200. One of the highest rated sedans to hit the market in 2015, the Chrysler 200 is a completely different car than its predecessor. The 2015 overhaul of the 200 allows for both exterior and interior excellence, including a powerful V6 engine. Inside, commuters will find high-quality materials and one of the best “infotainment” touchscreen systems in the auto industry. When it comes to efficiency, the 200 averages about 30 mpg, which is decent enough. Some reviews do claim that the 200 has less passenger room than competing sedans, but if you don’t ask the opinions of the members of your carpool, you shouldn’t find any faults.
Fiat 500. If you are looking for a vehicle sure to turn heads, the Fiat 500 is definitely for you. Memorable for its funky design and unique colors, and compact in all the right ways, this car is perfect for busy city commutes replete with complicated parking maneuvers. The 500’s fuel economy is off-the charts, regularly earning drivers about 36 mpg. However, many drivers report uncomfortable interiors that lack adequate head- and legroom, so the Fiat 500 might not be excellent for longer commutes.
Which car would you like to use for your daily commute? Why?
