The American Automobile Association (AAA) compiles a variety of driving statistics, including average commuting time. The AAA’s stats reveal the average motorist spends about 41 minutes a day traveling about 22.5 miles round-trip to their job.
With the average commuting nationally about 3 1/2 hours per week, AAA’s last compilation is the good commuting cars based on comfort, fuel efficiency and affordability
Here’s the list and a comment on each car.
Honda Insight: Among the best in fuel economy while being reasonably comfortable for the driver and front-seat passenger.
Ford Fusion: Four-cylinder versions have a good combination of power, comfort and handling competence.
Volkswagen Jetta TDI: A fine-running modern diesel that “is every bit as economical as the most miserly hybrids” and “fun to drive.”
Hyundai Electra: Good fuel efficiency combined with an interior that accommodates a driver and three passengers and 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Subaru Legacy/Outback: These new models with four-cylinder engines perform well and offer enhanced rear seat legroom.
Honda Civic: Affordable, dependable, economical and comfortable, the Civic is one of the better performing compacts for a wide range of uses, including commuting.
Chevrolet Malibu: Nicely styled competent performer. The four-cylinder models offer enough power for the daily commute and promise decent fuel economy with a comfortable cabin.
Honda Accord: Good for the commute and good for family transportation, the Accord is roomy, solid and economical when equipped with the four-cylinder engine.
Mazda3: Crisp handling and above-average power for the compact field. Fuel economy also is good. The ride can be a little flinty, so commuters facing long stretches of neglected urban highways may want to look elsewhere.
If you want a bit more in luxury and styling, the auto club suggested:
BMW 3-Series: The first sports sedan remains the best by many measures. AAA said its engine choices “are impressive for their power and refinement, the handling is top notch and the build quality is excellent.”
Mini Cooper: A premium subcompact, the Mini is both sporty and economical with fuel. Few cars are as much fun to drive, and few small cars offer as many safety features.
Chevrolete Corvette: Here’s one way to spice up the commute. The surprise is when Corvette is “driven appropriately, it can even return near-compact car fuel economy of around 26 mpg on the highway,” AAA said.
Buick Enclacve: Handling the commute for as many as eight people, the Enclave combines what the auto club called an exceptionally quiet ride with competent handling and surprising room in all three rows.
Mercedes-Benz GL: Roomy seating for seven, unexcelled refinement, all-wheel drive and the option of a surprisingly economical (for the vehicle size) diesel engine make this a highly desirable commuter for multi-adult carpools.
Volkswagen GTI: Sporty, fun to drive and able to return mid- to upper-20 mpg fuel economy results with the 200-horsepower turbocharged engine. Two adults can fit in the rear seat.
The AAA also recommends the following vehicles as alternative choices:
BMW 3-Series: The first sports sedan remains the best by many measures. AAA said its engine choices “are impressive for their power and refinement, the handling is top notch and the build quality is excellent.”
Mini Cooper: A premium subcompact, the Mini is both sporty and economical with fuel. Few cars are as much fun to drive, and few small cars offer as many safety features.
Chevrolet Corvette: Here’s one way to spice up the commute. The surprise is when Corvette is “driven appropriately, it can even return near-compact car fuel economy of around 26 mpg on the highway,” AAA said.
Buick Enclave: Handling the commute for as many as eight people, the Enclave combines what the auto club called an exceptionally quiet ride with competent handling and surprising room in all three rows.
Mercedes-Benz GL: Roomy seating for seven, unexcelled refinement, all-wheel drive and the option of a surprisingly economical (for the vehicle size) diesel engine make this a highly desirable commuter for multi-adult carpools.
Article Last Updated: March 25, 2010.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.