10 Stellar Commuter Cars

Chevrolet Volt | Price: $39,145

The Volt is not a hybrid, but we understand why people think it is one. A conventional hybrid is a gasoline-powered machine that gets a boost from an electric motor to improve fuel economy. The Volt is an electric car with a gasoline assist. The gas-powered component isn't part of the drivetrain at all, but rather acts as a generator, recharging the Volt's batteries when necessary. The Volt can drive about 35 miles on an electric charge before the 83-horsepower gasoline engine kicks in. This configuration allows the Volt to roam as far as any other car on the road, something no other electric vehicle can claim. Plus, it is roomy and has all of the right amenities.

Read Blog:  Chevy Volt Tops Satisfaction Survey

Fiat 500 | Price: $15,500

The tiniest roller skate on our list, the Fiat 500, adds a little Italian flair to the morning drive. There are three regular trims — Pop, Sport and Lounge — two convertible offerings and two limited-edition 500s. The all-conquering turbocharged Abarth performance model will hit the scene in 2012. The 500 is only new to America; it has been a success overseas and won World Car Design of the Year honors in 2009. Nimble and chic, the 500 has all the attributes to please even the most image-conscious commuters. It gets 30 mpg city/38 mpg on the highway. Sure, it's a little tight, but it offers plenty of style and comfort for a sole commuter.

Read:  10 Great Cars for Less Than $20,000

Ford Fiesta SE | Price: $15,670

The under-$14,000 Fiesta S is a miserly sedan that's perfect for those who commute alone. But we chose the SE hatchback instead, because it is just as miserly — with a fuel-economy rating of 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway — and it better serves commuter and cargo needs. No matter which one you choose, however, you'll own one of the best-connected rides on the road. Ford's Sync system enables hands-free calling and texting when paired with your smartphone, and with Sync AppLink you can also access a nearly limitless amount of music via Pandora and other media outlets. And if you're car pooling, you can use it as a wireless hub, so passengers can get a jump on the day while you chauffeur them to work.

See: New Hatchbacks Less Than $30,000

Honda Odyssey | Price: $28,225

The Honda Odyssey is not your typical go-to player in the commuter realm. It's the people mover for larger car pools and can also serve as a family truckster for long-haul road trips. It's pricey for a commuter, too, and the only V6 among these 4-cylinder fuel-sippers. But the van has plenty of space, and advantages such as seating for up to eight and an available rear-seat DVD system. And it's efficient for its size: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

Watch Video:  2012 Honda Odyssey

Hyundai Veloster | Price: $17,300

The Veloster is a new 2012 model. It looks more like a Honda CR-Z than a traditional hatchback. But we like the 2-door coupe's style and the convenience of a stealthy third door that Hyundai added to ease rear-seat access. The Veloster is also well-equipped, featuring a lot of high-tech connectivity. However, we recommend anyone commuting with more than two people to test drive the rear seat of this vehicle carefully; the slope of the rear window may be a problem for passengers taller than 6 feet. Fuel efficiency is good, with a rating of 28 mpg city/40 mpg highway.

Compare: Hyundai Veloster vs. Scion tC vs. Volkswagen Beetle

Kia Sportage | Price: $18,500

The Sportage fills the commuting needs of SUV fans. You get that high-and-mighty seating position, plenty of room and a slew of standard amenities in a stylish package. It costs $3,800 to add all-wheel drive to the equation, but we'd recommend it if you regularly face bad weather. The Kia is a great call when you need a double-duty vehicle that can both commute and support an active lifestyle outside the office. Fuel efficiency: 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway.

View Slideshow:  Best Bang for the Buck: Crossovers

Scion iQ | Price: $15,995

There are all kinds of engineering tricks that explain how the iQ looks small on the outside, yet is relatively big inside. But that's not why it appeals to us in this context; the asymmetrical dash and staggered seating are the standouts here. This arrangement, in which the front passenger sits farther forward in the cabin than the driver, gives three commuters regular, no-compromise room. The iQ's impressive 37 mpg combined city and highway mileage is the best among the strictly gas-burners on this list.

Bing Images: Scion iQ

Subaru Legacy | Price: $19,995

The Legacy is the all-wheel-drive alternative on the list. As part of its 2009 redesign, Subaru's midsized sedan got a more expansive, ergonomic interior that makes better use of the space. It is offered in seven model trims with three engine choices and numerous interior and connectivity features, so there is a flavor for every palate. The base 2.5i trim features a 170-horsepower engine and continuously variable transmission and generates the best mileage figures: 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.

See: New AWD Vehicles Less Than $30,000

Toyota Prius V | Price: $26,400

There is a lot to like in the versatile all-new-for-2012 Prius V. The traditional gas-electric hybrid has more of a minivan profile than other Prius offerings. Its bigger packaging means more room for the commute and more cargo potential for weekend getaways, all while enjoying hybrid-spec fuel efficiency at 44 mpg city/42 mpg highway. The Prius V comes in three trims; only the top trim offers access to the commuter-friendly, high-end technology option packages.

View Slideshow:  The Most Fuel-Efficient 2012 Cars

VW Jetta Diesel | Price: $22,525

Diesels have been known for their high-mileage figures for decades; this one gets 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway. But many still perceive them as being loud, smoky and crude. Get a clue: Modern diesels are quiet and clean-burning and offer a refined ride and drive. They make an excellent commuter car. Diesels produce big torque; the Jetta's 236 lb-ft of torque doubles that of the first four cars on our list, giving it more pep from a stoplight. VW's 2.0-liter TDI drivetrain can be had in sedan or SportWagen versions of the Jetta, making it more flexible for post-commute activities.

Watch Video:  'Road Raves': Driving With Diesel

For more information on any vehicle in this slideshow, click the links below:

- Chevrolet Volt
- Fiat 500
- Ford Fiesta SE
- Honda Odyssey
- Hyundai Veloster
- Kia Sportage
- Subaru Legacy
- Toyota Prius V
- VW Jetta Diesel

Compare: 9 of the cars

Evan Griffey served as an editor of Turbo & High Tech Performance, a pioneering publication about sport-compact tuning. Today Griffey freelances for Import Tuner, Sport Compact Car, Car Audio and Siphon.

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