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SALT LAKE CITY -- If you're looking for the best car for your commute, the American Automobile Association has some advice for you. It's out with a list of the top 9 cars for commuting.
- Honda Insight: Ultimate in fuel economy, comfortable and fun to drive.
- Ford Fusion: Four-cylinder version high in power, comfort and handling. Hybrid version offers more fuel economy, but a higher purchase price.
- Jetta TDI: Clean diesel is quiet, peppy and economical. Comfy front seats a bonus.
- Hyundai Elantra: Reassuring 10-year/100,000 mile warranty. Spacious interior for driver and three passengers. New Blue edition gets 35 mpg.
- Subaru Legacy/Outback: Redesign for 2010 offers improved fuel efficiency and increased rear seat leg room. Standard all-wheel-drive helps those with a snowy commute.
- 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: Good for carpools, stylish inside and out, four cylinder models offer decent economy and plenty of power for the daily commute.
- Honda Accord: As a family sedan, the Accord is a cut above; roomy, reliable, and economical.
- Mazda3: Crisp handling and above average power for the compact field.
"Americans spend an average of 41 minutes a day commuting, according to the National Household Travel Survey," said Rolayne Fairclough, spokesperson for AAA Utah. "Having the right vehicle for those long drives is key not only to saving money and being environmentally-friendly, but also staying safe and comfortable during many hours on the road."
Topping the list is the Honda Insight; a car the AAA calls tops for fuel economy and fun to drive. The group also factors in safety, comfort and cost.
Two other Hondas, the Civic and Accord, are also listed by the AAA as being a cut above when it comes to reliability and economy.
"I think it's a great thing to tout for any car manufacturer," said Rhett Prows, sales manager at Ken Garff Honda Downtown. In his experience, fuel economy is tops. "Comfort is usually a second on people's list," said Prows.
But Prows said those so-called creature comforts are important, especially for people making those 40, 50 or 60 mile commutes.
The Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Jetta TDI, a diesel, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Legacy/Outback, Chevy Malibu and Mazda 3 are also on the list.
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
