2009 Toyota Corolla. The KarFarm's Commuter Champion of 2009.
Most of us outside of NYC, Boston, and Washington D.C. have to drive to our work and home. The daily grind that we call ‘commuting’ can be a chore or a joy depending on the automobile that we pilot. For some, the commuter might be a BMW 3-series or a Chevrolet Tahoe, but when someone says ‘commuter’ it is hard for anyone to think of those examples as such.
Since all the 2009 models have been introduced, and most of us are getting taxes done, it is time to pick the best commuting car on the market. The criteria is simple. Under $20k, including options, and must be able to seat at least 4 adults – for carpooling. The following are our recommendations for the 2009.
KarFarm’s Commuter Champion of 2009
Toyota Corolla LE
You can get them for under $15k. The Corolla is good looking, super fuel efficient, has excellent ‘commuter’ suspension, comfortable driving position, and it is quieter than any car in its class. It is also cheaper than dirt to insure. If you get one of these bad boys in white, silver, or gold you might get it mistaken for a Indian software engineer’s car, but the value to product proposition is too great to pass it up, making it the KarFarm’s Commuter Champion.
The Runner-ups
2009 Honda Civic LX. Sportier than the Corolla, but not as comfortable.
Honda Civic LX
If the Corolla is too blah for you, then the Civic will be your calling. If the Corolla is the Indian software engineer’s car du jour, then your Civic will get looks from the boy racers. The Civic is not quite as refined as the Corolla, but is as fuel efficient and reliable. Some will find the Civic to be a little more fun to drive, but the styling is subjective. There is nothing wrong about the Civic, and we highly recommend it.
2009 Mini Copper. The most fun of the bunch.
Mini Cooper
The Corollas and the Civics are too boring you say? Mini Cooper might be the ticket if you value driving dynamics and nostalgic styling. Also the perfect car for city driving, such as in San Francisco, where the parking is tight and scarce. The reliability is a small issue; it is average at best, but it’s one of the tops in fuel economy. Another category that the Mini leads in is the resale value, it carries the highest resale value of any car, but it is the most expensive of the bunch. No one can deny that the Mini is a fun car inside out and a blast to drive.
2009 Scion xB. Fun and versatile, it makes excellent commuter.
Scion xB
At about $16,500 you get six airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, keyless entry, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, full iPod integrated Pioneer audio system, a 2.4 liter engine with 158hp, and 1 yr complimentary maintenance service package. Those are some of the items in the endless list of standard features on this Box. Surprisingly fun to drive, tons of useful space, hidden storage compartment galore, and has more than enough power to make it a fun drive. The Scion xB makes a statement – even if you are not trying to.
-KF
