No one wants to hear that their beloved city is top ten in the nation for worst commutes, or that they lose an average of 61 hours a year because of the drive times. It’s also not always pleasant to take a close look at what hot, muggy weather does to a car or drive over yet another uncomfortable pothole. Houston has many redeeming qualities, like amazing attractions, restaurants, nightlife and shopping, but when it comes to driving—it’s definitely not the most awesome city.
Cruising Houston
Believe it or not, your choice of ride can make a huge difference in how you cruise Houston. Taking into account the stop and go business, humid heat and bone-jarring road canyons, there are some vehicles that will give you efficiency, comfort and keep you cool. They will be a welcome escape from the reality of driving in the city of Houston.
Best Overall Commuter Cars
How long do you spend behind the wheel each day getting from point A to point B.? If it’s more than an hour, you’ll probably want to seriously look into a good, solid commuter car. Forbes formed its own list of best commuter cars, and although some are probably a bit out of reach budget-wise, there are also some affordable options. Things considered were MPG, comfort and good crash test ratings. The 2015 list included:
- Tesla Model S – This may be a bit out of reach with a price tag over $80,000, but the Tesla Model S has an electric drivetrain perfect for eco-conscious and efficiency-oriented buyers. It has won numerous awards, including a NHTSA safest car rating.
- Subaru Impreza Premium – A much more affordable option, the Impreza Premium is a good combination of excellent MPG, all-wheel capabilities and comfort.
- Toyota Prius – The Prius has consistently earned its place among greenest cars—it was one of the first in the category. Even if you can’t get a Prius Four, the older models still offer excellent benefits.
Best Climate Features
When it comes to weather, the more important aspect is not the car itself, but components of the car. For example, your tires can make a huge difference in whatever elements you face on a regular basis. In Houston, you’re more likely to deal with hot, hot weather—hot and humid. The things you’ll need to look at or invest in are tires that can withstand heat, your A/C system and even your interior color. Black leather is not always the best thing for summer days in Houston. Car maintenance is something to keep an eye on when a vehicle has to withstand any type of extreme. Keep fluids changed and make consistent service appointments.
Things that Go Bump
Rugged roads make for body-aching rides. If you’re cruising some of the nastier roads in Houston, you’ll want to find rides that keep your body as comfortable as if it were encased in bubble wrap. It’s also helpful if you have top-notch handling that can make tight turns and sleek swerves. Some excellent picks for driving bumpy, pothole-ridden roads are:
- Mazda 6 – The Mazda 6 may look like a straightforward midsize sedan, but the Zoom Zoom legend makes it a pretty sweet ride. Mazda may not wow with the exterior, but performance and interior perks more than make up for it.
- Kia Optima – A nice, affordable midsize sedan, the Optima manages to out-style its competitors. Although Kia is a top pick for younger buyers, it is a solid choice for commuters of all ages. You’ll be able to get more features for your money.
- Acura TL – The Acura TL possesses everything the Acura brand promises—it’s well-done and long-lasting. Although not the highest MPG, it still has the performance and comfort needed to endure tiresome commutes.
- Hyundai Veloster – Hyundai continues to grow as a company, and has become extrememly popular in the US because of its quality, price and innovative designs. With Hyundai you’ll find an abundance of excellent features, good MPG and strong performance for an excellent price. The Veloster is a fun little roadster that’s surprisingly loaded and boasts plenty of perks even in the base model.
Whether you’re looking for comfort or a ride that can expertly handle its way around the holes, these vehicles are ideal picks.
What to Look For
As a regular commuter, you’ll want to look at a number of factors. This includes seats, blind spots and visibility, efficiency, audio and climate. Make a list of what’s important to you in order from most to least, and try to find a car that fits those elements best.
Living in Houston is pretty great—commuting not so much. The best way to endure it is to find the best ride to cruise Houston in.
