Some sports cars make great weekend toys. Unfortunately, they may not be reliable and comfortable enough to drive on an everyday basis. Here are six of the best import sports cars for daily commuting.
The Subaru BRZ is highly recommended for commuting. Although the BRZ may not offer the performance of a Ferrari, it’s still incredibly fun to drive. Under the hood sits a strong four-cylinder engine, which develops up to 205 horsepower. Meanwhile, a low center of gravity ensures great handling. Although you can get this import with an automatic transmission, you’ll likely get more joy out of the six-speed manual.
On the inside, the compact BRZ provides more space than you may think. Even tall drivers can comfortably fit behind the wheel. Some nice amenities also come standard, including dual-zone automatic climate control and sport seats.
For years, the Honda Civic Si has remained one of the most popular performance cars in Raleigh. Mechanics rave about the Civic Si’s long-term reliability. With regular servicing, it’s not uncommon for these cars to last for more than 300,000 miles. Motivating the new Civic Si is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Honda tunes it to crank out an enjoyable 205 horsepower. A highway fuel economy rating of 205 horsepower makes the Civic Si even more rewarding.
Outstanding seat comfort gives the Honda Civic Si a clear advantage over the typical sports car. Even after being on the road for hours at a time, drivers will still feel relaxed. There’s also ample legroom in the front.
Lexus has long maintained a reputation for producing dependable vehicles. This fact remains true for the Lexus RC. Very few sports cars offer such a great blend of comfort and performance. While Lexus offers the RC with a monstrous V8 engine, you can save fuel by choosing the Toyota-built V6 engine. It also cranks out a soothing 311 horsepower, which allows you to hit 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds. To enjoy tighter handling, opt for the RC's F Sport package.
When driving the Lexus RC, look forward to enjoying a relaxing ride. This coupe’s quiet cabin and power-adjustable seats create a relaxing atmosphere. Heated/ventilated seat functions are available as an option.
The Nissan 370Z is a great all-around sports car. Drivers appreciate its lively acceleration and precise handling. Meanwhile, import car mechanics rave about the 370Z’s low repair costs. Although the 370Z’s DOHC V6 engine has been around for quite some time, it never fails to excite. Total output stands at a formidable 332 horsepower. Meanwhile, active rev-matching technology makes changing gears especially fun. To experience the best possible handling, choose a model that comes equipped with a limited-slip differential.
Although the Nissan 370Z may be a bit too small for some long-legged drivers, most people will fit just fine in this two-seater. A genuinely impressive ride makes the 370Z great for highway cruising. Simple interior controls further highlight the 370Z has a great sports car for commuting.
If you have a family, the Acura TLX will prove to be a great alternative to a traditional sports car. Excellent crash scores and a spacious interior help this four-door import to stand out. An outstanding track record of reliability gives you more reason to love the TLX.
Although the TLX’s standard four-cylinder engine saves some fuel, the best approach is to get the available V6 engine. Production increases to a more invigorating 290 horsepower. You also have access to Acura’s famed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system.
Many people rank the new Toyota Supra among the best import sports cars on the market. With a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds, it’s definitely a fast machine. Track-worthy handling also helps the Supra to keep drivers entertained.
Despite its high-performance nature, the new Supra’s surprisingly spacious cockpit and easy-to-use interior controls make it a rewarding daily-driver. Some great safety technologies also come standard, including active lane control and automatic emergency braking. A head-up driving display is found on the upper trims.