(Edit by Ben: Read on to see what I know will be the first ever compelling case to consider a Ford Festiva cool. Patrick really is shooting for the moon on this one by trying to convince me to put a Festiva on this blog…but you know what, he makes a damn good point. And that’s why I have Patrick writing here. He’s the only one I know who could sell me on a Festiva being both JDM and a worthy post for this blog.)

Early every morning armies of people wake up to prepare themselves for a painful reality of modern life, the commute. Among those who engage in this ritual are enthusiasts who, like you and me, love cars and find great pleasure in driving on the weekend. I was thinking about what kind of car would be perfect for this person who loves to be involved in the driving experience, but has to commute on less than thrilling roads.

Probably the first thing that springs to the minds of most people for a dream commuter is a near-supercar or sensory deprivation chamber (luxury car). As cool or comfortable as those cars might be, the combination of unused potential and high running costs can really take the fun out of it. Besides, every time you drive your pride and joy, you’re putting wear on it and risking damage. Even while parked you risk damage (see RIP EVO). And of course, as the saying goes, it’s better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

This brings me to my slow car of choice, the Ford Festiva. Despite the badge, I think this car has JDM potential as the high performance Festiva GT-X and actually good looking GT-A were only sold in Japan. The car is really just a Mazda 121 whose chassis happened to be manufactured by Kia for Ford. To me, this car is a true successor to the original Mini with a super short wheelbase that makes the car supremely agile and easy to fit anywhere. At 1600lbs, the Festiva is light on parts, light on gas and light on the driver. It isn’t light on potential, though. Since it’s really a Mazda, most of Mazda’s 4-cylinder engines fit the Festiva like a glove. For a fun commuter, a mild normally aspirated BP (1.8L Miata engine) would provide plenty of go while maintaining the car’s legendary fuel mileage. The interior could use some work, though. Adjustable buckets are a good idea anyways and rear inserts from a performance coupe shouldn’t be hard to find.

Unlike your project at home, you won’t have to worry about criminals targeting your car or random people deciding to key it. And if it does happen, it’s a Festiva for crying out loud! You also won’t have a ricer trying to race you every time you turn a corner. So while you may not be able to change the fact that you have to commute, you can save yourself from insanity and save your real car for the weekends.