Last month, car-sharing network Zipcar published the findings of its American Summertime Driving survey, confirming what many already suspected: summer road trips remain a popular pastime in the United States. The survey highlights how Americans prefer to travel, which vehicles they choose for scenic drives, and how seasonal habits play into their driving preferences.
When asked about travel companions, a third of respondents (33 percent) said they most enjoy driving with family on vacation. Traveling with friends was the preference for 19 percent, while 18 percent favored driving alone in the morning. A smaller group—13 percent—said they would opt for a sunset drive to enjoy the evening light.
Respondents also revealed their ideal summer destinations and vehicle pairings. Although beaches are a classic summer choice, 41 percent said they would rather take an SUV into the woods or mountains. Just 32 percent preferred a convertible for a trip to the beach or a lake. Urban driving choices were less popular: 14 percent would pick a luxury car to tour a city, while 12 percent would choose a compact car for urban exploration.
The survey examined year-round habits as well. More than a quarter of respondents said they keep their windows down throughout the year, while 20 percent keep theirs closed at all times. The remaining participants indicated they let the weather determine whether to open or close windows.
Men and women showed distinct preferences in the study: 35 percent of men expressed a desire to drive winding back roads without a set destination, whereas 34 percent of women preferred driving along the beach.
The survey offers a clear snapshot of contemporary driving preferences: family-oriented trips remain strong, scenic and nature-centered drives are highly valued, and choice of vehicle often reflects the destination. For readers interested in reviewing the full dataset and complete poll results, Zipcar has published the details on its site.