Traffic isn't an issue. Mine is a daily driver in a metro area...It has a light clutch and won't cramp your calf. Even though bumper to bumper times can lead to me burning the clutch a little (just to keep a smooth flow), it works just fine as a commuter car. The biggest pain in the ass is getting stuck behind an Expedition, Excursion, etc... and you can't see anything that's going on ahead of you - becoming dependant on the brake lights of someone who may or may not be an idiot tailgaiter.