: Let our favorite rides take the stress out of getting to work

Let one of our seven favorite commuting cars take the stress and worry out of those regular slogs to work, the supermarket and other day-in, day-out destinations. We picked these 2013 models because they're safe and economical. Every single one is a "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and gets at least 23 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA. They're supremely comfortable and reliable, too, earning a score of at least 70 out of 100 from the demanding test drivers at Consumer Reports magazine. You'll find a wide range of prices, starting at just over $18,000 and climbing to just under $28,000, including destination charges. But since we don't like shifting gears in stop-and-go traffic, all of our recommendations come with automatic transmissions and such basic creature comforts as air-conditioning, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors. You won't find anything cheap or stripped-down about our favorites. Here they are, starting with the least expensive.