7 Apr 2010, 11:22pm
Automobiles Commuting Uncategorized
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Top-rated cars for working people

The New York International Auto Show has been offering up plenty of glam and muscle to hog the spotlight since last week.

2011 Audi R8

2011 Audi R8

MSN has had fun giving us the show’s 10 most notable unveils, and the 10 sexiest rides — i.e., to your right is a glimpse of the Audi R8 Spyder (go ahead, click the glitz for a full view).

“Give us sports cars and make them sexy as hell,” MSN’s Matthew de Paula declared. “We want 10-mile-per-gallon Lamborghini Gallardos and 510-horsepower Aston Martins all the way.”

Closer to ground level, Consumer Reports plodded forward to give us the New York standouts. Cars.com patiently poked and prodded the show’s winners and losers.

It’s a lot to digest, sort of like trying to eat your way into a bargain at an all-you-can eat buffet.

I guess that’s why my thoughts keep drifting back to a more meat-and-potatoes Top Picks announced just before the noise revved up in New York. Using affordability, comfort and safety as criteria, AAA selected the best cars to commute to work in.

And topping AAA’s list is the …

2010 Honda Insight

2010 Honda Insight

Yeah, how’s that for a splash of vanilla?

Two of the other nine commuter workhorses on the list are also Hondas — the Civic and Accord, of which two older models sit in my driveway every night. 

My sandy-brown 2000 Accord isn’t sexy by a long shot, but it’s the best car I’ve ever owned, beating out makes by Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler and Oldsmobile, even — I almost hate to say — my beloved 1968 Volkswagen Beetle.

So, for predictably practical consumers, here’s AAA’s Top Picks of cars that balance gas mileage with just enough leg room.

  1. Honda Insight
  2. Ford Fusion
  3. Volkswagen Jetta TDI
  4. Hyundai Elantra
  5. Subaru Legacy/Outback
  6. Honda Civic
  7. Chevrolet Malibu
  8. Honda Accord
  9. Mazda3
 

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