Originally Posted by
lugsail
It'll be mostly a couple miles to and from where I'm going in a city that's pretty much flat. It never snows and rains more than average compared to most places in the US. I don't need a water bottle holder or a rack and I'd prefer not to have fenders unless you guys think it'd be a good idea because of rain?
I think you may have asked the wrong question: You're not looking for the best brand, you're looking for the proper combination of equipment that would suitable for your commute.
That being said, a couple of miles on flat road? Rarely rains/snows? Don't want a rack? In which case, I would suggest pretty much any hybrid or comfort bike. Pick any of them, and they'd be suitable for your ride.
Me? I'm preferential to Trek's lines, and Schwinn's lines. That doesn't mean the are the best however, just what I like.