Originally Posted by hokiefyd

All of the brands you mentioned are indeed good brands. And it's like like Chevrolet vs. Ford where each one is filled with OEM parts. The only thing the manufacturer really designs on these things is the frame and its geometry. They also obviously pick the parts, but all of the parts are generally either off-the-shelf components (like Shimano drivetrain parts, KMC chains, Tektro brakes, etc) or are house-brand parts that are manufactured by others to certain specifications (like Giant brand wheels or Bontrager/Trek brand wheels). Giant is notable for having Giant-branded tires (nearly everything on a Giant is branded "Giant"), but the tires are made to their specs, probably by Kenda. Same with Bontrager tires on a Trek.

I will make a note about two of the Giants you mentioned, the Escape and the Sedona. Both are excellent bikes, but are really from two different molds. The Escape is what I call a "performance hybrid", where the frame has geometry that's a little more aggressive and the riding position is a little further forward. Good for speed, aero, efficiency, etc. The Sedona is what I call a "comfort hybrid", with a more relaxed geometry and a more upright riding position. And actually, the Sedona uses 26" wheels whereas the others on your list use 700c wheels. The Giant model you might consider in this niche is the Cypress. It uses 700c wheels but has a relaxed style like the Sedona.

I won't tell you what's best for you -- you really need to ride as many bikes as you can and then decide which one spoke to you (pardon the pun). You'll probably "feel it" right away -- your body will tell you what fits the best and what feels the best. Even the most comfort-oriented bike will support a 3-mile commute, plus weekend recreational riding. Which bike feels the best to you will depend on what your body prefers, ergonomically.

If you're going to a Specialized dealer, check out a Roll. I really want to test drive one of these guys.

They make 'em in both step-through frame and traditional top bar frame. Super wide tires would make for great impact absorption and traction on uneven surfaces. They have super-slack sub-70 degree head angles (which means it'll be really stable). They even make one with a rack and fenders included for commuting, and all the derailleur cabling is internal:

Looks like a fun ride!