Bike recommendations?

Question

I have a high schooler and can't give her anymore rides to and from school with these outrageous gas prices. Last option is a bicyle for her. We know how to ride bicyles, nothing more.

How can we determine if a bike is good or not (like breaks, break pads, chains and so forth)?

She'll be using the bike to go to school and library and back home only. I'm on a tight budget and can only go for upto $150. I found a a handful online, I'm not sure if they're good though:

-Montego 26" Cruiser ($100)

-Kulana Huli Coaster Cruiser 26" ($70)

-Schwinn Windwood (or Tornado) 26" Cruiser ($130)

-Huffy Alpine all terrain ($100)

-Schwinn Clear Creek Comfort ($144)

Answer 1

Schwinn is way to go, for $ 50 - 100 more you can get on sale decent Schwinn commuter bicycle ........

Answer 2

All those bikes suck. Never buy bikes like those for wal-mart or anywhere else. go to your local bike shop and talk to them but you wont be able to get anything good for 150