What’s a good starter commuter bicycle?

I'm a college student, so money is a factor. I'm hoping to get about for right around 400$. I would generally ride it only about three miles from my apartment to campus, however if I did really like it I could ride it the 17 miles or so to the downtown campus.

I do plan to talk with a local dealer once I have the money together, just looking for some ideas so I at least have something to say to a sales rep when I go in.

Thanks in advance
Forgot to put that I am really looking for reliability, I'm a bigger guy and the el chepos from the discount retailers just don't cut it. Speed would be the second, I rode often when I was younger and am comfortable riding with and near traffic as is needed.

In that price range a college town bike shop will have lots of good choices. The 3 mile ride you could pedal anything, but the 17 miler you want a reasonably fast light bike, so see about a "drop bar" road bike but make sure it’s able to mount fenders (you _will_ need to go somewhere on the day it rains and fenders make a huge difference).

Look into "city bikes" or "hybrids" but probably if you tell the guy what you said here, you’ll see some good options.

Stay away from racing bikes, you need heavier duty wheels and a more upright position if you’ll be wearing a backpack while riding.
Im not really a commuter bike person, but I highly reccomend you go to bikeforums.net and ask in the commuter section.