Bike Reviews

I’m looking to replace my very old mountain bike. I ride off road on hill trails but not down mountains. I also have to ride on roads to get to the trails.
Brands I’ve looked at are Specialized and Trek – are these any good or are there better? The bike I’m thinking of getting is the Specialized Expert. Would this be a good buy?

Im going to spend $700 on a bike to commute on. I live on dirt roads. I want a bike to commute on 20 miles away. I will ride on 4 miles of dirt roads and the rest is paved roads. What would be best a hybrid,hardtail mountain bike or a full suspension mountain bike?

I am new to mountain biking and am looking to buy a new bike. Any help works. Thanks!!