Second the Jeep Liberty in diesel if you can get it. One of my friends has one. We went rock hounding last fall in the mountains around here. Good solid vehicle that will traverse most any terrain you want to get into. Plus from what my friend said the gas mileage is decent on road or off road. I wouldn't recommend the Ford line of SUV's. Much as I like my Explorer, it isn't really an off road vehicle, nor is it a good highway vehicle. The main plus for me is that I can pack my whole dorm room into the back and not have to worry about weather like I would in a pick-up.