32: Mercury Mountaineer
It was the ’90s and if you didn’t have an SUV, then you got left in the dust. Ford Motor Co. wanted to take advantage of the massive sales success that the Ford Explorer was. The Mountaineer wasn’t all that different from the Ford Explorer, but it did offer some luxury features to differentiate. The waterfall grill was the first obvious sign, and later models received upgraded body cladding. Interior accommodations were also more upmarket than the Ford Explorer, and the ride was a lot quieter as well. If you’re lucky enough to nab one of these with the 5.0L V8, you’ll be in for a well-endowed SUV.
Mercury has never been iconic when it comes to SUV models but the original Mountaineer was quite a unique offering. The stylish exterior and upgraded luxury feature made it a welcomed addition for anyone who didn’t want to plunk down the money on a larger luxury SUV such as the Escalade or Navigator.