Ford Explorer

Although they're showing their age, the Explorer and its more luxurious cousin, the Mercury Mountaineer, are still competitive. They're roomy, and cargo space is especially generous with the rear seat folded down. Handling is sound, and the brakes are competent. But the ride is stiff and choppy on bumpy roads and busy on smooth roads. The 210-hp overhead camshaft V6 is the engine of choice, and its five-speed automatic shifts smoothly.