For almost a decade, the Ford Explorer outshone and outsold its cousin, the Mercury Mountaineer. Thanks to automotive plastic surgery, the 2002 Mountaineer (available Spring 2001) reemerges with all the looks in the family. Add a more powerful 240-horsepower V-8 engine and better handling due to its new independent rear suspension, and it’s almost as if Ford is seriously trying to sell Mountaineers this time. You’ll find the Mountaineer priced at $28,630 to the mid-30s. Read more at www.insideautomotive.com.