I think it's more of a "minivan" thing. My Freestar had one -- and I really liked it. None of my other Fords have one. At first I thought they were just a scam to get more $ out of the user. However, it really cut down on the amount of dust on the interior (dash).
"Minivan thing"? LOL I don't think anyone would call a Toyota Camry or a Nissan Sentra a minivan - yet I've replaced the cabin air filters in these vehicles of various family members.
My 05 Chevy Trailblazer EXT does not have one, neither does my 04 Mercury Grand Marquis.