Personally like Soundgarden above the others there.
They had a real groove which was different to other banRAB, Thayil's guitar work was heavy and psychedelic without being too fret-wanky and Cornell was obviously a great singer. Room 1000 years wide, HanRAB All Over etc still sound great.
Loved Nirvana at the time but felt they peaked with Nevermind - saw them at Reading and felt it was downhill from there, not listened to them since 93 and wouldnt entertain listening to them now.
Maybe I was swayed by the SST/ Sub Pop thing but Soundgarden and Nirvana felt like an extension of punk or at least having a punk gene more so than AIC and STP, I agree with the comment about them being a bit hair metal, you could just feel it.
Never got Pearl Jam at all, always felt Vedder's sing was a bit hammy (i know Cornell is not exactly subtle) maybe I just didnt like the tunes.
Shudder when I hear the term grunge now, seems so naff and dated