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Mercury Sable

EPA MPG: NA
Average Retail Price
$2,900

RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
The Sable's partial 2000 redesign brought an abundance of added safety features, including dual-stage front air bags, side air bags, power-adjustable pedals, and an internal escape release for the trunk. Even so, this car is showing its age. The ride is firm and well controlled, and handling is secure, but the brakes fall a bit short. The optional 200-hp V6 performs well but isn't as smooth or responsive as comparable powerplants from Nissan or Toyota. With its small, rear-facing, third-row seat, the wagon has room for seven (with front bucket seats) or eight (with a front bench). Antilock brakes are now a no-cost option.

2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Large cars Ratings

$2,900
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,025 - $3,150
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,900 - $3,400
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,900
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,850 - $2,875
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    wagon
    sedan
Seating
3 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 3-liter V6 (155 hp)
  • 3-liter V6 (200 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2008-
Current Generation

The Montego was renamed Sable in 2008. The Montego/Sable and their twin, the Ford Five Hundred/Taurus) are a roomy sedan that emphasizes comfort and good ergonomics. It features an elevated seating position for good outward vision and cabin access. The rear seat is immense. Power comes from an underpowered and unpolished 3.0-liter V6 engine that is mated to either a six-speed automatic on FWD models or a continuously variable transmission on AWD models, which were somewhat sluggish at launch. It has a comfortable ride and handles with commendable agility considering its size. 2008 also brought a  a smoother, more powerful 3.5-liter V6. Handling is responsive and secure.

2003-2007
2003 Redesign Year

This generation added much needed safety equipment, including side airbags. The ride is firm, and cornering is sound -- but not agile. The interior is roomy, comfortable, and quiet with adequate storage. Control layout is improved over that of the previous version of the car and the rear seatback can be folded to increase cargo capacity. The wagon is one of the few inexpensive seven-passenger vehicles of its time. On the downside, the turning circle is wide and braking is unimpressive. This version of the car also lacks rear-seat head restraints.

2000-2002
2000 Redesign Year

This is a twin of the Ford Taurus. The early models offer good handling and comfortable seats. A significant redesign for 1996 brought it up-to-date, with crisper handling and a firmer ride. CR also found it roomy, comfortable, and quiet. The Sable was revamped for 2000, picking up fresh styling, side air bags and adjustable pedals. The best choice is one that's equipped with the 200-hp V6 rather than the stodgier 155-hp V6.