2002 Mercury Sable Review

The Mercury Sable is a smooth operator that often is overlooked because the mechanically similar Ford Taurus has a larger dealer network and more volume and promotion. However, more Sables are sold in the Chicago region than in any other region of the country. The Sable is built alongside the Taurus at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant here and in Atlanta. My test $22,495 Sable LS Premium model almost looked like a costlier upscale European sedan with its monochromatic black paint scheme, while providing the comfort of a four-door American family car.

The Sable isn't meant to be a sports sedan, but has good handling and braking, with good pedal feel. The ride is comfortable, but feels a bit softer than that of a 2001 Sable I tested. Some might notice the steering remains a little vague, although it's quick enough. Anti-lock brakes are a no-cost option for 2002, and a $565 Secure option group contains front side air bags and a traction control system for surer road grip. Also offered at no charge is a $1,495 anti-lock/leather package for the higher-line LS Premium models, which shows Mercury is trying harder to put the Sable more on the map.

Also new is a $595 Platinum Feature Vehicle package for LS Premium models that contains perforated leather upholstery, aluminum interior trim, badging and satin-finish alloy wheels. There's also a new standard security approach lighting built into the side mirror housings that lights up the area near the car in the dark when opening doors with the standard remote keyless entry feature. As is the case with upscale and exotic European cars, Sable buyers actually can visit the Chicago Assembly Plant on the South Side to see Sables built by calling (888) 331-7270.

Ford says more than 1,500 Sable customers have taken advantage of that program.

The $20,020-$23,560 Sable is offered as a front-drive sedan or station wagon in base GS, mid-range GS Plus and top-line LS Premium trim. Even the GS is nicely equipped, with such items as air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise control, AM/FM/cassette and power windows, locks and mirrors. The wagon has a standard rear-facing, third-row seat, although that seat is designed only for two kids. Wagons have rear disc brakes instead of drum brakes for surer stops with heavy loads.

The GS and GS Plus sedans come with a standard front bench seat for six-passenger seating, although only four tall adults are comfortable because an adult in the middle of the front seat is squeezed and the middle of the rear seat is hard. The front bench seat is a no-charge option for the LS Premium models, which have standard, more supportive front bucket seats and a console with a shift lever on it. The buckets and console are a $105 option for the GS and GS Plus. The GS models have a 3-liter, 155-horsepower V-6 that provides livelier performance than one might expect because it delivers good torque at low- to mid-range speeds.

The LS Premium models get a smoother three-liter V-6 with 200 horsepower and slightly more torque. While no fireball, it provides stronger acceleration than the base V-6 and loafs at 2,500 rpm at 70 mph. Both engines work with a responsive four-speed automatic transmission. They only require 87-octane fuel and deliver 19-20 mpg in the city and 26-27 on the highway. The quiet, attractive interior has easily read gauges and smooth, strategically placed controls and cupholders. All doors have storage pockets.

The GS Plus and LS Premium models have power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals that move up to three inches forward or backward to provide a more comfortable driving position and to place shorter drivers farther from the air bag in the steering wheel hub. The trunk is roomy but is quite long, so one must stretch to reach objects at its far end. All models except the GS sedan have split folding rear seatbacks that flip forward and sit rather flat to enlarge the cargo area. But the pass-through area between the sedan's trunk and rear-seat area is only moderately large. The sedan's trunk opening is rather high and its lid has manual hinges instead of more efficient hydraulic struts. However, the Sable's hood has such struts, which eliminate the need for an old-fashioned prop rod. The Sable won't be changed much for 2003 and shouldn't be overshadowed so much by the Ford Taurus--or by Japanese rivals.

MERCURY SABLE

Prices
$20,020-$23,560
Likes
Smooth. Roomy. Good handling. Fast with high-line V-6. Upgraded interior.
Dislikes
Rather high trunk opening. Manual trunk hinges.