2000 Mercury Sable: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Because Ford's Taurus gets a major update for year-2000, the functionally identical Sable does, too. Appearance changes include a new grille and hood, and new tail styling. Sedans and wagons return with base GS or uplevel LS trim. Standard is a 153-horsepower overhead-valve 3.0-liter V6; a 200-hp twincam V6 is an LS option. A 4-speed automatic is the only transmission. Antilock brakes are optional, and traction control is newly available. Standard 16-inch wheels replace 15s and the chassis is revised in an effort to improve ride and handling. Five-passenger seating with front buckets or 6-passenger seating with a front bench are available. Unlike the Taurus wagon, Sable's doesn't offer a 2-place third-row seat. Like the Ford, however, this Mercury sports a revised dashboard and extra in-cabin storage. Power-adjusting foot pedals are standard on LS and optional on GS.
Front head/chest side airbags are a first-time option, and all Sables get Ford's Advanced Restraints System. This is designed to minimize airbag injuries to front-seat occupants by gauging the severity of a crash, recognizing variables such as seat position, then deciding whether to deploy the front airbags and at what power. Initially, the system works only for the driver's side, but will later become operative for the passenger side. The system does not control the side airbags, but does modulate the new seatbelt pretensioners for both front seats. Sedans also add an emergency trunklid release designed to free anyone trapped in the trunk, and all models gain built-in rear child-seat anchors.
Sable's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Tauruses.

COMPETITION

Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan form, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.
Recommended models include the smooth Buick Century, the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, the sporty Nissan Maxima, surprising Olds Intrigue, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles.
If you are looking for something a touch bigger without spending a whole lot more we suggest the Budget Buy Chevy Impala. It's the largest car in this class, has a powerful V6, and doesn't cost any more than the others.