2000-2005 Mercury Sable: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2005 Mercury Sable and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
- Handling/roadholding
- Rear-seat comfort
Cons
- Low-speed acceleration
Vehicle Highlights
Like the similar Ford Taurus, Mercury's front-drive midsize sedan and wagon earned a major design update for 2000, including a fresh grille and hood, as well as a reworked tail. Inside, the dashboard was revised and additional storage spaces provided. Sables came in base GS, upscale LS, and LS Premium trim. Standard engine was a 153-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. A 200-hp twincam V6 went into the LS Premium and was optional on the LS. Both engines came only with a four-speed automatic transmission. Front head/chest side airbags, antilock brakes, and traction control were optional; 16-inch tires were standard. Sedans had an emergency inside trunklid release. All Sables had Ford's Advanced Restraints System, designed to minimize airbag injuries to front-seat occupants by gauging crash severity and such variables as seat position. The system then determined whether to deploy the front airbags, and with how much force. Unlike the Taurus wagon, Mercury's version did not come with a 2-place third-row seat, and therefore was limited to six occupants. Power-adjustable pedals were standard on LS models, optional on the GS.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercury Sable LS Premium Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2005 Mercury Sable. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2005 Mercury Sable.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Mercury Sable:
Fuel tanks grew from 16- to 18-gallon capacity this year, and lower rear child-seat anchors were installed. A single-disc CD player joined the options list.
2002 Mercury Sable:
ABS became a no-cost option for 2002 Sables.
2003 Mercury Sable:
New door seals and additional sound dampening were added to reduce road and wind noise. Other changes included new cupholders, revised interior materials, and new colors.
2004 Mercury Sable:
Sable gets a new front and rear fascia, taillights, and a new grille for 2004.
2005 Mercury Sable:
Due to be dropped from the Mercury lineup during the model year, Sable sedans roll into 2005 virtually unchanged. Wagon models have been discontinued.
Our road test for the 2000-2005 Mercury Sable includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2005 Mercury Sable and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2005 Mercury Sable is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
In most respects, the Sable is similar to Ford's Taurus. Both deliver plenty of performance, though they lack class-leading acceleration. Each engine runs smoothly, but neither can move the car all that swiftly beyond midrange speeds--the 25-50 mph range, when extra vigor is needed for passing. Either V6 can accelerate suitably from a standstill, however. A test Sable LS with the twincam engine did 0-60 mph in a brisk 8.2 seconds. Sables score higher in road manners, coming across as balanced, secure, and predictable even in rapid directional changes. Steering has fine on-center sense, though turning effort could be more linear. Resistance to wallow and float is impressive, but ride quality on rough pavement is unsatisfactory, with potholes and pavement patches registering sharply. Braking feels strong and easily modulated. Tire thrum is noticeable at highway speeds, but not especially annoying. Interior space is abundant, promising excellent rear-seat room and comfort, on a substantial and comfortably contoured bench. Rear head clearance is generous. Leg and foot space also are plentiful. Outboard front occupants are uncrowded if a bench seat is installed, but the center spot is snug. Adjustable pedals work easily, teaming with the standard tilt steering wheel. If those pedals are installed, shorter drivers can sit farther away from the steering-wheel airbag. Gauges are unobstructed, but analog markings are small. Luggage space is generous in either body style. The sedan's trunk is among the largest in its class. Useful grocery-bag hooks are included, though hinges and brackets intrude into the cargo area and the opening isn't particularly large.
Value for the Money
Sable and Taurus returned to their roots with the 2000 redesign. Now contemporary in styling, a Sable provides fine road manners, excellent utility, an array of safety features, with a modestly more luxurious feel than a Taurus. Despite acceleration limitations and marginal ride comfort, Sables are worth considering.
Sable and Taurus returned to their roots with the 2000 redesign. Now contemporary in styling, a Sable provides fine road manners, excellent utility, an array of safety features, with a modestly more luxurious feel than a Taurus. Despite acceleration limitations and marginal ride comfort, Sables are worth considering.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercury Sable LS Premium Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 59 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercury Sable includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercury Sable .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Noise in the radio speakers is probably due to RFI from the in-tank fuel pump requiring RFI filter on the pump assembly. (2000-01)
Automatic transmission:
Harsh downshifts or shudder, especially on curves, can be caused by the transmission-fluid level being below the fullest level as shown on the dipstick. (1999-2000)
Fuel odors:
Gasoline odor is probably due to a bad gasket on the lower intake manifold on the 3.0-L Duratec engine. (2000-01)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (2000-02)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $405 |
| Alternator | $535 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,120 |
| Brakes | $240 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $990 |
| Exhaust System | $300 |
| Radiator | $405 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,100 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $180 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercury Sable details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Sable GS | $7,200-8,200 | $6,400-7,300 | $3,500-4,000 |
| Sable LS | $8,600-9,900 | $7,700-8,900 | $4,500-5,100 |
| 2004 | |||
| Sable GS | $6,000-7,000 | $5,200-6,100 | $2,500-2,900 |
| Sable LS | $7,200-8,200 | $6,400-7,300 | $3,500-4,000 |
| 2003 | |||
| Sable GS | $5,000-5,800 | $4,300-4,900 | $2,000-2,300 |
| Sable LS | $6,100-7,500 | $5,300-6,500 | $2,600-3,200 |
| 2002 | |||
| Sable GS | $4,100-4,800 | $3,400-3,900 | $1,400-1,600 |
| Sable LS | $5,000-5,900 | $4,300-5,000 | $2,000-2,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| Sable GS | $3,500-4,100 | $2,800-3,300 | $900-1,100 |
| Sable LS | $3,900-4,800 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| 2000 | |||
| Sable GS | $3,100-3,700 | $2,400-2,900 | $700-900 |
| Sable LS | $3,400-4,000 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,000 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercury Sable include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.5 | 108.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.5 | 197.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.0 | 73.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.5 | 58.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3375 | 3540 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.0 | 81.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.7 | 38.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.9 | 38.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Sables came with two different 3.0-liter V6 engines. The base overhead-valve V6 developed 153 horsepower, while the twincam version was rated at 200 hp. Both engines drove a four-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 153 | 182 | 4-speed automatic: 19/28 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 200 | 200 | 4-speed automatic: 20/28 | 4-speed automatic: 18.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercury Sable include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 Sable |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2005 Mercury Sable directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999-01:
Front coil springs on certain cars sold in specified states could fracture, due to corrosion associated with road salt used in winter.
2000:
Headlamp-switch knob on certain vehicles can fracture and separate, making it difficult to activate headlamps.
2000:
On certain vehicles, "vehicle capacity weight" and "designated seating capacity" information was not printed on the safety-certification labels.
2000-01 w/adjustable pedals:
Grease from the adjustable-pedal assembly enters the stoplamp switch and can contaminate the contacts leading to carbon buildup, and potentially, a short circuit.
2000-01:
A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper-motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of wiper function or fire.
2000-02:
Adjustable pedals are not far enough apart and could be inadvertently depressed simultaneously. Dealers may adjust pedal spacing.
2000-03:
Certain vehicles may have faulty stop lamp wiring, rendering them inoperable or cause them to stay on all the time. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001:
Child Safety Seat Anchor Latch fasteners on certain vehicles do not have adequate residual torque; road vibrations could cause nut to loosen and separate from its stud.
2001:
Owner guides may not identify center rear seating position as having LATCH-compatible lower anchorages.
2002-03:
Some windshields may have been mounted improperly, leading to increased wind noise and leakage. Dealer will inspect and replace these windshields.
2003:
The air filter paper may catch on fire in certain vehicles. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004:
Power seats may not perform as intended during a crash, due to inadequate welding.
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