2002 Mercury Sable: Road Test
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2002 Mercury Sable ▼
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- MSRP: $20,020 -$23,560
- Invoice: $18,418 -$21,604
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Our road test for the 2002 Mercury Sable includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mercury Sable from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mercury Sable, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mercury Sable help you decide if a 2002 Mercury Sable is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5 |
Takeoffs fairly snappy with either engine--test 200-hp LS Premium did 0-60 mph in 8.2 sec--but V6 General Motors rivals have more midrange torque for quicker passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test cars with the 200-hp V6 averaged 18.4-21.0 mpg. That's about par for the class. Don't expect the 155-hp GS models to do significantly better. Both V6s use regular gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Chassis shows impressive resistance to wallow and float, but ride is rocky, somewhat harsh over potholes, expansion joints, and pavement patches.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Balanced, secure, predictable. Steering has fine on-center feel, but turn-in could be more linear. Brakes feel strong in everyday use, less capable in simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Wind rush dominates at highway speeds, though it doesn't require raised voices. Engine and road noise are low.
CONTROLS
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Well-placed analog gauges have small, hard-to-rear markings. Climate controls offer less flexibility than most rival systems in A/C and recirculation modes. Interior decor attractive, but not high-class.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Outboard occupants have space and comfort enough, but the bench seat's center position is only for toddlers--who should be in back. Movable pedals allow shorter drivers to sit further from airbag, a safety plus. Styling impedes visibility to the right rear and dead astern; Taurus is better in this regard.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
Three adults are a squeeze, but two have ample room on a comfortable, well-bolstered bench. Entry/exit nothing special; sloping upper door frames force taller persons to crouch a bit. Wagon's 3rd seat is big enough only for children.
CARGO ROOM
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 4.6 |
Sedans have a large trunk for this class; a split/folding rear seatback is standard except on Sable GS sedans. Wagons are useful load-luggers matched only by Saturn's similarly priced L-Series models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 |
Like its Taurus cousin, Sable delivers good road manners, utility, and plenty of safety features at competitive prices. Acceleration, ride comfort, and build quality fall short of standards set by midsize sales leaders Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, however. And Sable costs slightly more than corresponding Taurus models with negligible differences in equipment.
Total Score
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | 57 | 54.6 |
Total Score: 58
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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