2003 Mercury Sable: Road Test
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2003 Mercury Sable ▼
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- MSRP: $20,625 -$24,125
- Invoice: $18,918 -$22,068
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Our road test for the 2003 Mercury Sable includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mercury Sable from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mercury Sable, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mercury Sable help you decide if a 2003 Mercury Sable is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 5.2 |
Takeoffs quite snappy, particularly with the 200-hp V6. Test LS Premium with that engine did 0-60 mph in 8.2 sec. Transmission kicks down quickly for passing, but 3.8-liter V6 General Motors rivals feel a bit stronger in the 35-55-mph range.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.3 |
Stiff and somewhat harsh over potholes, expansion joints, and pavement patches, but resistant to wallow and float.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Stable, with little body lean in turns, and test car tracked well on the highway. Some testers say steering feel is heavy and numb, and that brakes feel mushy and suffer long pedal travel.
QUIETNESS
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Wind rush dominates at highway speeds, though it doesn't require raised voices to overcome. Engine and road noise are low.
CONTROLS
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
Well-placed analog gauges have small, hard-to-read markings. Lots of same-size buttons control audio and climate functions, but they're well-marked and easy to reach. All controls nicely lit at night. 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 | 5.9 |
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 | 4.4 |
Three adults are a squeeze, but two have ample room on a comfortable, well-bolstered bench. Entry/exit fine, though 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 | 5 | 4.7 |
Sedans have of one the larger trunks in this class; a split folding rear seatback is standard except on base Sable GS. Wagons are useful load-luggers matched in this class only by Saturn's L-Series and Volkswagen's Passat.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GS Plus wgn | LS Premium sdn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6.2 |
Like its Taurus cousin, Sable delivers good acceleration, capable road manners, commendable passenger and cargo room, and plenty of safety features at competitive prices. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 54 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 56
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