2005 Mercury Sable: Road Test

Archived Review

2005 Mercury Sable 

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  • MSRP: $21,465 -$24,465
  • Invoice: $19,499 -$22,169

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Our road test for the 2005 Mercury Sable includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mercury Sable from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mercury Sable, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mercury Sable help you decide if a 2005 Mercury Sable is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

GS LS Class Average
4 5 5.3

Takeoffs quite snappy, particularly with the 201-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 in Chevrolet Impala feel a bit stronger in the 35-55-mph range.

FUEL ECONOMY

GS LS Class Average
5 5 5.2

Test cars with the 201-hp V6 averaged 18.4-21.0 mpg. That's about par for the class. Don't expect the 153-hp GS models to do significantly better. Both V6s use regular gas.

RIDE QUALITY

GS LS Class Average
5 5 6.1

Stiff and somewhat harsh over potholes, expansion joints, and pavement patches, but resistant to wallow and float.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

GS LS 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 LS Class Average
5 5 6

Wind rush noticeable at highway speeds, though it doesn't require raised voices to overcome. Engine and road noise are low.

CONTROLS

GS LS Class Average
6 6 6.6

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 LS Class Average
6 6 6.3

Outboard occupants have enough space and comfort, but the bench seat's center position is only for toddlers--who should be in back. Styling impedes visibility to the right rear and dead astern; Taurus is better in this regard.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

GS LS Class Average
6 6 4.7

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.

CARGO ROOM

GS LS Class Average
5 5 4.5

Sedans have of one the larger trunks in this class; a split folding rear seatback is standard.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

GS LS Class Average
4 4 5.7

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, though. And Sable costs slightly more than corresponding Taurus models with negligible differences in equipment.

Total Score

GS LS Class Average
52 53 56.5

Total Score: 53

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
45
Average Score
56
High Score
71

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