2002 Mercury Sable LS Wagon

Despite a decade-long battering by minivans, SUVs and now an increasing tide of crossover vehicles, the traditional station wagon simply refuses to die. Ironically, it's been European and Japanese automakers who've taken the lead in spearheading a mini-renaissance of this former mainstay of the U.S. motoring industry. On the domestic front, Ford Motor Company has been the most steadfast supporter of this seemingly endangered breed. Current top gun in its corporate station-wagon arsenal is the Mercury Sable LS Premium.

All new for the 2000 model year, the Sable enters 2002 with four additional color choices.

This is a year of tasteful refinement for the entire Sable line. Like its slightly less-toney platform-mate, the Ford Taurus, this full-size front-driver was completely recast for the 2000 model year, emerging with greater style, more usable interior space, enhanced structural rigidity and a major emphasis on both active and passive passenger-safety issues. Highlighting the latter arena was the introduction of Ford's Personal Safety System (computer-controlled dual-stage airbags, belt pretensioners and energy-management retractors/force limiters), which helped both lines earn dual five-star ratings from NHTSA for their performance in front-crash tests.


Last season saw only a larger fuel tank, emergency internal trunk release, child-seat anchors and optional single-slot in-dash CD player added to the Sable mix. This time around, the three-tiered lineup has been simplified a touch (to GS, GS Plus and LS Premium versions of both sedan and wagon body styles) and fortified with even more standard safety features. Security approach lighting—a downward-facing mini-spot on the lower sideview mirror housing—quicker-illuminating LEDs in place of conventional bulbs in the high-mount-stoplight and anti-lock brakes as a no-charge option all have been factored into the basic package. On the luxo front, at LS Premium level, leather upholstery also has transitioned over into the no-charge option column.


Arriving leather-swathed and ABS-abetted, our test wagon based at $23,330. That tariff brings items like automatic climate-control air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless remote, power adjustable pedals, cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted adjusters, fog lights, power antenna, automatic headlamps, cast-aluminum wheels and a vinyl-clad rear-facing jump seat that raises its people-packing capability to five adults plus three very small folks. The wagon also benefits from four-wheel disc brakes in place of the disc/drum binders found on the sedans.


Given its comprehensive roster of equipment, options on our tester were few. They included 6-way dual power seats, the Security Group (traction control and front-side airbags) and Ford's Mach I premium sound system, which also adds a 6-disc in-console CD changer. Factor in destination fees, and the bottom line totaled $25,430.