2002 Mercury Sable LS Wagon

Regardless of its many other merits, one of the most appealing elements of an LS-spec Sable is found underhood. While all versions draw motivating force from a 3.0-liter V-6, GS models are fitted with Ford's aging 2-valve OHV Vulcan engine that makes 155 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. In stark contrast, the LS comes with the DOHC Duratec V-6 that pumps those counts to an even 200 in both categories. Although an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission is standard issue across the line, the extra muscle in the 24-valve twin-cammer endows the top-echelon Sable with a far more engaging personality, whether you're scooting stoplight to stoplight or attempting to merge onto a busy freeway.

Style and substance successfully merge in the LS Premium interior. Ergonomics and comfort are both quite palatable.

That endearing persona carries over into the Sable's well-finished passenger compartment, as well. Overall space utilization is good, and (save for some clearly faux burled-walnut accent trim), a quality look and feel is enhanced by easy-to-read white-on-black instrumentation and easy-to-access, legible switchgear for all major control systems. Although the front buckets are on the firm side, they possess all the comfort and support you'd expect to find in a family-style wagon. The experience falls off a bit for those occupying its second-row 60/40 split bench. While adult-friendly in scale, a dearth of lower-cushion padding won't win it much kudos from those who sit there for any great period of time. As for the third row, it's strictly spot seating for sub-teens. On the stowage front, the Sable's rear bay will hold a respectable 38.8 cubic feet of your favorite stuff with the rear bench up and a generous 81.3 with it flipped forward.


The wagon's suspension is a variation on the basic Sable sedan theme. MacPherson struts carry over up front, but the rear swaps the normal quadra-link setup for short/long-arm wishbones with gas-pressure shocks and progressive-rate springs that provide more consistent ride quality under differing load conditions. Stabilizer bars appear at each axle to curb body roll, and vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering handles the directional-control functions.

Although Mercury claims that this wagon has 8-person capacity, three humans of any size would likely feel pinched in the third-row seat.

While even GS-level Sable wagons are fitted with four-wheel power disc brakes instead of the normal disc/drum package, only the top-line LS offers the no-charge ABS option. We found the traction control—which is defeatable via a switch on the dash—to be a welcome adjunct during a bout of inclement weather. However, its rather intrusive nature does tend to make it a real fun-killer in most other circumstances. That's a pity, given that the basic chassis tune is geared toward the mildly sporty side. Paired with somewhat noisy but surprisingly grippy 215/60TR16 tires, this flexible hauler is also a pretty willing accomplice when you elect to forsake the highways for lesser-traveled and more-serpentine byways.


If your vehicular needs skew toward versatility but with a distinctly American flavor, the Mercury Sable wagon may be the answer—particularly in LS Premium guise. What it may lack in overt prestige, it more than makes up for in an attractive price and wealth of features. (www.mercuryvehicles.com)