2004 MERCURY SABLE NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Mercury Sable?
Styling is updated, and the 2004 Mercury Sable wears a new grille, front fascia, rear fascia and rear taillights (the latter only on the sedan). Standard on LS and available on GS is a new machined-finish alloy wheel for a more upscale look. In other news, a new steering wheel debuts on the LS that includes illuminated speed controls, and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat is standard. Antilock brakes are a no-charge option on the GS, and leather upholstery is a no-charge option on the LS.

Advantages of the 2004 Mercury Sable:

• Low prices
• Available in sedan or wagon flavors
• Roomy and comfortable interior
• Capable 3.0-liter Duratec V6 engine
• Good crash-test scores

Objections to the 2004 Mercury Sable:

• Low resale values
• Platform and engineering date to mid-1990s
• Not as refined as many competitors

Editor's Advice:
Fundamentally, the 2004 Mercury Sable and its Ford Taurus twin are decent vehicles. They provide their owners with good performance, a crashworthy structure and, on top-level trims, luxury touches uncommon at this price point. With rebates continually available, great deals are possible. The downside is that their value plummets like a rock during the first three years, in part due to heavy fleet sales that make them seem like throwaway vehicles. They’re also lacking in sophisticated drivetrain and safety technology, and you won’t find fancy gewgaws like navigation systems on these basic cars. Still, the wagon is worth looking into if you need room for seven, 81 cubic feet of storage space and don’t want to drive an SUV.