2000-2005 Mercury Sable

Fourth generation (2000–2005)
Fourth generation

Production
2000–2005
Assembly
Atlanta, GeorgiaChicago, Illinois
Body style(s)
4-door sedan4-door station wagon
Layout
FF layout
Platform
Ford D186 platform
Engine(s)
3.0 L Vulcan V63.0 L Duratec V6
Transmission(s)
4-speed AX4N automatic
Wheelbase
108.5 in.
Length
197.8 in. (station wagon)199.8 in. (sedan)
Width
73.0 in.
Height
57.8 in. (station wagon)55.5 in (sedan)

2000-2003 Mercury Sable LS wagon
The Sable received another redesign in 2000, which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model, replacing them with more conventional styling.[17] The redesign also featured a taller roof over the rear-passenger space, to increase passenger headroom that had been sacrificed by the tapered 1996 design.[17] The taller and roomier trunk also served to make the vehicle more functional.[9] The interior was completely changed for a much more conservative design.[17] Certain elements of the interior were retained from the 1996 model, such as the integrated control console, which combined the sound system and climate controls into one panel; but the shape of that panel was changed from the controversial oval to a more conventional and conservative trapezoid. The suspension was also softened to appeal to a broader, non-sporting audience.[17] To reduce the price and increase profitability, many features such as four-wheel disc brakes were eliminated [17] on the sedan; station wagons retained four-wheel disc brakes.

2004-2005 Mercury Sable GS sedan
The 2002 Sable included extra equipment on every trim level, including a CD player and power driver's seat on the GS, and a power moonroof or leather interior on the LS.[9] Side airbags and traction control were added as options on all models.[9] For 2004, the Sable received minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, most noticeably the grille was made fully chrome. Inside were a new instrument cluster and steering wheel.[17]
Due to the Mercury brand's discontinuation in Canada, the fourth generation Sable was never available in the Canadian market. Thus it was unique to the US and Mexico.
The 2005 Mercury Montego and 2006 Milan were launched as replacements for the Sable.[17] Shortly after the Montego's introduction the Sable was discontinued, along with the Taurus wagon; the Taurus sedan continued to be produced, but primarily for the fleet market. The last Sable left the Atlanta plant on April 29, 2005.[10]