2002 Mercury Sable Spacious and enjoyable to drive. By Ted West, New Car Test Drive .com

Once a styling leader, Mercury's Sable has retreated to a more conservative look, quietly handsome while avoiding the industrial blandness of its import competition. The Sable provides safety, comfort, and practicality. Yet it's an enjoyable car to drive.

Mercury Sable resides at the large end of the current mid-size scale. Its interior is spacious and pleasing, and by and large, its controls and instrumentation are contemporary, straightforward and easy to use. Its list of safety features is comprehensive, and its five-star front-impact rating from the federal government is unbeatable. Its trunk is capacious.

The Sable wagon is every bit as fun to drive as the sedan, while adding capacity for kids and cargo.

Sable sedan comes in GS ($19,745), GS Plus ($20,805) and LS Premium ($22,170) trim levels. Corresponding levels for the wagon list for $21,155, $22,045,and $23,335, respectively.

GS models are very thoroughly equipped. GS Plus adds heated mirrors, power adjustable pedals, CD player, six-way power driver's seat, and a 60/40 folding rear seat back.

LS Premium models add electronic climate control, automatic headlights, fog lights, bucket seats, console with floor-mounted shifter and rear-seat air conditioning outlet, leather-wrapped steering wheel, seven-spoke machined alloy wheels, SecuriLock anti-theft system with perimeter alarm, and a more powerful V6 engine. Leather upholstery is a no-cost option.

Mercury installs two engines in the Sable. GS and GS Plus versions get the 3.0-liter, overhead-valve "Vulcan" V6, a capable old cast-iron workhorse currently rated 155 horsepower. Standard in LS Premium is Ford's excellent and exciting "Duratec" V6, with dual overhead cams, 24 valves, and 200 horsepower. A four-speed automatic is the only transmission offered.

Side-impact air bags and traction control are offered together in a $565 Secure Package. Anti-lock brakes are a no-cost option on all Sables.