Mercury Sable
20 MPG The 2005 Mercury Sable is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (17.7 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 750 gallons, $2400 a year in fuel, or $0.160 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1986–2005 run it averages 20.2 MPG, essentially flat across 20 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.175 | $1750 | $2625 | $3500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.225 | $2250 | $3375 | $4500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 20 MPG | 17.7 | 25 | $3100 | 444 | 3 |
| 2004 | 20 MPG | 17.3 | 24.7 | $3100 | 444 | 3 |
| 2003 | 20.7 MPG | 17.7 | 25.3 | $3000 | 430 | 3 |
| 2002 | 20.7 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3000 | 430 | 3 |
| 2001 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 2000 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 1999 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 1998 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 25.5 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 1997 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 26 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1996 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26 | $2950 | 423 | 2 |
| 1995 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 26.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1994 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 26.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1993 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 26 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1992 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 1991 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 1990 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 26 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1989 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 26.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1988 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25.5 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 1987 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1986 | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Mercury Sable ranks 188 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Volvo 850 (20.3), Acura TL 4WD (20.5), Daewoo Leganza (20.5), Lexus GS 300/GS 430 (20.5), Acura TL (20.7).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 444 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercury Sable get?
The 2005 Mercury Sable is rated at 20 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.7 city and 25 highway. Across all 20 model years in the database it averages 20.2 MPG, ranging from 19 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercury Sable cost in fuel per year?
At 20 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 750 gallons — roughly $2400 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.160 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2005 model is $3100.
Has the Mercury Sable become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 20 MPG today against 20 in 1986 — essentially flat across 20 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mercury Sable efficient for its class?
It ranks 188 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 7.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.