Mercury Sable Wagon
19 MPG The 2005 Mercury Sable Wagon is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 23.7 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1986–2005 run it averages 19.7 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 | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23.7 | $3300 | 468 | 3 |
| 2004 | 19.3 MPG | 16.7 | 23.7 | $3233 | 460 | 3 |
| 2003 | 19 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 3 |
| 2002 | 19.3 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3233 | 460 | 3 |
| 2001 | 19 MPG | 16.5 | 24 | $3300 | 468 | 2 |
| 2000 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 1999 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 24.5 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 1998 | 18.5 MPG | 16 | 23.5 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 1997 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 24 | $3200 | 456 | 2 |
| 1996 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25.5 | $3100 | 444 | 2 |
| 1995 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25.5 | $3125 | 445 | 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 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3200 | 458 | 2 |
| 1990 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3200 | 458 | 2 |
| 1989 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 26.5 | $3025 | 434 | 2 |
| 1988 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 1987 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1986 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3200 | 456 | 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 21 midsize-large station wagons models tracked here, the Mercury Sable Wagon ranks 10 on current figures, against a class average of 19.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mitsubishi Expo (20), Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser (20), Pontiac 6000 Wagon (20.5), Buick Century Wagon (21), Chrysler Town and Country Wagon (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 468 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercury Sable Wagon get?
The 2005 Mercury Sable Wagon is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 23.7 highway. Across all 20 model years in the database it averages 19.7 MPG, ranging from 18 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercury Sable Wagon cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2005 model is $3300.
Has the Mercury Sable Wagon become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 19 MPG today against 19.5 in 1986 — essentially flat across 20 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mercury Sable Wagon efficient for its class?
It ranks 10 of 21 in the Midsize-Large Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 19.5 MPG. That is 0.5 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.