The mid-size Mercury sedan and station wagon feel quite comfortable, with generous space in the cabin, particularly in headroom for backseat riders. Editions for 2004 use simplified trim designations, as segmented now into GS and LS Premium models.

Cabins for sedans are configured for either five or six due to a choice in front seat style -- bench or buckets. Sable GS wagon seats as many as eight, while the LS Premium wagon fits seven or eight, with a rear-facing third bench optional for GS and standard on LS Premium.

Engines for Sable begin with the 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 that achieves 155 hp. Optional power comes from Ford's Duratec version with twin cams pumping 200 hp. The Duratec plant has a redesigned cam cover and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system to improve on noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) aspects.

New color options this year include Medium True Blue Clearcoat Metallic and Merlot Clearcoat Metallic.

The SUV from Mercury tucks into the mid-size class and can carry as many as seven passengers. Revamped in 2002, Mountaineer rides on a long and broad chassis that's stiff and stable.

It uses a suspension system that's unusual for a truck-based vehicle, as there are independent elements for rear wheels as well as front. Such enhancements to chassis and suspension revolutionize ride and handling traits.

Forceful styling for Mountaineer with a bulldog face and smooth body shapes conveys an image of strength as supported by a choice of two powerful engines. The standard V6 musters 210 hp, but an optional aluminum V8 sparks with 239 hp. A five-speed automatic links to either plant.

In the cabin, Mountaineer carries three rows of seats. Editions of 2004 contain more standard features and options, with trim designations labeled as Convenience, Luxury and Premier. Ford's AdvanceTrac dynamic stability control system - which adjusts brake and throttle automatically to correct potentially dangerous lateral skidding - is now available on Mountaineer's two-wheel-drive (2WD) models.

Optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) models employ Ford's Control Trac system to automatically channel engine torque to any wheel. A tire pressure monitoring system becomes standard equipment on Luxury and Premier issues, as an in-dash six-disc CD deck is available on the Luxury series.

The newest nameplate in the Mercury fleet applies to a luxurious minivan that brings a stretched wheelbase for extra space in the cabin and family-friendly features.

The exterior design, adopting styling cues from Mountaineer, features Mercury's bold front grille with satin aluminum accents and monochromatic bodyside cladding. Layout of the cabin shows three rows of seats with twin buckets up front, seats on the second row folding with one-hand convenience and a third bench that drops into the floor to forge a flat cargo bay.

Power to motivate Monterey stems from a 4.2-liter V6 engine rated at 201 hp with a towing capacity up to 3500 pounds. Trim versions are labeled Convenience, Luxury and Premier. The Convenience issue brings a four-speed automatic transaxle, anti-lock brake system (ABS), twin-zone climate controls and forward and reverse park assist, with side-impact air bags optional plus Ford's Safety Canopy.

Monterey Luxury edition adds leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel pegged with audio controls, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, power sliding side doors, side air bags and the Safety Canopy.

Deluxe Premier trim has heated and cooled front seats and perforated leather on those seats, AdvanceTrac stability controls and special aluminum wheels in a split-spoke design. A DVD-based entertainment system for rear tiers of seats appears on the list of options. (...BACK)