Ford Escort vs Mercury Sable
The Ford Escort is more fuel-efficient at 30 MPG combined, against 21 MPG for the Mercury Sable. At EPA assumptions that is about $950 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Ford Escort | Mercury Sable | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 480 | 981 |
| Most reported problem | Seat belts | Engine |
| Crashes and fires | 37 and 17 | 24 and 15 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 48,000 miles | 95,000 miles |
| Recalls | 1 | 6 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 30 MPG | 21 MPG |
| City and highway | 26 and 35 | 18 and 27 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,250 | $3,200 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 480 complaints for the Ford Escort and 981 for the Mercury Sable. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 1 for the Ford Escort, 6 for the Mercury Sable.