Ford Thunderbird vs Mercury Sable
The Mercury Sable is more fuel-efficient at 21 MPG combined, against 20 MPG for the Ford Thunderbird. At EPA assumptions that is about $150 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Ford Thunderbird | Mercury Sable | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 559 | 981 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Engine |
| Crashes and fires | 13 and 8 | 24 and 15 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 97,000 miles | 95,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 6 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 20 MPG | 21 MPG |
| City and highway | 17 and 24 | 18 and 27 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,350 | $3,200 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 559 complaints for the Ford Thunderbird 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: 3 for the Ford Thunderbird, 6 for the Mercury Sable.