The 2000 really isn't too bad looking. Looks almost like it could compete if updated some.
My mom owned both a '96 Taurus and an '00 Sable.. they were both huge piles of crap that were always at the dealer, but when they ran right they were nice cars. I still preferred the taurus styling over the sable styling though. But, those two cars along with a '70-somethin mustang that was even worse are the reason she'll never own a Ford again, no matter how much I try to convince her otherwise.