Saber Artoria seems to get a good amount of respect, from many of the writers most of the time, much of the fandom, and in universe.
It makes sense many would view her as strong and reliable as a protagonist. Narratively the story seems to treat her with respect, most of the time. And treat her as a relatively strong, powerful force to much of the setting, with her having a chance against even enemies that seem to have her as an underdog.
However, how strong is she without using mana to boost her abilities?
I've seen some portray Artoria as rather weak without a mana burst, weaker then normal humans. Having trouble lifting small barbell or grocery bags.
Which doesn't make much sense to me. Even if she used mana burst, shouldn't just lifting a swinging a sword give her some strength training even if she did no formal strength training or skill training? Unless the mana burst interfered with strength being built that way.
Though I've seen some say human Artoria is much stronger the Servant Artoria as well.