Overview & Reviews
The Mercury Sable has always been a kindred spirit to folks like Clint Howard, Kevin Dillon or any Baldwin not named Alec -- celebrities with even more famous siblings. People who will always be greeted with, "Hey, aren't you so-and-so's brother?" or "Your nose is much bigger than your sister's." Along the same lines, it's just about impossible to talk about the Mercury Sable midsize sedan without mentioning the Ford Taurus, its nearly identical sibling that for about half its life was the number-one car sold in the United States.
The Sable came out in 1986 at the same time as its Blue Oval-wearing stablemate, sporting the same revolutionary "jelly bean" shape and thoroughly competent driving experience -- plus it offered nifty full-width front fascia lighting. Yet the Ford got all the headlines, all the accolades and most of the sales. It should have been enough to send the Sable on a one-way trip to Billy-Carter-ville.
Alas, the Sable survived in the shadow of its more popular fraternal twin in complete anonymity as it aged ungracefully amid a family sedan segment that was rapidly getting better. Although discontinued after the 2005 model year, the Sable name was resurrected in 2008, replacing the Montego moniker. Sadly for the Sable, the discontinued Taurus was revived as well, further sealing the Sable's fate, as 2009 would be the last year for the model. Two years later, the Mercury brand itself would go extinct.
Most Recent Mercury Sable
The fifth and last generation of the Mercury Sable was produced (in a fashion) from 2005 through 2009. This car actually debuted as the Montego, reviving an ancient Mercury moniker. But the company evidently felt there was too much heritage in the Sable name and thus renamed the Montego "Sable" for '08. If you're looking at a used Montego, note that it was powered by a comparatively wheezy 203-horsepower V6. A more potent, 263-hp V6, as well as a styling refresh, was part of the Sable's rebirth. In standard form, both were offered with front-wheel drive, but buyers could opt for all-wheel-drive versions as well.
In keeping with its more upscale reputation, the base trim levels were well equipped with 17-inch wheels, full power accessories, power front seats, a CD player with auxiliary input, and the creature comforts you'd expect from other sedans in this segment. Stepping up to the Premier trim level added 18-inch wheels, leather upholstery, heated mirrors and front seats, dual-zone climate control and an upgraded stereo with a CD changer and satellite radio. Options included a sunroof, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and, on '08 and later Sables, the Sync system (standard on the Premier), which allowed voice activation of cell phones and entertainment systems.
Despite being overshadowed by its more popular Ford cousins, the Sable still managed to make its mark with top safety scores, plenty of space for passengers and cargo, a smooth ride and above-average fuel economy for the segment. The Mercury Sable's drawbacks included a non-telescoping steering wheel, a mushy brake pedal and a less-than-engaging driving experience. However, these negatives don't weigh it down enough to take it out of the running when compared to competing full-size sedans. Savvy used car shoppers considering the Taurus will likely note lower pricing with a comparable Sable.
Past Mercury Sable Models
The fourth-generation Mercury Sable generation ran from 2000-'05. Although the basic body shell was carried over from the previous Sable, this edition did away with the ugly "wonderful world of ovals" design scheme, resulting in a more subdued look and improved ergonomics.
The Sable was available in sedan and wagon body styles. Depending on the year, trim levels included GS, GS Plus, LS and LS Premium. Standard equipment was generous on the lower levels, with the LS models providing upscale items like power-adjustable pedals, a power driver seat, automatic climate control and leather upholstery. A rear-facing third-row seat was standard on the LS wagon. The GS came standard with a rather antiquated 3.0-liter V6 (157 hp). Standard on the LS Premium and optional on the LS was a 3.0-liter V6 that boasted twin overhead cams and 24 valves that pushed output to 200 hp while achieving practically identical fuel economy.
Although this generation of Sable and its Taurus clone were respectable entries in the midsize sedan segment when they debuted, they were quickly outpaced and found themselves languishing as unwanted fleet and rental cars. Although they provide comfortable transportation at a low price, other used midsize sedans are more modern, competent choices.
The third-generation Mercury Sable sold from 1996-2000 featured one of the most controversial redesigns in automotive history. It shared the same oval-themed design as its Taurus sibling, but added further bizarre details that created a look that could be described as either "snakelike" or "fishy." Inside, the strange dashboard design drew more mixed reviews, featuring audio and climate controls bunched together in a single oval pod. Some saw it as a blast of fresh air; others as an ergonomic annoyance.
There were two engines available. The GS trim level came with a 3.0-liter "Vulcan" V6 that produced 145 hp, while the LS came with a 200-hp "Duratec" V6. When it arrived on the scene, we were impressed with this all-new Mercury Sable, even if its styling left us a little befuddled and/or nauseous. We thought it was better than most American sedans, while noting that Honda, Toyota and later Oldsmobile offered more compelling choices.
The second-generation Sable ran from 1992-'95 and could perhaps be considered the pinnacle for this car. An evolution of the original, its lower-profile nose and slightly crisper lines tastefully updated the car, while hardware improvements included new safety features such as antilock brakes and a passenger side airbag. Sable sedans and wagons came with either a 3.0-liter V6 or 3.8-liter V6. Horsepower was the same at 140, but the larger engine provided more torque. A four-speed automatic was the only available transmission.
The first-generation Mercury Sable ran from 1986-'91. Compared to the boxy architecture of its competition, the "jellybean" (and aerodynamically efficient) look of the Sable and its Ford Taurus sibling were a breath of fresh air. Plus, the Sable had a front fascia featuring an illuminated "grille" that connected the headlamps with uninterrupted light -- pretty cool in a futuristic sort of way. A 90-hp inline-4 (with either a manual or automatic transmission) and a 3.0-liter, 140-hp V6 (automatic only) were initially offered, but the former engine sold so poorly that it was dropped for 1987. A 3.8-liter V6 became available in 1988 that also produced 140 hp, but pumped out 55 more lb-ft of torque.
User Reviews:
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140,000 miles and going strong - 2004 Mercury Sable
By denx5 - November 25 - 6:56 pmI bought my 04 Sable in the spring of 05. It was a program car and I got a great deal on it. Its been absolutely problem free from day one. Only oil changes, 1 set of tires and 1 set of brake pads. It has really sold me on Ford products again. Currently looking for another program car just coming off lease. I saved a ton over new car cost and definitely got my moneys worth. Next car will be an 08 Sable, probably another program car. You know old ladies drive em so theyre not abused. Oh yeah, it seems like this 3.0 duratec gets better with age. The car feels like it has more power than it did at 20K which is how many miles it had when I bought it.
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2002 Sable Wagon - 2002 Mercury Sable
By bloviator - November 21 - 10:00 amI also own a 2000 sable and this one is even better. Great price performer
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2000 Mercury Sable - 2000 Mercury Sable
By bloviator - November 21 - 10:00 amDefinitely a good price performer. I bought a 2002 sable wagon because I was so satisfied.
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A great car at a great price - 2003 Mercury Sable
By ScottyRS - November 7 - 10:00 amThis car is a capable road car for the package. I drive a lot on all sorts of road and this vehicle takes it all on with confidence.
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What a Surprise - 2004 Mercury Sable
By TallChris - November 4 - 10:00 amI bought a loaded 2000 LS premium a couple years ago. I loved the car then and I love it now. I would recommend the Sable LS premium to anyone. Ive put more than $60K on the car without a problem. It looks great inside and out, the sound system has held up well despite my playing it loud enough to shake the windows of neighboring cars. The best part is the performance, the 200 hp 3.0 still runs like a top, and sprints hard when asked. I took a 1,600 mile road trip last summer and despite driving 90 mph I averaged 27 mpg. Im 68" and guarantee there isnt another car in the price range that is nearly as comfortable--I drove them all.
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A bargin for what you get - 2001 Mercury Sable
By Helmut / New York - November 1 - 10:00 amThis is my 3rd new Mercury Sable LS with the 3.0/V6 200HP engine, and I put on 37.000 Miles on the last one in a year without one problem. I get 30+ MPG on the highway and the engine performes great. You cant beat the price/value aspect of this car, especially as a used vehicle. Would buy again!
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One Great Wagon - 1999 Mercury Sable
By Stoggs - October 13 - 11:13 amThis is one great, practical Wagon. The 3.0 24 valve 200hp engine is very powerful, handling is great, flat through the turns and I can get 7 people in it as long as three of them are children. Driving comfort is very good also. The climate contol is perfect. So far it been the most dependable car Ive owned. I highly recommend it.
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A Lot for the Money - 2004 Mercury Sable
By Boomer1 - October 9 - 10:00 amI have a C-5 Corvtte that I want to last a long time, thus I added the Sable for routine driving. It is not flashy or super at anythigng, but it is a very comfortble, roomy, peppy (with the 24v engine)and well equipped sedan. With ABS, leather seating, automatic adusting rear view mirror, all power, auto climate control, traction control and side air bags, it cost less than $19,000. I get about 20 mpg in town and 30 on the road. This Sableis the quietest vehicle I have owned. My wifet Maxima seems much noiser by contrast.
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Proud Mercury Owner - 2008 Mercury Sable
By Chris - October 8 - 4:03 pmI traded in a 2005 Cadillac SRX fully loaded for a 2008 Mercury Sable Premier AWD fully loaded with satellite radio, navigation, rear DVD and bluetooth sync. I am extremely pleased with this vehicle. It rides better and is quieter than the Cadillac I previously drove. It has one of the largest trunks available in a sedan at over 21 cubic feet. I paid $34,500 with all these features...at least $15,000 lower than if I had bought another Cadillac. The Cadillac had poor quality. This vehicle seems to be built solid. It is every bit as luxurious as any other $50,000+ vehicle when fully loaded. You gotta Check it out!
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Good Car - 2004 Mercury Sable
By JerryM - September 27 - 2:00 amThe Sable is a very nice car. It has a good ride and handles well. Also,very nice looking and nice functional features.
