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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  Ownership of Mercury Sable - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By Jim and Janice - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, my Mercury Sable is by far the best vehicle I have had the pleasure to own and operate. Five star rated safety, reliability, good design, ride, interior comfort, excellent options and features make it a very excellent automobile. It suits all of our needs and requirements for and all around tranportation vehicle. Kudos Mercury Sable.

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  ugly car but a great car - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By Sarah - September 19 - 8:20 pm

  I really didnt want to buy this car. I thought it was ugly as could be. But the motor had blown in my other car and I needed a new one quick that was pretty cheap. We got it for like 3500 with only like 80K miles. It has run like a champ with no problems at all! Rides very smooth, even at high speeds. Im looking for a new car now only because we are about to have another child and need a bigger car. It has almost 160K miles and still nothing wrong with it.

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  Pretty Good - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By BK - August 29 - 11:50 am

  I bought mine 6 years ago with 28,716, it now has 195,000. The tranny can be hard to shift when parked on a slope, but it has held up. The cars engine is solid and has been no problem what so ever. The wipers go off every so often. I have had problems for the past two years with the fan not blowing heat when on high, maybe crud in the lines again. It can really be hard to get anything in that trunk opening and folding mirrors would be nice also. The car has had its share of problems with stuff that has failed but never all at once and only a few hundred bucks, nothing that would break the bank. Junkyards, good auto repair shops, parts stores and plus any maintenance I do keep it running.

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  Buy it - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By Hap - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! After 11,000 miles, we have not returned to the dealer once, for anything. This car is surprisingly quick and smooth and it runs on regular gas. We got every feature there is for less than the base price of a SUV. Its an incredible value and really very nice to drive. The re-design in 2000 was a necessity; we would not have purchased this car othewise.

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  I like it! - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By larrybud - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Good car! Solid! I dig it!

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  Fun To Drive When Its Not In For Repair - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By jammb - August 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my final Ford "Fix or Repair Daily" product. I am so tired of bringing the car in for various recalls and other problems (in fact, I need to call the dealer tomorrow to find out why my car is now leaking transmission fluid). Time in the shop is compounded by an inept dealer repair shop. Problems are not fixed right the first time. When its not in the shop, the car is actually very pleasant to drive - great pickup and very smooth even at high speeds. However, its just not worth the effort anymore. We also own a Hyundai Santa Fe, which has had zero problems, and has a better warranty.

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  Good Buy - 1998 Mercury Sable
  By fyrebrd99 - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Nice Car. I have alot of fun with it, it handles nice, but has alot of room in it also.

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  99 sable great car - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By western mass - August 1 - 2:00 am

  We replaced our 1996 Sable with a 99 w touring package Nothing has needed to be fixed. Im picky and this car has been flawless. 200hp eng fun to drive, great in the snow.

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  Great car, except for body design - 1998 Mercury Sable
  By GFBeach - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I found a great deal on this car with low mileage (only had 38000 when I bought it). At first I was turned off by the trunk design... from behind, this is a pretty ugly car. However, its got it where it counts: The engine has power to burn and it rides very comfortably.

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  Very impressed and surprised - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By luvmysable - July 11 - 12:20 am

  In 2007 I was in a bad car accident in a small foreign car (I was rear-ended). I resolved to never buy such an unsafe car again. I set out to find the safest car in America and buy it, no matter what. I was sad to have to “settle” for an old lady car like the Sable. I barely test drove it, picked my color, at least got the chrome wheels, and I was off. I am so completely and totally in love with that car! It is amazing and has so many surprises; stuff my Mom’s Lexus doesn’t even have. And it can *move* if you get on the gas pedal. It’s the only car I will ever buy and I will lease a new one in two years, without question. I feel so safe! This was no compromise for me at all! Love it!