Mercury Sable Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.32/5 Average
489 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 141 through 150 of 489.00
  • family man with 91k - 1999 Mercury Sable
    By -

    I bought the car with 84k miles and Im impressed. The Duratec engine starts easy in the winter and has ample pep. I get about 22.5 mpg on average (after tune up), which could be better I think. Its comfortable, quiet and roomy. No problem driving in snow. Huge trunk but the opening could be bigger. Its rather susceptible to cross winds when driving at highway speeds but otherwise smooth and solid (no rattle). The heated mirrors clear ice/snow build up pretty quick. Plenty of room for 3 kid seats in the back.

  • Love It! - 1999 Mercury Sable
    By -

    This is the first Sable Ive ever owned, and I purchased it new. After having a horrible experience with an Escort, I was very leary about owning anything of the Ford or Mercury Division. I love this car. The trunk is unbelievably large. The 24V DOHC gives it great zip and go. It corner great and handles wonderfully in bad weather. My only negative experience was having to replace both back brakes including calipers and rotors this past summer with about 40,000 miles on them.

  • Better Than Cadillac - 2008 Mercury Sable
    By -

    My last car was a very nice Cadillac STS, but I honestly like the Sable a lot better. I have owned my 08 Sable for just over a year and have 41,000 miles. Ive had no trouble whatsoever. It has a much roomier interior than my Cadillac. The platform seems higher than most cars so its easier to get into and out of and visibility is great while driving. The hands free phone through Synch is great. I think its a better car than the Cadillac -- at about half the price. I highly recommend it!

  • winkerwag - 1997 Mercury Sable
    By -

    Wagon was very versatile and comfortable. Got it for a fair price, used. Trouble was car was not reliable, cat. converter went out shortly after warranty ran out at 80k. Transmission modules replaced twice. Last straw was when transmission needed rebuilt. Ended up selling it as is.

  • Good later years vehicle - 2009 Mercury Sable
    By -

    Very happy with the 2009 Sable compared to 2003 Grand Marquis which we still own. Good vehicle for older people for ease of entry, more room than it appears. Is a fun to drive auto and takes less room to park.

  • 2000 Mercury Sable LS Premium Sedan - 2000 Mercury Sable
    By -

    I purchased the car after selling my 1997 Mercury Sable LS Premium. The Sable has not went back to the dealership for anything which surprised me considering all the recalls other Sables have had.I ordered my car in Royal Blue. The color really looks nice on the car and looks good with the alloy wheels. The interior looks very upscale for a $25,000 family sedan and looks alot better than cartoonish dashboard of my previous Sable. I had to have the Duratec V-6 after I test drove a GS with the Vulcan motor. It is such a huge improvement over the OHV 3.0 motor. Im thinking of trading up to a 2004.

  • Great Car - 2001 Mercury Sable
    By -

    I have owned this car for 7 years. The only thing Ive done is change tires and a battery. Car drives like a sports car and rides like a Lincoln. Great handling in mountain curves.

  • Best Buy / Worst Sell - 2004 Mercury Sable
    By -

    I have had my Sable LS for about 9 months. Traded a 2003 Aviator for better gas mileage. This car is the most comfortable car I have owned including the Aviator and 2003 Mercedes C-320. The seats have plenty room, a/c works extremely well even in New Orleans summer climate, mach sound system is very adequate. Performance with Duratec V-6 is very responsive. Gas mileage could be better, however, I am sure part of that goes along with different driving habits. Trunk space is very good. Style is good but lacks eye catching appeal, looks like many other mid size sedans. For the money you cant get a better car, however, if you want to sell it you will take a beating as resale is poor.

  • Great alternative to minivans & SUVs! - 2003 Mercury Sable
    By -

    After considering several minivans and SUVs to fill the role of our family vehicle we selected a Mercury Sable LS Wagon. Its a great value loaded with so many extras, very comfortable, great incentive laden financing and it carries 8 passengers!

  • Sable for the win! - 2001 Mercury Sable
    By -

    I have owned my Sable for over a year now and dont have any complaints at all. Most of my driving is done on the highway with my shortest trips being about an hour and a half. That being said, I still do a little driving in the city, so Ive been able to see how it performs there- flawlessly. Ive performed nothing but routine maintenance even with a couple off-roading experiences (I have the pictures to prove it), burning rubber and maneuvers that are usually only taught at police driving courses.

Mercury Sable Reviews By Year:
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