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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  Sable 24V - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By Arrow - July 15 - 2:00 am

  The 24V DOHC engine is extremely smooth, quiet and pulls this solidly built car to highway speeds quickly and without fuss. The interior room and trunk volume are exceptional and unmatched by the foreign competition. The traction control takes a little getting used as compared to my two previous Sables without this feature, but is extremely effective on snow and ice. Who needs a vehicle to haul around all those 4WD mechanicals all the time? The leather interior is top- notch and the power sunroom adds a new dimension to my motoring. I would highly recommend this Georgia-built car to anyone looking for value in well- built car.

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  2001 Sable - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By bluesky - July 2 - 2:00 am

  24 valve engine very responsive with good gas mileage...extremely reliable thus far. Very good manufacturing detail. Only problem was a brake pedal recall.

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  5 years old & looks like its brand new - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By Thomas - June 5 - 3:40 pm

  I purchased my 01 Sable LS Premium in Sept.2000 and i have loved it and took great care of it since then my Sable is great it has a smooth ride and for the most part its very quiet and it handles very well the V6 engine performs well to be a 3.0L with 200HP and i just enjoy driving it i have never had any problems with it it runs as well now as it did when i bought it the interior is of good quality the wood grain could be nicer and it has plenty of space front and rear and the trunk space is amazing and my Sable looks just like the one edmunds has pictured above except mine has a chrome grille instead of black one.So if you own a Mercury Sable you have got a wonderful car and i Love them ..

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  Mercury Sable - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By Teddi - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this Mercury Sable Feb. 2004--It is a 2001 model-- It has 13000 miles on it--Drives beautifully! Very comfortable and I love the sun-roof!

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  Third Sable - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By Ray DiMaio - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This wagon is my third one. I have enjoyed this car as it has gone through upgrades. I rate it high because none of the three have given me any problems other than normal wear and tear. I would get another one when this one is turned in to the leasing company.

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  My Comments - 2005 Mercury Sable
  By a. cOLARUSSO - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the all around performance. A great ride for a mid size car !

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  Actually a Great Car - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By Mike OMeara - May 23 - 10:00 am

  The Sable LS with the 24-valve engine is a great performing car. I have the leather, power package and CD and basically this package provides you with just the right amenities without overkill. This is my second Sable, and the last one I drove 152,000 with no problem, then let my teenage daughter have it. The 200 hp 24-valve engine is a solid performer, but I wouldnt mind seeing a more powerful engine as a future option -- somthing like the 260 hp offered in the Lincoln LS. Overall a real solid performer.

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  So Far So Good - Part III - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By 04SableDriver - May 21 - 9:16 am

  Nearly 12,000 miles and still rolling along! Not much new to report with my Merc, save for what I think will be usual (and on-going) praise and dismay. To the former; a spacious and comfortable interior, smooth ride (whether city or highway), and myriad amenities for the buck. To counter; (relatively) poor gas mileage (no more than 21 mpg overall), a dysfunctional starter "repaired" now twice in 11 months, and a generally unrefined feel throughout (poor interior fittings, rough idlying/revvving motor, random creaks, etc). Sables are no longer constructed as new, yet still abundant as wholly reasonable "pre-owned" buys. Despite stated shortcomings do I recommend the ol Merc? You bet!

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  GREAT CAR!!!! - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By phil m - May 21 - 8:03 am

  This is my second Mercury Sable. Both have been very reliable. Howevwer the 2008 is far more comfortable and luxurious than the 2005 I replaced. High seating, great visibility, huge back seat and trunk make this a perfect family car. I also own a Lincoln Town Car, but the Sable is the preferred car for trips. Build quality is excellent. I would highly recommend the car to anyone of any age. You will not be sorry if you buy one.

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  Great little car - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By terry.pittman - May 19 - 11:00 pm

  easy all around fun car to drive, very responsive steering goes exactly where you point it and hugs the road. good visability from all points. this car gives you a secure feeling with a quiet smooth ride. get the LS model the engine alone is worth it.