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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  Waited for 2008 and Glad - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By JFS - March 24 - 12:16 pm

  Almost bot 2005 Montego but backed out at the last minute. Was nervous over engine and quirky CVT. 08 offer sufficent power, smooth 6 spd trany. All other features - space, ride, safety, still there. USA Today auto editor said that front end bounces too much over sharp bumps. I cant find this at all. Some have said that 6 spd trans too slow to downshift and "hunts" too much for right gear. I disagree again. Exterior design may not be a medal winner but certainly not ugly. Is some tire noise w/ 18" Pirellis but no where near a deal breaker. A very underated car.

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  Great Car - 1998 Mercury Sable
  By sandy - March 21 - 11:56 pm

  Bought the car used, 10+ years ago, with 25000 mls on it. Car now has over 276,000+ miles. It consistently gets 21 mpg. We recently took a 1000 mile trip and got 29 mpg. Getting old and having some problems but has been a GREAT car!!! Will probably replace with a used, NOT new style, model.

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  3 snaps in a diamond formation - 2002 Mercury Sable
  By BjRoush - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car!! I was so into getting a Mountaineer, however after test driving this sable, she was a winner, hands down. Mable "the sable" as she is now known as is a superb choice. I have since outfitted her in brand new seat covers (i feel guilty for covering up the lovely leather), a brand new steering wheel cover, and a new license plte cover. She sure is pretty

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  I like my Sable. - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By Kay Cole - March 8 - 1:13 pm

  I enjoyed driving my Sable, it is easy to park, and handle around town. It has the power under the hood when I need it on the road.

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  Decent - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By Jabba - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Moved to the Sable Wagon from a Plymouth Grand Voyager. The wagon seems smaller on the road but sure is larger putting it in the garage! Excellent ride and visibility. Clean, classy looking front end styling but slab sided, and dated rear end styling. Our local Ford/Mercury dealer is clueless for service so I do it myself or take it to the next dealer 30 miles away. Be sure to get the 24-valve motor - we didnt and regret it.

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  poor mechanical reliability but some fun - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By Superpops - February 16 - 5:16 am

  Replaced/ returned front braker rotors three times in first 75000 miles. Replaced front steering rack and power steering pump at 65000 miles. Car gets poor fuel economy intown 12 - 18 MPG & hwy 28 MPG. Will hang on to this car untill a catastropic failure occurs.

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  08 Sable - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By Merlin - February 9 - 4:00 pm

  Traded a Honda Accord 06, EX-L, for this 08 Mercury Sable. So far Im extremely pleased with this car. I gave up nothing in terms of build quality and find it much more comfortable than the Honda. Would certainly recommend it to those looking for superior car at a reasonable price.

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  Sable, 2004 - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By jerry6014 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Well made car, fun to drive.

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  Mercury builds a winner! - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By Variseal - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought an LS premium with the Duratec 24V V6. The engine makes a nice subdued growl at full throttle and pulls strongly at all speeds, right up to a governed 110 MPH. Handling is above average for a large sedan but the ride is much more forgiving than the Regal/Grand Prix/Impala from GM. Interior is functional, user-friendly and comfortable, if not the most attractive Ive seen. The adjustable pedals are great for my 5 2" wife and I can easily find a good position for my 6 2" frame with plenty of head room. The Mach audio system has good sound and the 6-disc changer in the console is a nice touch. Heater/AC works great.

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  I love my sable - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By MR SABLE! - February 4 - 7:53 pm

  good car, my tranny went after 122,000 miles, got it replaced and she runs fine. its also pretty fast