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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  Mercury Disabled (Sable) - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By Julie - July 25 - 10:30 pm

  Now I know why this car has the nickname Mercury disabled I bought the car 4 months ago and it has been in the shop more than in my garage. The transmission went out 36 hours after I got it home (with 52k miles on it). Since that repair it has had a stuck pcv valve, an replace air intake cylinoid and now both front struts are bad. This good deal - even w/ an extended warranty - has cost me another $1200 in repairs. I would never, ever buy it again.

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  Our Sable LS Wagon - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By sultanik - July 19 - 10:00 am

  We like our wagon for convenience, style, and practicality. The features and options are very good and we like them all. For the money we feel we are getting a lot. The only complaint is that we feel the ride is too stiff and not as smooth as we would like on rough road.

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  Reliabe - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By aarttek - July 18 - 5:03 am

  The car drives well, it is comfortable and handles easily. I use it to transport seniors from place to place and they have complemented on the Sables comfortable ride.

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  a/c concerns - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By bw - July 7 - 9:26 am

  i am wondering if anyone else is having this problem. the a/c moduole and door have been replaced and keep quitting on me. i believe it is an electrical problem since the unit works when it plugged in again(after tearing down the car and hours doing so) the dealership said it was the module and door but something shorts the motor module that controls the door that closes for a/c and heating control. the cost can go above $600 to tear it down again. we have 53,000 miles on it. the sable LS with 24 valve engine. any ideas?

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  Premium Sable - Great Car - 2002 Mercury Sable
  By megina222 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle provides a smooth comfortable ride. No crampy back seat. The premium model has many desirable features. This car has 4 air bags, a glow in the dark trunk opener inside the trunk, traction control and other safety features that has one this model government safety awards. My insurance rates actually were lower than what I was paying for on my 1995 4 wheel drive Rodeo. I have the Vibrant White Clearcoat and Chromatic Wheels which gives the car a sporty cool look. For the first time, I am completely happy with my automobile! Happy Sabling

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  2008 Sable - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By C Mondo - June 21 - 12:26 am

  Just bought this 08 Sable and s far with 600 miles, I love it. Seats are incredibly confortable, ride is smooth and quiet. I compared with the Fusion and when you add the V6 and traction control with to the Fusion, the Sable is a much better value.

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  Watch out for the transmission! - 1998 Mercury Sable
  By Arabella - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and its been great till the transmission went at 81K and almost 6 years of age. Its costing me a small fortune to get it back on the road. After reading about Fords transmission problems, this is the last Ford for me.

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  A few problems - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By Fred Applegate - June 5 - 10:00 am

  At 5 1/2 years and 52000, after light suburban driving and regular maintenance, the car needed a transmission rebuild and a new front end at a cost of more than $3300. The mechanics seemed not to be surprised, and I know them. Our kids play soccer together, and he is an honest guy. I can only imagine how much this would have cost at a dealer! The biggest problem is that it is the ideal car for our needs.

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  Love It. - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By JB - May 31 - 10:10 pm

  This car hauls... Dont be fooled by its family sedan/granny car appearance Everytime that Ive let someone else drive it they end up squealing the tires their first time behind the wheel, it has a lot more get-up-and-go than they expect. Nice comfy ride and roomy interior. I havent had any major problems yet..(knock on wood) speaking of..the woodgrain interior looks pretty nice and I love the stainless steel door handles. Ive been considering buying a new car but dont want to part with my Sable.

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  Nice Car for the Money - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By Richard - May 30 - 9:50 pm

  I bought this car used three months ago for a second car, mainly short haul. Its capable, comfortable and solid. Leather seats are great. I had a Sable Wagon 12 years ago and the difference is night and day. Makes me a believer in Ford again.