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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  Decent Family Car - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By owensry - November 3 - 10:26 pm

  overall this sable is a great family vehicle, and not too horrible on gas mileage, i have the 24 V Duratech engine with 200 HP great pep to the engine, very nice leather seats, and paint color combination.

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  Used 2008 Sable Premier AWD - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By billyd425 - October 30 - 1:58 pm

  This car had 49K when I bought it last August. Put about 15K on it so far. Drives & handles well. Wish the drivers seat floor didnt have the mound on the left side and the floor was a bit wider. Console is in an awkward position to retrieve change or plug a device into the USB Port. EVERYone who had rode in this car has nothing but compliments about it. Getting about 400 miles to a tankful (19 Gallons) with most of my driving being city while trying to get to the highway. Plenty of room in the back seat. Quiet at 80mph on the highway.

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  Fantastic Car - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By kjnewman - October 30 - 2:40 am

  I wanted to move up to an import luxury car and spent time looking at Lexus, Acura and Audi first. My last stop was the Lincoln-Mercury dealer. I drove the MKZ and then the salesman suggested I try the new Sable. I was reluctant but figured since I was there anyway I might as well try it. What a car! $20,000-40,000 less than the imports with all the bells and whistles. I was so shocked I had to go back 3 times to make sure. This car is a steal! The Sync system is terrific and the car is so damn comfortable I can hardly believe it. Ford has a winner here that appears to have been overlooked by the media and auto pundits.

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  Best used vehicle I have owned. - 1998 Mercury Sable
  By vtray - October 28 - 3:07 am

  I am 73 and have owned a lot of vehicles, both new and used. I bought this car in Florida with 69K miles on it. We have a condo in Fl and live in VT. I drove it (packed to the ceiling) to Vermont (1635 Miles) and never had a problem. When I bought it, I had a wheel alignment and two new tires. Other than that, nothing was done. Although it is a GS model it has a lot of add ons such as the V6 Durotec engine with dual exhaust, leather all around, power seats, security system, chrome wheels etc. The Durotec is fantastic. It is quick (200HP) and yet delivers 28 MPG on the highway. Have had the car for about 9 months and no problems yet.

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  overall a great car - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By baldwin125 - October 22 - 5:46 pm

  I got this car in the summer of 08. had 143k on it. it rode smoothly. it was quick to accelerate and handling was very responsive. Never got stuck in the winter. had to travel on some really muddy roads sometimes and had no trouble getting through. one concern i had was the transmission. it lagged from 1st to 2nd sometimes but never became a huge issue. I had to repair the altenator twice and replaced the starter once. lots of interior room, huge trunk space. speakers were great quality. ac was beyond amazing, heat was slow but great none the less. i was in an accident in the winter. id say the saftey of the vehicle is excellent. it was a rear end collision and nobody in the car was injured.

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  Dont waste your money - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By mykem1 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  After the first year, the cars mileage worsened and is still horrible today, although the dealers computer assures me I should be getting excellent mileage (now gets 13MPG city and 23MPG Hwy). Car has had multiple recalls, and has been in for faulty airbag. Now a new problem has popped up and it is much nastier (whole front end is shaking and lights all over dash). Car is 2 years old and only has 16,000 miles. Ford outdid themselves this time, my other Fords all went crazy just after 35,000 miles. This one cut that time in half.

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  A lot of car for the money! - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By Wynn - October 10 - 10:53 am

  I bought my Sable on July 7 and continue to be amazed at the performance and features. The transmission is silky smooth and seems designed for highway mileage. Front passengers door unlocks with pull of the handle again--terrific! Vehicle is so quiet the Pirelli tire noise is noticable on some pavement. Performance of the new headlights is great.

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  1999 Mercury Sable - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By Ford Fan - August 31 - 3:50 am

  This is my 15th car I have owned. It has been the best performer of all. I looks and performs very well. It is comfortable on long trips or short trips to the store. I have owned Ford, Chevrolet, Plymouth, Toyota, and Isuzu vehicles. None have performed or been more reliable than this Sable. Im sorry they are being discontinued.

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  Sable -$ fror $ = the best buy - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By M535i - August 25 - 10:00 am

  We are just about at 70,000 miles and never had any major repairs. The car is much faster than compatible modles and the LS trim makes the car look real sleak. Dont be afraid of buying as sable! However, never buy one with a trailer hitch as the tranmittions are not designed for towing. Stay away fromt the 3.8 Liter motor because of head gasket problems. I have leather seats, sunroof and climate control and a compatible Toyota Camry would have been a lot of thousands more. Why pay all that extra money.

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  We have a winner! - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By CommuterMan - August 16 - 5:00 am

  I bought my Sable two weeks ago and I have to say that Mercury has hit a home run with this one! Theyve addressed all of the weaknesses of the Montego: styling, power, wind noise, and lack of ESC. I love the looks of the new Sable, which must be seen in person to appreciate. I didnt care for the front of the Montego, it looked sort of buck-toothed. The Sable on the other hand, looks hungry. Up close it looks like a cross between the Milan and the Chrysler 300. The Sable has a much beefier engine now and it corners nicely. You just point and go - effortlessly, with plenty of power to spare. The 2008 Sable looks bigger than the old, but is only 2 in. longer.