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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  Uh, buy something else... - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By Not Sure N Colorado - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car from my grandmother at 7,200 miles and drove it to Colorado. Amazingly tight suspension. Then half the bulbs in the dash blew out. Put 5 people in it and try to drive up a steep pass and the tranny overheats badly and slips/smokes. THAT is unacceptable. Then the tranny died at 12,000 and again at 19,000 Car then got (stolen, kindof)a one-way brick-on-the- gas trip into Monument Lake and that was the end of that(sorry State Farm Insurance). I refuse to be jacked around by a $24k car when my cheesy old Toyota with 126k has never failed us

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  What a deal - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By Baby boomer - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car in July 2004 after all the rebates were announced. I have the luxury package for a premium Mercury LS Sable, and got almost $6,000 off the sticker price, which included $4,000 from Ford. The rest was from the dealer. I got an excellent deal on an excellent car. Would highly recommend a Sable.

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  Company car - 2002 Mercury Sable
  By mickydees - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Car drives well on the road but there seems to be a lot of wind noise around the windshield. And of course, there is a recall notice on this vehicle, Ford leads the world in recall notices.

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  Nice car at lower mileage - 1998 Mercury Sable
  By proud2be - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Car was great when we first bought it, but then little things started going wrong. Wacky things. Replaced transmission mount twice, replaced numerous sensors. Anti-theft light continually blinks, now even when driving. I really like that one key opens everything. Has never left us stranded, but little things keep going bad. I just dont feel that its dependable anymore. Priced too high for what you get and doesnt hold value.

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  what a piece - 2002 Mercury Sable
  By Perry Tolliver - May 2 - 12:20 pm

  car only has 90 tyhousand miles on it the interior is falling apart, the tape deck quit working, uncomfortable on ong trips probally due to the leather seats, was handed down to me by my parents, that upgraded to a top of the line Acura, with the money that I have put into repairing the car I could have flat bought a nice brand new car or had a really large down payment on one. This car broke me for Ford Motor Company. I will never buy another Ford midsize again

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  Safe 5 star & nice room - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By go blue - April 23 - 6:43 pm

  Currently the vehicle has 100,000 miles. Besides normal brakes, tires and oil changes, the only repair I had to make was a blower fan for $150.00. I looked at the Honda Accord & Toyota Camry - both of those cars have timing belts and 30,000 mile tune ups. I had a 100% chance of spending $600 for the timing belt and $300 for each tune up X 3 since I have 100,000 miles. That is a total of $1,500 in normal maintenance that I avoided with Fords / Mercurys 100,000 mile tune up and a timing chain that lasts the life of the vehicle - serveral hundred thousand miles. Why do you think Consumer Reports does not bring this up? Ford delivers vehicle with the design to minimize maintenance costs!

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  Still Rolling - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By jetgirl77 - April 17 - 5:50 am

  I bought my Sable used at 85K miles. I now have 147K miles on it and still rolling along. Ive replaced the blower motor, IAC valve, ignition coil and of course had the door panels reglued when they fell down, but with the inexpensive used price its hard to complain. Just took it through the mountains of WV and got 28.5-29.75 mpg at 70+. Get about 21 mpg around town. Comfortable ride on the highway. Im going to have trouble finding a replacement when the time comes.

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  Not too shabby - 1998 Mercury Sable
  By RBS - April 15 - 7:30 am

  strong performance, especially w/24v dohc duratec motor. Very roomy inside for a midsize car (equivilant to full size import though). Comfortable road trip or small family car. Decent gas Mileage for size (near 25 on freeway)

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  Woody Goody - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By Cam 2004 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I always wanted a big wagon with wood paneling. But those 80s Fords were too old. But I also wanted a used car. So when I swa one of these on the road I wanted it. I didnt like the front of the Ford Tarus model, I liked the front of the Mercury, the turn signals being in the grille.(reminds me of an old 1960s Dodge Dart.)So, it was not too old, but not brand new, so I bought a white SL model. I then bought a roll of fake wood paneling, from Stripeman.com, and coustomized my wagon. (I loved the Brady Bunch wagon.)It was a bit pricey, but I loved the way my new wagon looked! Its a great family car, lots of room and versital, if you get one with a roof rack like I did.

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  best auto ever owned, - 2005 Mercury Sable
  By Ted ZAmbricki - April 5 - 1:56 pm

  never had a problem with the Sable. it starts very good, the air conditioner is excellent, it cools instantly, the heater likewise it heats instantly, The pick up is excellent, the price is great I purchased the best model so it goes to show that you get what you pay for. I would purchase a Mercury or Mazda as my next new auto. I like the Mercury van that is made by Mazda, I had one for 2 years and got spoiled. I will purchase my next auto in 2006 which will be as I had stated.