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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  Wow - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By Darwin - August 18 - 12:26 am

  08 sable with sync black on black. Wow whata car. Excellent get up and go. Comfortable. Luxury feel for not so much the price. I would reccomend this for anybody! For the money you cant complain.

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  Wish I hadnt bought it - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By winterstar - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the Sable for three years and it is constantly in the shop being worked on every month. It has had numerous problems with the Air Conditioner,that have never been fixed. Along with some very scary experiences with the brakes locking up. Not to mention the number of recalls as well. It was the worst car purchase we have ever made.

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  Sable - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By Bernd Langer - August 7 - 4:13 pm

  This vehicle has proved to be the quality one would expect from a new car purchase. I have had only one warranty item the car needed to be returned to the dealer for. The interior luxury and space for a taller person is wonderful. For years I have driven a cramped import or small economical car and this is a welcome change. If this car prove to be as reliable long term as my escort and Toyota corona and camry were then it was well worth. it.

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  Underpriced - 2005 Mercury Sable
  By Sean - August 2 - 12:43 am

  This is my 2nd sable; the first lasted over 12 years before it finally quit. The 05 sable exceeded my expectations as far as interior design and build quality. It kind of reminds me of a luxury car. It may not have perfect gas mileage (I average around between 27-29 mpg), but other than that it definitely outclasses most of its competitors. This car deserves a lot more credit.

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  Good Car - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By Dawn Miller - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my wagon, but had to learn how to get in and out without bumping my head. I was told it had 2 extra passenger folding seats, but upon checking it out (after the sale) it did not. Not the wagons fault, but the deceit of my salesman! After driving it for 4 months I have learned to love it. I added the CD changer and the pull down cover. 20 miles to the gallon is average. I am happy. It has great style

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  GREAT CAR!!!! - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By gomeixel - July 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the price!! It has lots of room for a family, but it is still very stylish. A very safe, sound car to drive. Did great in crash tests ratings. Has adjustable gas and brake pedal, so you can sit as far as possible from the airbag. We love this car and will definetly purchase again!!

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  This Ones a Sleeper - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By Richard - July 13 - 12:16 pm

  Bought this car used with 31K miles in 2005. Its more than met my expectations. Handsome, spacious, easy to drive, good build quality, comfortable for long trips. If you are looking for a performance car to push to its limits, look elsewhere. If you are considering this vehicle as a used car, take advantage of the weak resale value and enjoy it.

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  My Big Red Wagon - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By stantheman - July 11 - 10:00 am

  My 99 Sable LS wagon replaced a 96 Explorer with the V8. The Sables horsepower is only 5 less than the Explorer. Since I do not tow anything, I did not miss the difference in the torque. The cargo capacity is not far off from the Explorer. The car is comfortable. I have made several road trips of at least 500 miles; all in comfort. The LS bells and whistles (options)are icing on an outstanding cake. My wife still prefers an SUV but has no qualms about using my car when she needs to move people and/or stuff!

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  Magnificent Mid-size - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By falsesmall - July 10 - 4:26 pm

  After 100,000 miles this car is a dream. The premium model is chock full of options that leave you wanting nothing. This a "true" mid-size sedan that looks and rides great. Interior design is conservative yet attractive. Controls are logically laid out. Excellent climate control. Handling is precise enough..what you would expect in a car of this size and weight. I love the solid feel and feel quite safe with the side airbags and ABS. Duratec six cylinder is powerful and, with the 4 speed automatic/overdrive, smooth as silk. Frankly the best engine/trans marriage I think I ever owned, new or used. Luxury and power at a great pre-owned price tag. This is an American car done right.

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  Love this car, but am concerned ........ - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By JerseyJeff - June 28 - 4:23 pm

  Bought this car with 12K miles on it 10 years ago. Now has 120K miles on it. Overall, I am satisfied however my concerns are, the cooling system needs tobe flushed every 18 months to clean out the heater core, the windshield wipers come on buy themselves, the cruise control works sporadically, and the ABS light comes on when it is very cold out. The really big issue was when the brake lines rusted out last summer while my 19 year old son was driving. The brakes failed and he ran into the car in front of him. I thought the car had been well maintained, but it seems no one had checked the brake lines. I understand rusting brake lines are a common Ford issue.