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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  Another Ford Transmission Problem - 1999 Mercury Sable
  By Steve--Midlothian VA - April 25 - 1:10 am

  I am the 2nd owner of my 99 Sable (owned it for almost 4 years). It has only 70k miles on it, but it already needs major transmission work. It slips, or neutrals out momentarily, when starting from a stop. Ford, this is a safety issue, not just a value issue! No car should require a transmission rebuild at 70k. Additionally, the ABS light comes on intermittently, the brake pedal groans a bit, then sinks slightly to the floor. The dealer says his diagnostic computer cant communicate with my cars computer, so he doesnt know whats wrong or how to fix it. Makes me feel like I own a FIAT ("Fix It Again, Tony"). Now I understand why so many people switch to Hondas and Toyotas.

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  Its Pretty Good...! - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By RT - April 6 - 1:36 am

  Having owned this car for 6+ years, we are very familiar with the breed. Its been quite a good car. Its very unassuming--but it serves its purpose: reliable transportation. The moon roof is a great feature as is the ventiliation (something that always stands out with Fords). Good buy at an exceptional price back in 00.

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  A Reliable Ford Product - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By macky9621 - April 4 - 2:14 am

  I bought this car from a friend for $1,200 with 129,000 miles on it. It now has 182,000 miles. It runs and drives as good as the day I got it, but have had to put a lot into it as far as suspension parts. Had to replace tie rods (3x), ball joints (2x), and have only owned the car for one year. Other things, I would consider to be maintenance, have had to be fixed/replaced (calipers, spark plugs/wires, upper/lower intake mainfold gaskets, etc). The gas tank was replaced as well (plastic would have been nice - the last one rotted out). It still keeps rolling along though! I guess for the money, I cant complain.

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  2002 Mercury Sable GS Sedan - 2002 Mercury Sable
  By Michael Wayne - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, great look. If you can afford the LS, get it for the larger engine.

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  2001 Sable sedan - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By todd - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, roomy, attractive

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  It wont quit - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By tsandy1 - March 21 - 7:58 pm

  210,000 miles and it wont quit. We bought it used with 38,000 miles on it. I was hoping for a major break down after a few years so I could get a different car. I hate having the same car too long. I like variety. Damned thing just kept going. We finally had to give it to our son. We thought if anybody could kill it, he could. Nope, its still going. I am amazed at how good of a car this thing has been. We truly have only done routine maintenance on it. Cosmetically hasnt held up as well as my 2001 Cadillac DeVille, but mechanically the Sable has been a champ.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By pumpkin5092000 - March 21 - 5:40 pm

  This car was given to me with 60xxx miles on it by my folks who bought it new. I LOVE THIS CAR!!! The only problem we ever had was with the coil springs. It has been incredibly reliable. I just recently gave it to my friends daughter. It has over 300XXX miles on it now and still runs like new. This has been the perfect car. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone!

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  Michael Momberg - 2005 Mercury Sable
  By Michael Momberg - March 19 - 5:26 am

  This vehicle is what I was searching for. It has all the options I wanted and the price was most affordable. I would recommend Mercury to others. An overall good American car.

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  Dependable, practical and comfortable!! - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By Sable LS - March 3 - 10:53 pm

  I am handicapped and elderly and find this car to be responsible and always ready without worry.

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  Complaint - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By john - March 2 - 1:06 am

  Only complaint is the style,especially the back.Should be more stylish like a Camry, and accord. Not as smooth riding as my 2003 and 1998 Gran Prei. Especially on bumps. This is an honest review. Other than that I like the car roomy.Great trunk. I still havent got my 18 mi. to gallon locally?