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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  01 Sable Wagon - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By Ira - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 99 Taurus Wagon w/duatech v6 - never liked that car much - wallowed in corners, ride too soft. Sable flatens out corners, has respectible handling and extremely comfortable seats. Also has Duratech v6 - gas mileage about 4mpg overall better than Taurus. I think it is well worth the extra grand or so over the Taurus - much better vehicle.

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  Solid, dependable, versatile vehicle - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By 7 year owner - January 13 - 3:46 am

  Purchased this car used with 9k mi. Car has been relatively inexpensive to maintain, remains solid and has provided unfailing dependability. Currently has 130k mi. Not an exciting car, but is solid and safe feeling. Smooth highway ride. I call it my 4-wheeled sofa. Has the tried and true base 6-cylinder as I was a bit wary of the more powerful 24-valve 6 cyl. Factory brakes were poor, but once after market brakes put on, no problem. Adequate performance, very useful for family trips, 18-20mpg city, 24-25mpg highway on regular gas. Still running on stock transmission with no signs of problems. Dash, upholstery, and paint remain in excellent condition. Plan to keep for 2 more dependable years.

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  My 2000 Mercury Sable LS Premium - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By TbirdTony - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car 1 month shy of 3 years. It has 25,000 miles on it. I really like the car. The interior, paint, & 24 valve V6 are all great. Like others have stated on the 2000 Sable there have been too many recalls of which most were not necessary (in my opinion). My car also has a very slight oil leak and a rear window/trunk leak which 2 different dealers can not fix. They are annoying little problems that should have been fixed. Ford needs to get there designs tested before sending them out to the consumer. There "Quality is Job 1" is a joke. The little problems that I have had and the number of recalls should have been caught.

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  Excellent Car - 1998 Mercury Sable
  By tbonestewart - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Just returned from a trip to West Virginia. The car with the 3.0 L engine performed excellently going up and down hills, with the car fully loaded (4 passengers and ski gear). Higher octane gas helps under these conditions. Performs like a new car with 84,000 miles- who says Detroit cant make good car?

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  This is a great car - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By Wyoming cowboy - December 17 - 8:00 am

  Seeking an AWD vehicle with good power and plenty of styling and comfort? This one fits the bill. I have owned Subarus and Mercs in the past but this is the best. I regularly get 27+ mpg at freeway speed. It handles well in bad weather. It has a smooth ride and is quiet and solid. I have 7000 miles without a hint of a problem. Only complaint is that the dark ink blue is nearly black. Go for black if you want or lighter blue as this blue shows its beauty only in bright sun.

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  Best Sedan in the world - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By Papo - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle!!

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  under rated sports sedan - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By inetman1 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Mustang GT and Camaro Z28, Grand AM GT. I like quick cars but family demands and shoe horning oneself into a car isnt much fun. I needed a sedan that was within my budget and had good handeling, accelerates and fun to drive. Two family menbers own V6 sedans one was a Toyota Camry, the other a Sable 24V. Seeing the Sable was American made, better seating, and less bland styling, I optd for the Sable. Performance, handling and ride between the two cars is similiar, the Camry is slightly quicker off the line, the Sable is slightly quicker on the upper end of the tach. Fit and finish are good, no rattles or squeks.

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  hi - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By johny - December 9 - 2:00 am

  the car is alright it juust needs more power and a different body style.

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  Beautiful and practical station wagon - 2004 Mercury Sable
  By Peter - December 6 - 2:36 pm

  The medium red color and exterior look of this wagon elicit many second looks. It has been a very satisfactory car thus far. I have had no problems with the car. The large storage space in this relatively long wagon has been great for lugging purchases and for long trips. Eight foot lumber items are no problem with the rear door closed. All in all I am very satisfied.

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  brand new - 2003 Mercury Sable
  By rmcknight - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I dont know about reliability, but i feel i got a whole lot of car. for the money. for the same options that i got, it would have cost $8,000 more for the accord or camry. my only concern is resale. that is where i hope reliability is high. acceleration lags a little at first.