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:
Showing 71 through 80 of 489.00-
Not overly happy - 2008 Mercury Sable
By Ralph - September 12 - 2:00 amI had many Fords but this is my first bran new car and I guess I expected more. Has about 30,000 miles. Had to replace drivers side seat heater element, new instrument cluster due to burnt out bulb ( bulbs are not replaceable), drivers door seal not staying in place, erratic shifting between first and second gear and erratic idle. The best MPH I have had is 21 on a trip, average is 17-19. The car is comfortable I just do feel the quality is there.
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Owner - 2002 Mercury Sable
By Ron Miller - August 27 - 10:06 amI have had no mechanical problems only maintenance has been required. Roomy, performance reliability and cost compared to comparable sized cars is what makes the Sble a good buy.
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I love this car - 2008 Mercury Sable
By Ron - August 13 - 4:56 pmThe best car I have ever owned, excellent quality, I looked at Caddy,BMW, Buick, this car has much nicer interior and up grades than cars costing 50K
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Nice car but several problems - 2002 Mercury Sable
By Glenn - August 7 - 11:56 amBlower motor went out first 2 weeks,cowling seal defective allowed water to get into blower and rust. Rear spring broke into 3 pieces @ 11200 miles. Shop said this is typical, expect the other one to break also. Fuel economy is great on the road, get 30 MPG with cruse @ 62 MPH. Car has nice ride and has lots of room, would buy another.
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Sucker born every minute - 2001 Mercury Sable
By sucker1001 - July 27 - 10:00 amTransmission went at 3000 miles, rotors are bad at 10,000 miles, front end shimmys and shakes, check engine light on at 7000 miles, cigarette lighter pops out on to passenger floor. Car hesitates to start and loses momentum while driving. Uncomfortable pleather seats, front passenger seat is not roomy. Poor fuel economy. Over all disappointed with my purchase!
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white stallion - 2002 Mercury Sable
By bill412 - July 17 - 10:43 amVery nice car. Rides as nicely as my old Crown Vic. Had a transmission problem that the dealer could not fix. The wiring harness was shorting out to the end plate. After 5 tries, they finally replaced it. No more problems of any kind since then. Gas mileage is great going under 75MPH: almost 30MPG on a road trip.
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Keeps tickin - 2005 Mercury Sable
By Chet - July 9 - 5:30 amExtremely dependable, a great highway cruiser w/mpg average 23-25. This is my 4th Sable and will easily last over 200,000 miles in my experience. Weakest link is the transmission. However, if you change fluids on time, tell her you love her once a week- she will love you back. Very high rating on dependability and safety. This is not your dads Sable.
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superior - 2003 Mercury Sable
By klm595 - July 9 - 2:00 amI have enjoyed leasing and driving this vehicle very much, especially because I am 410" the gas and brake pedal come to me which makes the drive a very comfortable one. I am considering purchasing a 2003 when this lease is up in June 03--the vehicle I am driving is a 2000 leased 6/00--I am in the market for a 2003 to own not lease
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ford dealership - 2005 Mercury Sable
By herb cox - July 8 - 3:03 pmeasy to drive,good ride handles well on road,smooth shifting trans.A.c.and stereo work smooth.
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This is my second Sable - 2000 Mercury Sable
By KDP - June 22 - 10:00 amThis is my second Sable. I would buy it again
