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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  The Death Trap - 2009 Mercury Sable
  By tyler - September 19 - 4:23 am

  Very nice car on the outside, ice blue color i loved the car. Bought it used with 90,000 miles for 8,000. Didnt even make it home and the transmission was just acting funny. Then it started dying out when i would reverse and not engage gear when i would go to take off. And i live in Chicago. Busy traffic all the time, it became a everyday thing. Then a month in the strut blew out, it popped everytime i would turn, it was just comical at that point. No warranty or anything, i was SOL. The dealer took it back fixed the strut, and the transmission. Then the strut blew again, within a week. They fixed it again. And then the transmission started again, and it was worse than before. I was so angry the car only had 99,000 miles. i told them im bringing this death trap back and they let me trade it for a Toyota. Never again will i buy a ford product. Beware of these money pits, if you have one just sell it. I know its a very comfy car. But seriously, you will have issues.

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  Was Good, Then A Moneypit - 1998 Mercury Sable
  By londonlad1 - December 6 - 12:06 am

  A horrible aberration. Previous Fords, even oldies have been rock solid. I paid $2300 for this, 1 owner, full history 73k on the clock. Was great for a year, then it started to mug me on a regular basis for repair money. $1200 (steering rack), $300 (water pump) $170 (serpentine belt & tensioner) $600 (2 wheel bearings) $500 (front calipers & pads) $100 (EGR valve and perished vacuum hoses - did that myself) $300 (removal of throttle body & cleaning clogged air intakes, $1200 (aircon evaporator) $1200 (aircon compressor) and $100 (headlamps, did those myself) What was a bargain has cost me a fortune. Next time, Ill buy an old Jag. At least Ill go broke in style.

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  Nice looking car, Major Problems - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By bobsfl - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Hey, The car is a nice looking car and very comfortable, but I think I must have purchased a lemon. Starting at 20K miles the A/C went, then at 30K the A/C went again, then at 60K the Transmission went, Then at 75K the A/C went again, 80K the alternator went, 100K the engine went....and the list continues. I wrote ford and they were like tough luck. I have never missed an oil change and have always kept up on the so called preventative maintenance. That didnt seem to prevent anything... Anyways be careful with this car.

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  Never again... - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By jsez - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for several years now, and have had nothing but problems with it. I have replaced the O2 sensors, the cam shaft position sensor, and now it needs a new transmission. All of the interior A/C control knobs have broken off. The flip out cup holder is a pain, you have to hold anything in the cup holders to complete a turn unless you want your drink in your lap. NEVER AGAIN will I buy this car or its twin, the Taurus.

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  Keeping my fingers crossed - 2002 Mercury Sable
  By Riff - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Up side: low key, helpful dealer; right size; plenty or convenience features; feels tight Down side: Badging crooked Door didnt fit Wheel bearing goes @ 1k mile

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  Well... - 2001 Mercury Sable
  By Don1090 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I agree that 155 HP is not enough to move this tank thru town. Turning circle is pretty awful, but in principle fun to drive and provides plenty of room for the driver. Steering has its own ideas.

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  Fun To Drive When Its Not In For Repair - 2000 Mercury Sable
  By jammb - August 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my final Ford "Fix or Repair Daily" product. I am so tired of bringing the car in for various recalls and other problems (in fact, I need to call the dealer tomorrow to find out why my car is now leaking transmission fluid). Time in the shop is compounded by an inept dealer repair shop. Problems are not fixed right the first time. When its not in the shop, the car is actually very pleasant to drive - great pickup and very smooth even at high speeds. However, its just not worth the effort anymore. We also own a Hyundai Santa Fe, which has had zero problems, and has a better warranty.

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  ok car - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By Nicole - June 27 - 12:16 am

  I bought my car used from a private person.I drove it about 2 months then it broke down on me then I got that fixed. I guess the fuel pump was clogged. When I first got it I needed to get in inspected so I proceded to do so and they wouldnt do it because of the spring coil on the passenger side was bad. The speedometer is bad on it have the time I drive it I have no speedomter. I thought I was getting a great car but I thought Wrong. Over all for some people the car maybe be great but for me it was bust.

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  its too bad - 1997 Mercury Sable
  By john libile - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with the hope that American manufacturers had actually started to put some quality control into the design/manufacturing process after a decade of being beat out by the Japanese; I was wrong. I bought this car for my daughter and I will never make the same mistake of buying American again. This car has had the transmission rebuilt twice, and it is once again failing.The engine runs poorly and is burning nearly a quart of oil a week; my mechanic tells me its due for a rebuild. The ergonomics are so so and the styling is lackluster. Now I remember why I should stick to Honda and Toyota.

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  Nice car if not for all the faulty "Bells and Wistles". - 2008 Mercury Sable
  By harleyguy2 - July 20 - 10:38 pm

  For the most part the car can well and drove nice. The interior and exterior quality was good. However, the Memory Seats, Power Seats, Heated Seats and Heat and A/C controls were problems from the very start. Each were repaired multiple times under the warranty. After the warranty expired problems with power seats and A/C occurred again. Ford would not peform the repairs under the 12 month 12,000 mile warranty as they said the parts that failed were not the same as the parts repaired the previous year, even though the symptoms of the problem were identical. Finally traded it in on a Foreign car. Cant afford a Ford.