2008 Mercury Sable Review

After two years, the Sable is back. Mercury's classic, near-luxury sedan, returns for 2008 to replace its slow-selling replacement, the Mercury Montego. But don't be fooled. The new Sable is essentially an updated Montego with a new name...that may not be such a bad thing. The Montego was a sorely overlooked car and its size made it a good alternative to SUVs. The new Sable has been chosen as one of the IIHS' "Top Safety Picks."

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Montego was a poorly understood and overlooked sedan, which is unfortunate, because it excelled in safety and reliability. Not only that, it was large and comfortable. Combined with its high command seating, it made a fantastic alternative to the SUV. Well, the new Mercury Sable has managed to improve on it in every single way. Its two main issues, a weak engine and lack of stability control, have been eliminated. What remains is one of the safest, sleekest, and overall best sedans we've seen all year. If you're looking for luxury on a budget, you can't go wrong with the Sable.

What's New For 2008:

The Monte, erm, Sable, is all-new for 2008. The new Sable features a number of improvements over its predecessor. The engine has been boosted to a 3.5-L, 263-hp V6, paired with a six-speed automatic. The suspension has been retuned, and the interior has been upgraded to be both quieter and more comfortable. The exterior has been updated to give it a more Sable-like look.

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Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$25,120

Rebates & Incentives:
no

Seats:
5

Gas Mileage:
18/28

Engine:
3.5L V6

Horsepower:
263@6250RPM

Torque:
249@4500RPM

Transmission:
6 Speed Automatic

Drive:
FR/FWD

Fuel Capacity:
21

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/60000

Rust Warranty:
60/Unlimit

What is the Predicted Reliability:

Reliability is not yet available. However, J.D. Power gave the Montego 4.5 stars in overall mechanical quality. Problems that affected the Montego include skipping CD players, brake noise, cold starting problems, suspension noise, and buzzing speakers. It was recalled once in 2005 for breaking fuel tank straps. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Sable earned perfect scores in both government and IIHS crash tests. The Sable has been chosen as one of the IIHS, "Top Safety Picks" for 2007. Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and traction control come standard. Adjustable pedals, parking sensors, and stability control are optional.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Phenomenal crash test scores
+ More powerful engine than before
+ Command seating

Cons
- Stability control not standard
- CD changer not standard
- Leather seats not standard

Head-To-Head Competition:

In a surprising twist, a Mercury is beating or matching the competition in performance. The Hyundai Sonata Limited costs $500 more, but features leather seats and a CD changer. However, it has 30 fewer horses and lacks the Sable's six-speed. The Sable costs $1,200 less than the 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix GT and adds side airbags and a six-speed. What's really interesting is that the Sable costs $800 less than the economical Saturn Aura XR. While the Aura throws in a standard CD changer, we have a feeling you can pick up an aftermarket one for less than $800.

What Others Are Saying:

"So you can forget Montego, which shouldn't be too difficult. What may be a bit more difficult is perceiving the "new" Sable as a more compelling attraction than that other car, whatever its name was (forgettable is an understatement here). That's because aside from some modest cosmetic adjustments-freshened front fascia, new projector-beam headlamps with integrated turn signals, redesigned LED taillamps-the "new" Sable is essentially the same as the car it replaces." - Car and Driver

"Just as the Ford Five Hundred becomes the Ford Taurus for 2008, Mercury's Five Hundred twin, the Montego, adopts the name of the former Taurus twin, the Sable. Like the 2008 Five Hundred, the 2008 Sable gets a new 3.5 liter engine, revised styling, and other improvements." - About.com

"The Sable will go on sale this summer, and we'll see if the name change, new engine, and minor cosmetic surgery does the job." - Cars.com

Read more about the 2008 Mercury Sable at the Mercury manufacturer web site.

Published on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 - Email to a friend

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