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Mercury Sable - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Mercury Sable ranks 3 out of 9 Affordable Large Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 19 published reviews and test drives of the Mercury Sable, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Recently discontinued, The Mercury Sable can still be found on some dealership lots.  It's a steal -- a safe, spacious family sedan, available with all-wheel-drive, available for a bargain price as dealers look to rid themselves of leftover stock. Its sedate performance and unexciting look detract from its overall appeal.

Mercury has ceased production of the Sable -- the models currently on dealer lots are the last that will be built.  This car has always been a barely-modified version of the Ford Taurus, and though Ford has redesigned the Taurus for 2010, no Sable edition is planned. That means a tremendous opportunity for buyers who are interested in this car.  Dealers are anxious to get rid of the last models, and looking to negotiate.

But the 2009 Mercury Sable has a lot going for it.   Built on a platform originally developed for the Volvo S80, it has outstanding crash tests scores and carries some safety equipment normally found only at a higher price range.  It's also spacious and comfortable, with decent fuel economy for a full-size car.

But reviewers aren't impressed with the Sable once they start to drive it.  Its handling leaves a lot to be desired, and its V6 provides merely adequate power.

It is possible, however, to buy a safe large car with a more pleasant driving experience.  The Toyota Avalon is no sports car either, but achieves the same crash test scores with a more comfortable interior.

With the Sable discontinued, it is often available at a considerable discount.  See our car deals page for details.

The '09 Sable is available in two trim levels: base and Sable Premier. All-wheel drive is an available option.

• "Particularly given the availability of the segment-exclusive Sync system, which allows for seamless voice-activated operation of iPods and cellular phones, the 2009 Mercury Sable has enough going for it to be considered a contender in the full-size sedan category. This is especially true if the Sable's strengths in safety and interior room are priorities for you. However, it would be wise to check out a few other large sedans before deciding, including the Chrysler 300, Hyundai Azera, Pontiac G8 and Toyota Avalon." -- Edmunds
• "Sable offers good dynamic performance and a roomy cabin. Add in the jumbo-sized trunk and you have a Recommended family sedan that deserves a place on your shopping list." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Mercury Sable has class-leading passenger and cargo room inside, when you count the trunk, the folding rear seats, and the legroom-heavy interior, and that alone may be a reason to buy for a larger family. The AWD models have a very capable computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system for all-weather driving...The Sable is big on the inside, big on the outside, and it rides taller than most of the sedans in this segment with its raised seats." -- New Car Test Drive

Sable Performance - 7.5 (Good)

Test drivers aren't impressed with the 2009 Mercury Sable's performance dynamics. While its engine is strong enough, it falters in terms of handling. "The cars feel a bit big and ponderous," according to Car and Driver, "but they move along well enough. These are tuned for comfort, not speed." Part of the problem is its five-speed automatic transmission, which comes in for some reviewer criticism. Read More

Sable Exterior - NA

Reviewers are unimpressed by the Mercury Sable's exterior design. According to Cars.com, it has "Elegant but bland styling." The Sable looks almost identical to the 2009 Ford Taurus it's based on, which leaves many critics unimpressed. Read More

Sable Interior - 7.8 (Good)

The 2009 Sable's roomy, well-equipped passenger cabin is one of the car's strongest features. "Another Sable virtue is its ample passenger and cargo space, both of which put midsize family sedans to shame," writes Edmunds. Many compare the seating position to that of larger trucks and SUVs -- you can see a lot from the driver's seat of a Sable.  Read More

Sable Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

Families will be pleased to learn that the 2009 Mercury Sable earns outstanding marks in federal government crash tests and is even an insurance industry "Top Safety Pick." What's more, the Sable features a wide array of standard and optional safety features - including front, side-impact, and side curtain air bags.  Optional All-Wheel-Drive, which not all competitors bother to offer, is another mark in the car's favor.  Read More

Sable Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Mercury Sable reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mercury covers the Sable with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.  Its powertrain warranty lasts a bit longer. Read More