Mercury Sable

Mercury Sable
Mercury
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This article documents a current event. Information may change rapidly as the event progresses.

This contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile. It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle. The Mercury Sable was released in December 1985 for the 1986 model year as the upscale version of the Ford Taurus. Replacing the Mercury Grand Marquis, the Sable was available as a 4-door sedan or a station wagon. The Sable was intended to compete with the new GM H platform-based cars (e.g. Buick LeSabre, Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight). The Sable featured a unique front fascia characterized by a full-width headlamp, or "lightbar". Mercury would later adopt this design feature for its other vehicles, including the Mercury Villager, Mercury Topaz, and the Mercury Tracer. The feature would later be dropped in the mid-1990s, even though other car companies like Subaru, Pontiac, and Honda would adopt this feature. The current Honda Civic hatchback continues this "lightbar" design. The Sable was refreshed in 1992 and received its first major overhaul in 1996. The 1996 model is the basis for the 2005 model, although some small styling changes in 2000 and 2004 further refined the car and softened some of the controversial design vestiges of the 1996 model. The Sable station wagon ended production in 2004 and the sedan ended on April 29, 2005. The Ford Taurus remained in production until October 27, 2006. At the Chicago Auto Show on February 7, 2007, Ford CEO Alan Mulally unveiled a refreshed version of the Mercury Montego sedan, the Sable's replacement, and also announced that the name of the car would be the Mercury Sable, due to customer recognition and dealer demand. See Wikicars' comprehensive <MODEL> Review. Recent Changes The new Mercury Sable is effectively a facelifted Mercury Montego, now featuring a new nose, Mercury Milan-style headlight treatment, redesigned rear-fascia and updated interior. Styles and Major Options Certain vehicles come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here. Pricing Add more fields as necessary. MODEL Trims Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4 MSRP $Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4 Invoice $Price1 $Price2 $Price3 $Price4 Gas Mileage Add more fields as necessary. As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows: Trim Trim1 Trim2 Trim3 Trim4 MPG c/h c/h c/h c/h Reliability Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here. Safety This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle. Photos Colors List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in. Main Competitors Create links to other <MAKE> <MODEL> pages in this section. Hybrid Models If there are hybrid versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here. Unique Attributes If there are any features of this vehicle that sets it apart from other vehicles in its class, then mention those unique attributes here. Resale Values Add more fields as necessary. <MODEL> Year Year X Year X-2 Year X-3 Year X-4 Resale Value $ $ $ $ Criticisms Please make sure to keep critiques in a third-person point of view. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote. Generations Current Generation: (YYYY–present) Fifth generation (2008-) {{{Image}}} {{{Name of Vehicle}}} {{{Manufacturer}}} aka {{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}} Production {{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}} Class {{{Class}}} Body Style {{{Body-Style}}} Length {{{length - type here}}} Width {{{Width - type here}}} Height {{{Height - type here}}} Wheelbase {{{wheelbase - type here}}} Weight {{{Weight - you get the point}}} Transmission {{{transmission + drive}}} Engine {{{engine}}} Power {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}} Similar {{{similar (competition)}}} Designer {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}} Ford CEO Alan Mulally announced that Ford's model names all beginning with F (With Mercury's all beginning with the letter M) make the names easilly forgettable, and as a result, the Mercury Montego will be relaunched with minor changes as the Sable for the 2008 model year. <ref>Ford Five Hundred to be called Taurus</ref><ref>Template:Citation/core{{#if:|}}</ref> The new Sable will be equipped with Ford's 3.5 L Cyclone twin-cam V6. It is expected to produce 260 hp at 6250 rpm and 245 ft-lbs of torque at 4500 rpm. The only available transmission is Ford's 6F automatic, with a final drive ratio of 2.77:12008 Sable specifications. Fourth generation (2000–2005) {{{Image}}} {{{Name of Vehicle}}} {{{Manufacturer}}} aka {{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}} Production {{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}} Class {{{Class}}} Body Style {{{Body-Style}}} Length {{{length - type here}}} Width {{{Width - type here}}} Height {{{Height - type here}}} Wheelbase {{{wheelbase - type here}}} Weight {{{Weight - you get the point}}} Transmission {{{transmission + drive}}} Engine {{{engine}}} Power {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}} Similar {{{similar (competition)}}} Designer {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}} For 2000, Ford redesigned the Taurus and Sable using the previous generation's chassis and overall body shape with more conventional styling that increased interior and luggage space, and lowered the selling price. The Sable received a new rear fascia and taillights, a taller trunk to improve luggage space, new wheels, a new dashboard and door panels, front bumper, grille, hood, and headlights. The flip fold center console was continued into this generation, but it was redesigned and now rested against the floor, not against the dashboard. The integrated control panel also survived, but it was enlarged so that the controls were more organized. In 2004, the Sable received another facelift which included new bumpers, wheels, headlights, and grille. Despite this, by 2004 Sable and Taurus sales were falling sharply, and Ford decided to drop them. Production was scaled back, and heavy incentives were added to the Taurus and Sable to clear them off of dealer lots. The 2005 Mercury Montego and 2006 Milan were launced as replacements for the Sable. Shortly after the Montego's introduction the Sable was discontinued, along with the Taurus wagon; the Taurus sedan continued to be produced, but primarily for the fleet market. The last Sable left the Atlanta plant on April 29, 2005. Due to the Mercury brand's discontinuation in Canada, the fourth generation Sable was never available in the Canadian market. Thus it was unique to the US and Mexico. Year-to-year changes 2000: The Sable received a facelift that retooled the radical design with a more contemporary, practical design. This redesign included new wheels, hood, bumpers, headlights, taillights, dashboard, and steering wheel. 2001: Lower child seat anchors were added, fuel tank capacity was increased, and a CD player rejoined the options list after being dropped for 1996. The Sable became Mercury's entry-level model with the demise of the Mystique in 2000, and the Tracer in 1999. 2002: Anti-lock brakes became a no-cost option. 2003: Minor changes were made to the interior, including improved sound dampening and new cupholders. Additional color choices were added. 2004: The Sable received a revised grille, bumpers and taillights. 2005: The station wagon was dropped, minor changes included new rear badges, wheel options, and woodgrain trim on the steering wheel and shifter. The Sable was then quietly dropped from Mercury's lineup. Models Model Year Engine Power Torque Transmission GS 2000–2005 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 155 hp (116 kW) 185 ft·lbf (251 N·m) 4-speed AX4N automatic 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6 200 hp (149 kW) 195 ft·lbf (264 N·m) LS Third generation (1996–1999) {{{Image}}} {{{Name of Vehicle}}} {{{Manufacturer}}} aka {{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}} Production {{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}} Class {{{Class}}} Body Style {{{Body-Style}}} Length {{{length - type here}}} Width {{{Width - type here}}} Height {{{Height - type here}}} Wheelbase {{{wheelbase - type here}}} Weight {{{Weight - you get the point}}} Transmission {{{transmission + drive}}} Engine {{{engine}}} Power {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}} Similar {{{similar (competition)}}} Designer {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}} For 1996, the Sable was completely redesigned. The only element carried over from the second generation was the steering wheel. While the designers of the new Sable were hoping to repeat the original Sable's success with a new radical design, it instead turned out to work against it, as its new rounded shape received generally negative reviews, and was not received well by the general public. The awkward shape also robbed the car of its practicality, as the sloping roof took away from headroom, and the sloping trunk took away luggage space. Sales severely slumped, and the Taurus and Sable lost their best-seller status to the Toyota Camry in 1997. The interior was also redesigned with a new "integrated" control panel, which put the climate and stereo controls into one panel, something that would later appear on many other cars. The Sable also got a new front bench seat with a "flip fold" center console, that could be a seat, then fold out into a console although buckets with a console was still optional. With this generation, the Sable tried to move into markets higher than its original market, causing prices to rise. This was another reason for slumping sales. In 1998, in order for Ford to regain sales ground lost by this new design, the Sable got a price cut up to US$2,000, along with new bumpers and minor touchups to give it a more conventional look. This still failed to improve sales over a wider margin, so Ford stepped up the ante with the new 2000 model. Year-to-year changes 1996: For 1996, the Sable was all-new, everything from the previous model was scrapped, and nothing was carried over, except for the steering wheel and the dome light. The Sable offered the same bench seat, although the center part could fold out as a console. This was among the many new changes offered in the new Sable. The LTS model was also dropped. The high-torque Essex V6 was dropped in favor of the much smaller Duratec, which had more power but less torque. 1997: Nothing changed, except for map pockets added to the doors. 1998: For 1998, the Sable got a slightly restyled front fascia. Otherwise, it carries on the same. 1999: The Sable got a price cut up to US$2,000, and also received a revised instrument cluster. Models Model Year Engine Power Torque Transmission G 1996–1998 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 145 hp (108 kW) 180 ft·lbf (244 N·m) 4-speed AX4S automatic 4-speed AX4N automatic 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6 200 hp (149 kW) 195 ft·lbf (264 N·m) LS 1996–1999 GS 1996–1999 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 145 hp (108 kW) 180 ft·lbf (244 N·m) 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6 200 hp (149 kW) 195 ft·lbf (264 N·m) Second generation (1992–1995) For 1992, the Sable was redesigned. Although every body panel except for the roof was changed, the shape was basically the same, but somewhat aerodynamically reengineered. The Sable also got what Ford called a "smarter appointed interior", which included a more organized dashboard with slide-out cupholders and a coin tray. The Sable also got dual airbags, a first in its class, with the passenger's side airbag being optional for 1992. For 1995, an upscale LTS model was introduced, which had extra features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and leather seats, among many other luxury amenities. For every year of this generation, the Taurus, sister car of the Sable, was the best-selling car in America. [1] Year-to-year changes 1992: The Sable and Taurus got a facelift for 1992. Even though the shape was virtually unchanged, each body panel was replaced with a new one giving a more modern look. The front lightbar was made smaller, the whole body was squashed down, and the interior was changed except for the steering wheel and seats. The upper dashboard was redesigned. New wheels became available, and the Taurus/Sable offered dual front airbags, a first in their class. 1993: The Sable is mostly the same, except for the passenger airbag becoming standard, and the console being updated, with a design that flowed into the dashboard. 1994: A new steering wheel was added for 1994, and some Vulcan models began to receive the new AX4N 4-speed automatic. 1995: An LTS "Luxury Touring Sedan" model was added, which had standard leather with bucket seats, leather wrapped interior parts, upgraded electronics, keyless entry, and special Taurus LX-style wheels. Models Model Year Transmission Engine Power Torque GS LS 1992–1995 4-speed AXOD-E automatic 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 140 hp (104 kW) 160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) LTS 1995 3.8 L Essex V6 140 hp (104 kW) 215 ft·lbf (291 N·m) First Generation/Origins (1986–1991) {{{Image}}} {{{Name of Vehicle}}} {{{Manufacturer}}} aka {{{aka (Type here, not up there)}}} Production {{{produced from when to when+total units made (optional)}}} Class {{{Class}}} Body Style {{{Body-Style}}} Length {{{length - type here}}} Width {{{Width - type here}}} Height {{{Height - type here}}} Wheelbase {{{wheelbase - type here}}} Weight {{{Weight - you get the point}}} Transmission {{{transmission + drive}}} Engine {{{engine}}} Power {{{Horsepower and Torque rating}}} Similar {{{similar (competition)}}} Designer {{{Designer (lead designer if it was a team effort)}}} The Mercury Sable was introduced in December 1985 as a 1986 model along with the Ford Taurus. The Sable differed considerably from the Taurus. The Sable was two inches longer than the Taurus and shared no sheet metal with it. The similarities lay under the hood, as it shared the same underpinnings and some powertrain options. The Sable, along with its Taurus sister, flew off of showroom floors, with first year sales over 300,000 units. The Sable was generally marketed more upscale than the Taurus, offering features that the Taurus lacked. For the first year on the market, Sable buyers had the choice of a 90 hp HSC 4-cylinder mated to a three-speed automatic transaxle or a 140 hp Vulcan V6 with a four-speed automatic, with the latter having much higher sales. 4-cylinder sales were so poor that the engine was dropped for 1987, while it remained an option for the Taurus until 1991. Sables with the 4-cylinder engine and 3-speed automatic drivetrain are very collectible today. Small touchups were made over the years for the generation, although the basic design stayed the same. Sales dropped to just over 100,000 units in 1991, and Ford launched another generation of Sable. Year-to-year changes 1987: Due to the Taurus and Sable's sales successes, there were no major changes, except for the 4-cylinder engine and 3-speed ATX automatic transmission being dropped. The Taurus continued to offer this drivetrain until 1991. 1988: The stronger 3.8 L Essex V6 became available and the Sable GS received numerous standard equipment upgrades such as air conditioning, split front seats, and intermittent wipers. 1989: Even though the Taurus lineup received a big upgrade with the addition of the SHO, the Sable carried on with just an upgraded lightbar, now fully illuminated. 1990: The Sable got a new steering wheel with an airbag, received a new dashboard that featured cupholders, and a CD player became available. 1991: The Sable got a new electronically controlled transmission and the V6 got a better fuel injection system, while anti-lock brakes became an option for the wagon. Other than that, the Sable was unchanged. Models Model Year Engine Power Torque Transmission GS 1986 2.5 L CFI HSC I4 90 hp (67 kW) 130 ft·lbf (176 N·m) 3-speed ATX automatic GS 1986-1991 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 140 hp (104 kW) 160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) 4-speed AXOD automatic LS GS 1988–1991 3.8 L SFI Essex V6 140 hp (104 kW) 215 ft·lbf (291 N·m) LS Worldwide If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets. Design quirks and oddities In the movie Coneheads, the main character, Beldar, drives a 1992 Sable GS, likely equipped with the 3.8 liter engine. The car is equipped with a removable sunroof to accommodate his "cone." At the end of the movie, the car is taken to planet Remulak, and the owner's guide given as a gift to the Conehead Highmaster. The car is described as "a personal conveyance named after its inventor, an assassinated ruler, a character from Greco-Roman myth and a small furry mammal." (Henry Ford, Abraham Lincoln, Mercury, and Sable, respectively) In an episode of the Nickelodeon TV show Drake and Josh, Josh talks to Walter about Drake attempting to buy a Ford Mustang instead of a Mercury Sable. Awards The Sable was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list on its release in 1986 and again in 1990 and 1991. See also MERCURY Ford Motor Company Ford | Mercury | Lincoln | Mazda | Edsel | Continental | Merkur Historic: Grand Marquis · Milan · Mariner · Mariner Hybrid · Mountaineer · Montego · Monterey · Capri · Colony Park · Comet · Commuter · Custom · Cougar · Cyclone · Eight · Bobcat · LN7 · Lynx · M-Series · Marauder · Marquis · Medalist · Meteor · Monarch · Montclair · Mystique · Park Lane · S-55 · Sable · Topaz · Tracer · Turnpike Cruiser · Villager · Voyager · Zephyr · 114 Concept: MC2 · Messenger · Meta One · My · XM 800 Concept · L'Tude Concept One-Off: Bob Hope Special · Lincoln-Mercury · SYNC · Elena Ford Ford Corporate website A brand of the Ford PAG External Links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mercury Sable Mercury Sable official page FAQ Farm's Mercury Sable FAQ: wiki question and answer forum Taurus Car Club of America TCCA: Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia