Wikicars - User contributions [en]

Mercury Sable

2008-10-31T00:15:48Z

MercuryLover2008: /* Fifth Generation 2008-Present */

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:2009 Mercury Sable.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| MSRP Range
| $25,325 - $36,025
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1986-2005 <br> 2008-Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Executive Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 202.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 61.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 112.9 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,670 [[FWD]] <br> 3,820 [[AWD]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-Speed 6F Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.5L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 263[[HP]] @ 6250 RPM <br> 265FT-LBS @ 4500 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Lucerne]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]] <br> [[Volvo S80]] <br> [[Hyundai Azera]]<br> [[Toyota Avalon]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer's
| [[Jack Telnack]]<br>[[J Mays]]
|}

The '''Mercury Sable''' is a Large Front or All Wheel Drive Luxury [[Sedan]] produced by [[Mercury]] and manufactured at the Chicago Assembly Plant in Illinois. It was also built in Atlanta, Georgia until Friday April 29, 2005 when production stopped.

The '''Sable''' was a milestone design for [[Mercury]] and the entire American Automotive Industry, as well as a very influential vehicle in the marketplace, with Mercury selling over 2 million units during its 20 year run. The Sable's design was so futuristic that it was called by the press "The car that came from the moon". A important feature of the Sable's design was its front "lightbar", a low wattage lamp between the headlights. This later became mainstrem for the Mercury line-up and was copied by many automakers in the early nineties but never with the same success Mercury had. The Sable was refreshed in 1992 and received its first complete redesign in 1996. The 1996 model remained the basis for the vehicle up through the 2005 model year. A major sheet metal and interior redesign occured in 2000, softening some the controversial design vestiges of the 1996 model. Minor styling changes in 2004 further refined the car. The Mercury Sable station wagon ended production in late 2004. And the last Sable sedan rolled off the line on Friday April 29,2005. On Wednesday February 7,2007 at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show [[Ford Motor Company]] CEO [[Alan Mulally]] unveiled an all new 2008 model Mercury Sable.

The all-new 2008 Mercury Sable combines smart features with a sophisticated new design. Underneath the sleek hood is a new 3.5L V-6 engine, winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, coupled with a class-exclusive standard six-speed automatic transmission. The interior comprises of many clever technologies, including the exclusive voice-control of the SYNC communications and entertainment system.

However, 2009 will more than likely be the Sable's last year in production, again due to slow sales and the fact that Mercury is going to focus on smaller more fuel friendly cars and crossovers. But in 2010 the Ford Taurus will recieve a major redesign and continue on without it's Mercury brethren.

==First Generation 1986-1991==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:91 Sable LS2.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Predecessor
| [[Mercury Marquis]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1986-1991
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 192.2 Inches Sedan <br> 193.0 Inches Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 70.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 106.0 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,110 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-Speed Automatic <br> 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.5L HSC I4 (1986) <br> 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] <br> 3.8L Essex [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 98-140 [[HP]] <br> 130-215 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]]<br> [[Chevrolet Lumina]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Mercury Sable''' was a very important sedan both for [[Mercury]] and the American Auto Industry.

Ford had lagged behind General Motors in introducing mid-size front wheel drive cars to compete against the Citation and best-selling Celebrity, and Chryslers K-Cars, and Mercury suffered even worse from this. In 1984, Mercury launched a redesigned [[Mercury Cougar]] to start a reinvigoration of the Mercury Brand with new aerodynamic designs, and started development of the Sable.
Because of this design, the Sable was a resounding success and launched Mercury into a new design era, as well as infuencing the other American Automakers to follow suit and create aro designed cars, thus ending the boxy cars of the 70's and 80's.The Sable siblings used flush areodynamic composite headlights. Ford was the first to produce and sell vehicles with such headlights in the U.S. To do so Ford had to get them approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Sable was the first American produced, mainstream sedan to use the new lights.

The Sable was unveiled along with the Taurus in a resounding fashion. For its aerodynamic shape, the launch was held in MGM Studios Soundstage 85, where Gone with the Wind was filmed. Ford workers came into the room, which was decorated in space-age decor, holding cups shaped like flying saucers and the Taurus and Sable were sitting behind a curtain, their outlines silhouetting. Then, with the flashing of strobe lights and a drum-roll, the curtain was pulled back and the two cars were revealed to the public.

The bodyshell was smooth and aerodynamic. The Sable had a wraparound "lightbar" with two headlights and a low-wattage stretch in between. Aircraft-style doors were used to reduce wind noise, and the handles were recessed. The Sable also had large glass areas with slim pillars, and were flush with the body. The rear glass wrapped fully around, and the B-pillars were painted black to give the illusion that the front and rear glass were connected. The interior was available with bucket seats very rare for most U.S. midsize sedans and the dashboard wrapped around the driver and fed into the door panels to create more of a "cockpit" feel.

The Sable was first introduced as a 1986 model in December 1985, to strong sales and fanfare. It came in two models, base GS and high-end LS. Initial Sable sales were strong, and the Sable sold around 300,000 units its first year.

For the first year on the market, Sable buyers had the choice of a 98 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 Sable sales were so poor that the engine was dropped in 1987 (it remained an option for the Taurus until 1991). Ford's 3.8 L Essex V6 was added to the line-up in 1988. Although the power output was rated at the same 140 hp as the 3.0 L engine, this large V6 produced 215 ft·lbf of torque, a welcome addition, especially in the heavier wagons. However, the 3.8 suffered from premature head gasket failure, which was primarily a fault with Ford's supplier of gaskets, not with the engine itself. Some also attribute this to reduced under-hood cooling.

==Second Generation 1992-1995==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:95 Sable.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1992-1995
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 192.2 Inches Sedan <br> 193.0 Inches Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 70.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 106.0 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,110 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] <br> 3.8L Essex [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 140 [[HP]] <br> 185-215 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]]<br> [[Chevrolet Lumina]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Sable''' received its first significant cosmetic update in 1992, which modernized the interior and the front and rear fascias. The operation cost Ford $650 million at the time. With the older model facing slumping sales, this new model brought sales back up again, with 410,000 examples sold during 1992 Makeing it the Best selling Car in America, a number unheard of even today. While the design was basically the same, every body panel except for the roof was changed. The interior was also redesigned, and included an optional side airbag, a first in its class. The Taurus, sister car of the Sable, was the best-selling car in the United States for every year of this cosmetic update.

In 1993, unpopular optional features such as the "InstaClear" heated windshield were eliminated. For both 3.0 L and 3.8 L V6 engines, the drive belt system became a single-belt setup for 1993 (previously, the alternator had used a separate belt). A passenger-side airbag became standard for 1993, and a redesigned drivers side airbag and steering wheel came in 1994.

The wagon version was available with mostly the same options as the sedan versions. Wagons had a maximum of 81.1 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 split rear seat folded down. They featured a 2-way liftgate (raise the entire liftgate or just the window), a roof rack with crossbar and tie-downs, an optional rear-facing third seat, a lockable under-floor compartment, and an optional fold-out picnic table. With both rear split seats in the upright position, standard cargo capacity was 45.7 cubic feet. Wagons that were equipped with the front bench seat and rear folding seat could seat eight people.

The last year of this updated Sable generation was 1995. For the 1995 model year, the rare LTS trim level was added. It featured leather bucket seats, Taurus LX-style alloy wheels, special cladding, and many leather wrapped interior trim parts. The LTS trim had either the standard 3.0 L Vulcan V6 or the optional 3.8 L Essex V6.
{{-}}

==Third Generation 1996-1999==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:99 Sable LS1.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1996-1999
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 199.7 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,470 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] 12V [[SOHC]] <br> 3.0L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 153-200 [[HP]] <br> 186-200 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

For 1996 the '''Sable''' was all new from the ground up. [[Mercury]] hoped the radical redesign would lead to the same success it had had with the 1986 Sable. The controversial oval theme was not well received by the press and the public, and is ultimately blamed as the reason for a substantial dip in sales. For this generation, the Sable moved upmarket, and as a result, prices rose considerably, also driving away potential buyers. The 1996 Sable was the first sable to share sheetmetal with the [[Ford Taurus]]. Differences from the [[Ford Taurus|Taurus]] included different front and rear fascias, and the elimination of the rear quarter window. Although the Sable used a less oval based styling, sales still fell.

The 1996 model could be equipped with the powerful 200 [[hp]] 3.0L [[DOHC]] Duratec 30 [[V6]] as an option. Trim lines stayed the same, with GS as the entry level model and LS as the most luxurious model. The LTS was eliminated and the 3.8L Essex [[V6]] was gone. Although all 1998 models had the option of the [[DOHC]] Duratec engine, it was only available on the LS for 1999. That same year front bucket seats became optional on the GS. [[Mercury]] claimed that the 1999 Duratec had less power than the 2000 Duratec in hopes to increase sales of the 2000 Sable.

In an effort to reverse the declining sales of the Sable, [[Mercury]] did major cost cutting for the 1997 model. They carried this further for 1998, by giving it a front end facelift, and cutting the price up to $2,000 in 1999. Mercury also continued to cut costs, eliminating some options for 1999.

Year to Year Changes

1997 Mercury Sable: Only a handful of minor changes marked the 1997 models, led by newly standard front-door map pockets for the GS and LS Sables.

1998 Mercury Sable: Changes are limited to a new grille and a revised axle ratio for designed to yield better acceleration.

1999 Mercury Sable: Sable saw price cuts of $1000 to $2000 in '99, but that had little effect on used car prices. Revisions to the suspension, instrument graphics, and interior door panels rounded out the changes. Sables were redesigned for 2000.

{{-}}

==Fourth Generation 2000-2005==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:05MercurySable2.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2000-2005
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 199.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,514 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed AX4N Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engines
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] 12V [[SOHC]] <br> 3.0L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 155-201 [[HP]] <br> 186-207 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Regal]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]<br> [[Buick Century]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Sable''' received another redesign in 2000, which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model, replacing them with more conventional style, The redesign also featured a taller roof over the rear passenger space, to increase passenger headroom that had been sacrificed by the tapered 1996 design. The taller and roomier trunk also served to make the vehicle more functional. The interior was completely redesigned to a much more classy and conservative design. Certain elements of the interior were retained by the 1996 model, such as the intergrated control console, which combined the sound system and climate controls into one panel. The suspension was softened to appeal to a broader, non-sporting audience. To reduce price and increase profitability, many features such as four-wheel disc brakes where eliminated.

The 2005 [[Mercury Montego]] and 2006 [[Mercury Milan]] where launched as replacments for the Sable. Shortly after Montego's introduction the Sable was discontinued from the Mercury Line-up. The last Mercury Sable left the Atlanta Plant on Friday April 29,2005.

The 2002 Sable included extra equipment on every trim level including a CD Player and power driver's seat on the GS and a power moonroor and Premium leather interior trim on the LS. Also a new trim level was intoduced the LS Platinum Edition, it featured Satin Finishes on the Dash a Satin Waterfall Grille and Platinum Edition Badgeing on the Fender. Side Airbags and traction control were available on all models. For 2004 the Sable received minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, most noticable was the front grille was now fully chrome. Inside were a new instrument cluster and steering wheel and higer quality wood trim. The last Mercury Sable left the Atlanta Georgia Assembly Plant on Friday April 29,2005 the end of an era.

{{-}}

==Fifth Generation 2008-Present==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:2009 Mercury Sable2.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Predecessor
| [[Mercury Montego]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2008-2010
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Executive Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 202.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 61.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 112.9 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,670 [[FWD]] <br> 3,820 [[AWD]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-Speed 6F Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.5L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 263[[HP]] @ 6250 RPM <br> 265FT-LBS @ 4500 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Lucerne]]<br> [[Nissan Maxima]] <br> [[Hyundai Azera]] <br>
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[J Mays]]
|}

After [[Alan Mulally]] took position as Ford's CEO, rumors were rampant that he was interested in reviving the Sable and [[Ford Taurus|Taurus]]. Mulally said that he was baffled by the fact that [[Mercury]] and [[Ford]] were going to discontinue the Sable and Taurus, and that he believed that the discontinuation of the Sable and Taurus were unjust, even asking "How can they go away, they were at one time the best selling car's in America." He said that the discontinuation of the Sable disappointed many of [[Mercury]]'s loyal customers, who wanted Mercury to instead continue to improve the Sable instead of abandoning it. Mulally also stated that under his leadership, Mercury will start to remain more loyal to its customers and nameplates, and will continue to stick with and improve successful nameplates to keep customers loyal to the brand, and the revival of the Sable was the first such move.

As a result, the [[Mercury Montego]] sedan, as produced for the 2005-2007 model year, was scheduled for a significant styling facelift update and power upgrade for the 2008 model year. That vehicle is being redesigned as the new Sable. Ford's CEO [[Alan Mulally]] determined that Mercury's strategy to redesignate new cars in the lineup with new names beginning with the letter M, as in [[Mercury Milan]], [[Mercury Mariner]], and [[Mercury Montego]], was not a good marketing move, as some of the renamed cars had highly recognizeable iconic names. The new M names were not as well known to be associated with Mercury, and consumers were confused by the name changes Montego to be renamed "Sable". Mulally believed that the Sable had an immediately strong brand equity, and that it would take years for consumers to have a similar recognition of the Montego Officals say [[Mercury]] to revive Sable name.

Changes to the new Sable from the existing Montego include a newly styled front end, with the Mercury's signature Satin Waterfall grille from the [[Mercury Milan|Milan]], and the addition of the 263 hp 3.5L Ford Duratec Engine from the [[Ford Edge]], replacing the 203 hp 3.0L V6. The Montego's continuously variable transmission, which was power-limited to a maximum of about 210 hp, is also replaced with a more conventional six-speed automatic. Mercury slaps a successful nameplate on its refreshed and reinvigorated Montego. The Sable sedan Counterpart, the Ford Taurus nameplate, will also be revived from the [[Ford Five Hundred]] nameplate to return Like Sable, [[Ford Taurus]] nameplate to. The 2008 Mercury Sable will have a base price of $25,325 for the Base Front-Wheel Drive model to $36,025 for the Premier All-Wheel Drive model. The 2008 Mercury Sable is in Mercury showrooms now. However, 2009 will more than likely be the Sable's last year in production, again due to slow sales and the fact that Mercury is going to focus on smaller more fuel friendly cars and crossovers. But in 2010 the [[Ford Taurus]] will recieve a major redesign and continue on without it's Mercury brethren.

{{-}}

==Awards==
[[Image:Sable CRBB.jpg|2008 Sable Consumer Digest Best Buy.|thumb|300px]]
* The new 3.5L [[V6]] engine winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award.
* The 2008 Mercury Sable was rated the Safest Full-Size Car in America
* Consumers Digest names Sable a Best Buy. Praising the Sable's power, performance and comfort, Consumers Digest has named Sable a Best Buy for 2008. The magazine cited Sable's "smooth and swift 263 horsepower" and it's "crisp cornering." On the inside, Sable impressed with its spacious, comfortable interior and its huge trunk space.

==Safety==
'''Standard Safety Features'''
* Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
* Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags
* 1st and 2nd Row Curtain Airbags
* 4-wheel Disc Brakes with [[ABS]] and [[EBD]]
* [[Electronic Stability Control]]
* Traction Control

The NHTSA has conducted crash tests of the 2008 Sable. Its full scores are available at [http://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/4293.html]

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=6>
'''Rating (Stars)'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
Front
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Side
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Rollover
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td>
Driver
</td>
<td>
Passenger
</td>
<td>
Front Seat
</td>
<td>
Rear Seat
</td>
<td>
2WD
</td>
<td>
AWD
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc align=center>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
4
</td>
<td align=center>
4
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Gas Mileage==
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
'''Driveline'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
FWD
</td>
<td>
[[AWD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
18/28
</td>
<td>
17/24
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Pricing==
Today's actual prices for the [[Mercury]] Sable can be found at [http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/mercury/sable/index.html]
<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''Sable Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Base
</td>
<td>
Premier
</td>
<td>
Base [[AWD]]
</td>
<td>
Premier [[AWD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$25,325
</td>
<td>
$28,320
</td>
<td>
$26,380
</td>
<td>
$30,170
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$21,741
</td>
<td>
$24,805
</td>
<td>
$23,406
</td>
<td>
$26,471
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Colors==
[[Image:2009 Mercury Sable3.jpg|right|'09 Mercury Sable Premier in Light Ice Blue|thumb|250px]]

* '''Exterior'''
* Light Sage
* Dark Ink Blue
* Light Ice Blue
* Black Clearcoat
* Oxford White Clearcoat
* Alloy Clearcoat Metallic
* Merlot Clearcoat Metallic
* Dune Pearl Clearcoat Metallic
* Silver Birch Clearcoat Metallic
* Light Tundra Clearcoat Metallic

* '''Interior'''
* Light Camel
* Charcoal Black
* Medium Light Stone

==Styles and Major Options==
[[Image:2008.Mercury.Sable interior2.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2008 Mercury Sable Interior.]]
[[Image:2008.mercury.Sable rear1.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2008 Mercury Sable Premier.]]

The '''Sable''' is available in Two trims with optional AWD.

'''Base Standard Features'''
* 3.5L 24V Duratec [[V6]]
* 17" Alloy Wheels
* Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
* Audio Input Jack
* AM/FM stereo with single CD player and MP3 capabilities
* Overhead console
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror
* Front dome lamp with map lights
* Rear dome with reading lamps
* Visors with illuminated mirrors
* 60/40 Split Fold-down Rear Seatbacks
* Eight-way Power Driver’s Seat
* Cloth Seating
* Two-way Power Front Passenger Seat
* Fold-down Front Passenger Seat
* Command seating
* Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
* Powerpoints
* Steering wheel with redundant controls
* Folding Heated Power Sideview Exterior Mirrors with Security Approach Lamps
* Fog Lamps
* LED Tailllamps
* Dual chrome exhaust tips
* Four-Disc (ABS)
* Six Airbags
* Automatic headlamps
* Traction Control
* Child safety locks
* Emergency trunk release
* LATCH system
* Perimeter anti-theft
* Remote Keyless Entry System
* Battery saver
* Hydraulic Power Steering

'''Premier Standard Features'''<br>
''In addition to or in place of Base Standard Features''
* Leather-trimmed Seating
* 18" Alloy Wheels
* Heated Front Seats
* Four-way Power Passenger’s Seat
* Audiophile® Sound System with AM/FM stereo/Six-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 capability

'''Major Optional Features'''
* All Wheel Drive
* 18" Chrome Clad Wheels
* Navigation System
* SIRIUS® Satellite Radio
* [[Mercury SYNC]]™
* Cargo Management System
* Power Moonroof
* Reverse Sensing System
* AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control
* Security Package
* Premier Wood Package
* Interior Convenience Package

==Warranty==
'''Bumper to Bumper''': 36 months/36,000 miles

'''Major Components''': 60 months/60,000 miles

'''Rust Through''': 60 months/unlimited miles

'''Roadside Assistance''': 60 months/60,000 miles

==Main Competitors==
* [[Buick Lucerne]]
* [[Volvo S80]]
* [[Hyundai Azera]]
* [[Toyota Avalon]]

==Resale Values==
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Mercury_Sable_Sedan.aspx

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:08 Sable Base1.jpg|08 Sable Base
Image:08 Sable Base2.jpg|08 Sable Base
Image:08 Mercury-Sable1.jpg|08 Sable Premier AWD
Image:2008 Mercury-Sable2.jpg|08 Sable Premier AWD
Image:90 Sable1.jpg|1990 Mercury Sable LS
Image:95 Sable LTS1.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LTS
Image:95 Sable GS1.jpg|1992 Mercury Sable GS
Image:95 Sable Wagon1.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LS Wagon
Image:98 Sable1.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:1999 Sable GS1.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS
Image:1999 Sable GS Rear1.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS
Image:98 Sable2.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable GS Wagon
Image:2001 Sable Interior1.jpg|2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:2003 Sable Interior1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable Platinum Edition Interior
Image:05 Sable Interior2.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:.Sable Wagon.jpg|2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium Wagon
Image:2001 Blue Sable1.jpg|2001 Midnight Blue Mercury Sable
Image:2001 Blue Sable Rear1.jpg|2001 Midnight Blue Mercury Sable
Image:03 Sable1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:03 Sable Rear1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:Sable Orbit1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable
Image:Sable Plat1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable Platinum Edition
Image:2005 Mercury Sable1.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Platinum Edition
Image:2005Sable1.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:08 Sable Premier Wood Interior.jpg|2008 Sable Premier Interior with Premier Wood Package
Image:Side1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier AWD
Image:Sable Base Interior.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Base Interior with Optional Nav. System
Image:08 Sable Interior2.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier Interior
Image:08Sablefront1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:Blue Sable1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:DARK BLUE SABLE1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:08 Mercury-Sable-Premier.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
<gallery></gallery>

==See Also==
{{Mercury}}

==External Links==
*[[Full-Size Cars]]

* [http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/sable/ Mercury Sable official site]

*[http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/ Mercury Vehicles (Mercury | New Doors Opened)]

*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=c47zXEvM2VA&mode=related&search=/ Mercury Sable Tribute]

[[Category:Mercury]]

Mercury Grand Marquis

2008-10-31T00:14:25Z

MercuryLover2008:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:08 Mercury Grand Marquis2008.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Grand Marquis'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| MSRP Range
| $26,105 - $36,070
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1975-Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Full-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 212.0 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 84.5 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 58.3 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 114.7 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 4,118-4,137 lbs.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 4.6L [[Ford Modular engine#4.6|Modular V8]] [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 224 [[hp]] @ 4800 RPM <br> 275 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM <br> 239 [[hp]] @ 4700 RPM <br> 287 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Cadillac DTS]] <br> [[Lincoln Town Car]] <br> [[Buick Lucerne]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Platform
| Mercury Panther Platform
|}

The '''Mercury Grand Marquis''' is a Full-Size Rear-Wheel Drive Luxury [[Sedan]] made by [[Mercury]] and manufactured at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Canada. It was also built in St. Louis, Missouri until 1985.
The Grand Marquis is still the sales leader in its class. The Grand Marquis is almost never used in fleets unlike its counterpart the [[Ford Crown Victoria]] which as of 2008 is only sold to fleets. The Grand Marquis is also the only vehicle sold in Canada that still wears a Mercury Badge. The Grand Marquis is also Mercury's best selling vehicle ever, with over 4 Million sold since 1975.

==Overview==
The Grand Marquis is essentially a luxurious version of the [[Ford Crown Victoria]]. It comes in two trim levels; GS and LS. The trim level can be identified by the fifth, sixth and seventh digits in the VIN. A Grand Marquis GS is represented by "M74", while a Grand Marquis LS Premium is represented by "M75".

The Grand Marquis shares the same "Panther" platform as the Ford Crown Victoria, [[Lincoln Town Car]] and the former [[Mercury Marauder]]. The Town Car will soon share the same manufacturing plant with the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria when Ford's Wixom factory is closed. Current models are powered by Ford's 4.6L SOHC V8 engine, which produces 224 hp, (239 hp with handling/dual exhaust package). The only exception for power output was the Mercury Marauder, the Grand Marquis' high performance cousin which was powered by a DOHC version of the 4.6L engine and produced 302 hp (224 kW).

Power is carried to the rear end by a four-speed electronically-controlled, wide-ratio automatic transmission. This transmission is known as the 4R70W, and is the successor to Ford's AOD and AODE transmissions of the early 1990s.

Mercury has always been marketed as a step-up from the Ford brand and has historically been more performance and luxury oriented. There are indications of that in the Grand Marquis. Properly equipped, the large sedan can be both a comfortable semi-luxury sedan while still offering adequate performance.

The Grand Marquis remains quite affordable, priced well below similarly well-equipped entry-level luxury sedans. Prices for the Grand Marquis range from $26,105 for the GS to $28,995 for the LS Premium.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Mercury Grand Marquis Review]]'''.

==Recent Changes==
For 2008, Mercury added a standard tire pressure monitoring system on the GS and LS Premium. In addition, outside temperature display is now standard on the LS. New optional equipment for the GS includes a Comfort Appearance Package that includes leather trim seats, a power driver seat and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. For 2008 the GS also has an optional Confidence Package with heated mirrors, fog lamps, and traction control. The LS now offers the Travel Package with CD and cassette player and conventional spare tire as optional.

==Styles and Major Options==
[[Image:2008.Mercury.Grand Marquis interior2.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis Interior.]]
[[Image:2008.mercury.marquis rear1.jpg|thumb|350px|2009 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium.]]

The Grand Marquis is available in GS and LS trims.

'''GS Standard Features'''
* AM/FM Single CD Stereo
* Remote Keyless Entry
* Cloth seats with 8 way power driver's seat
* Power mirrors
* 17" Steel Wheels with Chrome Covers
* Traction Control

'''LS Premium Standard Features'''<br>
''In addition to or in place of GS Features''
* Power Adjustable Pedals
* Overhead Console with Compass, Map Lights and Universal Garage Door Opener
* Pinstripes
* Fog Lamps
* Rear seat reading lights
* Electrochromic Rearview Mirror
* Leather Seats with Upgraded rear bench
* Power Heated mirrors
* Leather Wrapped Steering wheel
* 17" Painted alloy wheels

'''Major Optional Features'''
* Wood/Leather Steering Wheel/w/ Audio Controls
* Power Moonroof
* AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer
* Fog Lamps on GS Model
* Driver and Front Passenger 8-Way Power Seats
* 17" Chrome Wheels

==Pricing==
Today's actual prices for the [[Mercury]] Grand Marquis can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/research/model-year?make=ME&modelid=174&year=2007 CarsDirect].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=3>
'''Grand Marquis Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
GS
</td>
<td>
LS Premium
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$26,105
</td>
<td>
$28,995
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$23,594
</td>
<td>
$26,254
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Gas Mileage==
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
'''Fuel Type'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Gasoline
</td>
<td>
E85 Ethanol
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
15/23
</td>
<td>
11/16
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Reliability==
The Grand Marquis is known to have good reliability, according to the Consumer Union.

==Safety==
'''Standard Safety Features'''
* Traction Control
* Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
* Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
* 4-wheel [[ABS]]
* Laminated Side Glass

The NHTSA has conducted crash tests of the 2007 Grand Marquis. Its full scores are available at [http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/3889.html safercar.gov].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=6>
'''Rating (Stars)'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
Front
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Side
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Rollover
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td>
Driver
</td>
<td>
Passenger
</td>
<td>
Front Seat
</td>
<td>
Rear Seat
</td>
<td>
2WD
</td>
<td>
4WD
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc align=center>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
4
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td align=center>
-
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:08 Grand Marquis.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis LS
Image:08 Grand Marquis2.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis LS
Image:08 Marquis Front.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis LS
Image:08 Marquis Side.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis LS
Image:08 Grand-Marquis is Norsea Blue1.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis
Image:2007GrandMarquisRearQuarter.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis
Image:2007GrandMarquisAluminumDash.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis Palm Beach Edition
Image:2007GrandMarquisInterior.jpg|The Grand Marquis' interior is simply elegant and luxurious.
Image:07 Marquis GS Interior.jpg|2007 Mercury Grand Marquis GS Interior
Image:2005GrandMarquisDash.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis LS Ultimate Interior.
Image:07 Marquis.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis
Image:07 Marquis Rear.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis
Image:2008 Mercury Grand Marquis.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis
Image:97 Marquis.jpg|1997 Grand Marquis
Image:2005 Grand Marquis GS Limited.jpg|2005 Grand Marquis GS with Two Tone Package and Hood Ornament
Image:2007GrandMarquisFrontQuarter.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis
Image:03 Marquis Rear.jpg|2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
Image:08 Marquis Wheel1.jpg|17" Chrome Wheel Covers
Image:08 Marquis Wheel2.jpg|17" 14-spoke Painted-aluminum Wheels
Image:08 Marquis Wheel3.jpg|17" 18-spoke Chromed-aluminum Wheels

</gallery>

==Colors==

<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smokestone</td>
<td bgcolor="#cbc8bf" width="73"> </td>

<td height="20" width="145">Dark Toreador Red</td>
<td bgcolor="#481615" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Silver Birch</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#b1adaa"> </td>

<td width="145">Norsea Blue</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#393e51"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Light Ice Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#abbabf" width="73"> </td>

<td height="20" width="145">Driftwood Gray</td>
<td bgcolor="#787775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#0c0c0c" width="73"> </td>

<td height="20" width="145">Vibrant White</td>
<td bgcolor="#f4f4f4" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">'''Two-Tone Colors'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">Silver Birch/Driftwood Gray</td>
<td bgcolor="#b1adaa" width="34"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#787775" width="34"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">Black/Driftwood Gray</td>
<td bgcolor="#0c0c0c" width="34"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#787775" width="34"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">Vibrant White/Smokestone</td>
<td bgcolor="#f4f4f4" width="34"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#cbc8bf" width="34"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">Vibrant White/Silver Birch</td>
<td bgcolor="#f4f4f4" width="34"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#b1adaa" width="34"> </td>
</tr>
</table>

<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="73">'''Cloth'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Leather'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Camel</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#ae9b8c"> </td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d6c9b8"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Dark Charcoal</td>
<td bgcolor="#2f2f2f" width="73"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#565656" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Medium Light Stone</td>
<td bgcolor="#b0aca9" width="73"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#b7b3b0" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">

==Main Competitors==
* [[Cadillac DTS]]
* [[Lincoln Town Car]]
* [[Buick Lucerne]]

==Warranty==
'''Bumper to Bumper''': 36 months/36,000 miles

'''Major Components''': 60 months/60,000 miles

'''Rust Through''': 60 months/unlimited miles

'''Roadside Assistance''': 60 months/60,000 miles

==Hybrid Models==
* The Grand Marquis has never been offered as a hybrid model.

==Unique Attributes==
* Chrome Waterfall Grille.
* Still using the 1979 Panther Platform.

==Resale Values==
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Mercury_Grand%20Marquis_Sedan.aspx

==What's Best About Grand Marquis==

* "The Grand Marquis offers almost all the comfort and convenience of the Lincoln Town Car, and it's priced lower than many luxury mid-size cars." — New Car Test Drive

* "You can sleep better at night knowing that the Grand Marquis scores well in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests; it earned a perfect five stars in frontal impact testing and four stars in side-impact testing." — Edmunds.com

==Criticisms==
* Some say Grand Marquis is old and worn out because it is being built on the same Panther Platform is was being built on in 1979.
* Grand Marquis has not had a "full" redesign since 1992 just major refreshes every 2 to 3 years.

==Fourth Generation 2003-Present==
[[Image:05 Grand Marquis1.jpg|right|2003 Grand Marquis|thumb|300px]]
'''2003''': The '''Grand Marquis''' received a facelift and new rear fascia, along with refreshed interior door panels (including door handles and power window/power lock control switches) and an optional overhead console (standard on the LS Series). However the real changes were under the skin, with the second generation of the Panther platform. An all-new hydroformed frame was engineered, rack and pinion steering replaced the old recirculating ball system, and the front and rear suspension, as well as the brakes, were redesigned. An engine knock sensor was made standard along with a six-quart (5.7 L) oil pan (20% larger than the 2002 model). The wheels were redesigned with a high positive offset. A quiet EBD brake booster with a mechanical panic assist system was added. Other changes included an intake manifold with aluminum water crossover and an electronic returnless fuel system. Side airbags were also made available and a dual media (cassette/CD) player made standard. More minor changes included a redesigned engine cover with a chrome V8 logo, the oil fill was moved to the passenger valve cover and the power steering fluid reservoir moved to the radiator surround (previously on the front of the engine). A shoulder belt was put into place for the rear middle passenger and a valet key was made standard.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''2004''': No major changes were made. The option/standard list was modified.

[[Image:Mercury-GrandMarquis1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|2006 Grand Marquis]]
'''2005''': A number of changes were made for the 2005 model year. An electronic throttle control system was put in place, moving the cruise control function to the main computer. Occupant weight sensors were added, which could disable the passenger airbag. Other changes included two new front crash severity sensors, a new steering column and two-spoke steering wheel and the addition of a mast antenna on the right rear fender. Interior changes included new wood trim, chrome interior door release handles and an Audiophile 6 disc in-dash CD changer (optional on the LS Series), The LSE trim was added mid year. The steering wheel lock feature was eliminated.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

[[Image:08 Grand Marquis Blue.jpg|300px|thumb|right|2008 Grand Marquis]]
'''2006''': For 2006, the front end was refreshed. This included a new, rectangular grille, bearing a likeness to the 1980s models. Fog lights were now an option. Interior changes included a new steering wheel and dash layout, as well as a new instrument cluster, which featured the addition of a tachometer and digital odometer/tripmeter. The mast antenna on the right rear fender was integrated back into the rear window and new wheel designs were made available. This was the first year for the 4R75E transmission.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''2007''': For 2007 the Palm Beach package was added which includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors with chrome fronts, cashmere leather seats with embroidered "Palm Beach" logos, side impact air bags, unique satin applique on the instrument panel and door panel, "Palm Beach" badging, and 16" 9-spoke chrome wheels. Also the lineup has been simplified to just GS & LS. There is also the option for a conventional spare tire and an auto dimming rear view mirror. An Audiophile 6 disc in-dash changer with an 8 speaker configuration is available. The engine is now E85 fuel capable..<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''2008''': For 2008, Mercury added a standard tire pressure monitoring system on the GS and LS. In addition, outside temperature display is now standard on the LS. New optional equipment for the GS includes a Comfort Appearance Package that includes leather trim seats, a power driver seat and 16-inch painted aluminum wheels. For 2008 the GS also has an optional Confidence Package with heated mirrors, fog lamps, and traction control. The LS now offers the Travel Package with CD and cassette player and conventional spare tire as optional..<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

==Third Generation 1998-2002==
[[Image:99 Marquis1.jpg|Third Generation Mercury Grand Marquis|right|thumb|300px]]
[[Image:99 Marquis Rear1.jpg|Third Generation Mercury Grand Marquis|right|thumb|300px]]
'''1998''': The '''Grand Marquis''' received an exterior refresh, including new front and rear fascias, grille, hood, headlights, cornering lights, taillights, bumpers, door mirrors and wheels. There were a number of small interior updates, such as a new two-spoke steering wheel, green LED backlighting, a black column shift lever and turn signal/wiper stalk arm (previously chrome), and a Gentex auto dim rear view mirror with an integrated compass. A single CD player became available, as well as an eight-way power passenger seat with lumbar support. The analog gauges now had red pointers, instead of the orange ones in previous years.

A number of mechanical changes were also made. A fail-safe cooling system with a dual speed electric fan was put in place, along with a coil-on-plug ignition system. Larger dual piston brake calipers were added to the front, hence 16 inch wheels were now standard. A Watt's Linkage Suspension was added to the rear. Fuel lines were moved to the passenger side frame rail. A coded ignition key (known as Passive Anti-Theft System [PATS]) system was introduced and a 72 amp/hour battery replaced the previous 58. Other minor changes included a redesigned engine cover and the power steering fluid reservoir being moved to the front of the engine.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''1999''': No major changes were made. The option/standard list was modified.

'''2000''': Anchors for child seats were added in the rear. A new trunk release allowed occupants trapped in the trunk to exit without assistance.

'''2001''': Changes included adjustable pedals and higher engine output.

'''2002''': Heated door mirrors, [[ABS]] and Traction Control were added to the standard options list. The trim levels for this year are GS, GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, and top-line LSE editions.

==Second Generation 1992-1997==
[[Image:92 Grand Marquis.jpg|right|thumb|300px|1992-1995 Mercury Grand Marquis]]
'''1992''': This was the first year for the 4.6 L SOHC modular V8 engine. The car was also completely redesigned, with its angular shapes replaced by a new aerodynamic body. The new rounded design was then highly regarded for its light weight and low wind resistance, which led to increased fuel efficiency. The interior was redesigned, with new door trim and seats. Four-wheel disc brakes were made standard, along with speed-sensitive power steering and a 19 gallon fuel tank. Rear air suspension was optional, along with a keyless entry system.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes">[http://www.crownvic.net/liquid/changes.html Liquid's Model Year Changes]</ref>

'''1993''': A front passenger's side airbag was made standard. An overdrive button was added on the end of the shifter.

'''1994''': Side impact protection was added, allowing the car to comply to future 1997 standards.
[[Image:95-97GrandMarquis.jpg|right|thumb|300px|1995-1997 Mercury Grand Marquis]]

'''1995''': This was the first year for the 4R70W transmission along with an OBD-II compliant computer. The vehicle received an exterior refreshing, along with a choice of new wheels. The interior was also redesigned with a new dashboard, seats, door trim panels, and door-mounted power seat controls. 10 inch front seat tracks were standard. A 2.73 rear axle ratio was made standard, over last year's 3.08. The power antenna was integrated into the rear window on all models and an electronic temperature control system was available on the LS series.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''1996''': A new four-spoke steering wheel replaced last year's "brick" steering wheel and a single key entry system was introduced. The throttle body linkage was redesigned along with the engine cover and an all-plastic intake manifold was made standard. Shifting performance was also improved.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''1997''': The power steering system was upgraded for more precise handling and better component durability.

==First Generation 1983-1991==

[[Image:83 Grand Marquis1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|1983 Mercury Grand Marquis]]

'''1983''': The [[Mercury Marquis|Marquis]], like the Ford LTD, split into a mid-size version based on the Ford Fox platform platform while the Grand Marquis continued with the Panther platform. The grille was changed slightly this year.

'''1986''': Sequential electronic fuel injection is added.

'''1987''': The '''Grand Marquis''' is now built exclusively at the St. Thomas plant.

'''1988''': The exterior received minor changes; the familiar cross-and-wreath hood ornament, as well as the other cross emblems, were replaced by Mercury's "Flying M" logo. The rest of the exterior emblems were updated to the new block script used on the [[Mercury Sable|Sable]]. The 2-door coupe was no longer available.

'''1990''': The dashboard of the car was completely redesigned, including the airbag-equipped "brick" steering wheel.

'''1991''': The electronically controlled Ford AOD-E transmission was introduced.

==Origins==
[[Image:78 Grand Marquis1.jpg|right|1978 Mercury Grand Marquis Brougham|thumb|250px]]
The [[Mercury Marquis]] was introduced as a trim package on the 1967 [[Mercury Monterey]]. The Marquis name gradually replaced Monterey. The '''Grand Marquis''' trim line was introduced in 1975 as a step up from the base '''Marquis''' and '''Marquis Brougham'''. The Grand Marquis became a model in its own right in 1983. Since then, there have been four generations of the Grand Marquis, with a major redesign in 1992 (the [[Mercury Colony Park]] wagon was not redesigned but discontinued), a refresh in 1998, and a major revamping of the front suspension and steering system in 2003.

==Worldwide==

===Canadian market===
In Canada, after the [[Mercury (automobile)|Mercury]] brand was phased out in 1999, the car was sold as the '''Ford Grand Marquis''' but still remains badged as a Mercury, despite being named a Ford in all Canadian sales literature. Since the demise of the Mercury Marauder in 2004, the Grand Marquis is the last remaining Mercury vehicle sold in Canada. It replaces the civilian Crown Victoria, which is now sold only to commercial fleets and law enforcement in Canada (as a ''Police Interceptor'').

===Middle Eastern market===
[[Image:Sside.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Middle Eastern 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS, equipped with the Export Handling Package, with the LSE wheels]]

The Grand Marquis and its twin, the Ford Crown Victoria, are popular sedans in the Middle East. This is especially true in countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Vehicles with Middle East specifications (also known as GCC spec) come with slightly different options and features, including the GS-L trim. A true dual exhaust system is standard, as well as aluminum wheels. LS wheels are standard on the GS trim and vehicles manufactured after 1998 come with Lincoln Town Car seats, available in both cloth and leather trim.

The Handling and Performance Package (HPP) was renamed to the "Export Handling Package" (EHP) and differs slightly from the Handling and Performance Package. The dual exhaust system is not part of the EHP (since it already comes standard), and it comes with a 2.73 rear axle ratio over the 3.27 of the HPP. The Export Handling Package usually comes standard on the LS and shares the same 16 inch aluminum wheels with the LSE. A long wheelbase version is also available, called the Grand Marquis GSL. In North America, the long-wheelbase model is only available to fleet customers as a commercial version of the Ford Crown Victoria.

==Future Models==
Despite rumors to the contrary, [[Ford]] has announced that they will continue to produce the Grand Marquis through at least 2010.

The company does plan on redesigning it along with the Crown Victoria sometime in the future, likely retiring the Panther platform altogether and moving them to the Ford D2C platform (used by the [[Ford Mustang]]). While Ford would likely replace the Crown Victoria name with something along the lines of [[Ford Fairlane|Fairlane]] or maybe even [[Ford Galaxie|Galaxie]], to go out of Ford's plans to use names that start with the letter "F"), the Grand Marquis name would most likely be shortened back to "Marquis" to go along with Mercury naming their cars with names that begin with the letter "M".

==Design quirks and oddities==
* Using same basic Panther Platform it used in 1979.
* Using same Door and window design since 1992.
* Using same Dash Design since 1995.

==Awards==
* Class exclusive standard [[V8]] Engine.
* Roomiest Interior in its class.
* Largest Trunk in its class.
* 5 Star safety rating in all 5 categories 13 years running 1995-2008.
* Mercury Grand Marquis Won the AutoPacific 2007 Ideal Vehicle Award for Large Luxury Car.

==See Also==
{{Mercury}}
==External links==
* Mercury Grand Marquis official websites: [http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/grandmarquis U.S.A.] | [http://www.ford.ca/main/default.asp?Language=en&section=1&sVehCategory=FordCars&Model=Grand+Marquis Canada]
* [http://www.crownvicsetc.com/ Jonelle's Crown Vics, etc.]
*[[Full-Size Cars]]

This page was constructed using content from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Marquis Mercury Grand Marquis] Wikipedia article and these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mercury_Grand_Marquis&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Mercury]]

File:09 Mercury Grand Marquis2009.jpg

2008-10-31T00:13:54Z

MercuryLover2008: Category:Mercury images

[[Category:Mercury images]]

Mercury Grand Marquis

2008-10-31T00:13:14Z

MercuryLover2008:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:09 Mercury Grand Marquis2009.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Grand Marquis'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| MSRP Range
| $26,105 - $36,070
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1975-Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Full-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4-Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 212.0 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 84.5 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 58.3 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 114.7 in.
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 4,118-4,137 lbs.
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 4.6L [[Ford Modular engine#4.6|Modular V8]] [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 224 [[hp]] @ 4800 RPM <br> 275 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM <br> 239 [[hp]] @ 4700 RPM <br> 287 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Cadillac DTS]] <br> [[Lincoln Town Car]] <br> [[Buick Lucerne]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Platform
| Mercury Panther Platform
|}

The '''Mercury Grand Marquis''' is a Full-Size Rear-Wheel Drive Luxury [[Sedan]] made by [[Mercury]] and manufactured at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Canada. It was also built in St. Louis, Missouri until 1985.
The Grand Marquis is still the sales leader in its class. The Grand Marquis is almost never used in fleets unlike its counterpart the [[Ford Crown Victoria]] which as of 2008 is only sold to fleets. The Grand Marquis is also the only vehicle sold in Canada that still wears a Mercury Badge. The Grand Marquis is also Mercury's best selling vehicle ever, with over 4 Million sold since 1975.

==Overview==
The Grand Marquis is essentially a luxurious version of the [[Ford Crown Victoria]]. It comes in two trim levels; GS and LS. The trim level can be identified by the fifth, sixth and seventh digits in the VIN. A Grand Marquis GS is represented by "M74", while a Grand Marquis LS Premium is represented by "M75".

The Grand Marquis shares the same "Panther" platform as the Ford Crown Victoria, [[Lincoln Town Car]] and the former [[Mercury Marauder]]. The Town Car will soon share the same manufacturing plant with the Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria when Ford's Wixom factory is closed. Current models are powered by Ford's 4.6L SOHC V8 engine, which produces 224 hp, (239 hp with handling/dual exhaust package). The only exception for power output was the Mercury Marauder, the Grand Marquis' high performance cousin which was powered by a DOHC version of the 4.6L engine and produced 302 hp (224 kW).

Power is carried to the rear end by a four-speed electronically-controlled, wide-ratio automatic transmission. This transmission is known as the 4R70W, and is the successor to Ford's AOD and AODE transmissions of the early 1990s.

Mercury has always been marketed as a step-up from the Ford brand and has historically been more performance and luxury oriented. There are indications of that in the Grand Marquis. Properly equipped, the large sedan can be both a comfortable semi-luxury sedan while still offering adequate performance.

The Grand Marquis remains quite affordable, priced well below similarly well-equipped entry-level luxury sedans. Prices for the Grand Marquis range from $26,105 for the GS to $28,995 for the LS Premium.

See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Mercury Grand Marquis Review]]'''.

==Recent Changes==
For 2008, Mercury added a standard tire pressure monitoring system on the GS and LS Premium. In addition, outside temperature display is now standard on the LS. New optional equipment for the GS includes a Comfort Appearance Package that includes leather trim seats, a power driver seat and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. For 2008 the GS also has an optional Confidence Package with heated mirrors, fog lamps, and traction control. The LS now offers the Travel Package with CD and cassette player and conventional spare tire as optional.

==Styles and Major Options==
[[Image:2008.Mercury.Grand Marquis interior2.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis Interior.]]
[[Image:2008.mercury.marquis rear1.jpg|thumb|350px|2009 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Premium.]]

The Grand Marquis is available in GS and LS trims.

'''GS Standard Features'''
* AM/FM Single CD Stereo
* Remote Keyless Entry
* Cloth seats with 8 way power driver's seat
* Power mirrors
* 17" Steel Wheels with Chrome Covers
* Traction Control

'''LS Premium Standard Features'''<br>
''In addition to or in place of GS Features''
* Power Adjustable Pedals
* Overhead Console with Compass, Map Lights and Universal Garage Door Opener
* Pinstripes
* Fog Lamps
* Rear seat reading lights
* Electrochromic Rearview Mirror
* Leather Seats with Upgraded rear bench
* Power Heated mirrors
* Leather Wrapped Steering wheel
* 17" Painted alloy wheels

'''Major Optional Features'''
* Wood/Leather Steering Wheel/w/ Audio Controls
* Power Moonroof
* AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer
* Fog Lamps on GS Model
* Driver and Front Passenger 8-Way Power Seats
* 17" Chrome Wheels

==Pricing==
Today's actual prices for the [[Mercury]] Grand Marquis can be found at [http://www.carsdirect.com/research/model-year?make=ME&modelid=174&year=2007 CarsDirect].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=3>
'''Grand Marquis Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
GS
</td>
<td>
LS Premium
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$26,105
</td>
<td>
$28,995
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$23,594
</td>
<td>
$26,254
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Gas Mileage==
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
'''Fuel Type'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Gasoline
</td>
<td>
E85 Ethanol
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
15/23
</td>
<td>
11/16
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Reliability==
The Grand Marquis is known to have good reliability, according to the Consumer Union.

==Safety==
'''Standard Safety Features'''
* Traction Control
* Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
* Front Seatbelt Pretensioners
* 4-wheel [[ABS]]
* Laminated Side Glass

The NHTSA has conducted crash tests of the 2007 Grand Marquis. Its full scores are available at [http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/3889.html safercar.gov].

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=6>
'''Rating (Stars)'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
Front
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Side
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Rollover
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td>
Driver
</td>
<td>
Passenger
</td>
<td>
Front Seat
</td>
<td>
Rear Seat
</td>
<td>
2WD
</td>
<td>
4WD
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc align=center>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
4
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td align=center>
-
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:08 Grand Marquis.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis LS
Image:08 Grand Marquis2.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis LS
Image:08 Marquis Front.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis LS
Image:08 Marquis Side.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis LS
Image:08 Grand-Marquis is Norsea Blue1.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis
Image:2007GrandMarquisRearQuarter.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis
Image:2007GrandMarquisAluminumDash.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis Palm Beach Edition
Image:2007GrandMarquisInterior.jpg|The Grand Marquis' interior is simply elegant and luxurious.
Image:07 Marquis GS Interior.jpg|2007 Mercury Grand Marquis GS Interior
Image:2005GrandMarquisDash.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis LS Ultimate Interior.
Image:07 Marquis.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis
Image:07 Marquis Rear.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis
Image:2008 Mercury Grand Marquis.jpg|2008 Grand Marquis
Image:97 Marquis.jpg|1997 Grand Marquis
Image:2005 Grand Marquis GS Limited.jpg|2005 Grand Marquis GS with Two Tone Package and Hood Ornament
Image:2007GrandMarquisFrontQuarter.jpg|2007 Grand Marquis
Image:03 Marquis Rear.jpg|2003 Mercury Grand Marquis
Image:08 Marquis Wheel1.jpg|17" Chrome Wheel Covers
Image:08 Marquis Wheel2.jpg|17" 14-spoke Painted-aluminum Wheels
Image:08 Marquis Wheel3.jpg|17" 18-spoke Chromed-aluminum Wheels

</gallery>

==Colors==

<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Exterior Colors'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Smokestone</td>
<td bgcolor="#cbc8bf" width="73"> </td>

<td height="20" width="145">Dark Toreador Red</td>
<td bgcolor="#481615" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Silver Birch</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#b1adaa"> </td>

<td width="145">Norsea Blue</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#393e51"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Light Ice Blue</td>
<td bgcolor="#abbabf" width="73"> </td>

<td height="20" width="145">Driftwood Gray</td>
<td bgcolor="#787775" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Black</td>
<td bgcolor="#0c0c0c" width="73"> </td>

<td height="20" width="145">Vibrant White</td>
<td bgcolor="#f4f4f4" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>

<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">'''Two-Tone Colors'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">Silver Birch/Driftwood Gray</td>
<td bgcolor="#b1adaa" width="34"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#787775" width="34"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">Black/Driftwood Gray</td>
<td bgcolor="#0c0c0c" width="34"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#787775" width="34"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">Vibrant White/Smokestone</td>
<td bgcolor="#f4f4f4" width="34"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#cbc8bf" width="34"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="222">Vibrant White/Silver Birch</td>
<td bgcolor="#f4f4f4" width="34"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#b1adaa" width="34"> </td>
</tr>
</table>

<div style="border-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); position: relative; padding-bottom: 0px;" >
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">'''Interior Colors'''</td>
<td bgcolor="#ffffff" width="73">'''Cloth'''</td>
<td height="20" width="73">'''Leather'''</td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1" bordercolor="#0000FF">
<tr bordercolor="#FFFFFF">
<td width="145">Camel</td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#ae9b8c"> </td>
<td width="73" bgcolor="#d6c9b8"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Dark Charcoal</td>
<td bgcolor="#2f2f2f" width="73"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#565656" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">
<tr>
<td height="20" width="145">Medium Light Stone</td>
<td bgcolor="#b0aca9" width="73"> </td>
<td bgcolor="#b7b3b0" width="73"> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<table border="1">

==Main Competitors==
* [[Cadillac DTS]]
* [[Lincoln Town Car]]
* [[Buick Lucerne]]

==Warranty==
'''Bumper to Bumper''': 36 months/36,000 miles

'''Major Components''': 60 months/60,000 miles

'''Rust Through''': 60 months/unlimited miles

'''Roadside Assistance''': 60 months/60,000 miles

==Hybrid Models==
* The Grand Marquis has never been offered as a hybrid model.

==Unique Attributes==
* Chrome Waterfall Grille.
* Still using the 1979 Panther Platform.

==Resale Values==
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Mercury_Grand%20Marquis_Sedan.aspx

==What's Best About Grand Marquis==

* "The Grand Marquis offers almost all the comfort and convenience of the Lincoln Town Car, and it's priced lower than many luxury mid-size cars." — New Car Test Drive

* "You can sleep better at night knowing that the Grand Marquis scores well in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests; it earned a perfect five stars in frontal impact testing and four stars in side-impact testing." — Edmunds.com

==Criticisms==
* Some say Grand Marquis is old and worn out because it is being built on the same Panther Platform is was being built on in 1979.
* Grand Marquis has not had a "full" redesign since 1992 just major refreshes every 2 to 3 years.

==Fourth Generation 2003-Present==
[[Image:05 Grand Marquis1.jpg|right|2003 Grand Marquis|thumb|300px]]
'''2003''': The '''Grand Marquis''' received a facelift and new rear fascia, along with refreshed interior door panels (including door handles and power window/power lock control switches) and an optional overhead console (standard on the LS Series). However the real changes were under the skin, with the second generation of the Panther platform. An all-new hydroformed frame was engineered, rack and pinion steering replaced the old recirculating ball system, and the front and rear suspension, as well as the brakes, were redesigned. An engine knock sensor was made standard along with a six-quart (5.7 L) oil pan (20% larger than the 2002 model). The wheels were redesigned with a high positive offset. A quiet EBD brake booster with a mechanical panic assist system was added. Other changes included an intake manifold with aluminum water crossover and an electronic returnless fuel system. Side airbags were also made available and a dual media (cassette/CD) player made standard. More minor changes included a redesigned engine cover with a chrome V8 logo, the oil fill was moved to the passenger valve cover and the power steering fluid reservoir moved to the radiator surround (previously on the front of the engine). A shoulder belt was put into place for the rear middle passenger and a valet key was made standard.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''2004''': No major changes were made. The option/standard list was modified.

[[Image:Mercury-GrandMarquis1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|2006 Grand Marquis]]
'''2005''': A number of changes were made for the 2005 model year. An electronic throttle control system was put in place, moving the cruise control function to the main computer. Occupant weight sensors were added, which could disable the passenger airbag. Other changes included two new front crash severity sensors, a new steering column and two-spoke steering wheel and the addition of a mast antenna on the right rear fender. Interior changes included new wood trim, chrome interior door release handles and an Audiophile 6 disc in-dash CD changer (optional on the LS Series), The LSE trim was added mid year. The steering wheel lock feature was eliminated.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

[[Image:08 Grand Marquis Blue.jpg|300px|thumb|right|2008 Grand Marquis]]
'''2006''': For 2006, the front end was refreshed. This included a new, rectangular grille, bearing a likeness to the 1980s models. Fog lights were now an option. Interior changes included a new steering wheel and dash layout, as well as a new instrument cluster, which featured the addition of a tachometer and digital odometer/tripmeter. The mast antenna on the right rear fender was integrated back into the rear window and new wheel designs were made available. This was the first year for the 4R75E transmission.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''2007''': For 2007 the Palm Beach package was added which includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors with chrome fronts, cashmere leather seats with embroidered "Palm Beach" logos, side impact air bags, unique satin applique on the instrument panel and door panel, "Palm Beach" badging, and 16" 9-spoke chrome wheels. Also the lineup has been simplified to just GS & LS. There is also the option for a conventional spare tire and an auto dimming rear view mirror. An Audiophile 6 disc in-dash changer with an 8 speaker configuration is available. The engine is now E85 fuel capable..<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''2008''': For 2008, Mercury added a standard tire pressure monitoring system on the GS and LS. In addition, outside temperature display is now standard on the LS. New optional equipment for the GS includes a Comfort Appearance Package that includes leather trim seats, a power driver seat and 16-inch painted aluminum wheels. For 2008 the GS also has an optional Confidence Package with heated mirrors, fog lamps, and traction control. The LS now offers the Travel Package with CD and cassette player and conventional spare tire as optional..<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

==Third Generation 1998-2002==
[[Image:99 Marquis1.jpg|Third Generation Mercury Grand Marquis|right|thumb|300px]]
[[Image:99 Marquis Rear1.jpg|Third Generation Mercury Grand Marquis|right|thumb|300px]]
'''1998''': The '''Grand Marquis''' received an exterior refresh, including new front and rear fascias, grille, hood, headlights, cornering lights, taillights, bumpers, door mirrors and wheels. There were a number of small interior updates, such as a new two-spoke steering wheel, green LED backlighting, a black column shift lever and turn signal/wiper stalk arm (previously chrome), and a Gentex auto dim rear view mirror with an integrated compass. A single CD player became available, as well as an eight-way power passenger seat with lumbar support. The analog gauges now had red pointers, instead of the orange ones in previous years.

A number of mechanical changes were also made. A fail-safe cooling system with a dual speed electric fan was put in place, along with a coil-on-plug ignition system. Larger dual piston brake calipers were added to the front, hence 16 inch wheels were now standard. A Watt's Linkage Suspension was added to the rear. Fuel lines were moved to the passenger side frame rail. A coded ignition key (known as Passive Anti-Theft System [PATS]) system was introduced and a 72 amp/hour battery replaced the previous 58. Other minor changes included a redesigned engine cover and the power steering fluid reservoir being moved to the front of the engine.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''1999''': No major changes were made. The option/standard list was modified.

'''2000''': Anchors for child seats were added in the rear. A new trunk release allowed occupants trapped in the trunk to exit without assistance.

'''2001''': Changes included adjustable pedals and higher engine output.

'''2002''': Heated door mirrors, [[ABS]] and Traction Control were added to the standard options list. The trim levels for this year are GS, GS Convenience, LS Premium, LS Ultimate, and top-line LSE editions.

==Second Generation 1992-1997==
[[Image:92 Grand Marquis.jpg|right|thumb|300px|1992-1995 Mercury Grand Marquis]]
'''1992''': This was the first year for the 4.6 L SOHC modular V8 engine. The car was also completely redesigned, with its angular shapes replaced by a new aerodynamic body. The new rounded design was then highly regarded for its light weight and low wind resistance, which led to increased fuel efficiency. The interior was redesigned, with new door trim and seats. Four-wheel disc brakes were made standard, along with speed-sensitive power steering and a 19 gallon fuel tank. Rear air suspension was optional, along with a keyless entry system.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes">[http://www.crownvic.net/liquid/changes.html Liquid's Model Year Changes]</ref>

'''1993''': A front passenger's side airbag was made standard. An overdrive button was added on the end of the shifter.

'''1994''': Side impact protection was added, allowing the car to comply to future 1997 standards.
[[Image:95-97GrandMarquis.jpg|right|thumb|300px|1995-1997 Mercury Grand Marquis]]

'''1995''': This was the first year for the 4R70W transmission along with an OBD-II compliant computer. The vehicle received an exterior refreshing, along with a choice of new wheels. The interior was also redesigned with a new dashboard, seats, door trim panels, and door-mounted power seat controls. 10 inch front seat tracks were standard. A 2.73 rear axle ratio was made standard, over last year's 3.08. The power antenna was integrated into the rear window on all models and an electronic temperature control system was available on the LS series.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''1996''': A new four-spoke steering wheel replaced last year's "brick" steering wheel and a single key entry system was introduced. The throttle body linkage was redesigned along with the engine cover and an all-plastic intake manifold was made standard. Shifting performance was also improved.<ref name="Liquid's Model Year Changes" />

'''1997''': The power steering system was upgraded for more precise handling and better component durability.

==First Generation 1983-1991==

[[Image:83 Grand Marquis1.jpg|thumb|right|300px|1983 Mercury Grand Marquis]]

'''1983''': The [[Mercury Marquis|Marquis]], like the Ford LTD, split into a mid-size version based on the Ford Fox platform platform while the Grand Marquis continued with the Panther platform. The grille was changed slightly this year.

'''1986''': Sequential electronic fuel injection is added.

'''1987''': The '''Grand Marquis''' is now built exclusively at the St. Thomas plant.

'''1988''': The exterior received minor changes; the familiar cross-and-wreath hood ornament, as well as the other cross emblems, were replaced by Mercury's "Flying M" logo. The rest of the exterior emblems were updated to the new block script used on the [[Mercury Sable|Sable]]. The 2-door coupe was no longer available.

'''1990''': The dashboard of the car was completely redesigned, including the airbag-equipped "brick" steering wheel.

'''1991''': The electronically controlled Ford AOD-E transmission was introduced.

==Origins==
[[Image:78 Grand Marquis1.jpg|right|1978 Mercury Grand Marquis Brougham|thumb|250px]]
The [[Mercury Marquis]] was introduced as a trim package on the 1967 [[Mercury Monterey]]. The Marquis name gradually replaced Monterey. The '''Grand Marquis''' trim line was introduced in 1975 as a step up from the base '''Marquis''' and '''Marquis Brougham'''. The Grand Marquis became a model in its own right in 1983. Since then, there have been four generations of the Grand Marquis, with a major redesign in 1992 (the [[Mercury Colony Park]] wagon was not redesigned but discontinued), a refresh in 1998, and a major revamping of the front suspension and steering system in 2003.

==Worldwide==

===Canadian market===
In Canada, after the [[Mercury (automobile)|Mercury]] brand was phased out in 1999, the car was sold as the '''Ford Grand Marquis''' but still remains badged as a Mercury, despite being named a Ford in all Canadian sales literature. Since the demise of the Mercury Marauder in 2004, the Grand Marquis is the last remaining Mercury vehicle sold in Canada. It replaces the civilian Crown Victoria, which is now sold only to commercial fleets and law enforcement in Canada (as a ''Police Interceptor'').

===Middle Eastern market===
[[Image:Sside.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Middle Eastern 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis LS, equipped with the Export Handling Package, with the LSE wheels]]

The Grand Marquis and its twin, the Ford Crown Victoria, are popular sedans in the Middle East. This is especially true in countries like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Vehicles with Middle East specifications (also known as GCC spec) come with slightly different options and features, including the GS-L trim. A true dual exhaust system is standard, as well as aluminum wheels. LS wheels are standard on the GS trim and vehicles manufactured after 1998 come with Lincoln Town Car seats, available in both cloth and leather trim.

The Handling and Performance Package (HPP) was renamed to the "Export Handling Package" (EHP) and differs slightly from the Handling and Performance Package. The dual exhaust system is not part of the EHP (since it already comes standard), and it comes with a 2.73 rear axle ratio over the 3.27 of the HPP. The Export Handling Package usually comes standard on the LS and shares the same 16 inch aluminum wheels with the LSE. A long wheelbase version is also available, called the Grand Marquis GSL. In North America, the long-wheelbase model is only available to fleet customers as a commercial version of the Ford Crown Victoria.

==Future Models==
Despite rumors to the contrary, [[Ford]] has announced that they will continue to produce the Grand Marquis through at least 2010.

The company does plan on redesigning it along with the Crown Victoria sometime in the future, likely retiring the Panther platform altogether and moving them to the Ford D2C platform (used by the [[Ford Mustang]]). While Ford would likely replace the Crown Victoria name with something along the lines of [[Ford Fairlane|Fairlane]] or maybe even [[Ford Galaxie|Galaxie]], to go out of Ford's plans to use names that start with the letter "F"), the Grand Marquis name would most likely be shortened back to "Marquis" to go along with Mercury naming their cars with names that begin with the letter "M".

==Design quirks and oddities==
* Using same basic Panther Platform it used in 1979.
* Using same Door and window design since 1992.
* Using same Dash Design since 1995.

==Awards==
* Class exclusive standard [[V8]] Engine.
* Roomiest Interior in its class.
* Largest Trunk in its class.
* 5 Star safety rating in all 5 categories 13 years running 1995-2008.
* Mercury Grand Marquis Won the AutoPacific 2007 Ideal Vehicle Award for Large Luxury Car.

==See Also==
{{Mercury}}
==External links==
* Mercury Grand Marquis official websites: [http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/grandmarquis U.S.A.] | [http://www.ford.ca/main/default.asp?Language=en&section=1&sVehCategory=FordCars&Model=Grand+Marquis Canada]
* [http://www.crownvicsetc.com/ Jonelle's Crown Vics, etc.]
*[[Full-Size Cars]]

This page was constructed using content from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Marquis Mercury Grand Marquis] Wikipedia article and these [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mercury_Grand_Marquis&action=history contributors].

[[Category:Mercury]]

Mercury Milan

2008-10-31T00:12:19Z

MercuryLover2008:

Mercury Milan

2008-10-31T00:10:41Z

MercuryLover2008:

2008-08-22T14:19:31Z

MercuryLover2008:

Mercury Sable

2008-08-20T16:09:14Z

MercuryLover2008:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:08 Mercury Sable2008.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| MSRP Range
| $25,325 - $36,025
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1986-2005 <br> 2008-Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Executive Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 202.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 61.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 112.9 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,670 [[FWD]] <br> 3,820 [[AWD]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-Speed 6F Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.5L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 263[[HP]] @ 6250 RPM <br> 265FT-LBS @ 4500 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Lucerne]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]] <br> [[Volvo S80]] <br> [[Hyundai Azera]]<br> [[Toyota Avalon]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer's
| [[Jack Telnack]]<br>[[J Mays]]
|}

The '''Mercury Sable''' is a Large Front or All Wheel Drive Luxury [[Sedan]] produced by [[Mercury]] and manufactured at the Chicago Assembly Plant in Illinois. It was also built in Atlanta, Georgia until Friday April 29, 2005 when production stopped.

The '''Sable''' was a milestone design for [[Mercury]] and the entire American Automotive Industry, as well as a very influential vehicle in the marketplace, with Mercury selling over 2 million units during its 20 year run. The Sable's design was so futuristic that it was called by the press "The car that came from the moon". A important feature of the Sable's design was its front "lightbar", a low wattage lamp between the headlights. This later became mainstrem for the Mercury line-up and was copied by many automakers in the early nineties but never with the same success Mercury had. The Sable was refreshed in 1992 and received its first complete redesign in 1996. The 1996 model remained the basis for the vehicle up through the 2005 model year. A major sheet metal and interior redesign occured in 2000, softening some the controversial design vestiges of the 1996 model. Minor styling changes in 2004 further refined the car. The Mercury Sable station wagon ended production in late 2004. And the last Sable sedan rolled off the line on Friday April 29,2005. On Wednesday February 7,2007 at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show [[Ford Motor Company]] CEO [[Alan Mulally]] unveiled an all new 2008 model Mercury Sable.

The all-new 2008 Mercury Sable combines smart features with a sophisticated new design. Underneath the sleek hood is a new 3.5L V-6 engine, winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, coupled with a class-exclusive standard six-speed automatic transmission. The interior comprises of many clever technologies, including the exclusive voice-control of the SYNC communications and entertainment system.

However, 2009 will more than likely be the Sable's last year in production, again due to slow sales and the fact that Mercury is going to focus on smaller more fuel friendly cars and crossovers. But in 2010 the Ford Taurus will recieve a major redesign and continue on without it's Mercury brethren.

==First Generation 1986-1991==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:91 Sable LS2.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Predecessor
| [[Mercury Marquis]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1986-1991
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 192.2 Inches Sedan <br> 193.0 Inches Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 70.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 106.0 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,110 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-Speed Automatic <br> 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.5L HSC I4 (1986) <br> 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] <br> 3.8L Essex [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 98-140 [[HP]] <br> 130-215 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]]<br> [[Chevrolet Lumina]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Mercury Sable''' was a very important sedan both for [[Mercury]] and the American Auto Industry.

Ford had lagged behind General Motors in introducing mid-size front wheel drive cars to compete against the Citation and best-selling Celebrity, and Chryslers K-Cars, and Mercury suffered even worse from this. In 1984, Mercury launched a redesigned [[Mercury Cougar]] to start a reinvigoration of the Mercury Brand with new aerodynamic designs, and started development of the Sable.
Because of this design, the Sable was a resounding success and launched Mercury into a new design era, as well as infuencing the other American Automakers to follow suit and create aro designed cars, thus ending the boxy cars of the 70's and 80's.The Sable siblings used flush areodynamic composite headlights. Ford was the first to produce and sell vehicles with such headlights in the U.S. To do so Ford had to get them approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Sable was the first American produced, mainstream sedan to use the new lights.

The Sable was unveiled along with the Taurus in a resounding fashion. For its aerodynamic shape, the launch was held in MGM Studios Soundstage 85, where Gone with the Wind was filmed. Ford workers came into the room, which was decorated in space-age decor, holding cups shaped like flying saucers and the Taurus and Sable were sitting behind a curtain, their outlines silhouetting. Then, with the flashing of strobe lights and a drum-roll, the curtain was pulled back and the two cars were revealed to the public.

The bodyshell was smooth and aerodynamic. The Sable had a wraparound "lightbar" with two headlights and a low-wattage stretch in between. Aircraft-style doors were used to reduce wind noise, and the handles were recessed. The Sable also had large glass areas with slim pillars, and were flush with the body. The rear glass wrapped fully around, and the B-pillars were painted black to give the illusion that the front and rear glass were connected. The interior was available with bucket seats very rare for most U.S. midsize sedans and the dashboard wrapped around the driver and fed into the door panels to create more of a "cockpit" feel.

The Sable was first introduced as a 1986 model in December 1985, to strong sales and fanfare. It came in two models, base GS and high-end LS. Initial Sable sales were strong, and the Sable sold around 300,000 units its first year.

For the first year on the market, Sable buyers had the choice of a 98 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 Sable sales were so poor that the engine was dropped in 1987 (it remained an option for the Taurus until 1991). Ford's 3.8 L Essex V6 was added to the line-up in 1988. Although the power output was rated at the same 140 hp as the 3.0 L engine, this large V6 produced 215 ft·lbf of torque, a welcome addition, especially in the heavier wagons. However, the 3.8 suffered from premature head gasket failure, which was primarily a fault with Ford's supplier of gaskets, not with the engine itself. Some also attribute this to reduced under-hood cooling.

==Second Generation 1992-1995==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:95 Sable.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1992-1995
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 192.2 Inches Sedan <br> 193.0 Inches Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 70.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 106.0 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,110 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] <br> 3.8L Essex [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 140 [[HP]] <br> 185-215 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]]<br> [[Chevrolet Lumina]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Sable''' received its first significant cosmetic update in 1992, which modernized the interior and the front and rear fascias. The operation cost Ford $650 million at the time. With the older model facing slumping sales, this new model brought sales back up again, with 410,000 examples sold during 1992 Makeing it the Best selling Car in America, a number unheard of even today. While the design was basically the same, every body panel except for the roof was changed. The interior was also redesigned, and included an optional side airbag, a first in its class. The Taurus, sister car of the Sable, was the best-selling car in the United States for every year of this cosmetic update.

In 1993, unpopular optional features such as the "InstaClear" heated windshield were eliminated. For both 3.0 L and 3.8 L V6 engines, the drive belt system became a single-belt setup for 1993 (previously, the alternator had used a separate belt). A passenger-side airbag became standard for 1993, and a redesigned drivers side airbag and steering wheel came in 1994.

The wagon version was available with mostly the same options as the sedan versions. Wagons had a maximum of 81.1 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 split rear seat folded down. They featured a 2-way liftgate (raise the entire liftgate or just the window), a roof rack with crossbar and tie-downs, an optional rear-facing third seat, a lockable under-floor compartment, and an optional fold-out picnic table. With both rear split seats in the upright position, standard cargo capacity was 45.7 cubic feet. Wagons that were equipped with the front bench seat and rear folding seat could seat eight people.

The last year of this updated Sable generation was 1995. For the 1995 model year, the rare LTS trim level was added. It featured leather bucket seats, Taurus LX-style alloy wheels, special cladding, and many leather wrapped interior trim parts. The LTS trim had either the standard 3.0 L Vulcan V6 or the optional 3.8 L Essex V6.
{{-}}

==Third Generation 1996-1999==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:99 Sable LS1.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1996-1999
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 199.7 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,470 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] 12V [[SOHC]] <br> 3.0L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 153-200 [[HP]] <br> 186-200 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

For 1996 the '''Sable''' was all new from the ground up. [[Mercury]] hoped the radical redesign would lead to the same success it had had with the 1986 Sable. The controversial oval theme was not well received by the press and the public, and is ultimately blamed as the reason for a substantial dip in sales. For this generation, the Sable moved upmarket, and as a result, prices rose considerably, also driving away potential buyers. The 1996 Sable was the first sable to share sheetmetal with the [[Ford Taurus]]. Differences from the [[Ford Taurus|Taurus]] included different front and rear fascias, and the elimination of the rear quarter window. Although the Sable used a less oval based styling, sales still fell.

The 1996 model could be equipped with the powerful 200 [[hp]] 3.0L [[DOHC]] Duratec 30 [[V6]] as an option. Trim lines stayed the same, with GS as the entry level model and LS as the most luxurious model. The LTS was eliminated and the 3.8L Essex [[V6]] was gone. Although all 1998 models had the option of the [[DOHC]] Duratec engine, it was only available on the LS for 1999. That same year front bucket seats became optional on the GS. [[Mercury]] claimed that the 1999 Duratec had less power than the 2000 Duratec in hopes to increase sales of the 2000 Sable.

In an effort to reverse the declining sales of the Sable, [[Mercury]] did major cost cutting for the 1997 model. They carried this further for 1998, by giving it a front end facelift, and cutting the price up to $2,000 in 1999. Mercury also continued to cut costs, eliminating some options for 1999.

Year to Year Changes

1997 Mercury Sable: Only a handful of minor changes marked the 1997 models, led by newly standard front-door map pockets for the GS and LS Sables.

1998 Mercury Sable: Changes are limited to a new grille and a revised axle ratio for designed to yield better acceleration.

1999 Mercury Sable: Sable saw price cuts of $1000 to $2000 in '99, but that had little effect on used car prices. Revisions to the suspension, instrument graphics, and interior door panels rounded out the changes. Sables were redesigned for 2000.

{{-}}

==Fourth Generation 2000-2005==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:05MercurySable2.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2000-2005
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 199.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,514 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed AX4N Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engines
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] 12V [[SOHC]] <br> 3.0L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 155-201 [[HP]] <br> 186-207 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Regal]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]<br> [[Buick Century]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Sable''' received another redesign in 2000, which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model, replacing them with more conventional style, The redesign also featured a taller roof over the rear passenger space, to increase passenger headroom that had been sacrificed by the tapered 1996 design. The taller and roomier trunk also served to make the vehicle more functional. The interior was completely redesigned to a much more classy and conservative design. Certain elements of the interior were retained by the 1996 model, such as the intergrated control console, which combined the sound system and climate controls into one panel. The suspension was softened to appeal to a broader, non-sporting audience. To reduce price and increase profitability, many features such as four-wheel disc brakes where eliminated.

The 2005 [[Mercury Montego]] and 2006 [[Mercury Milan]] where launched as replacments for the Sable. Shortly after Montego's introduction the Sable was discontinued from the Mercury Line-up. The last Mercury Sable left the Atlanta Plant on Friday April 29,2005.

The 2002 Sable included extra equipment on every trim level including a CD Player and power driver's seat on the GS and a power moonroor and Premium leather interior trim on the LS. Also a new trim level was intoduced the LS Platinum Edition, it featured Satin Finishes on the Dash a Satin Waterfall Grille and Platinum Edition Badgeing on the Fender. Side Airbags and traction control were available on all models. For 2004 the Sable received minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, most noticable was the front grille was now fully chrome. Inside were a new instrument cluster and steering wheel and higer quality wood trim. The last Mercury Sable left the Atlanta Georgia Assembly Plant on Friday April 29,2005 the end of an era.

{{-}}

==Fifth Generation 2008-Present==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Dune Pearl Mercury Sable1.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Predecessor
| [[Mercury Montego]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2008- Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Executive Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 202.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 61.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 112.9 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,670 [[FWD]] <br> 3,820 [[AWD]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-Speed 6F Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.5L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 263[[HP]] @ 6250 RPM <br> 265FT-LBS @ 4500 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Lucerne]]<br> [[Nissan Maxima]] <br> [[Hyundai Azera]] <br>
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[J Mays]]
|}

After [[Alan Mulally]] took position as Ford's CEO, rumors were rampant that he was interested in reviving the Sable and [[Ford Taurus|Taurus]]. Mulally said that he was baffled by the fact that [[Mercury]] and [[Ford]] were going to discontinue the Sable and Taurus, and that he believed that the discontinuation of the Sable and Taurus were unjust, even asking "How can they go away, they were at one time the best selling car's in America." He said that the discontinuation of the Sable disappointed many of [[Mercury]]'s loyal customers, who wanted Mercury to instead continue to improve the Sable instead of abandoning it. Mulally also stated that under his leadership, Mercury will start to remain more loyal to its customers and nameplates, and will continue to stick with and improve successful nameplates to keep customers loyal to the brand, and the revival of the Sable was the first such move.

As a result, the [[Mercury Montego]] sedan, as produced for the 2005-2007 model year, was scheduled for a significant styling facelift update and power upgrade for the 2008 model year. That vehicle is being redesigned as the new Sable. Ford's CEO [[Alan Mulally]] determined that Mercury's strategy to redesignate new cars in the lineup with new names beginning with the letter M, as in [[Mercury Milan]], [[Mercury Mariner]], and [[Mercury Montego]], was not a good marketing move, as some of the renamed cars had highly recognizeable iconic names. The new M names were not as well known to be associated with Mercury, and consumers were confused by the name changes Montego to be renamed "Sable". Mulally believed that the Sable had an immediately strong brand equity, and that it would take years for consumers to have a similar recognition of the Montego Officals say [[Mercury]] to revive Sable name.

Changes to the new Sable from the existing Montego include a newly styled front end, with the Mercury's signature Satin Waterfall grille from the [[Mercury Milan|Milan]], and the addition of the 263 hp 3.5L Ford Duratec Engine from the [[Ford Edge]], replacing the 203 hp 3.0L V6. The Montego's continuously variable transmission, which was power-limited to a maximum of about 210 hp, is also replaced with a more conventional six-speed automatic. Mercury slaps a successful nameplate on its refreshed and reinvigorated Montego. The Sable sedan Counterpart, the Ford Taurus nameplate, will also be revived from the [[Ford Five Hundred]] nameplate to return Like Sable, [[Ford Taurus]] nameplate to. The 2008 Mercury Sable will have a base price of $25,325 for the Base Front-Wheel Drive model to $36,025 for the Premier All-Wheel Drive model. The 2008 Mercury Sable is in Mercury showrooms now. However, 2009 will more than likely be the Sable's last year in production, again due to slow sales and the fact that Mercury is going to focus on smaller more fuel friendly cars and crossovers. But in 2010 the [[Ford Taurus]] will recieve a major redesign and continue on without it's Mercury brethren.

{{-}}

==Awards==
[[Image:Sable CRBB.jpg|2008 Sable Consumer Digest Best Buy.|thumb|300px]]
* The new 3.5L [[V6]] engine winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award.
* The 2008 Mercury Sable was rated the Safest Full-Size Car in America
* Consumers Digest names Sable a Best Buy. Praising the Sable's power, performance and comfort, Consumers Digest has named Sable a Best Buy for 2008. The magazine cited Sable's "smooth and swift 263 horsepower" and it's "crisp cornering." On the inside, Sable impressed with its spacious, comfortable interior and its huge trunk space.

==Safety==
'''Standard Safety Features'''
* Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
* Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags
* 1st and 2nd Row Curtain Airbags
* 4-wheel Disc Brakes with [[ABS]] and [[EBD]]
* [[Electronic Stability Control]]
* Traction Control

The NHTSA has conducted crash tests of the 2008 Sable. Its full scores are available at [http://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/4293.html]

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=6>
'''Rating (Stars)'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
Front
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Side
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Rollover
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td>
Driver
</td>
<td>
Passenger
</td>
<td>
Front Seat
</td>
<td>
Rear Seat
</td>
<td>
2WD
</td>
<td>
AWD
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc align=center>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
4
</td>
<td align=center>
4
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Gas Mileage==
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
'''Driveline'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
FWD
</td>
<td>
[[AWD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
18/28
</td>
<td>
17/24
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Pricing==
Today's actual prices for the [[Mercury]] Sable can be found at [http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/mercury/sable/index.html]
<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''Sable Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Base
</td>
<td>
Premier
</td>
<td>
Base [[AWD]]
</td>
<td>
Premier [[AWD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$25,325
</td>
<td>
$28,320
</td>
<td>
$26,380
</td>
<td>
$30,170
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$21,741
</td>
<td>
$24,805
</td>
<td>
$23,406
</td>
<td>
$26,471
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Colors==
[[Image:08 Sable in light tundra1.jpg|right|'08 Mercury Sable Premier in Light Tundra|thumb|250px]]

* '''Exterior'''
* Light Sage
* Dark Ink Blue
* Light Ice Blue
* Black Clearcoat
* Oxford White Clearcoat
* Alloy Clearcoat Metallic
* Merlot Clearcoat Metallic
* Dune Pearl Clearcoat Metallic
* Silver Birch Clearcoat Metallic
* Light Tundra Clearcoat Metallic

* '''Interior'''
* Light Camel
* Charcoal Black
* Medium Light Stone

==Styles and Major Options==
[[Image:2008.Mercury.Sable interior2.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2008 Mercury Sable Interior.]]
[[Image:2008.mercury.Sable rear1.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2008 Mercury Sable Premier.]]

The '''Sable''' is available in Two trims with optional AWD.

'''Base Standard Features'''
* 3.5L 24V Duratec [[V6]]
* 17" Alloy Wheels
* Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
* Audio Input Jack
* AM/FM stereo with single CD player and MP3 capabilities
* Overhead console
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror
* Front dome lamp with map lights
* Rear dome with reading lamps
* Visors with illuminated mirrors
* 60/40 Split Fold-down Rear Seatbacks
* Eight-way Power Driver’s Seat
* Cloth Seating
* Two-way Power Front Passenger Seat
* Fold-down Front Passenger Seat
* Command seating
* Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
* Powerpoints
* Steering wheel with redundant controls
* Folding Heated Power Sideview Exterior Mirrors with Security Approach Lamps
* Fog Lamps
* LED Tailllamps
* Dual chrome exhaust tips
* Four-Disc (ABS)
* Six Airbags
* Automatic headlamps
* Traction Control
* Child safety locks
* Emergency trunk release
* LATCH system
* Perimeter anti-theft
* Remote Keyless Entry System
* Battery saver
* Hydraulic Power Steering

'''Premier Standard Features'''<br>
''In addition to or in place of Base Standard Features''
* Leather-trimmed Seating
* 18" Alloy Wheels
* Heated Front Seats
* Four-way Power Passenger’s Seat
* Audiophile® Sound System with AM/FM stereo/Six-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 capability

'''Major Optional Features'''
* All Wheel Drive
* 18" Chrome Clad Wheels
* Navigation System
* SIRIUS® Satellite Radio
* [[Mercury SYNC]]™
* Cargo Management System
* Power Moonroof
* Reverse Sensing System
* AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control
* Security Package
* Premier Wood Package
* Interior Convenience Package

==Warranty==
'''Bumper to Bumper''': 36 months/36,000 miles

'''Major Components''': 60 months/60,000 miles

'''Rust Through''': 60 months/unlimited miles

'''Roadside Assistance''': 60 months/60,000 miles

==Main Competitors==
* [[Buick Lucerne]]
* [[Volvo S80]]
* [[Hyundai Azera]]
* [[Toyota Avalon]]

==Resale Values==
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Mercury_Sable_Sedan.aspx

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:08 Sable Base1.jpg|08 Sable Base
Image:08 Sable Base2.jpg|08 Sable Base
Image:08 Mercury-Sable1.jpg|08 Sable Premier AWD
Image:2008 Mercury-Sable2.jpg|08 Sable Premier AWD
Image:90 Sable1.jpg|1990 Mercury Sable LS
Image:95 Sable LTS1.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LTS
Image:95 Sable GS1.jpg|1992 Mercury Sable GS
Image:95 Sable Wagon1.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LS Wagon
Image:98 Sable1.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:1999 Sable GS1.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS
Image:1999 Sable GS Rear1.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS
Image:98 Sable2.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable GS Wagon
Image:2001 Sable Interior1.jpg|2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:2003 Sable Interior1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable Platinum Edition Interior
Image:05 Sable Interior2.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:.Sable Wagon.jpg|2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium Wagon
Image:2001 Blue Sable1.jpg|2001 Midnight Blue Mercury Sable
Image:2001 Blue Sable Rear1.jpg|2001 Midnight Blue Mercury Sable
Image:03 Sable1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:03 Sable Rear1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:Sable Orbit1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable
Image:Sable Plat1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable Platinum Edition
Image:2005 Mercury Sable1.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Platinum Edition
Image:2005Sable1.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:08 Sable Premier Wood Interior.jpg|2008 Sable Premier Interior with Premier Wood Package
Image:Side1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier AWD
Image:Sable Base Interior.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Base Interior with Optional Nav. System
Image:08 Sable Interior2.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier Interior
Image:08Sablefront1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:Blue Sable1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:DARK BLUE SABLE1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:08 Mercury-Sable-Premier.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
<gallery></gallery>

==See Also==
{{Mercury}}

==External Links==
*[[Full-Size Cars]]

* [http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/sable/ Mercury Sable official site]

*[http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/ Mercury Vehicles (Mercury | New Doors Opened)]

*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=c47zXEvM2VA&mode=related&search=/ Mercury Sable Tribute]

[[Category:Mercury]]

Mercury Sable

2008-08-20T16:07:49Z

MercuryLover2008: /* Fifth Generation 2008-Present */

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:08 Mercury Sable2008.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| MSRP Range
| $25,325 - $36,025
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1986-2005 <br> 2008-Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Executive Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 202.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 61.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 112.9 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,670 [[FWD]] <br> 3,820 [[AWD]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-Speed 6F Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.5L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 263[[HP]] @ 6250 RPM <br> 265FT-LBS @ 4500 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Lucerne]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]] <br> [[Volvo S80]] <br> [[Hyundai Azera]]<br> [[Toyota Avalon]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer's
| [[Jack Telnack]]<br>[[J Mays]]
|}

The '''Mercury Sable''' is a Large Front or All Wheel Drive Luxury [[Sedan]] produced by [[Mercury]] and manufactured at the Chicago Assembly Plant in Illinois. It was also built in Atlanta, Georgia until Friday April 29, 2005 when production stopped.

The '''Sable''' was a milestone design for [[Mercury]] and the entire American Automotive Industry, as well as a very influential vehicle in the marketplace, with Mercury selling over 2 million units during its 20 year run. The Sable's design was so futuristic that it was called by the press "The car that came from the moon". A important feature of the Sable's design was its front "lightbar", a low wattage lamp between the headlights. This later became mainstrem for the Mercury line-up and was copied by many automakers in the early nineties but never with the same success Mercury had. The Sable was refreshed in 1992 and received its first complete redesign in 1996. The 1996 model remained the basis for the vehicle up through the 2005 model year. A major sheet metal and interior redesign occured in 2000, softening some the controversial design vestiges of the 1996 model. Minor styling changes in 2004 further refined the car. The Mercury Sable station wagon ended production in late 2004. And the last Sable sedan rolled off the line on Friday April 29,2005. On Wednesday February 7,2007 at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show [[Ford Motor Company]] CEO [[Alan Mulally]] unveiled an all new 2008 model Mercury Sable.

The all-new 2008 Mercury Sable combines smart features with a sophisticated new design. Underneath the sleek hood is a new 3.5L V-6 engine, winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, coupled with a class-exclusive standard six-speed automatic transmission. The interior comprises of many clever technologies, including the exclusive voice-control of the SYNC communications and entertainment system.

==First Generation 1986-1991==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:91 Sable LS2.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Predecessor
| [[Mercury Marquis]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1986-1991
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 192.2 Inches Sedan <br> 193.0 Inches Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 70.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 106.0 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,110 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-Speed Automatic <br> 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.5L HSC I4 (1986) <br> 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] <br> 3.8L Essex [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 98-140 [[HP]] <br> 130-215 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]]<br> [[Chevrolet Lumina]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Mercury Sable''' was a very important sedan both for [[Mercury]] and the American Auto Industry.

Ford had lagged behind General Motors in introducing mid-size front wheel drive cars to compete against the Citation and best-selling Celebrity, and Chryslers K-Cars, and Mercury suffered even worse from this. In 1984, Mercury launched a redesigned [[Mercury Cougar]] to start a reinvigoration of the Mercury Brand with new aerodynamic designs, and started development of the Sable.
Because of this design, the Sable was a resounding success and launched Mercury into a new design era, as well as infuencing the other American Automakers to follow suit and create aro designed cars, thus ending the boxy cars of the 70's and 80's.The Sable siblings used flush areodynamic composite headlights. Ford was the first to produce and sell vehicles with such headlights in the U.S. To do so Ford had to get them approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Sable was the first American produced, mainstream sedan to use the new lights.

The Sable was unveiled along with the Taurus in a resounding fashion. For its aerodynamic shape, the launch was held in MGM Studios Soundstage 85, where Gone with the Wind was filmed. Ford workers came into the room, which was decorated in space-age decor, holding cups shaped like flying saucers and the Taurus and Sable were sitting behind a curtain, their outlines silhouetting. Then, with the flashing of strobe lights and a drum-roll, the curtain was pulled back and the two cars were revealed to the public.

The bodyshell was smooth and aerodynamic. The Sable had a wraparound "lightbar" with two headlights and a low-wattage stretch in between. Aircraft-style doors were used to reduce wind noise, and the handles were recessed. The Sable also had large glass areas with slim pillars, and were flush with the body. The rear glass wrapped fully around, and the B-pillars were painted black to give the illusion that the front and rear glass were connected. The interior was available with bucket seats very rare for most U.S. midsize sedans and the dashboard wrapped around the driver and fed into the door panels to create more of a "cockpit" feel.

The Sable was first introduced as a 1986 model in December 1985, to strong sales and fanfare. It came in two models, base GS and high-end LS. Initial Sable sales were strong, and the Sable sold around 300,000 units its first year.

For the first year on the market, Sable buyers had the choice of a 98 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 Sable sales were so poor that the engine was dropped in 1987 (it remained an option for the Taurus until 1991). Ford's 3.8 L Essex V6 was added to the line-up in 1988. Although the power output was rated at the same 140 hp as the 3.0 L engine, this large V6 produced 215 ft·lbf of torque, a welcome addition, especially in the heavier wagons. However, the 3.8 suffered from premature head gasket failure, which was primarily a fault with Ford's supplier of gaskets, not with the engine itself. Some also attribute this to reduced under-hood cooling.

==Second Generation 1992-1995==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:95 Sable.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1992-1995
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 192.2 Inches Sedan <br> 193.0 Inches Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 70.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 106.0 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,110 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] <br> 3.8L Essex [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 140 [[HP]] <br> 185-215 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]]<br> [[Chevrolet Lumina]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Sable''' received its first significant cosmetic update in 1992, which modernized the interior and the front and rear fascias. The operation cost Ford $650 million at the time. With the older model facing slumping sales, this new model brought sales back up again, with 410,000 examples sold during 1992 Makeing it the Best selling Car in America, a number unheard of even today. While the design was basically the same, every body panel except for the roof was changed. The interior was also redesigned, and included an optional side airbag, a first in its class. The Taurus, sister car of the Sable, was the best-selling car in the United States for every year of this cosmetic update.

In 1993, unpopular optional features such as the "InstaClear" heated windshield were eliminated. For both 3.0 L and 3.8 L V6 engines, the drive belt system became a single-belt setup for 1993 (previously, the alternator had used a separate belt). A passenger-side airbag became standard for 1993, and a redesigned drivers side airbag and steering wheel came in 1994.

The wagon version was available with mostly the same options as the sedan versions. Wagons had a maximum of 81.1 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 split rear seat folded down. They featured a 2-way liftgate (raise the entire liftgate or just the window), a roof rack with crossbar and tie-downs, an optional rear-facing third seat, a lockable under-floor compartment, and an optional fold-out picnic table. With both rear split seats in the upright position, standard cargo capacity was 45.7 cubic feet. Wagons that were equipped with the front bench seat and rear folding seat could seat eight people.

The last year of this updated Sable generation was 1995. For the 1995 model year, the rare LTS trim level was added. It featured leather bucket seats, Taurus LX-style alloy wheels, special cladding, and many leather wrapped interior trim parts. The LTS trim had either the standard 3.0 L Vulcan V6 or the optional 3.8 L Essex V6.
{{-}}

==Third Generation 1996-1999==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:99 Sable LS1.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1996-1999
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 199.7 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,470 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] 12V [[SOHC]] <br> 3.0L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 153-200 [[HP]] <br> 186-200 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

For 1996 the '''Sable''' was all new from the ground up. [[Mercury]] hoped the radical redesign would lead to the same success it had had with the 1986 Sable. The controversial oval theme was not well received by the press and the public, and is ultimately blamed as the reason for a substantial dip in sales. For this generation, the Sable moved upmarket, and as a result, prices rose considerably, also driving away potential buyers. The 1996 Sable was the first sable to share sheetmetal with the [[Ford Taurus]]. Differences from the [[Ford Taurus|Taurus]] included different front and rear fascias, and the elimination of the rear quarter window. Although the Sable used a less oval based styling, sales still fell.

The 1996 model could be equipped with the powerful 200 [[hp]] 3.0L [[DOHC]] Duratec 30 [[V6]] as an option. Trim lines stayed the same, with GS as the entry level model and LS as the most luxurious model. The LTS was eliminated and the 3.8L Essex [[V6]] was gone. Although all 1998 models had the option of the [[DOHC]] Duratec engine, it was only available on the LS for 1999. That same year front bucket seats became optional on the GS. [[Mercury]] claimed that the 1999 Duratec had less power than the 2000 Duratec in hopes to increase sales of the 2000 Sable.

In an effort to reverse the declining sales of the Sable, [[Mercury]] did major cost cutting for the 1997 model. They carried this further for 1998, by giving it a front end facelift, and cutting the price up to $2,000 in 1999. Mercury also continued to cut costs, eliminating some options for 1999.

Year to Year Changes

1997 Mercury Sable: Only a handful of minor changes marked the 1997 models, led by newly standard front-door map pockets for the GS and LS Sables.

1998 Mercury Sable: Changes are limited to a new grille and a revised axle ratio for designed to yield better acceleration.

1999 Mercury Sable: Sable saw price cuts of $1000 to $2000 in '99, but that had little effect on used car prices. Revisions to the suspension, instrument graphics, and interior door panels rounded out the changes. Sables were redesigned for 2000.

{{-}}

==Fourth Generation 2000-2005==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:05MercurySable2.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2000-2005
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 199.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,514 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed AX4N Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engines
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] 12V [[SOHC]] <br> 3.0L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 155-201 [[HP]] <br> 186-207 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Regal]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]<br> [[Buick Century]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Sable''' received another redesign in 2000, which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model, replacing them with more conventional style, The redesign also featured a taller roof over the rear passenger space, to increase passenger headroom that had been sacrificed by the tapered 1996 design. The taller and roomier trunk also served to make the vehicle more functional. The interior was completely redesigned to a much more classy and conservative design. Certain elements of the interior were retained by the 1996 model, such as the intergrated control console, which combined the sound system and climate controls into one panel. The suspension was softened to appeal to a broader, non-sporting audience. To reduce price and increase profitability, many features such as four-wheel disc brakes where eliminated.

The 2005 [[Mercury Montego]] and 2006 [[Mercury Milan]] where launched as replacments for the Sable. Shortly after Montego's introduction the Sable was discontinued from the Mercury Line-up. The last Mercury Sable left the Atlanta Plant on Friday April 29,2005.

The 2002 Sable included extra equipment on every trim level including a CD Player and power driver's seat on the GS and a power moonroor and Premium leather interior trim on the LS. Also a new trim level was intoduced the LS Platinum Edition, it featured Satin Finishes on the Dash a Satin Waterfall Grille and Platinum Edition Badgeing on the Fender. Side Airbags and traction control were available on all models. For 2004 the Sable received minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, most noticable was the front grille was now fully chrome. Inside were a new instrument cluster and steering wheel and higer quality wood trim. The last Mercury Sable left the Atlanta Georgia Assembly Plant on Friday April 29,2005 the end of an era.

{{-}}

==Fifth Generation 2008-Present==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Dune Pearl Mercury Sable1.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Predecessor
| [[Mercury Montego]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2008- Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Executive Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 202.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 61.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 112.9 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,670 [[FWD]] <br> 3,820 [[AWD]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-Speed 6F Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.5L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 263[[HP]] @ 6250 RPM <br> 265FT-LBS @ 4500 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Lucerne]]<br> [[Nissan Maxima]] <br> [[Hyundai Azera]] <br>
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[J Mays]]
|}

After [[Alan Mulally]] took position as Ford's CEO, rumors were rampant that he was interested in reviving the Sable and [[Ford Taurus|Taurus]]. Mulally said that he was baffled by the fact that [[Mercury]] and [[Ford]] were going to discontinue the Sable and Taurus, and that he believed that the discontinuation of the Sable and Taurus were unjust, even asking "How can they go away, they were at one time the best selling car's in America." He said that the discontinuation of the Sable disappointed many of [[Mercury]]'s loyal customers, who wanted Mercury to instead continue to improve the Sable instead of abandoning it. Mulally also stated that under his leadership, Mercury will start to remain more loyal to its customers and nameplates, and will continue to stick with and improve successful nameplates to keep customers loyal to the brand, and the revival of the Sable was the first such move.

As a result, the [[Mercury Montego]] sedan, as produced for the 2005-2007 model year, was scheduled for a significant styling facelift update and power upgrade for the 2008 model year. That vehicle is being redesigned as the new Sable. Ford's CEO [[Alan Mulally]] determined that Mercury's strategy to redesignate new cars in the lineup with new names beginning with the letter M, as in [[Mercury Milan]], [[Mercury Mariner]], and [[Mercury Montego]], was not a good marketing move, as some of the renamed cars had highly recognizeable iconic names. The new M names were not as well known to be associated with Mercury, and consumers were confused by the name changes Montego to be renamed "Sable". Mulally believed that the Sable had an immediately strong brand equity, and that it would take years for consumers to have a similar recognition of the Montego Officals say [[Mercury]] to revive Sable name.

Changes to the new Sable from the existing Montego include a newly styled front end, with the Mercury's signature Satin Waterfall grille from the [[Mercury Milan|Milan]], and the addition of the 263 hp 3.5L Ford Duratec Engine from the [[Ford Edge]], replacing the 203 hp 3.0L V6. The Montego's continuously variable transmission, which was power-limited to a maximum of about 210 hp, is also replaced with a more conventional six-speed automatic. Mercury slaps a successful nameplate on its refreshed and reinvigorated Montego. The Sable sedan Counterpart, the Ford Taurus nameplate, will also be revived from the [[Ford Five Hundred]] nameplate to return Like Sable, [[Ford Taurus]] nameplate to. The 2008 Mercury Sable will have a base price of $25,325 for the Base Front-Wheel Drive model to $36,025 for the Premier All-Wheel Drive model. The 2008 Mercury Sable is in Mercury showrooms now. However, 2009 will more than likely be the Sable's last year in production, again due to slow sales and the fact that Mercury is going to focus on smaller more fuel friendly cars and crossovers. But in 2010 the [[Ford Taurus]] will recieve a major redesign and continue on without it's Mercury brethren.

{{-}}

==Awards==
[[Image:Sable CRBB.jpg|2008 Sable Consumer Digest Best Buy.|thumb|300px]]
* The new 3.5L [[V6]] engine winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award.
* The 2008 Mercury Sable was rated the Safest Full-Size Car in America
* Consumers Digest names Sable a Best Buy. Praising the Sable's power, performance and comfort, Consumers Digest has named Sable a Best Buy for 2008. The magazine cited Sable's "smooth and swift 263 horsepower" and it's "crisp cornering." On the inside, Sable impressed with its spacious, comfortable interior and its huge trunk space.

==Safety==
'''Standard Safety Features'''
* Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
* Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags
* 1st and 2nd Row Curtain Airbags
* 4-wheel Disc Brakes with [[ABS]] and [[EBD]]
* [[Electronic Stability Control]]
* Traction Control

The NHTSA has conducted crash tests of the 2008 Sable. Its full scores are available at [http://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/4293.html]

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=6>
'''Rating (Stars)'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
Front
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Side
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Rollover
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td>
Driver
</td>
<td>
Passenger
</td>
<td>
Front Seat
</td>
<td>
Rear Seat
</td>
<td>
2WD
</td>
<td>
AWD
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc align=center>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
4
</td>
<td align=center>
4
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Gas Mileage==
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
'''Driveline'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
FWD
</td>
<td>
[[AWD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
18/28
</td>
<td>
17/24
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Pricing==
Today's actual prices for the [[Mercury]] Sable can be found at [http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/mercury/sable/index.html]
<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''Sable Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Base
</td>
<td>
Premier
</td>
<td>
Base [[AWD]]
</td>
<td>
Premier [[AWD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$25,325
</td>
<td>
$28,320
</td>
<td>
$26,380
</td>
<td>
$30,170
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$21,741
</td>
<td>
$24,805
</td>
<td>
$23,406
</td>
<td>
$26,471
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Colors==
[[Image:08 Sable in light tundra1.jpg|right|'08 Mercury Sable Premier in Light Tundra|thumb|250px]]

* '''Exterior'''
* Light Sage
* Dark Ink Blue
* Light Ice Blue
* Black Clearcoat
* Oxford White Clearcoat
* Alloy Clearcoat Metallic
* Merlot Clearcoat Metallic
* Dune Pearl Clearcoat Metallic
* Silver Birch Clearcoat Metallic
* Light Tundra Clearcoat Metallic

* '''Interior'''
* Light Camel
* Charcoal Black
* Medium Light Stone

==Styles and Major Options==
[[Image:2008.Mercury.Sable interior2.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2008 Mercury Sable Interior.]]
[[Image:2008.mercury.Sable rear1.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2008 Mercury Sable Premier.]]

The '''Sable''' is available in Two trims with optional AWD.

'''Base Standard Features'''
* 3.5L 24V Duratec [[V6]]
* 17" Alloy Wheels
* Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
* Audio Input Jack
* AM/FM stereo with single CD player and MP3 capabilities
* Overhead console
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror
* Front dome lamp with map lights
* Rear dome with reading lamps
* Visors with illuminated mirrors
* 60/40 Split Fold-down Rear Seatbacks
* Eight-way Power Driver’s Seat
* Cloth Seating
* Two-way Power Front Passenger Seat
* Fold-down Front Passenger Seat
* Command seating
* Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
* Powerpoints
* Steering wheel with redundant controls
* Folding Heated Power Sideview Exterior Mirrors with Security Approach Lamps
* Fog Lamps
* LED Tailllamps
* Dual chrome exhaust tips
* Four-Disc (ABS)
* Six Airbags
* Automatic headlamps
* Traction Control
* Child safety locks
* Emergency trunk release
* LATCH system
* Perimeter anti-theft
* Remote Keyless Entry System
* Battery saver
* Hydraulic Power Steering

'''Premier Standard Features'''<br>
''In addition to or in place of Base Standard Features''
* Leather-trimmed Seating
* 18" Alloy Wheels
* Heated Front Seats
* Four-way Power Passenger’s Seat
* Audiophile® Sound System with AM/FM stereo/Six-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 capability

'''Major Optional Features'''
* All Wheel Drive
* 18" Chrome Clad Wheels
* Navigation System
* SIRIUS® Satellite Radio
* [[Mercury SYNC]]™
* Cargo Management System
* Power Moonroof
* Reverse Sensing System
* AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control
* Security Package
* Premier Wood Package
* Interior Convenience Package

==Warranty==
'''Bumper to Bumper''': 36 months/36,000 miles

'''Major Components''': 60 months/60,000 miles

'''Rust Through''': 60 months/unlimited miles

'''Roadside Assistance''': 60 months/60,000 miles

==Main Competitors==
* [[Buick Lucerne]]
* [[Volvo S80]]
* [[Hyundai Azera]]
* [[Toyota Avalon]]

==Resale Values==
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Mercury_Sable_Sedan.aspx

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:08 Sable Base1.jpg|08 Sable Base
Image:08 Sable Base2.jpg|08 Sable Base
Image:08 Mercury-Sable1.jpg|08 Sable Premier AWD
Image:2008 Mercury-Sable2.jpg|08 Sable Premier AWD
Image:90 Sable1.jpg|1990 Mercury Sable LS
Image:95 Sable LTS1.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LTS
Image:95 Sable GS1.jpg|1992 Mercury Sable GS
Image:95 Sable Wagon1.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LS Wagon
Image:98 Sable1.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:1999 Sable GS1.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS
Image:1999 Sable GS Rear1.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS
Image:98 Sable2.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable GS Wagon
Image:2001 Sable Interior1.jpg|2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:2003 Sable Interior1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable Platinum Edition Interior
Image:05 Sable Interior2.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:.Sable Wagon.jpg|2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium Wagon
Image:2001 Blue Sable1.jpg|2001 Midnight Blue Mercury Sable
Image:2001 Blue Sable Rear1.jpg|2001 Midnight Blue Mercury Sable
Image:03 Sable1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:03 Sable Rear1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:Sable Orbit1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable
Image:Sable Plat1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable Platinum Edition
Image:2005 Mercury Sable1.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Platinum Edition
Image:2005Sable1.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:08 Sable Premier Wood Interior.jpg|2008 Sable Premier Interior with Premier Wood Package
Image:Side1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier AWD
Image:Sable Base Interior.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Base Interior with Optional Nav. System
Image:08 Sable Interior2.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier Interior
Image:08Sablefront1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:Blue Sable1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:DARK BLUE SABLE1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:08 Mercury-Sable-Premier.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
<gallery></gallery>

==See Also==
{{Mercury}}

==External Links==
*[[Full-Size Cars]]

* [http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/sable/ Mercury Sable official site]

*[http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/ Mercury Vehicles (Mercury | New Doors Opened)]

*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=c47zXEvM2VA&mode=related&search=/ Mercury Sable Tribute]

[[Category:Mercury]]

Mercury Sable

2008-08-20T16:05:28Z

MercuryLover2008: /* Fifth Generation 2008-Present */

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:08 Mercury Sable2008.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| MSRP Range
| $25,325 - $36,025
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1986-2005 <br> 2008-Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Executive Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 202.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 61.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 112.9 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,670 [[FWD]] <br> 3,820 [[AWD]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-Speed 6F Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.5L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 263[[HP]] @ 6250 RPM <br> 265FT-LBS @ 4500 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Lucerne]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]] <br> [[Volvo S80]] <br> [[Hyundai Azera]]<br> [[Toyota Avalon]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer's
| [[Jack Telnack]]<br>[[J Mays]]
|}

The '''Mercury Sable''' is a Large Front or All Wheel Drive Luxury [[Sedan]] produced by [[Mercury]] and manufactured at the Chicago Assembly Plant in Illinois. It was also built in Atlanta, Georgia until Friday April 29, 2005 when production stopped.

The '''Sable''' was a milestone design for [[Mercury]] and the entire American Automotive Industry, as well as a very influential vehicle in the marketplace, with Mercury selling over 2 million units during its 20 year run. The Sable's design was so futuristic that it was called by the press "The car that came from the moon". A important feature of the Sable's design was its front "lightbar", a low wattage lamp between the headlights. This later became mainstrem for the Mercury line-up and was copied by many automakers in the early nineties but never with the same success Mercury had. The Sable was refreshed in 1992 and received its first complete redesign in 1996. The 1996 model remained the basis for the vehicle up through the 2005 model year. A major sheet metal and interior redesign occured in 2000, softening some the controversial design vestiges of the 1996 model. Minor styling changes in 2004 further refined the car. The Mercury Sable station wagon ended production in late 2004. And the last Sable sedan rolled off the line on Friday April 29,2005. On Wednesday February 7,2007 at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show [[Ford Motor Company]] CEO [[Alan Mulally]] unveiled an all new 2008 model Mercury Sable.

The all-new 2008 Mercury Sable combines smart features with a sophisticated new design. Underneath the sleek hood is a new 3.5L V-6 engine, winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, coupled with a class-exclusive standard six-speed automatic transmission. The interior comprises of many clever technologies, including the exclusive voice-control of the SYNC communications and entertainment system.

==First Generation 1986-1991==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:91 Sable LS2.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Predecessor
| [[Mercury Marquis]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1986-1991
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 192.2 Inches Sedan <br> 193.0 Inches Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 70.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 106.0 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,110 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 3-Speed Automatic <br> 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 2.5L HSC I4 (1986) <br> 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] <br> 3.8L Essex [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 98-140 [[HP]] <br> 130-215 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]]<br> [[Chevrolet Lumina]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Mercury Sable''' was a very important sedan both for [[Mercury]] and the American Auto Industry.

Ford had lagged behind General Motors in introducing mid-size front wheel drive cars to compete against the Citation and best-selling Celebrity, and Chryslers K-Cars, and Mercury suffered even worse from this. In 1984, Mercury launched a redesigned [[Mercury Cougar]] to start a reinvigoration of the Mercury Brand with new aerodynamic designs, and started development of the Sable.
Because of this design, the Sable was a resounding success and launched Mercury into a new design era, as well as infuencing the other American Automakers to follow suit and create aro designed cars, thus ending the boxy cars of the 70's and 80's.The Sable siblings used flush areodynamic composite headlights. Ford was the first to produce and sell vehicles with such headlights in the U.S. To do so Ford had to get them approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Sable was the first American produced, mainstream sedan to use the new lights.

The Sable was unveiled along with the Taurus in a resounding fashion. For its aerodynamic shape, the launch was held in MGM Studios Soundstage 85, where Gone with the Wind was filmed. Ford workers came into the room, which was decorated in space-age decor, holding cups shaped like flying saucers and the Taurus and Sable were sitting behind a curtain, their outlines silhouetting. Then, with the flashing of strobe lights and a drum-roll, the curtain was pulled back and the two cars were revealed to the public.

The bodyshell was smooth and aerodynamic. The Sable had a wraparound "lightbar" with two headlights and a low-wattage stretch in between. Aircraft-style doors were used to reduce wind noise, and the handles were recessed. The Sable also had large glass areas with slim pillars, and were flush with the body. The rear glass wrapped fully around, and the B-pillars were painted black to give the illusion that the front and rear glass were connected. The interior was available with bucket seats very rare for most U.S. midsize sedans and the dashboard wrapped around the driver and fed into the door panels to create more of a "cockpit" feel.

The Sable was first introduced as a 1986 model in December 1985, to strong sales and fanfare. It came in two models, base GS and high-end LS. Initial Sable sales were strong, and the Sable sold around 300,000 units its first year.

For the first year on the market, Sable buyers had the choice of a 98 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 Sable sales were so poor that the engine was dropped in 1987 (it remained an option for the Taurus until 1991). Ford's 3.8 L Essex V6 was added to the line-up in 1988. Although the power output was rated at the same 140 hp as the 3.0 L engine, this large V6 produced 215 ft·lbf of torque, a welcome addition, especially in the heavier wagons. However, the 3.8 suffered from premature head gasket failure, which was primarily a fault with Ford's supplier of gaskets, not with the engine itself. Some also attribute this to reduced under-hood cooling.

==Second Generation 1992-1995==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:95 Sable.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1992-1995
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 192.2 Inches Sedan <br> 193.0 Inches Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 70.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 106.0 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,110 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] <br> 3.8L Essex [[V6]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 140 [[HP]] <br> 185-215 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]]<br> [[Chevrolet Lumina]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Sable''' received its first significant cosmetic update in 1992, which modernized the interior and the front and rear fascias. The operation cost Ford $650 million at the time. With the older model facing slumping sales, this new model brought sales back up again, with 410,000 examples sold during 1992 Makeing it the Best selling Car in America, a number unheard of even today. While the design was basically the same, every body panel except for the roof was changed. The interior was also redesigned, and included an optional side airbag, a first in its class. The Taurus, sister car of the Sable, was the best-selling car in the United States for every year of this cosmetic update.

In 1993, unpopular optional features such as the "InstaClear" heated windshield were eliminated. For both 3.0 L and 3.8 L V6 engines, the drive belt system became a single-belt setup for 1993 (previously, the alternator had used a separate belt). A passenger-side airbag became standard for 1993, and a redesigned drivers side airbag and steering wheel came in 1994.

The wagon version was available with mostly the same options as the sedan versions. Wagons had a maximum of 81.1 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 split rear seat folded down. They featured a 2-way liftgate (raise the entire liftgate or just the window), a roof rack with crossbar and tie-downs, an optional rear-facing third seat, a lockable under-floor compartment, and an optional fold-out picnic table. With both rear split seats in the upright position, standard cargo capacity was 45.7 cubic feet. Wagons that were equipped with the front bench seat and rear folding seat could seat eight people.

The last year of this updated Sable generation was 1995. For the 1995 model year, the rare LTS trim level was added. It featured leather bucket seats, Taurus LX-style alloy wheels, special cladding, and many leather wrapped interior trim parts. The LTS trim had either the standard 3.0 L Vulcan V6 or the optional 3.8 L Essex V6.
{{-}}

==Third Generation 1996-1999==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:99 Sable LS1.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1996-1999
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 199.7 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,470 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] 12V [[SOHC]] <br> 3.0L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 153-200 [[HP]] <br> 186-200 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Century]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

For 1996 the '''Sable''' was all new from the ground up. [[Mercury]] hoped the radical redesign would lead to the same success it had had with the 1986 Sable. The controversial oval theme was not well received by the press and the public, and is ultimately blamed as the reason for a substantial dip in sales. For this generation, the Sable moved upmarket, and as a result, prices rose considerably, also driving away potential buyers. The 1996 Sable was the first sable to share sheetmetal with the [[Ford Taurus]]. Differences from the [[Ford Taurus|Taurus]] included different front and rear fascias, and the elimination of the rear quarter window. Although the Sable used a less oval based styling, sales still fell.

The 1996 model could be equipped with the powerful 200 [[hp]] 3.0L [[DOHC]] Duratec 30 [[V6]] as an option. Trim lines stayed the same, with GS as the entry level model and LS as the most luxurious model. The LTS was eliminated and the 3.8L Essex [[V6]] was gone. Although all 1998 models had the option of the [[DOHC]] Duratec engine, it was only available on the LS for 1999. That same year front bucket seats became optional on the GS. [[Mercury]] claimed that the 1999 Duratec had less power than the 2000 Duratec in hopes to increase sales of the 2000 Sable.

In an effort to reverse the declining sales of the Sable, [[Mercury]] did major cost cutting for the 1997 model. They carried this further for 1998, by giving it a front end facelift, and cutting the price up to $2,000 in 1999. Mercury also continued to cut costs, eliminating some options for 1999.

Year to Year Changes

1997 Mercury Sable: Only a handful of minor changes marked the 1997 models, led by newly standard front-door map pockets for the GS and LS Sables.

1998 Mercury Sable: Changes are limited to a new grille and a revised axle ratio for designed to yield better acceleration.

1999 Mercury Sable: Sable saw price cuts of $1000 to $2000 in '99, but that had little effect on used car prices. Revisions to the suspension, instrument graphics, and interior door panels rounded out the changes. Sables were redesigned for 2000.

{{-}}

==Fourth Generation 2000-2005==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:05MercurySable2.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2000-2005
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Mid-Size Luxury [[Sedan]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 199.8 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 55.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,514 LBS
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 4-Speed AX4N Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engines
| 3.0L Vulcan [[V6]] 12V [[SOHC]] <br> 3.0L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 155-201 [[HP]] <br> 186-207 FT-LBS Torque
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Regal]] <br> [[Nissan Maxima]]<br> [[Buick Century]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[Jack Telnack]]
|}

The '''Sable''' received another redesign in 2000, which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model, replacing them with more conventional style, The redesign also featured a taller roof over the rear passenger space, to increase passenger headroom that had been sacrificed by the tapered 1996 design. The taller and roomier trunk also served to make the vehicle more functional. The interior was completely redesigned to a much more classy and conservative design. Certain elements of the interior were retained by the 1996 model, such as the intergrated control console, which combined the sound system and climate controls into one panel. The suspension was softened to appeal to a broader, non-sporting audience. To reduce price and increase profitability, many features such as four-wheel disc brakes where eliminated.

The 2005 [[Mercury Montego]] and 2006 [[Mercury Milan]] where launched as replacments for the Sable. Shortly after Montego's introduction the Sable was discontinued from the Mercury Line-up. The last Mercury Sable left the Atlanta Plant on Friday April 29,2005.

The 2002 Sable included extra equipment on every trim level including a CD Player and power driver's seat on the GS and a power moonroor and Premium leather interior trim on the LS. Also a new trim level was intoduced the LS Platinum Edition, it featured Satin Finishes on the Dash a Satin Waterfall Grille and Platinum Edition Badgeing on the Fender. Side Airbags and traction control were available on all models. For 2004 the Sable received minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, most noticable was the front grille was now fully chrome. Inside were a new instrument cluster and steering wheel and higer quality wood trim. The last Mercury Sable left the Atlanta Georgia Assembly Plant on Friday April 29,2005 the end of an era.

{{-}}

==Fifth Generation 2008-Present==
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Dune Pearl Mercury Sable1.jpg|300px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Mercury Sable'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Mercury]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Predecessor
| [[Mercury Montego]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 2008- Present
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Executive Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 4 Door Sedan
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 202.1 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 74.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 61.5 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 112.9 Inches
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3,670 [[FWD]] <br> 3,820 [[AWD]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-Speed 6F Automatic
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.5L Duratec [[V6]] 24V [[DOHC]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 263[[HP]] @ 6250 RPM <br> 265FT-LBS @ 4500 RPM
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Buick Lucerne]]<br> [[Nissan Maxima]] <br> [[Hyundai Azera]] <br>
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
| [[J Mays]]
|}

After [[Alan Mulally]] took position as Ford's CEO, rumors were rampant that he was interested in reviving the Sable and [[Ford Taurus|Taurus]]. Mulally said that he was baffled by the fact that [[Mercury]] and [[Ford]] were going to discontinue the Sable and Taurus, and that he believed that the discontinuation of the Sable and Taurus were unjust, even asking "How can they go away, they were at one time the best selling car's in America." He said that the discontinuation of the Sable disappointed many of [[Mercury]]'s loyal customers, who wanted Mercury to instead continue to improve the Sable instead of abandoning it. Mulally also stated that under his leadership, Mercury will start to remain more loyal to its customers and nameplates, and will continue to stick with and improve successful nameplates to keep customers loyal to the brand, and the revival of the Sable was the first such move.

As a result, the [[Mercury Montego]] sedan, as produced for the 2005-2007 model year, was scheduled for a significant styling facelift update and power upgrade for the 2008 model year. That vehicle is being redesigned as the new Sable. Ford's CEO [[Alan Mulally]] determined that Mercury's strategy to redesignate new cars in the lineup with new names beginning with the letter M, as in [[Mercury Milan]], [[Mercury Mariner]], and [[Mercury Montego]], was not a good marketing move, as some of the renamed cars had highly recognizeable iconic names. The new M names were not as well known to be associated with Mercury, and consumers were confused by the name changes Montego to be renamed "Sable". Mulally believed that the Sable had an immediately strong brand equity, and that it would take years for consumers to have a similar recognition of the Montego Officals say [[Mercury]] to revive Sable name.

Changes to the new Sable from the existing Montego include a newly styled front end, with the Mercury's signature Satin Waterfall grille from the [[Mercury Milan|Milan]], and the addition of the 263 hp 3.5L Ford Duratec Engine from the [[Ford Edge]], replacing the 203 hp 3.0L V6. The Montego's continuously variable transmission, which was power-limited to a maximum of about 210 hp, is also replaced with a more conventional six-speed automatic. Mercury slaps a successful nameplate on its refreshed and reinvigorated Montego. The Sable sedan Counterpart, the Ford Taurus nameplate, will also be revived from the [[Ford Five Hundred]] nameplate to return Like Sable, [[Ford Taurus]] nameplate to. The 2008 Mercury Sable will have a base price of $25,325 for the Base Front-Wheel Drive model to $36,025 for the Premier All-Wheel Drive model. The 2008 Mercury Sable is in Mercury showrooms now. However, 2009 will more than likely be the Sable's last year in production again due to slow sales and the fact that Mercury is going to focus on smaller more fuel friendly cars and crossovers.

{{-}}

==Awards==
[[Image:Sable CRBB.jpg|2008 Sable Consumer Digest Best Buy.|thumb|300px]]
* The new 3.5L [[V6]] engine winner of Ward's 10 Best Engines award.
* The 2008 Mercury Sable was rated the Safest Full-Size Car in America
* Consumers Digest names Sable a Best Buy. Praising the Sable's power, performance and comfort, Consumers Digest has named Sable a Best Buy for 2008. The magazine cited Sable's "smooth and swift 263 horsepower" and it's "crisp cornering." On the inside, Sable impressed with its spacious, comfortable interior and its huge trunk space.

==Safety==
'''Standard Safety Features'''
* Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
* Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags
* 1st and 2nd Row Curtain Airbags
* 4-wheel Disc Brakes with [[ABS]] and [[EBD]]
* [[Electronic Stability Control]]
* Traction Control

The NHTSA has conducted crash tests of the 2008 Sable. Its full scores are available at [http://safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/4293.html]

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=6>
'''Rating (Stars)'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
Front
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Side
</td>
<td colspan=2>
Rollover
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td>
Driver
</td>
<td>
Passenger
</td>
<td>
Front Seat
</td>
<td>
Rear Seat
</td>
<td>
2WD
</td>
<td>
AWD
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc align=center>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
4
</td>
<td align=center>
4
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Gas Mileage==
As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=2>
'''Driveline'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
FWD
</td>
<td>
[[AWD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=2 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
18/28
</td>
<td>
17/24
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Pricing==
Today's actual prices for the [[Mercury]] Sable can be found at [http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/mercury/sable/index.html]
<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''Sable Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Base
</td>
<td>
Premier
</td>
<td>
Base [[AWD]]
</td>
<td>
Premier [[AWD]]
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$25,325
</td>
<td>
$28,320
</td>
<td>
$26,380
</td>
<td>
$30,170
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$21,741
</td>
<td>
$24,805
</td>
<td>
$23,406
</td>
<td>
$26,471
</td>
</tr>
</table>

==Colors==
[[Image:08 Sable in light tundra1.jpg|right|'08 Mercury Sable Premier in Light Tundra|thumb|250px]]

* '''Exterior'''
* Light Sage
* Dark Ink Blue
* Light Ice Blue
* Black Clearcoat
* Oxford White Clearcoat
* Alloy Clearcoat Metallic
* Merlot Clearcoat Metallic
* Dune Pearl Clearcoat Metallic
* Silver Birch Clearcoat Metallic
* Light Tundra Clearcoat Metallic

* '''Interior'''
* Light Camel
* Charcoal Black
* Medium Light Stone

==Styles and Major Options==
[[Image:2008.Mercury.Sable interior2.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2008 Mercury Sable Interior.]]
[[Image:2008.mercury.Sable rear1.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2008 Mercury Sable Premier.]]

The '''Sable''' is available in Two trims with optional AWD.

'''Base Standard Features'''
* 3.5L 24V Duratec [[V6]]
* 17" Alloy Wheels
* Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
* Audio Input Jack
* AM/FM stereo with single CD player and MP3 capabilities
* Overhead console
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror
* Front dome lamp with map lights
* Rear dome with reading lamps
* Visors with illuminated mirrors
* 60/40 Split Fold-down Rear Seatbacks
* Eight-way Power Driver’s Seat
* Cloth Seating
* Two-way Power Front Passenger Seat
* Fold-down Front Passenger Seat
* Command seating
* Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
* Powerpoints
* Steering wheel with redundant controls
* Folding Heated Power Sideview Exterior Mirrors with Security Approach Lamps
* Fog Lamps
* LED Tailllamps
* Dual chrome exhaust tips
* Four-Disc (ABS)
* Six Airbags
* Automatic headlamps
* Traction Control
* Child safety locks
* Emergency trunk release
* LATCH system
* Perimeter anti-theft
* Remote Keyless Entry System
* Battery saver
* Hydraulic Power Steering

'''Premier Standard Features'''<br>
''In addition to or in place of Base Standard Features''
* Leather-trimmed Seating
* 18" Alloy Wheels
* Heated Front Seats
* Four-way Power Passenger’s Seat
* Audiophile® Sound System with AM/FM stereo/Six-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 capability

'''Major Optional Features'''
* All Wheel Drive
* 18" Chrome Clad Wheels
* Navigation System
* SIRIUS® Satellite Radio
* [[Mercury SYNC]]™
* Cargo Management System
* Power Moonroof
* Reverse Sensing System
* AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control
* Security Package
* Premier Wood Package
* Interior Convenience Package

==Warranty==
'''Bumper to Bumper''': 36 months/36,000 miles

'''Major Components''': 60 months/60,000 miles

'''Rust Through''': 60 months/unlimited miles

'''Roadside Assistance''': 60 months/60,000 miles

==Main Competitors==
* [[Buick Lucerne]]
* [[Volvo S80]]
* [[Hyundai Azera]]
* [[Toyota Avalon]]

==Resale Values==
http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Mercury_Sable_Sedan.aspx

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:08 Sable Base1.jpg|08 Sable Base
Image:08 Sable Base2.jpg|08 Sable Base
Image:08 Mercury-Sable1.jpg|08 Sable Premier AWD
Image:2008 Mercury-Sable2.jpg|08 Sable Premier AWD
Image:90 Sable1.jpg|1990 Mercury Sable LS
Image:95 Sable LTS1.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LTS
Image:95 Sable GS1.jpg|1992 Mercury Sable GS
Image:95 Sable Wagon1.jpg|1995 Mercury Sable LS Wagon
Image:98 Sable1.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:1999 Sable GS1.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS
Image:1999 Sable GS Rear1.jpg|1999 Mercury Sable GS
Image:98 Sable2.jpg|1998 Mercury Sable GS Wagon
Image:2001 Sable Interior1.jpg|2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:2003 Sable Interior1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable Platinum Edition Interior
Image:05 Sable Interior2.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium Interior
Image:.Sable Wagon.jpg|2001 Mercury Sable LS Premium Wagon
Image:2001 Blue Sable1.jpg|2001 Midnight Blue Mercury Sable
Image:2001 Blue Sable Rear1.jpg|2001 Midnight Blue Mercury Sable
Image:03 Sable1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:03 Sable Rear1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:Sable Orbit1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable
Image:Sable Plat1.jpg|2003 Mercury Sable Platinum Edition
Image:2005 Mercury Sable1.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Platinum Edition
Image:2005Sable1.jpg|2005 Mercury Sable LS Premium
Image:08 Sable Premier Wood Interior.jpg|2008 Sable Premier Interior with Premier Wood Package
Image:Side1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier AWD
Image:Sable Base Interior.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Base Interior with Optional Nav. System
Image:08 Sable Interior2.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable Premier Interior
Image:08Sablefront1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:Blue Sable1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:DARK BLUE SABLE1.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
Image:08 Mercury-Sable-Premier.jpg|2008 Mercury Sable
<gallery></gallery>

==See Also==
{{Mercury}}

==External Links==
*[[Full-Size Cars]]

* [http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/sable/ Mercury Sable official site]

*[http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/ Mercury Vehicles (Mercury | New Doors Opened)]

*[http://youtube.com/watch?v=c47zXEvM2VA&mode=related&search=/ Mercury Sable Tribute]

[[Category:Mercury]]

Lincoln-Mercury Division

2008-08-20T15:51:42Z

MercuryLover2008: /* Sale Numbers */

[[Image:Mercury Dealer.jpg|right|A Lincoln Mercury Dealership|thumb|300px]]
[[Image:Mercury Sign.jpg|right|thumb|Lincoln Mercury Sign|300px]]
'''[[Lincoln]]-[[Mercury]]''' is a collective name for the [[Lincoln]] and [[Mercury]] divisions of the [[Ford Motor Company]], whose vehicles are typically sold together in a single dealership.

*These will be found at a Lincoln-Mercury Dealership.

* '''Mercury Vehicles'''
* [[Mercury Grand Marquis]]
* [[Mercury Sable]]
* [[Mercury Milan]]
* [[Mercury Mariner]]
* [[Mercury Mariner Hybrid]]
* [[Mercury Mountaineer]]

* '''Lincoln Vehicles'''
* [[Lincoln MKS]]
* [[Lincoln MKZ]]
* [[Lincoln MKX]]
* [[Lincoln Navigator]]

{{-}}

==Sale Numbers==
*Total '''Lincoln Mercury Division''' Sales For 2007 Total '''299,909''' '''Down''' '''0.5%''' From Total 2006 Sales

==Pictures==
[[Image:08 Grand Marquis.jpg|Grand Marquis A Lincoln-Mercury Staple.|left|thumb|250px]]
[[Image:2007 LINCOLN TOWN CAR.jpg|Town Car A Lincoln-Mercury Staple.|right|thumb|250px]]

{{-}}

==Also See==

{{Lincoln}}

{{Mercury}}

==External Links==
*[http://www.lincolnmercury.com/ Lincoln Mercury Official Website]

[[Category:Mercury]]

Mercury Mariner Hybrid

2008-08-20T15:48:50Z

MercuryLover2008: /* Sale Numbers */

Mercury Mountaineer

2008-08-20T15:47:52Z

MercuryLover2008: /* Sale Numbers */

Mercury Mariner

2008-08-20T15:47:15Z

MercuryLover2008: /* Production */

Mercury Mariner

2008-08-20T15:46:55Z

MercuryLover2008: /* Sale Numbers */

File:2009.mercury.milan rear1.jpg

2008-08-20T15:44:12Z

MercuryLover2008: Category:Mercury images

[[Category:Mercury images]]

Mercury Milan

2008-08-20T15:43:35Z

MercuryLover2008: /* Styles and Major Options */

File:2009.Mercury. Milan interior2.jpg

2008-08-20T15:40:36Z

MercuryLover2008: Category:Mercury images

[[Category:Mercury images]]