2008 Mercury Sable Review

The Chicago-built Mercury Sable sedan is a much-improved version of the sedan formerly known as the Mercury Montego -- and is more upscale than the new Ford Taurus sister model, formerly called the Five Hundred.

The Montego and Five Hundred -- also built here -- were decent, spacious full-size cars based on a platform from Ford-owned Volvo. They had high SUV-style seating and optional all-wheel drive to replace their standard front-drive for snow-belt regions.

The Montego and Five Hundred had much to offer, but looked plain, had dour interiors and a small 3-liter 203-horsepower V-6 that needed more punch. Their unloved continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for the all-wheel-drive version was meant to maximize engine output but highlighted the V-6's droning.

The Five Hundred and Montego were examples of an American automaker shooting itself in the foot by not going far enough when developing new models. Most thus ignored them. Consumer recognition last year was dreadful, although they'd been on the market since the 2005 model year.

Ford finally realized it had tossed tremendous brand equity it had with the nameplates of its discontinued mid-size Taurus and Sable. It thus put their names on the 2008 versions of the two Chicago-built cars -- and addressed complaints about the Montego/Five Hundred.

The resurrected 2008 front- and all-wheel-drive Taurus (Aug. 27 AutoTimes) and Sable thus have a stronger 3.5-liter 263-horsepower V-6, along with better styling, improved interiors and some 500 engineering improvements. The CVT transmission was dropped, leaving a responsive six-speed automatic for both front- and all-wheel-drive versions.

Front and rear suspensions have been retuned for better control and handling, and more sound-deadening material has been added for a quieter interior.

The Taurus and Sable are larger than mid-size rivals, but compete in the giant mid-size car market. Despite their size, estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg in the city and 28 on highways is comparable to ratings from the top mid-size Toyota Camry and Honda Accord V-6 sedans -- although figures for the all-wheel-drive Taurus/Sable dip to 17 city and 24 highway. Only regular-grade fuel is needed.

The Sable always has been a step up from the Taurus, being sold by Ford Motor's loftier Lincoln/Mercury division. The new Sable thus has a less flashy front-end appearance and a higher line interior than the Taurus, with design cues from the Mercury Milan, Mariner and Mountaineer. While handsome enough, the Sable is no head-turner, but isn't supposed to be. For sure, it has more "road presence'' than the Montego.

There are base and upscale Premier Sable models, both with front- or costlier all-wheel drive. List prices range from $23,540 to $29,180.

The Sable is well-equipped, with such standard items as air conditioning, cruise control, power front seats, tilt (but not telescopic) leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls, AM/FM/CD player, 17-inch wheels, split-folding rear seat, fold-flat front passenger seatback and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry.

The Premier adds dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power front passenger seat, in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer and wider tires on 18-inch wheels.

The Sable has scored well in crash tests. Standard safety items include anti-lock brakes, traction control and curtain side airbags with roll-over deployment. Optional are an anti-skid system that costs $495 for the Premier and is in a $695 Security package for the base model. A handy $295 rear-obstacle detection system is offered for both models.

Power adjustable pedals cost $195, and a navigation system is $1,995. The DVD entertainment system will set you back $995 and Sirius satellite radio is $195. A remote engine start for zero-degree mornings costs $395.

Ford Motor is especially proud of its exclusive Sync voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system. Users can access their mobile phone or media player, including genre, album, artist and song title, with voice commands.

Sync costs $395, but was included at no extra cost in my test Premier all-wheel-drive model because it's standard in Lincolns and in high-line Ford and Mercury models.

There's just no comparison between performance of the Sable and its predecessor. The stronger V-6 propels the car from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Merges into fast traffic are no problem, and passing on two-lane roads no longer is a nervous maneuver, as it occasionally was with the Montego.

The steering is fast, with a nice degree of firmness, and the ride is comfortably supple and nicely controlled. Handling is surprisingly good for a full-size mainstream family car, with all-wheel-drive helping out here. The brake pedal feels a bit soft, but has a nice linear action for consistently smooth stops, although stopping distances are average for this type of car.

High seats and wide door openings make it easy to get in and out of the quiet interior, and a driver has a commanding view of the road and good all-around visibility. Front seats need more side bolstering for better support in curves, but the nicely stitched upholstery helps provide an upscale look to the interior, although it falls short of being "posh.''

A wide console and wheel wells eat somewhat into front space, and the console shift lever partly blocks cupholders for a driver. There's a mixture of large and small climate controls, but all are clearly marked. The navigation system screen partly absorbs some audio functions, but doesn't complicate them. Power window controls are nicely located on the door for the driver, and the front covered console bin is roomy. All doors have storage bins and bottle holders.

Rear seat room is impressive. A large fold-down center rear armrest contains two built-in cupholders, and rear seatbacks flip forward to enlarge the cargo area (along with the flip-forward front passenger seatback). However, rear seatbacks don't sit completely flat, and the pass-through opening between the trunk and back-seat area is just moderately large.

The roomy trunk has a low, wide opening and a lid with an interior lining that opens smoothly on struts. The lid's two interior indented areas let it be closed without getting hands dirty on its exterior.

The long, heavy hood also has an interior lining and raises on struts, eliminating the need for a prop rod.

Like the new Taurus, the reborn Sable is among the best 2008 family sedans. They haven't set sales charts on fire, but it will take time for car shoppers to discover them.

2008 MERCURY SABLE

PRICES: $23,540-$29,180.

LIKES: More power and performance. Improved styling. Roomy. Stellar crash test ratings.

DISLIKES: Seats have little side support. Front shift lever hinders cupholder access.