2008 Mercury Sable Review

The Sable has had a long history with Mercury and a much better version returns to the Mercury lineup for 2008. First bowing as a 1986 model, the Sable enjoyed a 19-year run before the replacement Montego sedan was unveiled in 2005.

Now, after a three-year hiatus, Sable returns. Say goodbye to Montego. Say hello to the Mercury Sable. Sable is a much better sedan than Montego ever was and it all starts under the hood.

First, and most importantly, the engineers gave Sable a more powerful V-6 engine. The previous sedan was grossly underpowered. That's no longer the case. All Sables now features a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 263-horsepower, a 30-percent increase over the previous model.

Another favorable addition to the new Sable is its transmission. The awkward CVT found in the Montego is no longer offered - yeah! Instead, Sable features a new smooth-shifting six-speed automatic.

The new, more powerful V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission make the Sable much more fun to drive. The large sedan now has enough pep to step out and pass slower moving vehicles and is quite comfortable for long highway cruising.

The downside, though, is fuel economy. Although FWD Sables are rated at 18/28 and AWD models are listed at 17/24, my 2008 Sable Premier AWD tester seemed to be quite thirsty for fuel.

On the plus side, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable large sedan with a roomier cabin. Sable's higher stance also makes it easier to slip in and out of.

With the front seats at their rear-most position, there is still plenty of legroom for long-legged rear seat passengers. Sable is a car that easily and comfortably accommodates five adult passengers.

Speaking of large, Sable's trunk is huge. You can fit all kinds of gear, packages, or luggage and still have room for those unexpected trips to the mall.

I do recommend the reverse sensing system ($295) that my 2008 Sable Premier AWD tester came with. It takes the fear out of backing into things when moving in reverse.

I also favor Sync, the popular hands-free communication and entertainment system. It allows you to link your Bluetooth phone and it's a favorite of mine.

Mercury offers the new Sable in two trims levels; base and Premier. Pricing starts at about $24K and the base comes very well equipped. Either model can be ordered with AWD to further improve traction on slippery pavement.

The base model includes full power accessories and air conditioning. The Premier adds leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, upgraded audio, Sync, and more.

Most of the standard features found on the Premier can be ordered for the base model. However, the rear seat DVD entertainment system is only offered as an option for the Premier model.

The 2008 Mercury Sable looks more sophisticated than its predecessor. For me, though, Sable's exterior fails to draw me in the way others in this segment do. Still, with all that Sable has to offer, including a long list of safety features, it's definitely a contender.

2008 Mercury Sable Premier AWD 

Engine: 3.5-liter (263 hp) V-6

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Drive type: AWD

Fuel economy: 17 city/24 highway

Base price: $29,180

As tested: $33,305 (including $750 for destination)

Web site: www.www.mercuryvehicles.com