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Mercury Sable
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The Mercury Sable was a mid-size (1986-2005)/full-size (2007-2009) luxury sedan created by the Ford Motor Company and sold under the Mercury brand. It is a rebadged variant of the Ford Taurus.
The Sable was a milestone design for both Mercury and the entire American automotive industry, as well as a very influential vehicle in the marketplace, with Mercury selling 2,103,951 examples (as of February 2009) during more than 20 years of production.The Sable's design was so futuristic, that it was called by the press "The car that came from the moon".
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Encyclopedia
The Mercury Sable was a mid-size (1986-2005)/full-size (2007-2009) luxury sedan created by the Ford Motor Company and sold under the Mercury brand. It is a rebadged variant of the Ford Taurus.
The Sable was a milestone design for both Mercury and the entire American automotive industry, as well as a very influential vehicle in the marketplace, with Mercury selling 2,103,951 examples (as of February 2009) during more than 20 years of production.The Sable's design was so futuristic, that it was called by the press "The car that came from the moon". An important feature of the Sable's design was its front "lightbar", a low-wattage lamp between the front headlamps. This later became mainstream for Mercury's line-up, and was copied by many automakers in the early nineties.
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 occurred in 2000, softening some of the controversial design vestiges of the 1996 model which the Taurus also endured. Minor styling change in 2004 further refined the car.
The Sable station wagon ended production in 2004 and sedan production ended on April 29, 2005. The Ford Taurus remained in production through the 2007 model year, primarily for service as a fleet vehicle. Taurus production ended on October 27, 2006.
At the Chicago Auto Show on February 7, 2007, Ford CEO Alan Mulally unveiled a refreshed version of the Mercury Montego sedan and announced that the new name of the car would be "Sable," due to customer recognition and dealer demand.
In December 2008, Ford Motor Company announced that the full-size Sable will end production (again) on April 30, 2009. The plant will be re-tooled to build the next generation Ford Taurus. The Sable's second counterpart, the Ford Taurus X, ended production on February 27, 2009.
First generation (1986–1991)
The Sable was a very important sedan for both 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/6000/Cutlass/Century quartet, Chrysler's well-received K cars, and Japanese offerings from Honda, Datsun/Nissan and Toyota, and Mercury suffered even worse from this. In 1984, Ford launched the 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 influencing the other American automakers to follow suit and create aero designed cars, thus ending the "boxy" cars of the 1970s and 1980s.
The Taurus and Sable siblings used flush aerodynamic composite headlights. Ford was the first to produce and sell vehicles with such headlights in the U.S., when it introduced the Lincoln Mark VII in 1984. To do so, Ford (among other automakers) had to lobby the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to have them approved. The Taurus and Sable were the first domestically-produced, mainstream sedans to use the new lights. They also went beyond the Audi 5000, with which they were often compared, to adopt a grille-less "bottom breather" nose, first pioneered by the Citroën DS in the 1950s, and also used briefly on the Mustang.
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 twin 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 90 hp HSC 4-cylinder mated to a three-speed automatic transaxle or a 140 hp Vulcan V6 with a four-speed automatic, with the latter having much higher sales. 4-cylinder 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 (104 kW) as the 3.0 L engine, this large V6 produced 215 ft·lbf (291 N·m) of torque, a welcome addition, especially in the heavier station 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. Unlike the Taurus, no manual transmission was offered in the Sable.
The Sable had just received small changes over the years, mostly in terms of equipment and cosmetics. In 1991, sales dipped to just over 100,000 units, so a new generation of Sable was launched.
Sable In Mexico
This generation of the Sable wasn't sold in Mexico. It was sold with Mercury badges as the Ford Taurus up until 1995, especially with the second generation.
Awards
The Sable was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list on its release in 1986 and again in 1990 and 1991.
Models
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|
| GS | 1986 | 2.5 L CFI HSC I4 | 90 hp (67 kW) | 130 ft·lbf (176 N·m) | 3-speed ATX automatic | | GS | 1986–1991 | 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 | 140 hp (104 kW) | 160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) | 4-speed AXOD automatic (1986-90)
4-speed AXOD-E automatic (1991) | | LS | | GS | 1988–1991 | 3.8 L SFI Essex V6 | 140 hp (104 kW) | 215 ft·lbf (291 N·m) | | LS |
Second generation (1992–1995)
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, a number unheard of even today. While the design was basically the same, every body panel on the sedan except for the doors was changed.; on the station wagon all the sheet metal to the rear of the cowl was the same as that of the 1986-1995 Ford Taurus wagon. The interior was also redesigned, and included an optional passenger-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.
The base "GS" and luxury "LS" trim levels were carried over from the previous generation. A front cloth bench seat were standard on GS sedans and wagons, although cloth bucket seats were available on GS sedans only. Higher-end cloth bucket seats were standard on LS sedans, but a bench seat was a no cost option. A front bench was standard on LS wagons, with bucket seats optional. Leather seating surfaces were available on all LS Sables.
In 1993, unpopular optional features such as the "InstaClear" heated windshield were eliminated. For 3.0 L V6 engines, the drive belt system became a single-belt setup for 1993 (previously, the 3.0 L 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. Also in 1994, some 3.0 L models began receiving the new AX4N transmission.
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.
Models
| Model | Year | Transmission | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|
GS
LS | 1992–1995 | 4-speed AXOD-E (AX4S) automatic
4-speed AX4N automatic (some 1994-95) | 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 | 140 hp (104 kW) | 160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) | | LTS | 1995 | | 3.8 L Essex V6 | 140 hp (104 kW) | 215 ft·lbf (291 N·m) |
Third generation (1996–1999)
The 1996 model year saw the first complete redesign for the Sable. Ford 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 tried to move slightly upmarket, and as a result, prices rose considerably, also driving away potential buyers. The 1996 Sable was the first model to share sheetmetal with the Taurus. Differences from the 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 (149 kW) 3.0 L 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. 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.
Models
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|
G
| 1996–1998 | 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 | 145 hp (108 kW) | 180 ft·lbf (244 N·m) | 4-speed AX4S automatic
4-speed AX4N automatic | | 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6 | 200 hp (149 kW) | 195 ft·lbf (264 N·m) | | LS | 1996–1999 | | GS | 1996–1999 | 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 | 145 hp (108 kW) | 180 ft·lbf (244 N·m) | | 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6 | 200 hp (149 kW) | 195 ft·lbf (264 N·m) |
Fourth generation (2000–2005)
The Sable received another redesign in 2000, which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model, replacing them with more conventional styling. 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 changed for a much more conservative design. Certain elements of the interior were retained from the 1996 model, such as the integrated control console, which combined the sound system and climate controls into one panel; but the shape of that panel was changed from the controversial oval to a more conventional and conservative trapezoid. The suspension was also softened to appeal to a broader, non-sporting audience. To reduce the price and increase profitability, many features such as four-wheel disc brakes were eliminated on the sedan; station wagons retained four-wheel disc brakes.
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 moonroof or leather interior on the LS. Side airbags and traction control were added as options on all models. For 2004, the Sable received minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, most noticeably the grille was made fully chrome. Inside were a new instrument cluster and steering wheel.
Due to the Mercury brand's discontinuation in Canada, the fourth generation Sable was never available in the Canadian market. Thus it was unique to the US and Mexico.
The 2005 Mercury Montego and 2006 Milan were launched as replacements for the Sable. Shortly after the Montego's introduction the Sable was discontinued, along with the Taurus wagon; the Taurus sedan continued to be produced, but primarily for the fleet market. The last Sable left the Atlanta plant on April 29, 2005.
Models
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|
| GS | 2000–2005 | 3.0 L SFI Vulcan V6 | 155 hp (116 kW) | 185 ft·lbf (251 N·m) | 4-speed AX4N automatic | | 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6 | 200 hp (149 kW) | 195 ft·lbf (350 N·m) | | LS |
Fifth generation (2007-2009)
Ford CEO Alan Mulally said that Ford's scheme to make all its cars names start with the letter F was a bad move, as it made Ford's new cars easily forgettable. Mulally wants to revive some known and respected Ford nameplates for its new model line, the Sable being one of them. The new 2008 Sable went on sale in late-July 2007, though remaining 2007 Montegos continued being sold as of August 2007. Mulally believes that with this new name, more customers will recognize the car, thus raising sales.
Changes to the new Sable from the existing Montego include a new front end with Milan-inspired headlamps, as well as exterior satin-aluminum mirror and door-handle accents, and new LED taillights. Also is the addition of the 3.5 L Cyclone engine from the Ford Edge, as well as replacing the continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a conventional one to counter criticism of the Montego being underpowered. On Wednesday February 7, Ford confirmed the changes.
In December 2008, Ford announced it would stop production of the Sable on April 30, 2009, when it will retool the plant to build the Sixth-generation Ford Taurus.
Models
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|
Base
Premier | 2008-present | 3.5 L Cyclone V6 | 263 hp | 265 ft·lbf | 6-speed 6F automatic |
Special editions
A few rare special editions of the Sable were made, all consisting of first generation models.
In 1987, Mercury created a special edition of the Sable called the "LS Monochrome Edition", which as an option would color the bumpers, side trim, and wheels white. It was only offered in 1987; the production quantity is not known and it is also unknown how many still exist.
In 1989, Mercury created a "50th Anniversary" edition of the Sable, to celebrate Mercury's 50th Anniversary. Keeping with the name, only 50 were sold, combined between GS and LS models. This Sable was actually a test bed for creating a Luxury sports version of the Sable called the LTS, similar to that of the Ford Taurus SHO. It was meant to use the SHO's chassis, interior, and suspension, but not the engine. After the launch of the SHO, and all the publicity and praise it got, Ford shelved the Sable LTS to focus on the SHO, and because they were afraid it would take sales away from the SHO. The Sable LTS remained in a "development hell" until mid-1994 when it was introduced as a high end version of the Sable, but by then, it was just a highly optioned LS. An unknown number of these Sables still exist, but a pristine condition GS in this trim was recently sold on eBay.
A special one-of-a-kind Sable convertible was created in 1988 for the Detroit SAE auto show. It was built from a sedan chassis and featured a completely custom two-door body with a custom folding top. However, it was shelved; the only one sat in a warehouse for years until it was given a VIN, titled, and driven. It was sold on eBay in 2006.
In an article in Automotive News (circa 1990) an all aluminum "body in white" was made for a Sable. In an accompanying photo it is shown being held up by two middle aged women, leading to the belief it would weigh less than 600 lbs. At the time Audi had just released the A8, so it might have been an engineering exercise for constructing all aluminum frames, as Jaguar has now. Whatever became of the "Aluminum Sable Unibody", or if there was more than one, is unknown.
Popular culture
In the movie Coneheads, the main character, Beldar, drives a 1992 Sable GS. The car is equipped with a removable sunroof to accommodate his "cone." At the end of the movie, the car is taken to planet Remulak, and the owner's guide given as a gift to the Conehead Highmaster. The car is described as "a personal conveyance named after its inventor, an assassinated ruler, a character from Greco-Roman myth and a small furry mammal." (Henry Ford, Abraham Lincoln, Mercury, and Sable, respectively).
External links
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