Mercury Sable

In early 1980, the Mercury Sable began development alongside the Ford Taurus; the $3.5 billion project would become the largest development ever undertaken by Ford at the time.[4][5][6] Originally intended to replace its full-size and mid-size rear-wheel drive product lines (Panther and Fox platforms, respectively), the Taurus/Sable were focused toward the mid-size segment in 1981, as the company felt stabilization of gasoline prices justified the continuation of its full-size model lines.[5] The Taurus was to replace the Ford LTD while the Sable replaced the Mercury Marquis.[6]

While designed entirely in North America, the Taurus/Sable were designed under a similar approach as the Ford Escort, using an interdisciplinary team approach; each element of the vehicle was designed concurrently, including manufacturing and assembly.[4] Along with input from potential buyers (in stark contrast to the Edsel), Ford used reverse engineering of competitive vehicles as a design input tool.[6]

During the development of the Sable, Mercury had become one of the final American brands to adopt front-wheel drive into its vehicle line. In 1982, as a sedan/station wagon version of the Chevrolet Citation, General Motors produced the quartet of the Chevrolet Celebrity/Pontiac 6000/Oldsmobile Cutlass/Buick Century; a year later, Chrysler expanded its K cars into the mid-size segment with the first front-wheel-drive Chrysler New Yorker.[7] Coinciding with the 1986 launch of the Sable, General Motors downsized Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac full-size sedans to front-wheel drive, only slightly larger than the mid-size Sable.

For 1983, Mercury underwent a brand revision, with the Cougar reverting to its traditional role as a two-door personal coupe alongside the Ford Thunderbird; while retaining the same chassis underpinnings, the Thunderbird and Cougar underwent a complete exterior redesign, becoming the first Ford cars produced with highly aerodynamic designs, a central objective of the Taurus/Sable design.[8][9] The 1983 Cougar was well received in the marketplace (outselling the 1983 Thunderbird)[8]; Ford would choose to abandon "boxy" car designs altogether, influencing other car manufacturers to follow suit during the 1980s.[7] Following the Thunderbird and Cougar, Ford introduced the 1984 Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz. The compact front-wheel drive replacements for the Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr, the Tempo/Topaz marked the first use of aerodynamic body design by Ford for a sedan.

First generation
1988 Mercury Sable GS
Overview
Also called	Ford Taurus (Mexico) Kia Sable (South Korea)[10]
Production	October 1985 – 1991
Assembly	United States: Atlanta, Georgia (Atlanta Assembly) Chicago, Illinois (Chicago Assembly)
Designer	Jack Telnack
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford DN5 Platform
Related	Ford Taurus Lincoln Continental
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L HSC I4 3.0 L Vulcan V6 3.8 L Essex V6
Transmission	3-speed ATX automatic 4-speed AXOD automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	106 in (2,692 mm)
Length	190.9 in (4,849 mm) (1986–1988 sedan) 192.2 in (4,882 mm) (1989–1991 sedan) 191.9 in (4,874 mm) (1986–1988 station wagon) 193.2 in (4,907 mm) (1989–1991 station wagon)
Width	70.8 in (1,798 mm)
Height	54.3 in (1,379 mm) (sedan) 55.1 in (1,400 mm) (station wagon)

Launched at the end of 1985 as a 1986 model, the Mercury Sable replaced the Mercury Marquis as the mid-size Mercury line, slotted between the Topaz and Grand Marquis/Colony Park. Developed alongside the Ford Taurus, the Sable was marketed alongside its Marquis predecessor for 1986, as Ford sought to protect its investment in the project.[6]

Though outsold by the Taurus (which would go on to become the best-selling car in the United States) by a wide margin, the Sable would prove successful on its own, competing with the Grand Marquis to serve as the highest-selling Mercury model line. The Sable was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list on its release in 1986 and again in 1990 and 1991.[11]

As Ford did not market the Mercury brand in Mexico, Ford of Mexico marketed the model line as the Ford Taurus. In South Korea, the Mercury Sable was marketed by Kia alongside the Kia Potentia (Mazda Luce/929).[12]

Second generation
1995 Mercury Sable GS sedan
Overview
Production	1991–1995
Assembly	Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois
Designer	Jack Telnack
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford DN5 Platform
Related	Ford Taurus Lincoln Continental Ford Windstar
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L Vulcan V6 3.8 L Essex V6
Transmission	4-speed AXOD-E/AX4S automatic 4-speed AX4N automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	106 in (2,692 mm)
Length	192.2 in (4,882 mm) (sedan) 193.2 in (4,907 mm) (wagon)
Width	71.2 in (1,808 mm)
Height	54.4 in (1,382 mm) (sedan) 55.5 in (1,410 mm) (wagon)

For the 1992 model year, the second-generation Sable was introduced. As part of a $650 million investment in the Taurus and Sable, both model lines received significant updates, focusing on the interior and front and rear fascias.[11] In contrast to the previous Sable, Ford chose an evolutionary change for the model line; though visibly similar to the previous generation, every body panel on the Sable sedan (except the doors) was changed.[16] On the station wagon (shared with both the Sable and Taurus), the front fascia was redesigned, along with the interior.

The interior of the Sable underwent a redesign of the door panels, dashboard, and interior controls.[16] Following the 1990 addition of a driver-side airbag, the Sable gained a passenger-side airbag as an option for 1992 (becoming standard in 1993).[16] For 1993, the steering wheel was redesigned (returning the horn to the center of the steering wheel).[16]

The base "GS" and luxury "LS" trim levels were carried over from the previous generation. A front cloth bench seat was 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 1992 for MY 1993, unpopular optional features such as the "InstaClear" heated windshield were eliminated.[16] For 3.0L V6 engines, the drive belt system became a single-belt setup for 1993 (previously, the 3.0L alternator had used a separate belt).[16] Also, some 3.0L 1994 models began receiving the new AX4N transmission.

The wagon version was available with mostly the same options as the sedan versions.[16] Wagons had a maximum of 81.1 cubic feet of cargo area with the 60/40 split rear seat folded down.[17] 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.[16] Wagons that were equipped with the front bench seat and rear folding seat could seat eight people; while over two feet shorter than the 1991 Mercury Colony Park, the Sable wagon became the sole eight-passenger vehicle offered by Lincoln-Mercury (as the Mercury Villager minivan seated seven).

1995 was the final model year of the second-generation Sable; 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.[16] The LTS trim had either the standard 3.0L Vulcan V6 or the optional 3.8L Essex V6.

Third generation
1996–1997 Sable
Overview
Production	June 1995 – 1999
Assembly	Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois
Designer	Jack Telnack
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford DN101 platform
Related	Ford Taurus Lincoln Continental Ford Windstar
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L Vulcan V6 3.0 L Duratec V6
Transmission	4-speed AX4N automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.5 in (2,756 mm)
Length	199.7 in (5,072 mm) (sedan) 199.1 in (5,057 mm) (station wagon)
Width	73.0 in (1,854 mm)
Height	55.4 in (1,407 mm) (sedan) 57.6 in (1,463 mm) (station wagon)

1998-1999 Mercury Sable LS wagon

The third-generation Sable was introduced for the 1996 model year.[18] The platform used for the previous two generations underwent an extensive revision, redesignated as the DN101 platform; the wheelbase was extended from 106 to 108.5 inches. As before, the Sable returned as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.

While mechanically identical to its Ford Taurus counterpart, the sedans of the two model lines shared less sheetmetal than before, with only the front doors, hood, and front fenders common between the Taurus and Sable (as before, the Sable served as the basis for Ford and Mercury station wagons). In contrast to the oval-influenced roofline of the Ford Taurus, the Sable was styled with a sloped roofline with a rectangular rear window; the model received its own front and rear fascias.[18] In place of the long-running lightbar, the Sable received a chrome-trimmed grille with oval headlight housings.[18] In a design first for the model line, the Sable was fitted with the same interior as the Taurus (with the exception of seat fabrics).[11]

The trim lines saw a minor revision, with the Sable G introduced as a new entry-level model and the Sable LTS discontinued.[18] The Sable G was offered solely as a sedan, with several standard power options (but only an AM/FM radio[18]). For higher sales volumes, the GS and LS made their return, offered both in sedan and station wagon form. For the Sable G and GS, the standard engine was the 3.0L Vulcan V6, producing 145 hp. For the Sable LS, the standard engine was a 3.0L DOHC Duratec V6, producing 200 hp;[19] optional in the Sable GS, the Duratec engine was an enlarged version of the engine from the Mercury Mystique.

For 1997, the Sable underwent several cost-cutting revisions; several features of the LS became available on the GS as options.[11][18] For 1998, the Sable underwent a mid-cycle revision, distinguished by new headlights and a centered Mercury emblem in the grille; the Sable G was discontinued.[11][18] The Vulcan V6 engine became standard on all Sables, with the Duratec optional only on the LS for 1999.[18] In an effort to stimulate sales, Mercury cut the price of the Sable by up to $2,000 for 1999 (by revising the availability of options).[19][20]

Fourth generation
2000–2003 Sable GS
Overview
Also called	Ford Sable (Mexico)
Production	2000–2005
Assembly	Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford D186 platform[21]
Related	Ford Taurus Lincoln Continental
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L Vulcan V6 3.0 L Duratec V6
Transmission	4-speed AX4N automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.5 in (2,756 mm)
Length	197.8 in (5,024 mm) (station wagon) 199.8 in (5,075 mm) (sedan)
Width	73.0 in (1,854 mm)
Height	57.8 in (1,468 mm) (station wagon) 55.5 in (1,410 mm) (sedan)
Chronology
Successor	Mercury Milan Mercury Montego

2000–2003 Mercury Sable LS wagon

The Sable received another redesign in 1999 for MY 2000, which minimized some of the oval design elements from the 1996 model, replacing them with more conventional styling.[22] 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.[22] The taller and roomier trunk also served to make the vehicle more functional.[11] The interior was completely changed for a much more conservative design.[22] 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.[22] To reduce the price and increase profitability, many features such as four-wheel disc brakes were eliminated [22] on the sedan; station wagons retained four-wheel disc brakes.

2004–2005 Mercury Sable GS sedan

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.[11] Side airbags and traction control were added as options on all models.[11] 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.[22]

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 U.S. and Mexico.

The 2005 Mercury Montego and 2006 Milan were launched as replacements for the Sable.[22] 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.[23]

Fifth generation
2008 Sable Premier
Overview
Also called	Mercury Montego (Middle East)
Production	2007–2009
Assembly	Chicago, Illinois
Designer	J Mays
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Ford D3 platform
Related	Lincoln MKS Volvo S60 Volvo XC90 Ford Taurus Ford Taurus X Ford Flex
Powertrain
Engine	3.5 L Cyclone V6
Transmission	6-speed 6F automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112.9 in (2,868 mm)
Length	202.1 in (5,133 mm)
Width	74.5 in (1,892 mm)
Height	61.5 in (1,562 mm)
Curb weight	3,643 lb (1,652 kg) (FWD) 3,814 lb (1,730 kg) (AWD)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercury Montego

The fifth-generation Mercury Sable was launched for the 2008 model year. Developed as a mid-cycle update of the Mercury Montego, the production vehicle revived the more widely-recognized Sable nameplate at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.[24] While the 2008 revival of the Ford Taurus (renaming the Five Hundred) largely ended retail sale of the Crown Victoria, the Sable remained below the Grand Marquis in the Mercury range.

While approximately 10 inches shorter and 500 pounds lighter than the Grand Marquis, the fifth-generation Sable was the first produced as a full-size car. For the first time, the model line was offered exclusively as a four-door sedan (no Mercury counterpart of the Taurus X wagon was developed). Front-wheel drive remained standard, with all-wheel drive becoming an option for the first time.

In the transition from the Montego to the Sable, a number of changes were made to the body and chassis. Alongside the addition of the 263 hp 3.5L V6 and 6-speed 6F automatic, the exterior underwent several revisions, including a revised front bumper and grille, redesigned headlamps; the LED taillamps were retained, but given white lenses. The fifth-generation Sable adopted the trim lines of the Montego and Milan, with an unnamed standard trim level and a top Premier trim.

A few rare special editions of the Sable were made, all consisting of first generation models.

During MY 1987, Mercury introduced a special edition of the Sable called the "LS Monochrome Edition," which as an option would color the bumpers, side trim, and wheels white.[26] It was only offered during MY 1987; the production quantity is not known and it is also unknown how many still exist.[26]

During MY 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 sport 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.[27] After the launch of the SHO, and all the publicity and praise it received, Ford shelved the Sable LTS to focus on the SHO, and because it feared it would cannibalize sales of 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 sold on eBay in 2007.[27]

A special one-of-a-kind Sable convertible was created in 1987 for the 1988 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.[28]

In the article "Top 10 Obscure Special Editions and Forgotten Limited-Run Models: Lincoln-Mercury Edition, Part II," Curbside Classic notes that when Mercury launched the VOGA editions, there was a Sable VOGA for the 2009 model year. It was noted as having 18" chrome cladded 7-spoke wheels, cashmere-colored leather trim and black accents, chrome accents, and a charcoal black interior, with White Suede and Tuxedo Black being the only body colors available. Despite being featured in press releases and brochures, it is unknown if the Sable VOGA was ever released.[29] A possible explanation would be that, due to slumping sales of the Sable against its Taurus counterpart and the better-selling Milan, the latter of which had also overtaken the larger Grand Marquis in sales, no Sable VOGAs were sold, and as a result, were likely disposed of. The Sable was discontinued at the end of the 2009 model year.

• "Taurus Car Club of America". Retrieved 2006-05-16.
  • "Taurus/Sable Specifications". Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
• Beadle, Tony (August 1996). The American Automobile. Smithmark Publishers. ISBN 0-8317-6267-5.
• Gunnell, John (July 2002). Standard Catalog of Ford 1903–2003 (3rd ed.). Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87349-452-0.
• http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-taurus-x-mercury-sable-to-cease-production-next-year.html "Ford Taurus X, Mercury Sable to cease production next year (2009)".

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mercury Sable.

• Mercury Sable official site
• FAQ Farm's Mercury Sable FAQ: wiki question and answer forum
• Taurus Car Club of America
• TCCA: Taurus/Sable Encyclopedia