1996 Mercury Sable Consumer Reviews

Phoenix from Ashes

Written by: Finkey Family on 04/23/2007

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr G Sedan

Review

We bought our Mercury Sable in poor shape, not really knowing, from a mechanically inclined co-worker. So we thought it was alright. Over the past five years, we replaced the "main brain", the engine, several fan, oil and fuel sensors, front and rear ball joints, power steering pump, serpentine belt and power steering cables, the battery and its cables, installed a good sound system, new tires, and rebuilt the trans. We just love our Mercury Sable 4-door sedan G anyway. It's a perfect family car and worth every penny put into it. We expect it to last for a long time to come.

Favorite Features

Maybe it's the oval design inside and out that won our hearts. This car is just plain nice and roomy.

Suggested Improvements

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Not in it for the long haul

Written by: NIKKI on 03/27/2007

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr GS Sedan

Review

I'm reading through other reviews of this car and it seems that the transmission isn't reliable. Luckily I'm a little over 100k and I haven't had to replace the transmission, but I fear the time is nearing. My issue with the sable is the car has a propensity to run hot. I replaced the radiator, hoses, thermostat, etc a year ago. It all needs to be done again. NOT CHEAP. I don't know what the problem is but I know of other owners who've had the same problem.

Favorite Features

none

Suggested Improvements

Make a better car.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Poor integrity

Written by: Cienna on 01/29/2007

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr GS Wagon

Review

Bought car used. Needed to refurbish transmission, and replace a couple of seat belts. Later realized that the indoor courtesy light didn't always turn off because the car thought a door was open, even thought it wasn't. 2 years later I had to get the transmission refurbished again. The seat belts twist and get stuck all the time. Finally ended up pulling out all the indoor courtesy bulbs to deal with light issue. Car doesn't have much pep, especially going uphill. Rear blade eventually stopped functioning as well as A/C. Stereo not working that great since 2005.

Favorite Features

3rd seat for the occasional times when you have a lot of people. 6-way Power driver seat - for short people it's really handy to be able to have the seat up higher so you can take advantage of the sun visor. cup holder and tray in middle. Power windows and side view windows. Rear window defogger.

Suggested Improvements

This could have been a really good car with all the comfort and features, but it just seems that there's too many things that don't work quite right. The seat belts need a better design - they should not be twisting all the time. And the transmission should be more durable as well.

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love it!!

Written by: scott on 11/27/2006

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr LS Sedan

Review

I recently (11/2006) bought an LS with the 24 valve engine and 56,718 miles on it after 11 years. Also have a 97 cougar V6 but this 24 valve engine is fantastic. So far I love the car and the smoothness of the ride. It is easy to drive and has a large interior which is nicely appointed. The tires are a little small and the alloy wheels are boring. All in all a great car.

Favorite Features

24 valve double overhead cam aluminum v6,dual exhausts and inside comfort.

Suggested Improvements

As I said, the tires are too small and the wheels are boring. Also, it could have mirrors that fold in, and hidden windshield cleaners.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great car

Written by: PMD on 11/27/2006

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr GS Sedan

Review

We use this car for any long trips across the country, because it has a nice 'highway feel'. We also almost always take this car to any nice event we attend, it has a quality look and feel to it. We've been very happy with the Mercury Sable, it's a nice sedan and comfortable to drive friends too.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders in front console area could be redesigned.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Happy but needs improvment

Written by: lynda on 03/04/2006

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr LS Sedan

Review

I bought my car at a used dealership and the lady told me she couldn't say or sure how it would do, but I chose to buy it anyway. This car awesome!!!! There is an electrical problem though and we cant seem to figure it out. At first we thought it was a fuse but can't find any bad. This whole fuse box thing is very confusing too. Even my hubby who is a mechanic is baffled with this one...LOL. Any suggestions?

Favorite Features

EVERYTHING!!! Except Airbags. I hate those things. I've seen the damage from them.

Suggested Improvements

take out the airbags!!!!!! simplify the electrical system

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Egg Crate Style, but no beater!

Written by: NW Mossyback on 01/03/2006

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr LS Wagon

Review

I bought this wagon used 7 years ago and have not needed to use the bumper to bumper warranty. Only need to do the normal maintenance. Great gas mileage for a car this size 21 MPG city and 27 hiway. Great handling, leg room and sound system. The paint finish is wonderful considering it has not seen a garage. I may pass it on to my grandson as his college car in a few years, as it has hauled many a muddy soccer kid. The 3rd seat makes a total of 8 in seating capacity. Handles well in snow and the 200+ inches of rain we get. Nice and solid, no road noise. And the style keeps on ticking! A great first car if your are looking for safety and reliability., and lots of features.

Favorite Features

Aerodynamic - "egg crate" styling. Good gas mileage for it's size. EZ to maintain. Great sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Deeper cup holders.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Served me well...

Written by: Steve on 03/11/2005

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr LS Sedan

Review

My famliy must be heavy on brakes as the rotors often warp. 151k miles and duretec performs just as well as when I bought it with 18k miles on it. No leaks. A/C service required at 130K. Pollution sensor replaced and cat converter needs replacement. Still drives great with check engine popping on on occasion(Cad Conv). Cheap tires wear quickly. Power steering occasionally looses smoothness

Favorite Features

High end tourque in engine and console design as well as enourmous trunk which has served me well.

Suggested Improvements

Duck your head down very far when entering the back seats.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good Car

Written by: Zorro on 01/27/2005

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr LS Sedan

Review

Bought it new. I have difficulty letting go. Well thought-out features design. Transmission has been problematic, but installing a shift kit was good choice. Other great features: 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System Disk Brakes, Power Driver's Seat, Gauge Cluster, Tachometer, Alloy Wheels, Lighted Variable Vanity Mirrors, Great Lighting Package, Dual Heated Remote Sport Mirrors.

Favorite Features

V-6, aluminum block & heads-fuel injection/dual exhaust, chain-driven double overhead cams, 4 valves per cylinder.

Suggested Improvements

Better Defogger, Larger Gas Tank, Folding Mirrors, Better Headlights, Better Disk Rotors, Hardier Transmission.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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At 175,000 miles, runs like new

Written by: Mark B. on 12/10/2004

Vehicle

1996 Mercury Sable 4 Dr LS Sedan

Review

This is by far the most reliable vehicle I have owned. The motor runs like new. never replaced the spark plugs or wires. bought car from relative 100,000 miles ago. The only current problem is slight oil leak for last four years probably from the valve cover gaskets. Fun car to drive with plenty of reserve passing power. Am very confident when driving in all weather conditions. Drives and handles like much smaller car . It is not worth much now but to buy the same ride in a new car would be well over $20,000 dollars. Other than normal wear . it has been cheap to own. I don't think I could have gotten a more reliable foreign car. Will keep running this car as long as I can.

Favorite Features

Strong motor and road feel. Also comfortable interior that still looks and feels new. Nothing seems to wear out on this car. The four wheel disc brakes instill confidence when stopping.

Suggested Improvements

Quicker Transmission shift without hessitation.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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