1997 Mercury Sable Review
1997 Mercury Sable Review
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Used Sable for sale
Appraise This CarMercury Sable model years
Mercury Sable types
- Sedan
- Wagon
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Outstanding interior, rigid chassis, excellent visibility, and room for five adults.
Cons
- Odd front-end styling makes the car look like a snake. The 3.0-liter Vulcan engine doesn't put out enough power for a car this large.
What’s new
The 1997 Sable LS can now be had with Ford's outstanding Mach audio system. Other changes, occurring at the end of the 1996 model year, include the addition of a mass airflow sensor to the Vulcan V6, and improvements to the Duratec V6 to improve responsiveness.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$203/mo for Sable GS
Sable GS
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
OK, we know that it looks a little weird, but after spending some time with the Mercury Sable and its stablemate the Ford Taurus, we have found ourselves won over by this odd-looking family sedan and wagon. If you can get past the strange curves and obnoxious snout, the Sable offers a lot of car for the money. Upon settling into the Sable's cockpit, the first thing most drivers notice is the logical placement of the controls and the great outward visibility. Unlike previous Sables, which had an unpleasant dashboard and bad blind spots created by the C-pillars, the new model is easy to get acquainted with. The integrated control panel, which combines stereo and climate control functions, is a joy to behold when compared to most of the Sable's competition. Interior room in the Sable is great, offering comfortable seating for five full-size adults and their cargo. The Sable has comfortable seats, a plethora of cupholders and ashtrays, nicelyintegrated armrests and optional rear-passenger air conditioning controls.
Not many people buy midsized sedans for their outstanding handling characteristics, and for the most part the Sable does not address these people's concerns. Nonetheless, the Sable is not a bad driver, offering capable acceleration with the Duratec V6 engine found on the LS sedan and wagon, and decent handling with the MacPherson front/quadralink rear suspension setup.
The Sable is definitely a good car and is our choice when compared to the less-than-sophisticated Chevrolet Lumina or plain-Jane Buick Century. Apparently, consumers feel the same way; 1996 recorded the highest sales ever for the Sable. Still, there are plenty of great cars from Japan and Europe that are giving the Sable and Taurus a run for their money and we can't help but think that the 1997 Camry may threaten this car's newfound popularity.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Mercury Sable.
5 star(38%)
4 star(41%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(3%)
39 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
overall a great car
baldwin125, 05/20/2010
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
I got this car in the summer of 08. had 143k on it. it rode smoothly. it was quick to accelerate and handling was very responsive. Never got stuck in the winter. had to travel on some really muddy roads sometimes and had no trouble getting through. one concern i had was the transmission. it lagged from 1st to 2nd sometimes but never became a huge issue. I had to repair the altenator … twice and replaced the starter once. lots of interior room, huge trunk space. speakers were great quality. ac was beyond amazing, heat was slow but great none the less. i was in an accident in the winter. id say the saftey of the vehicle is excellent. it was a rear end collision and nobody in the car was injured.
5 out of 5 stars
My Sable
Blanca, 02/04/2019
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Wagon
I got this vehicle from a friend who owns a junk yard. The thing about my car is that for being from a junkyard it was clean and I just liked. I bought it for 1200 cash and drove it home. I had two problems with it when I bought, had to get brakes and one other thing that I can’t remember. I don’t drive much anymore since I have been retired (to the market once monthly and for Dr. … visits.). I babysat my grandkids sometimes (plenty of room), take the dog to the groomers, one semester I took course at the university, haul a couple of things in back (drop down the back seats for extra room). I had it for 5 years, maintained it mechanically (oil, filters, tire rotation, and belts. I never, had a problem, it was very reliable, good on gas, one small dent from previous owner. I really liked my car very much. One day it just starter to lounge when I stoped at a light while taking my grandson to a soccer game. I did not know what happen, but my baby got us back home safely, I thank God. I would say I got my money’s worth and more.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great car
zikj, 07/29/2004
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Wagon
Car has 170,000 miles and still going
strong. Only a few minor issues that
you might expect after 100,000 miles.
Camshaft sensor went out, rear wheels
have gone out of alignment requiring
some filing and the transmission acted
up at 130,000 miles but then corrected
itself (go figure). Overall a great
vehicle and believe it will go well
past 200,000 miles. Would buy … another.
Great handling, style, comfort, quiet
and reliable.
4.63 out of 5 stars
ugly car but a great car
Sarah, 04/26/2010
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
I really didn't want to buy this car. I thought it was ugly as could be. But the motor had blown in my other car and I needed a new one quick that was pretty cheap. We got it for like 3500 with only like 80K miles. It has run like a champ with no problems at all! Rides very smooth, even at high speeds. I'm looking for a new car now only because we are about to have another child and need … a bigger car. It has almost 160K miles and still nothing wrong with it.
1997 Sable Highlights
Sedan
LS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $208/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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