Used 1996 Mercury Sable Consumer Reviews
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1996 Mercury Sable LS
Colin, 04/12/2002
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Very comfortable car that has retained a "luxury" feel even 6 years after purchase. Below average reliability. I've had to rebuild the transmission (around the 70,000 mile mark) and replace the A/C compressor (around the 50,000 mile mark). This car handles and rides like a BIG car. It floats along with very little road feel. Also has very high wind noise.
Very positive experience
bjgreen, 01/03/2009
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I owned this car cradle (~10k miles) to grave (117k miles) over the last 12 twelve years. It was a very reliable car up until the end. The fuel economy was also very good (28-29mpg in mostly freeway driving). The interior was very comfortable for my family of 5. But by current standards it lacks in the safety features department. This car never saw the inside of a garage, but the paint still looks great. In the end, a belt tensioner popped off on the freeway and I continued to drive the car - severely overheating the engine (definitely a bad idea on my part). Had it not been for this incident, I'm confident the engine would have gone at least another 50k miles.
Used to be reliable
Denise, 01/13/2009
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in the middle of 2005 with less then 60,000 miles on it. Since I have had it I had to get the rear suspension replaces, brakes redone, I had the serpentine belt replaced and the whole airconditioning unit. Recently I had to have all the wiring replaced and a wk earlier the spark plugs replaced because the car refused to start and gasoline drenched everything. The engine light has been on forever and I have had the codes fixed everytime. In the summer it overheats if I am in town and I have had the whole cooling system serviced and nothing is even wrong with it. The interior has started to peel off and the paneling on the doors falls of, had it fixed but refuses to stay.
love it!!
scott, 11/28/2006
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Not in it for the long haul
NIKKI, 03/28/2007
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Great American Car
UMEngineer, 08/01/2003
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love the car. Duratec engine is fast and never disapointes me. The seats are comfortable. Great car for family trips or daily commute to work. However if you buy it get a good brand of tires (Goodyear, Michelin, Continental,)as cheap tires really can detract the benifits of this cars features.
Egg Crate Style, but no beater!
NW Mossyback, 01/04/2006
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Great car
PMD, 11/27/2006
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Good blend of comfort & dependability
sap, 06/05/2003
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
First major repair this month with new tie rods and stabilizers. Also new rotors. Rotors always warp easily. Other than that, power seats make a 12 hour drive very comfortable. Wish transmission was more responsive. I think it is geared more for smooth starts rather than performance starts.
Love my Sable
96 SABLE PA, 03/21/2002
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car from 1998 with 35000 miles it has been great not one problem! It runs as good now as when I got it!
second Sable (ditto)
second Sable (ditto), 03/04/2009
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Second Sable written 10-16-07 is identical to my own experience. Traded my 1986 for the 3 year old 1996. Love the Smoked Amethyst paint (but can't spell it?) but disappointed with the decontenting from 1986 model. No problems whatsoever, but I know a lot about treating and driving cars to insure long life. Also have a 1966 Corvette and 1975 Toyota - both bought new. The Sable is an excellent airport pickup car with six belted seating positions and huge trunk. Invisible to state troopers and thieves/vandals alike.
Great Value
dc-in-md, 06/20/2002
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car.. Has been very strong and reliable. Have only ever had 1 problem and that was a sensor in the trans... Normal maintance stuff, but runs strong and performs well..
ok car, Transmission problems!!
Frank_gtp35, 08/08/2002
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
car is good, is comfortable, premium sound system is great, leather seats good, sun roof never leaks, trim around sunroof inside keeps comming off, main problem, Transmission!!!! Have had it back many times, still having transmission problems, been rebuilt twice, has never shifted correctly since we bough it, poor quality, dealer not very helpful either.
Mercury Sable LS Sedan
chugg, 09/12/2002
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle seems to be overlooked when ratings are given. I have used this vehicle for four plus years without any problems. I find that the engine (24 valve) is very responsive, and has averaged 28 miles/gallon on the highway. The vehicle has ample trunk space and although I notice it has been rated to have an uncomfortable front seat, I find it to be very easy to make long trips without undue strain anywhere on my body. Over-all I find this car to be solid, easy to drive and comfortable in all respects.
Ford Brakes and Rotors/Road Noise
frp, 09/21/2002
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always owned Mecury or Ford products. One thing I have noticed is they seemed to be hard on brakes and rotors. My 96 sable has had a continuing problem with front rotors since purchase. There has also been road noise. The Sable has lots of power and it is a plesure to drive.
Problem after problem, but still running
jdc, 05/01/2002
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When the new Sable's were introduced, I wanted to be the first one on my block to own one. However, from the very beginning (luckily it was still under warranty), I had steering problems corrected, a parking pawl recall, struts replaced, transmission adjusted, brakes replaced several times (the rear brakes have been replaced more than the front), etc. December, 1999, the transmission went. Transmission was rebuilt, and two days later failed again. Tranmission was replaced and I haven't had any problems since (total cost $2,000). While I do drive a good amount of distance every year (averaging 18,000 per year), the car always has had problems. April 2002 state inspection cost $800.
Great Car
Andy G, 12/26/2002
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been vey careful to always service this vechicle with good maintance. I believe due to my care it has rewared me with great service. I will hate to part with it because it is so great looking and the paint still looks brand new. I am now approaching 100,000 miles and am not sure quite what to expect in the future.
96 Sable GS
rsw, 01/11/2003
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
115000 excellent miles ! Minimal problems, great car.
Newer Driver
Owned, 08/01/2003
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Alright So I'm a new driver. I love this car. Out of any car I have driven this has been the most fun. The best part is is the profomance. It can beat mustangs, and alot of V6 Engine cars. It never stops to amaze me. All the time we have had it we did not have a single problem. The A/C is not working right, but that is a lose wire nothing more. This car has close to 80,000 miles on it, and to think its lasted through me. I drive it into the ground.
driving experience
James Shaw, 09/29/2003
1996 Mercury Sable G 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second Sable car we bought because of good feelings for the first Sable car we bought. It is very confortable to drive. Fuel efficiency is good. There are some problems though. Many parts need to be replaced after it reached 100,000 miles such as motor, rotor, sensors etc. Sensors cost a lot of money to replace. Engine gradually becomes hard to accelerate. "Engine needs to be sericed" light also presents a problem. Evn dealer replaced sevral sensors, the light still on and we gave up on it because the cost to fix the problem.
Excellent car
bam1967, 10/20/2003
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought as a demo, Excellent car, just now at a 104,000 the air cond clutch is going out.
My Car
bigctyfem1, 08/16/2004
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned quite a few cars and I have to say I enjoy this one the most. It is so comfortable, and handles well.It is a smooth ride and I have had no problems with it yet. I seat my parents, spouse and 2 children (6) comfortably(and 2 cats in carriers when needed) This is 8 years old now and so far it is a great value(paid $4000.)and is great on gas for a family sized car.
1996 POS
DLeithe2, 09/26/2004
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I only had this car for a short time, I bought it for $1600, a week after I bought it I notices the temp gauge was very eratic and the tranny slipped terribly at launch. About a month ago it started leaking a considerable amount of oil, it was the oil pan seal so I got that fixed now there is no oil pressure and the motor is knockin. POS!
At 175,000 miles, runs like new
Mark B., 12/11/2004
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Good Car
Zorro, 01/27/2005
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Served me well...
Steve, 03/12/2005
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Happy but needs improvment
lynda, 03/05/2006
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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?
Poor integrity
Cienna, 01/30/2007
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Phoenix from Ashes
Finkey Family, 04/23/2007
1996 Mercury Sable G 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
1996 Sable GS
tufala, 03/07/2002
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We recently paid $8000 for a '96 Sable GS sedan. Although it appeared in great condition & passed a "lemon test" which we paid $100 for for at an independent mechanic, we have managed to put over $4500 in repairs over the past 2 years, including a recent complete $2000 transmission rebuild. Now we're stuck with it...no one will buy it despite the low price we're asking. Buy American? I'll stick to my Ford truck, which has been great. For cars, we'll continue buying foreign.
Second Sable
Sable owner, 10/16/2007
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 1986 Sable because it was part of the new wave of "jelly bean" styling from Ford. I kept it until 1999 and traded it for a used 1996 Sable. Now I have 76,000 miles on the 1996 and it runs fine. No expenses at all for repairs. 25 mpg and 7000 miles between oil changes. Still looks great, especially the "smoked amethyst" paint color and has never spent a night in a garage. I like the fact that it is appraised for tax purposes at $1600, doesn't cost much to insure, and is unlikely to be stolen for a joy ride.
Needs Nothing!
shelbe, 05/05/2003
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
98,000 miles and replaced front tierods only!
Great car & still running strong at 117K
Roger, 04/04/2008
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car brand new as our main family vehicle. Twelve years & 117000 miles later, it still runs & looks like new. I have done all my own maintainence (oil & filter changes every 3000 miles, trans service every 40K). As a result the car has rewarded me with exceptional reliabiity. Only major repairs consisted of axle replacement at approximately 70K due to tearing of boots from encounter with higway debris & lower ball joints replacement due to potholed streets at 105K. This car is my main transportation to & from work. My wife drives a 2005 Five Hundred also purchased new & also being maintained very well with expectation it too will last over 10 years & over 100K miles.
OK car, but look out for the tranmission
darrin, 03/26/2002
1996 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Another Ford/Mercury vehicle, another replaced transmission. We also own a Taurus (the Sable's cousin) and have had to replace the transmission on it twice in 58,000 miles. Maybe we should be considered lucky that the transmission on this car has only had to be replaced once in 80,000 miles. I really do like the headroom in the Sable. It is a fairly attractive car and the only major repair, other than the transmission, has been a heater cord ($500). If the reliability could be improved (see transmission), I would enjoy this car. Unfortunately, the poor tranmission quality will keep me from buying a Sable (or Taurus) again.
My 26 year old Mercury Sable Wagon still going!!
Emerald city , 05/08/2022
1996 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 Mercury Sable wagon in 2009 with 37,000 miles. I had to replace the engine in 2014 at a cost of $5,000+. Other than that I’ve had no problems with this car. The paint has held up but some of the interior needs repairs. The rear speaker screws came off and the plastic front passenger door handle has a piece that disappeared. Minor issues for it’s age and repairable. It still drives great and I only have 90,000 miles on it as I don’t drive much. I’ll be selling it soon only because I’m now 67 and I want to get a car with safety features.