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Used 1997 Mercury Sable Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
29 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

overall a great car

baldwin125, 05/20/2010
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

1997 Sable LS 3.0 DOHC

Privet Sale, 07/15/2008
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

I love the look, ride and feel of this car. The 200HP DOHC engine makes the car. The gas mileage is OK for a 6cyl. It handles a lot better than I would have thought. The streering has a great feel to it and the brakes stop it on a dime. The only complaint I have is the radio/heater control pod. It doesn't easily allow you to put a better stereo in it without buying an expensive dash plate.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

ugly car but a great car

Sarah, 04/26/2010
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Comfortable ride

Jimster, 01/09/2008
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this car because we needed a cheap car to make it the end of the year. I have neever been a fan of Sables(mostly because of how they looked). After test driving the Sable, I changed my mind. It was very comfortable and easy to drive. It had about 137,000 miles already on it when I purchased it and is still going strong almost a year later.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

ok car

Nicole, 02/12/2010
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought my car used from a private person.I drove it about 2 months then it broke down on me then I got that fixed. I guess the fuel pump was clogged. When I first got it I needed to get in inspected so I proceded to do so and they wouldnt do it because of the spring coil on the passenger side was bad. The speedometer is bad on it have the time I drive it I have no speedomter. I thought I was getting a great car but I thought Wrong. Over all for some people the car maybe be great but for me it was bust.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

my mercury sable 4dr ls

hohmaniii, 10/01/2003
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Researched vehicle online (edmunds to be exact), prior to purchase safety was paramount and this vehicle rated with the imports. Tried new cavalier (sardine can)new monte carlo (too stiff)and one other car i can't remember. took the sable out for a test drive tapped the accelerator and experienced my first case of whiplash. Turned around went back to dealership and bought it.Car has been trouble free (changed brake pads 68,000), (tires at 60,000)and windshield wipers. Had one headlamp bulb failure simple repair. I am in the market for another car and the mercury dealer will be my first stop. I may buy somethingelse but it will be a hard sell.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

just drive it

peretz, 03/25/2002
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

just drive and change the oil. no problems in 163,000 miles

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4.13 out of 5 stars

My Sable

Jay, 06/13/2009
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought my sable Valentines day and i was very iffy about buying one. but now i know with regular maintenance it should make it to end

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fantastic car

Gina, 08/11/2008
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought my Sable used/private with 79000 miles on it 5 years ago. Now has 200000 miles and is not ready to go yet! I have had no major problems with this car! I commute 80 miles daily-car loves the hwy, great mileage. Car now has some issues (fixable) but probably because of age and life. Driving it to the end. Next car will be newer Taurus as can't get the Sable anymore. Can't say enough about this car. Very comfortable and powerful ride. Both interior and exterior is quite sleek. Easy to get parts. Big trunk, lots of leg room, power everything! Highly recommended. Will miss it.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Good as the first car

fan, 09/10/2008
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I actually hesitated before I bought this car one year ago. A year later, I think i made a good choice. The car is a good choice if it is your first car. It is safe but not stupid. It is powerful but not aggressive. It looks like a fish but not a food stamp. Up to now, I replaced the power steering pulley, the rear suspension link bar and two tires. In total, I spent 2700+ 1000 for this car, that is only 3700! And I get a fully loaded senior luxury car. I drive the car with comfort and confidence, as I know it is safe to drive such a car.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Good car

Joe H, 04/26/2007
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very good service for the price. Paid $14k with 20k miles. Now at 190k miles it's ready to go. Needs transmission, electrical overhaul, wheel bearings, minor body work. Before now only paid for recurring maintenance, starter and steering rack. Less than $1000 plus recurring stuff you always expect. If I junk it it cost 9 cents a mile over 8 years.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Nice looking car, Major Problems

bobsfl, 09/06/2003
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Hey, The car is a nice looking car and very comfortable, but I think I must have purchased a lemon. Starting at 20K miles the A/C went, then at 30K the A/C went again, then at 60K the Transmission went, Then at 75K the A/C went again, 80K the alternator went, 100K the engine went....and the list continues. I wrote ford and they were like tough luck. I have never missed an oil change and have always kept up on the so called preventative maintenance. That didnt seem to prevent anything... Anyways be careful with this car.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

it's too bad

john libile, 12/27/2003
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this car with the hope that American manufacturers had actually started to put some quality control into the design/manufacturing process after a decade of being beat out by the Japanese; I was wrong. I bought this car for my daughter and I will never make the same mistake of buying American again. This car has had the transmission rebuilt twice, and it is once again failing.The engine runs poorly and is burning nearly a quart of oil a week; my mechanic tells me it's due for a rebuild. The ergonomics are so so and the styling is lackluster. Now I remember why I should stick to Honda and Toyota.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Nice car; some issues

DougB, 01/23/2004
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought the car used with 82,000 Kms (50,000 miles) on it and have had some issues. The day time running lights don't come on. The high-beam indicator only works sporadically (causing me to blind people from time to time). These two problems may be related; not sure. The biggest issue was a cracked transmission case causing loss of fluid. This perhaps isn't a workmanship issue with the vehicle; possibly damaged by debris or something. I replaced the transmission with a used one a few months back and everything seems fine. The car is a pleasure to drive and after 7 years still looks immaculate; no rust.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

ITS AN OK CAR, WEVE HAD BETTER

T MILLER, 03/06/2003
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

WE HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 13 MONTHS. ITS AN OK CAR. WE HAVE HAD BETTER.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Solid Car

brigham1525, 04/06/2009
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned this car since around 2002, and it's been a solid car. The leather seats are nice, has a good brand name, and though not as good as some foreign cars, better than most American cars from the late 90's to early 2000's. The only problems I've endured with it so far is some suspension/wheel problems, which was an easy fix, and in the winter, when I tried to warm my car up, then leave it, it would stall a little bit. But besides that, it's a good car, though not tremendous, still gets the job done with a fine brand name.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

1997 Sable GS

kain1, 08/20/2002
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Vehicle has a chronic shudder in the front end while driving at highway speeds. Replaced CV shafts twice and still has not fixed this problem. May have been a good vehicle when it was new, but has not aged well. Should consider buying it's cousin, the Ford Taurus. Although they are basically the same car. Feel the Taurus may be more reliable and less troublesome.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Nice features

Janette, 08/23/2002
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has a lot of great built in design features. I really like the center console that doubles as a seat or can be used as a drink/tape/other holder. The instruments are all easy to access. The car runs very quiet and has a smooth ride.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Reliable

Albert, 12/19/2002
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has everything I need and is super reliable. The only time I see dealer is for oil changes and tire rotation.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Family Car

dhoening, 01/01/2003
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very good family car. We drove it all over Texas with 4 adults (actually 2 adults and two very big teenage boys). No complaints. Plenty of room, large trunk, and rides very nice. And its gets great highway mileage as well.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Cydni's Car Named Poopsie

Cydni , 02/05/2003
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had only minor problems with my transmission. Now I am in the process of getting those fixed. When you purchase a used car you have to be aware you'll have to fix the mistakes of the previous owners. Nevertheless I love my car, and she loves me. It has been back and forth from Chicago to Alabama 3 times since I purchased it...NO PROBLEMS !!!!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

winkerwag

winker, 07/12/2005
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Wagon was very versatile and comfortable. Got it for a fair price, used. Trouble was car was not reliable, cat. converter went out shortly after warranty ran out at 80k. Transmission modules replaced twice. Last straw was when transmission needed rebuilt. Ended up selling it as is.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Very Good Quality, Low Maintenance

JAJ1957, 03/04/2003
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has been quite reliable overall. With a couple of exceptions, it has been nearly maintenance free, other than normal wear items. It gets terrific highway gas mileage and rides very smoothly over most road conditions. I highly recommend this car to anyone needing affordable, reliable transportation!

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Never again...

jsez, 01/30/2004
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for several years now, and have had nothing but problems with it. I have replaced the O2 sensors, the cam shaft position sensor, and now it needs a new transmission. All of the interior A/C control knobs have broken off. The flip out cup holder is a pain, you have to hold anything in the cup holders to complete a turn unless you want your drink in your lap. NEVER AGAIN will I buy this car or its twin, the Taurus.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great styling

Ben, 06/05/2006
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Very stylish vehicle.Quiet on the road,fels like a luxury car, 28 miles per gallon around town. Comfortable seats with lots of leg room. Speakers could be better, like the temperature readout and the controls. Great car for the money.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Overall it's a very good buy

Mike B. Beats, 04/06/2007
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought it with 46K, put 100K on it. For $6500, I got low miles, several options including sunroof, dual exhaust, 6 cyl, 3.0L 200hp, and a super clean body. I had no serious problems with it until just this spring, New brakes needed at 145K, transmission needed rebuild at 146k but other than that, the car still drives great. I hate to see it go. I kept it clean, including undercarraige, and maintained the car somewhat well. Awesome heat/AC and it was a great drive on the freeway. It is very low key, as in it doesn't draw police heat, or really any negative attention. It can't be stolen. The key has a chip in it that has to be initiated to start the car. Killer return on ivestment.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Very good return on investment

Mike B. Beats, 08/06/2007
1997 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased mine in 02 with 46K on it for 6500. In my opinion, I couldn't have spent my money more wisely on a car. I got everything I wanted in the car besides a cd player. It gave me roughly 100K miles with minimal problems. The trans went out at 145K and it costs to much to repair, given the value of the car, but it's a great car otherwise. the heat/AC is stellar. The HP is good. It doesn't handle the best, but we're not racing here. The inside is very comfortable, and my favorite part is that it doesn't draw any negative attention. It is difficult to steal too, which is always a bonus. For the money you spend, you get a good product in return. this car is a road warrior.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

It's an all right car

autoelectric, 05/09/2003
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After over a 100,000 miles it is using some oil, probably a cylinder head problem. It has good performance. Just had some minor problems with car.

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1 out of 5 stars

I Went Broke Driving One

SubaruDriverNowadays, 01/08/2024
1997 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got one as a trade back in 2000, and keeping this car on the road broke my bank. It is, by far, the most expensive-to-maintain vehicle I’ve ever driven. It had electrical problems galore. I replaced it with a 1983 Saab 900 with 386,000 miles on it, that a friend gave me if I could get it running. That was a step up from the sable. I couldn’t afford to keep fixing that sable. I hated that car. Biggest piece of junk I ever had.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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