1999 Mercury Sable Review
Price Estimate: $995 - $1,554

Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- With Mercury dropping its prices on all 1999 models, the Sable is an even better buy than last year.
Cons
- It offers no substantial advantage over the similarly-priced and not-as-weird-looking Accord or Camry.
What’s new
Still smarting from that 1996 "redesign" that had many longtime Sable fans running to the competition, Mercury performed some minor cosmetic surgery in '98 to help soften the Sable's front end. This year's changes are limited to new wheel designs, a revised gauge cluster and interior console, as well as suspension alterations designed to improve overall ride quality. The particulate filtration system has been deleted from this year's models.
For sale near Columbus, OH
6 listings
- New ListingPhotos not available
- 43,713 miles
- 17 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Wilson Ford Lincoln (244 mi away)
- Tires - Front All-Se...
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Located in Saginaw, MI
Recent Arrival! Black Clearcoat This Sable GS is nicely equipped with 4 Speakers, 5-Passenger Seating w/Column Shift, Air Conditioning, AM/FM radio, B...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1MEFM50S6XG646365
Stock: 25T355AA
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-12-2025 - 86,358 miles
- Insurance loss reported, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 17 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Woodbridge Public Auto Auction (314 mi away)
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Located in Woodbridge, VA
LOADED WITH VALUE! Comes equipped with: Air Conditioning. This Mercury Sable also includes Tachometer, Cruise Control, Tilt Steering Wheel, Power Stee...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1MEFM50U5XA635667
Stock: 144905
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-24-2025
Vehicle overview
Competing in the crowded "around $20,000 sedan" category, Mercury's Sable, and the near identical Ford Taurus, have slid in market share over the past three years. While the latest body style has been less than celebrated by the public and press at large, the sedan and wagon still possess many great characteristics, including a smart dash layout, excellent outward visibility, and plenty of interior room. There's also a plethora of cupholders, nicely integrated armrests and optional rear passenger air conditioning controls. Refinement comes in the form of wood-grain appliques on the doors and instrument panel. This year, the gauge cluster is revised with new graphics and a mini-center console is standard on five-passenger versions with column-mounted shift. The six-passenger flip-fold center seating console can still be had for no additional charge.
Handling can be improved with the optional 16-inch wheels, 55-series tires and rear stabilizer bar. 15-inch wheels are standard and ride on 205/65R15 tires. All models come with four-wheel independent suspension, a front stabilizer bar, and gas-pressurized shocks/struts.
Powertrain options remain unchanged from last year with the GS model getting the Vulcan 3.0-liter V6 capable of 145 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque. Optional on the GS and LS models (and standard with the LS premium group) is the Duratec 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6 with 200 horsepower and 200 foot-pounds of torque. All models come with a four-speed automatic. Manual shift is not an option on the Sable.
As a capable and comfortable people mover, the Sable is still a great American sedan (or wagon). Unfortunately, it is not a great world sedan and, when compared to the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, the Sable offers no advantages while also suffering from a questionable exterior shape.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$180/mo for Sable GS
Sable GS
vs
$162/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 1999 Mercury Sable has 5 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
5 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 99V250000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 99S26
- Manufactured from:
- 1999-07-26 to 1999-08-13
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 25306
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SWITCHING MECHANISM COULD BECOME NONFUNCTIONAL, PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING FROM BEING EXTRACTED FROM THE RETRACTOR. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT MALFUNCTION OF THE MECHANISM COULD PREVENT THE BELT FROM BEING SWITCHED INTO THE ALR MODE. THE ELR MECHANISM IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONS AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED, THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COULD NOT BE WORN BY A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE MECHANISM DOES NOT ALLOW THE ALR MODE TO BE ENGAGED, THE OPERATOR MAY BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A CHILD SEAT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES. ASSEMBLIES WITH JULIAN DATE CODES OF 200 THROUGH 223 ARE SUSPECT AND WILL BE REPLACED.
- Recall Number:
- 98V288000
- Manufactured from:
- 1998-08-03 to 1998-09-17
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1800
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUPPED WITH THE "CALIFORNIA" EMISSIONS PACKAGE. AN INCORRECT TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE WAS INSTALLED. THE LINE CONTACTS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM MODULE SUPPORT BRACKET AND OVER TIME, CAN WEAR AND DEVELOP A LEAK.
- Defect Consequence:
- TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKAGE ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE APPROPRIATE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE.
- Recall Number:
- 98V204000
- Manufactured from:
- 1998-08-03 to 1998-08-10
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 6000
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A DASH INSULATOR RETAINER CLIP WAS NOT FULLY ASSEMBLED TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE DASH FITTING. THE CLIP CAN DISENGAGE FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND FALL INTO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM PIVOT AREA.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ENGINE MAY NOT FULLY RETURN TO IDLE. ALSO, THE INSULATOR MAY NOT STAY IN THE INTENDED LOCATION AND COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES TO ENSURE PROPER INSTALLATION OF THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CLIP, AND RE-INSTALL IF NEEDED.
- Recall Number:
- 98V198000
- Manufactured from:
- 1998-07-31 to 1998-08-07
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7000
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEAT TRACKS. THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ATTACHING STUD MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY HEAT TREATED. THIS HEAT TREATMENT MAY HAVE RESULTED IN CRACKS DEVELOPING IN THE STUD.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE STUD IS CRACKED, IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET AND STUD ASSEMBLY.
- Recall Number:
- 04V332000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 04S17
- Manufactured from:
- 1998-03-28 to 2001-08-13
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 899060
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH SALT USED ON THE ROADWAYS DURING THE WINTER. A FRACTURED SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THIS OCCURS, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE SPRING SHIELDS. IN ADDITION, FORD IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS IN ALL OTHER STATES, FOR FRACTURE ONLY, UP TO 10 YEARS OF SERVICE OR 150,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL JULY 31, 2005. IF EITHER FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURES, DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AT NO CHARGE TO THE OWNER. AN INTERIM NOTICE WAS SENT TO OWNERS ON AUGUST 2, 2004. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE 2000-2001 MY VEHICLES AND OWNERS WERE SENT A LETTER ON JANUARY 10, 2005, ADVISING THEM TO BRING IN THEIR VEHICLES FOR REPAIR PARTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE 1999 MY VEHICLES BY THE END OF FEBRUARY 2005 AND OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WILL BE NOTIFIED THEN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Mercury Sable Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great All Around Car!
4.63 out of 5 starsMike, 10/25/2005
1999 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
The Sable (Merc version of the Ford Taurus) has been found to be a safe and reliable full-size, mid-price, passenger car. I bought it as a "first car" for my 17 year old daughter during her senior year in high school. It has ample style and power; plus plenty of room to move a kid into a dorm room 200 miles away. I fully expect it to satisfy her vehicle needs throughout her college … years.
Not a bad choice dependable comfortable
4.75 out of 5 starsG Man , 02/12/2008
1999 Mercury Sable GS 4dr Sedan
I got this low mileage car with fears of why it was available, but I must say it has really performed. The interior is nice, has lots of extras and the ride itself is smooth. This is a very dependable car and I would recommend it to others. The key is getting one with low mileage and was well maintained. The trunk space is huge, and stereo system very good. The engine and transmission … are solid with the exception of the hidden radiator and no way of checking it. Suspension is fine. Not the best on gas however. There are really no complaints here. A good investment.
always something going wrong
1.88 out of 5 starsMike, 10/25/2005
1999 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
It had 118,000 miles on it when I bought it in 2004. In one year I have replaced the battery, steering pump, back brake calipers, rotors, tires, spark plug wires, O2 sensor, coolant over flow bottle, rack and pinion $900, and the engine light is on now and the car surges because another sensor has gone bad and its like having a car payment every month. My Windstar was worse. My family … has owned Ford cars for more than 50 years and they all had electrical problems. Once the engine light comes on it never shuts off. I've had it!!!
Been a good car
4.88 out of 5 stars99 Sable, 12/08/2008
1999 Mercury Sable LS 4dr Sedan
Had 51,000 miles on it when I bought it, 116,500 on it now. Power steering pump replaced a couple years ago, front wheel bearings needed replacing at 105,000, and having trouble with the heater now (think maybe the heater core is plugged). It also needs an exhaust manifold gasket at present. That's about it other than normal maintenance like brakes, battery, etc. Been a good car, like … the styling, rides and handles decent, runs good, has always started even at well below 0, gets dent gas mileage. Can't complain too much really.
1999 Sable Highlights
Sedan
LS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $193/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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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