2009 Mercury Sable - Review

The Basics:

Following the 2007 model year, Ford renamed what was then the Montego the Sable, after what had been called the Sable almost until then—an inferior vehicle in many respects—was discontinued. What’s known as the Mercury Sable for 2009 is a big, roomy sedan with good road manners and optional all-wheel drive, but without striking styling to truly set it apart from the almost identical Ford Taurus.

The 2009 Mercury Sable is not a car enthusiast's dream, but the Sable's power and gears are tuned for ample in-town flexibility and good fuel economy of 18/28 mpg with front-drive cars, and 17/24 mpg with all-wheel-drive versions. Powered by a 3.5-liter, 263-horsepower V-6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts well enough, the Sable's drivetrain provides enough power to keep pace in normal driving.

With unique tuning, the Sable feels responsive without being edgy. The steering is light but lacks a lot of feedback. Independent suspension gives the Sable a controlled ride, while four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes provide strong braking. Standard 17-inch wheels and tires contribute to the 2009 Mercury Sable's good ride and handling.

A combination of large switchgear, a comprehensive package of airbags, stability control, and available all-wheel drive makes the Sable one of the safest cars on the road. It earns a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA and a four-star rollover rating. Inside the 2009 Mercury Sable, the styling is a bit drab but pieced together well. The vehicle offers plenty of storage space in the console and door panels. The Sable’s seats are perched high, giving drivers a commanding view of the road, and the glassy cabin offers great visibility.

All Sables have power windows/locks/mirrors, a CD player, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. Options include a DVD navigation and entertainment system, Sirius, Ford's SYNC system, stability control, 18-inch chromed wheels, a moonroof, and power-adjustable pedals. The 2009 Mercury Sable comes in Base and Premier models. Unique interior trim can be specified from the Cyber Carbon look to Guitar Maple or San Macassar wood grains. Base cars get cloth seats, while Premier cars get two-tone leather.