1990-1995 Mercury Sable: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1995 Mercury Sable and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (3.8-liter V6)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Radio controls
- Instruments/controls (electronic)
Vehicle Highlights
The Mercury Sable shared virtually all mechanical components with its stablemate, the Ford Taurus. Standard power for both GS and LS trim levels came from a 3.0-liter V6 and 4-speed overdrive automatic. The optional 3.8-liter V6 delivered the same amount of horsepower (140), but instead of 160 pound-feet, put out 215 pound-feet of torque.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercury Sable 3.8-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1995 Mercury Sable. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1995 Mercury Sable.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mercury Sable:
A new transmission and optional antilock brakes for the station wagon make news for Mercury's front-drive intermediate sedan. The 4-speed overdrive automatic arrives with electronically controlled shift points. Although the power ratings remain the same, the basic 3.0-liter V6 now comes with sequential multipoint fuel injection for more precise fuel metering and better combustion. Finally, the optional antilock brakes available only on the sedan are provided for Sable wagon buyers as well.
1992 Mercury Sable:
Although the Sable appears much the same for 1992, every exterior body panel, except the roof, has been altered. Despite the new set of clothes, the dimensions of the Sable are unchanged inside and out. Also unchanged are the powertrains. A driver's airbag is standard, while a passenger-side airbag is optional.
1993 Mercury Sable:
For 1993, the optional passenger-side airbag becomes standard equipment on all Sable models. Also, front bucket seats with a center console can be ordered in place of the standard bench seat.
1994 Mercury Sable:
Making a rear-window defroster standard and changing the steering wheel are among the updates to the 1994 Sable. On the new steering wheel, the airbag doubles as the horn pad. A new trim level, the LTS, was a midyear addition to the Sable line. The LTS version comes with 6-way power leather bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle, upgraded carpets, all power accessories, upgraded cassette, cruise control, and remote keyless entry.
1995 Mercury Sable:
The Sable returns with only minor changes for 1995, in anticipation of an all-new 1996 model.
Our road test for the 1990-1995 Mercury Sable includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1995 Mercury Sable and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1995 Mercury Sable is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Sable yields a firmer, more-controlled ride than most American family sedans. If possible, select a Sable with the optional 3.8-liter engine. The higher power at lower engine speeds translates into better around-town performance and extra passing power for highway driving. Fuel economy is less than great with the 3.8-liter engine, and the standard V6 isn't much thriftier. Complaints are generally few and far between. The only area not above average is the placement of controls for the stereo. They're too low on the dashboard and are too small and poorly marked. Duplicate controls higher on the dash are designed to remedy the flaw. Optional digital instruments are hard to see in sunlight, and some auxiliary readouts are blocked by the steering wheel's rim.
Value for the Money
The Mercury Sable and Ford Taurus, the best-selling sedan in the country for over four years, have remained popular with the buying public because they continue to represent a good value when compared to other midsize cars. They're roomy, well-built, have competent road manners, and sell at reasonable prices. The quality of the Sable improved over the years, until the car was able to match or exceed the quality of its Japanese competitors.
The Mercury Sable and Ford Taurus, the best-selling sedan in the country for over four years, have remained popular with the buying public because they continue to represent a good value when compared to other midsize cars. They're roomy, well-built, have competent road manners, and sell at reasonable prices. The quality of the Sable improved over the years, until the car was able to match or exceed the quality of its Japanese competitors.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercury Sable 3.8-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercury Sable includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercury Sable .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Blower motor:
Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1990-94)
Engine noise:
The motor mounts are prone to wear out prematurely causing a clunking noise. (1992-93)
Hard starting:
If the engine does not start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle-air control valve may be sticking. (1995)
Oil leak:
Ford extended the warranty on 3.8-liter Sables to 7 years/100,000 miles and may compensate owners for repairs related to head-gasket failures. (1994-95)
Suspension problems:
The stabilizer-bar links wear rapidly due to lack of grease fittings, especially if a technician is careless when servicing the MacPherson struts. (1990-95)
Tire wear:
Inner edge of rear tires wear excessively from camber problems corrected with a revised rear-suspension adjuster kit. (1990-95)
Tire wear:
Rapid rear-tire wear is caused by poor rear-wheel alignment. Kits are available to provide camber adjustment to correct the problem. (1990-95)
Vehicle noise:
A popping noise comes from the front due to the strut-rod bushing mountings moving in the frame. (1990-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $455 |
| Alternator | $415 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $940 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $485 |
| Exhaust System | $430 |
| Radiator | $525 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $680 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercury Sable details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1995 | |||
| Sable | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Sable | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Sable | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Sable | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Sable | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1990 | |||
| Sable | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercury Sable include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.0 | 106.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 192.2 | 193.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.9 | 70.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.1 | 55.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3144 | 3292 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.0 | 83.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.0 | 16.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 38.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.7 | 38.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.1 | 36.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two V6 engines continue to propel the Sable into the 1990s--a 3.0-liter V6 and a 3.8-liter V6. Although both provide identical levels of horsepower 140 at 4800 rpm and 140 at 3800 rpm, the larger V6 delivers considerably more torque. It provides 215 pound-feet at 2200 rpm, while the smaller V6 offers only 165 pound-feet of torque at 3250 rpm. For that reason we prefer it over the standard 3.0-liter. It produces quicker acceleration at lower engine speeds, making it more capable when asked to haul loads of passengers and/or cargo. Fuel economy is about the same, regardless of engine choice.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 140 | 165 | 4-speed automatic: 20/30 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 232 | 140 | 215 | 4-speed automatic: 19/28 | 4-speed automatic: 16.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercury Sable include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 Sable |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | -- |
| Front Impact, Passenger | -- |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1995 Mercury Sable directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91:
Front-brake rotors on "salt belt" cars may suffer corrosion, resulting in reduced braking effectiveness, abnormal pedal effort, loud noise, and possible increase in stopping distance.
1990-95 sold or registered in 24 states or D.C.:
Rear lower-subframe mount-plate nut can experience corrosion cracking if subjected to long-term exposure to road salt; can result in fracture.
1991-95 w/3.8-liter engine, in 23 states:
Speed-control cable could freeze, causing throttle to stick and not return to idle.
1992 wagon:
Secondary portion of liftgate latch on some cars may not function, possibly allowing liftgate to open while car is in motion if latch is not in primary position.
1992-95 in AK, IA, MN, NE, ND, or SD:
During high winds, heavy drifting snow, and low temperatures, engine fan may become blocked or frozen and fail to rotate; can cause smoke/flame.
1993 in 21 states:
Front coil springs can fracture as a result of corrosion combined with small cracks.
1993:
Controllers intended for use in rear-wheel-drive vehicles (instead of front drive) may have been installed on small number of cars with optional antilock braking, which could result in reduced braking ability.
1993-94:
Headlights can flash intermittently as a result of a circuit-breaker opening.
1995 w/3.0-liter and 3.8-liter engines:
The engine-cooling fan bearing can seize. Excessive heat may be generated, melting the fan-motor electrical connector, and possibly causing fan-motor components to ignite.
1995:
On some cars, retainer clip that holds master-cylinder pushrod to brake-pedal arm is missing or not fully installed; components can separate, resulting in loss of braking.
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