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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Mercury Sable

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Overview

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2009 Mercury Sable Review

By KBB.com Editors

Sometimes, the past is worth repeating. Last year's revival of the Sable nameplate (formerly known as the Montego) has helped boost Mercury sales among long-time loyalists more familiar with the old name. As before, this latest iteration is essentially the mechanical twin of the Ford Taurus, sharing a platform and some styling cues while still remaining the up-market model of the two. A roomy and safe full-size sedan, the Sable competes in a class that includes the Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300, and with its fresh look and low entry-level price tag, the Sable is better than it's been and worth a look for those seeking a sedan that can comfortably hold a family of five.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a large sedan that is similar in size to its competitors, including the Toyota Avalon, Buick LaCrosse and Chrysler 300, but are on a tight budget, the 2009 Mercury Sable comes with a low starting price. The optional SYNC feature is also worthy of consideration.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although the Sable has similar features and a comparable powertrain to its competitors, its interior and exterior still cannot compare quality-wise with the other players in the segment. Also, the Sable lacks a V8 engine option.

What's New for 2009

Mercury's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control is made standard, as are a few previously optional features.

Driving the Sable

Driving Impressions On the highway, the 2009 Mercury Sable is quick when onramp sprints and passing slower cars is necessary, although the economy-geared transmission does downshift a bit slow. Wind and road...

noise are at a minimum, even on the bumpiest roads, and the Sable handles reasonably given its soft ride characteristics and big, bulky stature. Although smooth and comfortable, the Sable still doesn't have a pillow-soft ride like the Toyota Avalon or a refined look like the Chrysler 300, but at a cheaper starting price, it proves more than sufficient for those looking for a large family sedan with a lot of optional features to choose from.

Favorite Features

SYNC In-car Communications System
Developed in conjunction with Microsoft, this state-of-the-art in-car hands-free cell phone and personal media player interface is remarkably functional and amazingly affordable at $395.

Rear Seat Entertainment System
This optional feature consists of an overhead DVD player with an eight-inch flip-down screen, two sets of wireless headphones and a remote control. The system also has audio/video jacks so you can plug in portable entertainment devices.

2009 Mercury Sable Details

Interior

Overall, the 2009 Mercury Sable has a roomy, comfortable interior that should cater to passengers and drivers of most, if not all, shapes and sizes. The two-tone interior is an extension of the exterior's clean and simple look. Everything from the generous use of wood accents to the two-toned leather seating and contemporary analog clock exude bargain luxury. The seats are comfortable and sit high for better road view, but the front passenger side foot well feels narrow and somewhat cramped. The rear seat has lots of leg room and offers front seat-like comfort, and also split 60/40 split to make room for large cargo. To easily accommodate longer items, the front passenger seat also conveniently folds flat.

Exterior

Building on the "clean and modern" look of brandmates Milan and Mariner, the 2009 Sable sports Mercury's signature "waterfall" grille and has touches of bling – thanks to satin aluminum and chrome – on the side mirrors, projector beam headlamps and fog lamps. The rear fascia is all-new, sporting a cutout for the chrome dual exhaust tips and uniquely red-striped clear LED taillamps. Rounding out the Sable's stream-lined look are 17-inch or optional 18-inch wheels, available in bright aluminum or chrome.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2009 Mercury Sable comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes, AdvanaceTrac electronic stability control, power steering, power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and auxiliary input jack, 17-inch aluminum wheels and an anti-theft system. Safety features include dual front and seat-deployed side airbags, Safety Canopy side curtain airbags for both front and rear seats and the LATCH child seat system.

Optional Equipment

Options for the Sable include the Mercury SYNC voice activated communications and entertainment system, an in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 Audiophile sound system, heated front leather seats, eight-way power driver's seat, 18-inch chrome wheels, cargo management system, power moonroof, voice-activated navigation system, power adjustable pedals, rear-seat entertainment system, reverse sensing system, remote engine start and a rear window sunshade.

Under the Hood

With an improvement in horsepower over the previous Montego, the new 3.5-liter V6 scoots the Sable easily onto freeways and allows it to pass slower cars. The six-speed automatic transmission is slow between shifts, but is better than the previously available CVT transmission on the Montego. Those looking for the best fuel economy should stick to the two-wheel drive version, as bumping up to all-wheel drive sees a significant drop in highway mileage.

3.5-liter V6
263 horsepower @ 6250 rpm
249 lb.-ft of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 (FWD), 17/24 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercury Sable vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Mercury Sable Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 38 Ratings for the 2008 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.3/10

I wish They still made this vehicle!

By JSG (NY) on Friday, January 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Value, reliable, room , trunk space, controls"

Cons: "rear blind spots"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We have owned this Mercury Sable for 4 years now. We bought the vehicle used (1 year old) with 15,000 miles on it. The car belonged to a gentleman that prefferred driving newer vehicles. I contacted him before I bought the vehicle. He loved the cars gas mileage and was surprised with the vehicles power. His only complaint was with the original tires... They were a good brand of tire, but they were noisy. Well I put a set of high qaulity tires on this car and there is no noise... This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. We have not had any repairs other than standard maintenance (tires, oil, rear brake pads). If you can purchase a used SABLE you won't be disappointed. I am very disapointed thay the Mercury brand has been discontinued by the manufacturer... I love my SABLE!"

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Great AWD performance with lots of interior room!

By BSM (MA) on Sunday, April 01, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "AWD, lots of interior room, great visability"

Cons: "No longer made :-("

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"AWD is great, interior space is really good. Lots of room for real size passangers and a trunk big enough to handle anything."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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My first mercury and one of the best ever owned.

By hooker (OH) on Tuesday, March 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is my first Mercury and one of the best cars ever owned. It feels like you have a real car around you, and plenty of head room. Avg. 22 mpg city 25 mpg over the road. I started driving 1968 and have spent over 28 years in sales with a car as my office. This could be the last car I ever buy."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Suspension is terrible!

By bob on Monday, January 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Good value at the time"

Cons: "Very poor suspension"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"We have had this car for almost three years and have brought it back to several dealers to try and figure out the "clunking" noise coming from the front end suspension. Still after replacing both strut assemblies the problem lingers. We were finally told, that after one dealer contacted Ford directly, they are stating this is a "normal" condition."

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This is a great car

By GT (NM) on Saturday, January 14, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliable, fun to drive, quick, handles well."

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Much better than I expected. It handles more agressively than expected and the power is great. It is comfortable and roomy."

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Solid value, super safe, good looks, top safety

By oldboy (VA) on Tuesday, December 20, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 23,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Safety comfort, good style"

Cons: "none so far"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great value vehicle bought for older folks but super family car, safest rating, heavy, decent mileage, super comfort and most room possible (high seating front) inside and big trunk...plus its a Ford (I prefer Mercury, sad to see it go!)"

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See all 38 reviews