Jerry Robbin

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I just finished test-driving the 2008 Mercury Sable Premier all-wheel drive and even though they renamed the Montego with some restyling to the front and rear fascia, I think the roofline still needs some major improvement.

The Sable I test drove stickered at $32,555. It came with the Premium package, which includes heated power mirrors, six-CD changer, front and side air bags, premium leather, navigation, Advance Trac ESC, Cargo Management System, Navigation, Sirius Radio, Reverse Sensing System and Adjustable Pedals with memory. This Sable had the New Sync Voice technology. It was Merlot Clearcoat Metallic and had black leather for the interior seating.

The ride was excellent and the steering was responsive, nimbly handling every hard turn I attempted. The power disc ABS brakes brought the car to a full stop without effort. Fun to drive and just the right size, this Merc is very easy to park. The Sable measures 202.1 inches long, 74.5 inches wide and 61.5 inches high, with a a wheelbase of 112.9 inches. It tips the scales at 3,820 pounds curb weight.

This Sable comes with a 3.5 Duratec V6 engine that produces 263 hp and averaged 17 mpg in the city/24 mpg overall combined. The Sable had excellent pickup, above average for a six-cylinder drivetrain. The transmission was a six-speed automatic.

First off, it’s clear that the Sable has many more appointments than its Ford Taurus sibling. Some of the nice exterior features I found were the unique Mercury waterfall grill, Sable badging on the front doors and trunk, mirrors and the remote keyless entry.

The Pirelli P225/55R18 radial tires and 18-inch machine aluminum styled wheels accented the vehicle nicely. Finishing out the list of great exterior features were oversized heated side-view mirrors with security lights, ABS brakes and fog lamps.

Some of the interior features help ensure the Sable’s high comfort score: large glovebox, driver’s window one-touch up/down, door lock, six-way power seat with manual lumbar and tilt functions, dual cup holders front and back, leather-wrapped steering wheel controls for radio and cruise control, simulated wood grain accents,excellent heat and A/C, information center, power outlets (front and back), large center console with ample storage, nice sounding horn, and up/down seat belt adjusters, auto-dim rearview mirror, dual-stage front air bags, tilt wheel, tire-pressure monitor system, AdvanceTrac, dynamic side-impact air bags, outside temperature/compass, illuminated vanity mirrors, dual climate control, power heated sideview mirrors, heated front seats,nicely laid out and easy-to-read instrument panel, and excellent visibility .

The vehicle seats five adults comfortably. Front-seat headroom is 39.6 inches and 41.2 inches in the back seat. Front-seat leg room is 41.3 inches with the second row coming in at 35.6 inches. Shoulder room is also ample in both the front seat (57.8 inches) and back seat (57.6 inches). Hip room measures 53.7 inches and 53.6 inches, respectively.

The Sable also provides an unbelievable 21.2 inches of trunk storage and fold-down rear seats for more storage. My suggestions for future models would be to create a head turner rather than a yawner, which would include a more unique roofline that would be more distinctive and add flair to this model.

We need a Mercury that makes the public give a thumbs up. Mercury needs a vehicle that makes people turn their head and smile. I want people to walk over to see this new Mercury and stare and say to themselves, “Now there is a car I really want.”

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