What it Is

2008 Mercury Sable -- 2007 Chicago Auto Show Preview: If a good chunk of Americans still like big sedans, the 2008 Mercury Sable will have no excuse for poor sales. That hasn’t proven true with the current Mercury Montego, but maybe that’s because all those buyers have been eagerly awaiting the return of the Sable nameplate. Therefore, 2008 marks the return of the Sable (hallelujah!), while it simultaneously signals the death of the Montego moniker (unless Mercury decides to bring it back a few months later…but what’s the chance of that happening?). In any case, the ’08 Sable offers traditional Mercury styling cues and a more powerful V6 mated to a six-speed automatic. Pricing has not been announced.

Why it Matters

The 2008 Mercury Sable is very significant to Mercury’s current and future success. Every new Ford Motor Company product, including those from divisions such as Mercury, is essential to the company’s North American “Way Forward” turnaround plan. During the heyday of the original Sable and Taurus twins, Ford had the best-selling family sedans in the United States. But Japanese competition marginalized these winners, and they were largely relegated to fleet duty until their ultimate demise. It is the job of the revived Sable and Taurus vehicles, along with the smaller Fusion and Milan models, to regain the crucial sales volumes of the once-iconic Sable/Taurus.

What’s Under the Hood

An improved powertrain motivates the 2008 Mercury Sable. Its new 3.5-liter Duratec V6 engine yields 260 horsepower, a substantial improvement over the previous 3.0-liter V6’s output of 203 hp. A new six-speed automatic transmission has been tailored for efficiency, and the Sable achieves a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) rating in states that follow California’s strict emissions guidelines, the first V6 to earn the PZEV rating. The CVT has been dropped. Mercury has also revised the Sable's front shock towers, allowing for 10 mm more travel. New front springs and dampers combine with an upgraded rear suspension for a more luxurious ride. Fuel Efficient Power Steering (FEPS) varies power steering boost, maximizing effectiveness and economy. All-wheel drive remains an option.

What it Looks Like

The new 2008 Mercury Sable reflects updated styling sensibilities seen – and celebrated – in the smaller Milan. The Sable receives entirely new sheetmetal from the windshield forward. The highlight is Mercury’s familial waterfall grille dressed in satin aluminum and surrounded by jeweled headlight housings. Satin aluminum is also used on the mirror housings and exterior door handles in an effort to add some upscale refinement to the Sable’s exterior. Revised rear styling includes LED taillights with clear lenses. Inside, a new 2-tier clamshell console brings creative stowage. Buyers can customize their Sable with cloth or leather seats in addition to Guitar Maple, San Macassar, or Cyber Carbon (faux carbon fiber) interior accent trim.