1997 Mercury Sable GS 3.0 Gas from North America

Summary:

Comfortable cruiser for long drives

Faults:

Safety switch that prevents car from being turned on if not in 'park' position.

Battery (original from 1997) had to be replaced.

Rusty wire connected to the starter had to be cleaned (car wouldn't crank).

Spark plugs along with the cap and wires were replaced as recommended by the mechanic; (no more problems after this).

At 100 km/h starts shaking, but drive smooth at 120 km.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car, lots of space and a huge trunk.

Good sound system and quick-acting air conditioning keeps you cool in the summer.

You need to hit the gas pedal real hard if you wanna move from a stop, but once it gains speed, it's cruising like a boat.

This car isn't suitable for short distances or small city driving. It's also fairly large, be careful when parking!

I really wanted a golf, but this car had only 61,000 km and it looks brand new, especially when washed you can't tell it apart from a brand new car.

I don't drive much so I wonder how reliable it would be if I did.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th June, 2003

4th Dec 2003, 11:11

I too have a 1997 Sable GS. It is the best car I have owned by far. Never had a problem with it. Changed the original battery after five years. Had a problem with the fuel injection system, cost only $80.00 to repair.

It certainly is comfortable for long and short drives.

Above all, it is very reliable.

1997 Mercury Sable GS 6 cylinder 3.0 from North America

Summary:

Decent car for the money

Faults:

Door Ajar Light does not shut off.

Interior Lamps stay on for an undetermined amount of time.

Speed Sensor replaced at 87,000 miles.

Speed Sensor replaced at 106,000 miles.

Strange appearance of radiator steam at odd occasions. Have been unable to get this fixed. Dealer says he cannot detect it. Though I know I've seen it many times.

Beginning to have serious valve noise at 106,000 miles.

Once for some odd reason the headlights would not come on. Then, after I repeatedly turned them off and on they only came on normally after switching the high-beams off and on.

General Comments:

Generally I like my car. The interior is comfortable and I am a 6'2" guy.

The ride is smooth although I think the car is seriously underpowered by the 6 cylinder engine.

Quiet interior/good factory sound system.

Visibility is good while driving.

The acceleration could be better.

The car is comfortable over long drives.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd April, 2003

9th Jun 2003, 15:09

I have a 98 and just rolled it to 100,000 miles. Absolutley one of the best cars I have ever owned. My door open light stays on as well at times, and at times it doesn't...go figure. Had to by pass the heater core, as I was building so much pressure the reservoir for the antifreeze cracked.

25th Feb 2005, 19:57

I have trouble with the door ajar light too, as well as the interior lights of the car not going off. This seems to happen in temperatures above freezing. My windshield wipers don't always engage either. It might be something electrical, but my mechanic says it's too complex to fix and not worth the money.

I'm at 240,000 km and the block heater just blew out of the block. I'm hoping to fix it because the car has been reliable so far.

1997 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L 24 valve V6 from North America

Summary:

Outstanding, affordable car

Faults:

Head gasket replaced at 60,000 miles.

Rotor problems at 60,000 miles.

Dome light and door ajar lamp stay on.

Service Engine Soon light comes on for no reason.

General Comments:

Aside from the gasket and rotor problems, I've only predominantly had electrical problems. I can deal with that as long as the car gets me where I need to go.

Spraying the door hinges did not help with the dome light problem. I just pulled out the dome light and floor bulbs, now the door ajar light works correctly.

I think the Service Engine Soon light is fluke this time. The first time, with the head gasket problem, it would blink while the car was stammering then stay on. Now it just pops on and the car is performing just fine.

The problems I mentioned above pale in comparison to all of the problems I had with my '86 Taurus.

I love my Sable. It's very comfortable, powerful, and handles well in the snow.

Impressive sound system (MACH).

I only gave it a 9 for performance because while it is fast and powerful once you get moving, I would like more power "off the line".

The paint quality is tremendous, and the chrome factory rims shine like aftermarket rims. As a matter of fact, they reflect on the concrete both day and night!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2003

17th Apr 2004, 15:00

I have a 97 Mercury Sable LS, and have loved it! My dome light, service engine soon light, and door adjar light stay on from the minute I turn on my car, and the dome light stays on for a while after I turn off my car. Anybody know why?