1996-2000 Mercury Sable

Third generation (1996–1999)
Third generation

Production
1996–1999
Assembly
Atlanta, GeorgiaChicago, Illinois
Body style(s)
4-door sedan4-door station wagon
Layout
FF layout
Platform
Ford D186 platform
Engine(s)
3.0 L Vulcan V63.0 L Duratec V6
Transmission(s)
4-speed AX4N automatic
Wheelbase
108.5 in.
Length
199.7 in. (sedan)199.1 in. (station wagon)
Width
73.0 in.
Height
55.4 in. (sedan)57.6 in. (station wagon)
Related
The 1996 model year saw the first complete redesign for the Sable. Ford hoped the radical redesign would lead to the same success it had had with the 1986 Sable. The controversial oval theme was not well received by the press and the public, and is ultimately blamed as the reason for a substantial dip in sales.[13] For this generation, the Sable tried to move slightly upmarket, and as a result, prices rose considerably, also driving away potential buyers.[9] The 1996 Sable was the first model to share sheetmetal with the Taurus. Differences from the Taurus included different front and rear fascias, and the elimination of the rear quarter window.[14] Although the Sable used a less oval based styling, sales still fell.[13]
The 1996 model could be equipped with the powerful 200 hp (149 kW) 3.0 L DOHC Duratec 30 V6 as an option.[15] Trim lines stayed the same, with GS as the entry level model and LS as the most luxurious model. The LTS was eliminated.[15] Although all 1998 models had the option of the DOHC Duratec engine, it was only available on the LS for 1999. That same year front bucket seats became optional on the GS.[14] Mercury claimed that the 1999 Duratec had less power than the 2000 Duratec in hopes to increase sales of the 2000 Sable.[16]

1998-1999 Mercury Sable LS wagon
In an effort to reverse the declining sales of the Sable, Mercury did major cost cutting for the 1997 model.[14] They carried this further for 1998, by giving it a front end facelift, and cutting the price up to $2,000 in 1999.[15] Mercury also continued to cut