The car overheats because there is no grille in the front to allow the radiator to cool off. If you are having this problem, remove the thermostat and do not put another one in.
Reliable car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 22nd February, 2009
It's been a solid car
The owner previous to me had replaced the radiator and the water pump around the 90,000, which is not a good thing when considering the low mileage.
The first thing that happened to me was the computer chip had fallen off its mount apparently, and was hanging down the back of the engine block. It eventually cooked and I had it towed to a garage. After much scratching of the head by a few mechanics, one decided to put it on computer diagnostic. When he couldn't find my computer chip, a hunt was on and then it was found fried. Serendipity and good mechanics didn't charge me much.
The alternator went at around 165000 (km) and the steering pump. The windshield washer pump and my cruise control quit working too. The shop that replaced alternator, confirmed washer pump was dead, so I decided to wait to replace. Then the alternator again around 170000km (repair shop's fault).
Shortly after this alternator was replaced, the washer pump and cruise control started working again. I replaced the alternator a third time in 2007 (260000 km). I had figured out that each time the alternator was changed out, the computer chip took a bit before resetting all other electronic devices.
This winter the speedometer went crazy, but when car warmed up it stopped.
My general comments are that this is a reliable car overall. The engine is excellent and sounds good.
I've changed the oil at 5,000 km or less. Changed the tires, rotate them etc. Keep up with the basic maintenance and it's good to me.
The transmission has always been clunky since I bought it, but it's still going strong.
I ride this car hard because we live in the country and travel to highlands/rough road area, and this car can take the beating.
I was impressed with the ride and the roominess of the car.
For the money I paid for it, it's been great. All fixes have been basic cost.
The catalytic converter went last summer, but like I said, for the year and the mileage (high percentage highway) we did okay.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th February, 2008
I've never done an alternator on my 95 Sable. It used to be my parent's car, and they used to have a 1990 Taurus, and a 1993 Taurus (same as the Sable) and I don't think they had to do an alternator job either. I guess we got lucky. On the plus side, most of what you said you have to fix isn't crazy expensive to do. Gotta love Ford/Mercury. The price of parts for these cars are relatively cheap. Just requires a little patience.
I think this car is quite reliable
Left front wheel bearing-right side ball joint- front and rear breaks.
I have had god luck with this car. the transmission is doing well so far. I have had it seviced regularly by a good mechanic. my previous sable developed transmission problems like many others. it was a 3 liter while this one is a 3,8. I know the two engines are equiped with different transmissions and wonder if the one on the 3.8 liter is the better one.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 11th October, 2007
20th Sep 2008, 01:58
I am at 250,000 Km. with my 94 Sable wagon. It has been a great car. Allowed the mechanic to change the transmission fluid and it started to clunk when stopping. Then it switched to "limp" mode - 25 km/hr. They say it is a computer warning mode that I need a new transmission. It was okay before they touched it! And yours sounds okay too. Have you got the original transmission? I have read so much that flushing can cause problems if not done right? Is this what has happened to my poor car?