Faults:

I thought the transmission was going. The speedometer stopped working, the wipers would go on at anytime. First put in a speed sensor, It fixes everything. One transmission place estimated me for $1900 and someone told me about a $40.00 part that fixed everything!

I also have a problem with the heat not working. Something is wrong with the front end also. My car only has 64000 miles on it.

Faults:

The automatic transmission, which is the only available tranny on the Sable began to leak after about 150,000km.

Apart from this, only regular maintenance issues were apparent; tie rods went at 160,000 and the drivers side window stuck down after about 165,000km.

Although there were several problems, some being more expensive than others, the parts and labour was relatively cheap.

General Comments:

This was a very comfortable car, and was excellent on gas provided it had a 3.0 liter engine. It was fabulous for driving on the highway and if you plan to make long distance trips and want a reliable highway cruiser, this car would suit your needs.

City driving was much less comfortable as the car was heavy and required a longer stopping distance, but with four wheel disk brakes this wasn't that much of an issue.

Also, stop and go was much less efficient on gas, however the low end torque provided by the 3.0 litre DOHC Duratec engine made the car a pleasure to drive, in a straight line.

Body roll was a problem when cornering at high speeds, but this is no sports car by any means.

Faults:

In the time I've had this car it has needed new breaks all around.

One ball joint.

Interior light never turned off even when the door was shut, so I had to remove it. I was willing to put up with that.

General Comments:

The car has been extremely reliable and comfortable for a car I bought a year ago at an auction for $500. Suspension is fully independent and provides a very smooth ride for a car of this timeframe. The Duratec engine is reasonably responsive, but has limited low end torque. Interior is roomy, good-looking and comfortable, however the outside of the car is ugly. The dual exhaust pipes are actually part of a Y pipe, which is disappointing. Trunk space is generous. The variable assist hydraulic power steering feels excellent. The four speed automatic transmission works well with the Duratec and it has overdrive, but would benefit from a fifth cog. The transmission is original, so it hasn't been an issue for me like it has for other people who own this model. The car does suffer from some road-noise at highway speed, but nothing too pronounced as to impede on conversation. The car has excellent acoustics and the factory speakers return decent sound. Braking is below average for this class, but acceptable.