Mercury Sable (D186). 1996–9 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon. F/F, 2966 cm³ (V6 DOHC), 2985 cm³ (V6 OHV). Twinned with Ford Taurus as usual, with ovoid theme, longer and wider than predecessor. Formed the front end of some export Ford Tauruses, which left the US with the Sable grille. Dashboard shared with Taurus this time. Prices went up, which turned buyers off; cost-cutting ensued to recapture them. Nevertheless, a complete car, and considered positively by the press at the time, but the polarizing styling was noted. Mild refresh in 1998 to soften the front end to make the car more acceptable; further de-contenting in 1999.

Manufacturing location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago, Illinois, USA

Marque: Mercury | Model: Mercury Sable | Predecessor: Mercury Sable (1992–5) | Successor: Mercury Sable (2000–5)