2008 Mercury Sable Review

If the 2008 Mercury Sable seems eerily familiar, it should. Why? Because this year's Sable is last year's Montego, redressed and renamed. Mercury, it seems, is counting on consumer recognition of the Sable name to help sell more sedans. (The name was last used in the 1990's for a car that was essentially the Ford Taurus's twin.)

This year's Sable, which has a base MSRP of $23,540, is cosmetically similar to the smaller Mercury Milan, sharing the same low grille, and arching headlights. It's also got chrome trim on the fog lights, and the side mirrors are made of aluminum, adding a little bit of upscale glitter. As well, the taillights are LED, and since the suspension has been modified, and the insulation improved, it offers a quiet ride to go with its suave styling.

The 2008 Mercury Sable doesn't just look a bit prettier than the Montego, though. It's got an upgraded engine in the form of a 3.5 liter, 260 horsepower V6 (instead of last year's 3.0 liter which pushed 30% less horsepower), and comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base model is front-wheel drive, but buyers can upgrade to all-wheel drive if they so desire. The Sable also comes standard with anti-lock brakes, and a total of six airbags, including Ford's "Safety Canopy" system which helps protect passengers in the event of a rollover. Electronic stability and traction control technology are available, but they are upgrades, not standard offerings.

Interior features of the Sable include seating for five, leather wrapping on the steering wheel and gear-shift knob, and leather trim on the seats (all standard). Heated seats are standard on the higher trim-level Sable Premier, but optional on the base model, while climate control features are the same across the line. Other comfort options include Ford's "Sync" technology which allows voice-commands for cell phones and MP3 players. (The software for this is can be updated, so as technology changes, the car can adapt.) A navigational system and back-seat DVD entertainment system are optional upgrades over the standard AM/FM radio/CD combination.

Estimated fuel economy for the 2008 Mercury Sable is 18 city/28 highway for front-wheel drive models, and 17/24 with all-wheel drive.

2008 Mercury Mountaineer Review

The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer SUV is available as the base model for $27,995; the Premier V6 for $31,060; and the Premier V8 for $32,355. The standard V6 has 210 horsepower engine and 254 lb-ft. of torque while the 4.6-liter, 3-valve V8 will allow for towing loads of up to 7,130 lbs. The Mountaineer meets the stict "Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II" rating requirements and offers fuel economy ranging from 14 city, 20 highway to 15/21 depending on the configuration.

With seating for up to seven, the Mountaineer has standard leather first and second-row seats with an option for leather-trimmed bucket seats with suede inserts (these are standard on the Premier.) Cargo room is flexible according to seat position. With the available fold-flat third-row seats as much as 83.7 cubic feet becomes usable.

A seven-speaker sound system with AM/FM/CD and a six-disc, in-dash changer is available and can include SIRIUS satellite radio. The optional DVD entertainment system for the back seat comes with two wireless headphones and a celing-mounted, eight-inch, flip-down, color LCD screen.

The "Safety Canopy" airbag system provides enhanced protection for occupants of the 2007 Mercury Mountaineer with both front and side-curtain airbags outfitted with rollover sensors. Both front passengers and outboard passengers in the back seats are protected by crash-sensing technology interpreting data from multiple sources.

2007 Mercury Monterey Review

The seven-passenger 2008 Mercury Monterey SUV carries an MSRP of $29,350. Powered by a 201 horsepower, 4.2-liter V6 with afour-speed automatic transmission, and an estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 23 highway on a 26 gallon tank.

Cargo volume is 134.3 cubic feet behind the first row, 71.6 behind the second, and 27.6 behind the third. With the most basic towing package (Class I) the Monterey can handle 2,000 lbs.; with the higher-end (Class II) package 3,500 lbs.

The standard audio is an AM/FM/CD combo with six-disc, in-dash changer and speed-sensitive volume control. The optional rear-seat entertainment system includes a DVD player with a flip-down, seven-inch LCD and two wireless headphones, back seat sound controls, a remote control, and video and audio jacks to connect game equipment.

Standard safety equipment on the 2008 Mercury Montery includes side impact airbags for the front seat, and a "Safety Canopy" system with side-curtain bags covering all three rows of seats (outboard passengers only). Other features include the a vehicle stability system that also offers traction controlthe LATCH system for child safety seats, and an anti-theft alarm.

2008 Mercury Montego Review

The 2008 Mercury Montego is available in three models, the base at $24,600; the Premier front-wheel drive at $28,150; and the Premier all-wheel drive at $30,000. The Montego is powered by a 203 horsepower, 3 liter Duratec V6 engine that gives 2-7 lb.-ft. of torque. Estimated fuel consumption is 21 mpg city and 29 highway with the six-speed automatic transmission (FWD) and 19/25 on the AWD.

The interior has satin-aluminum accents against rich woodgrain and leather. The Montego is a five-passenger sedan with 128.7 cubic feet of interior space. Its command-style raised seating offers a higher view of the road -- nearer to that of an SUV. The front passenger seat has a folding seatback, which, when combined with the rear split-folding seatbacks, creates nine feet of uninterrupted cargo length (measured from the edge of the trunk forward to the instrument panel.)

Technological options on the 2008 Mercury Montego include a navigation system with combined DVD mapping and GPS; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and a seven-inch, flip-down color LCD; and an upgraded "Audiophile" sound system with AM/FM, a six-disc, in-dash changer, and MP3 capability. (The upgraded sound system is standard on the Premier models.)

2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Review

For the coming model year the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, a small "cross over" SUV (four doors with room for five), has benefited from a total face lift, which designers have said was an effort to make the vehicle appear more "substantial." A larger grille with the satin waterfall (for which Mercurys are known) is augmented by a bigger logo and headlights with metallic surrounds, an overall package in keeping with the newly raised hood.

To the rear the tail lights have been retooled to mirror the front "eyebrow" design. The generous bumper insert also sports a satin finish with an embossed Mercury name in metal. (Additionally, the bumper houses the necessary sensors for the backup system, which are, unfortunately, black and can be quite obvious on lighter paint jobs.) Just so you don't think the Mariner is just another pretty face, maximum towing capacity is 1,000 lbs.

Inside, satin trim is used on the door, dash, and center console. The driver receives vehicle information from a display atop the dash. Throughout the cabin all controls are clearly visible, lighted with a stylish, icy blue and are well-placed for ease of operation. Look for removable bins in the center console and generous cargo space behind the 60/40 split-fold seats. The liftgate allows rear access through the window as well as by raising the entire gate itself.

The basic engine choices are still a 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 3-liter V6, but the biggest changes in the hybrid are software based. The new system allows for a virtually seamless transition between electric and combustion modes. The electric motor is a four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine producing 70 kilowatts and utilizing a CVT. Both two-wheel and all-wheel drive options are available. Add electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering and you'll enjoy one of the smoothest rides on the road.

In terms of fuel economy the specs are shaping up for 34 mpg in town, a boost of almost 14 percent over previous hybrid models, and 27 to 30 out on the road.

Standard features on the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid include airbags in the side and curtain positions, automatic climate control, an anti-lock braking system, conventional AM/FM/CD combo unit, and reverse sensing. Option packages can add a six-disc changer to the audio unit, Sirius satellite radio, a navigation system, moonroof, and leather upholstery over cloth. Depending on the features chosen, expect to spend between $25,955 and $27,705.

2008 Mercury Mariner Review

The 2008 Mercury Mariner SUV is an update to the design of the 2005 model with a longer and wider front grill, bigger headlights, and a higher front posture. The tail lights now wrap to give the backend a vaguely Euro style.

Inside every button and knob is well-defined with ice blue lighting and faux-aluminum accents. An exciting addition is a top-of-dash display above the center stack showing interior and exterior temperature, climate, and radio control data.

Under the hood there's a standard 2.3-liter four-cylinder (16 valves) generating 153 horsepower. The optional engine is a 3-liter V6 (24-valves) producing 200 horsepower. (Both are four-speed automatics standard.) With a newly revised suspension system and Ford's recently unveiled Electric Power Steering technology, the 2008 Mariner handles smoothly (and with less noise, 12-20% less, thanks to a good bit more insulation.)

Storage and space are the bywords of the 2008 Mercury Mariner with a center console featuring multi-sized removable bins that can also be affixed to the sides of the footwell or to the rear of the console itself. The 60/40 rear seats fold and the cargo carpeting flips over so the rubber backing becomes an efficient liner for messy or muddy loads. (There's another storage bin under the carpet.) Access to the cargo area can be achieved through the rear door window or by raising the entire liftgate.

Look for all the standard safety bells and whistles with a complete array of air bags including a curtain system. You get anti-lock brakes and stability control (AdvanceTrac and Roll Stability Control.) Add to these features ABS, yaw control, and traction control and you get a machine that handles smoothly, grips the road, and protects the occupants.

The basic facts on the 2008 Mercury Mariner are this. You're getting a four-door SUV with room for five available in six trim levels. Look to spend between $20,730 to $25,380 MSRP and expect fuel economy of 12/23 to 23/26 depending on configuration. All in all, a good deal with high customer satisfaction from a proven line of SUVs.

2008 Mercury Grand Marquis Review

The six-passenger 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis is available as the GS ($25,735) and the LS ($30,395). Both are powered by a 224 horsepower, 4.6-liter, 16-valve V8 with overdrive, and equipped with a four-speed electronic automatic transmission. Estimated fuel economy is 17 city and 25 highway.

The standard audio package is an AM/FM/CD combo with an option on the LS for an upgraded system which includes a six-disc, in-dash changer. Seats are premium cloth on the GS, leather on the LS. The driver's seat has eight-way power adjustability, including lumbar support and reclining features. (On the LS a power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedal are standard.) Headroom is 39.5 inches front, 37.8 rear with legroom of 41.6 and 38 inches respectively. Trunk volume is 20.6 cubic feet.

The included personal safety system includes airbags for the driver front passenger as well as retractable seat belts with built-in pretensioners, a sensor that recognizes the driver's seat position, and another sensor that detects the presence of a front-seat passenger. The 2008 Grand Marquis also has traction control, a keyless entry keypad on the driver's-side door, and an anti-theft system.

2008 Mercury Milan Review

While the 2008 Mercury Milan is generally marketed as an upscale midsized sedan, with its starting MSRP of just $18,725, it is actually the most affordable car in the maker's line-up. It's offered in two different trims. The base model comes with a 2.3 liter, 160 horsepower, four cylinder engine and a five-speed transmission in your choice of manual or automatic. The higher-level engine is a 3.0 liter, 221 horsepower V-6, and has only one transmission option: a six speed automatic. Neither engine requires premium gasoline.

Cosmetically, the designers of the Milan say, they drew inspiration from modern cities, and the distinctive elements include a waterfall grille and a satin-aluminum finish on the trim. The headlights are wide, and wrapped into the hood, and the tail lights are LEDs. For 2008, in addition to a keypad for keyless entry, the Milan also comes in five new colors, including white, silver, blue, and two different shades of green.

Inside the 2008 Mercury Milan, the design cues are reminiscent of expensive handbags and trendy home appliances. There's seating for five covered in leather upholstery with a chose of metallic or wood trim, with two-toned upholstery available as an option. Later 2008-model Milans will incorporate a mood-lighting system, spotlighting the front cup holders, and both the front and back foot wells with a variety of colors, including blue, green, red, and yellow. Taller passengers will appreciate the easier access to the back seat, provided by back doors that have been extended further toward the tail of the car, and there's a spring-assist for folding the back seat down (it's got a 60/40 split, for greater flexibility). Long items can be transported more easily by using a pass-through from the trunk into the passenger seating area, and the front passenger seat folds flat, if needed.

Comfort features of the 2008 Milan include a power-adjusted driver's seat, AM/FM radio and CD player with an input jack for mp3 players, and power door locks and windows. The Sync system is an optional feature, and includes hands-free cellular access as well as a DVD-based navigational system.

The 2008 Mercury Milan comes standard with side-impact and side-curtain airbags, as well as a disc-based anti-lock braking system and traction control. Fuel economy estimates for the Milan are not yet available.