I should have learned that Sable was a bad car after the engine of my mother's '87 Sable exploded, caught fire and busted through the floor of the car beside the gas pedal and brake (1993). Luckily she was not in the car. The engine had been off and sitting in park for five minutes when this happened. I bought my 97 Sable in 2001. I have never had a car with so many constant problems. I spend about $1200 a year fixing it continually. I'm currently having electrical problems with the radio going out while in reverse or when I press the brake. The window on the passenger side won't move up or down unless the driver and the passenger press the buttons at the same time. The interior light stays on, so we have to unplug the fuse to get it to go off. The seat belt safety light and the window button lights keep clicking on and off. Once again, the steering wheel is hard to turn even though the power steering fluid is at the right level. I have to get the wheels aligned several times a year. The car always makes a humming noise and does not block out the sound of wind. The shoulder straps of seat belts alway lock into place too tight. Name the problem... I've probably been through it. I will never buy another Ford/ Mercury again even if it is the #1 selling car.

- Springfield, MO, USA

Vehicle will accelerate without foot pressing the throttle. Speedometer doesn't register speed, vehicle's speed was increasing. Dealer will be replacing speed control chip for sixth time. Also, consumer has checked to see if cruise control did not engage. Dealer has duplicated the problem.

- Revere, MA, USA

Speedometer would momentarily operate erratically. Needle would jump back and forth while driving, sometimes it operated normally. Dealer was not contacted at this time. Consumer adds accelerator possibly contributed to erratic operation of the speedometer.

- Rio Rico, AZ, USA

While driving transmission completely malfunctioned, cause unknown. Also tachometer needle registering too high, smoke coming from under the hood, and oil smell.

- Hertford, NC, USA