The 2008 Mercury Sable marked a significant model year, inheriting the robust engineering of the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego but with enhanced features and a new name. This article delves into the side impact crash test performance of the 2008-09 Mercury Sable, providing a detailed analysis of its safety ratings and occupant protection capabilities. Understanding these results is crucial for anyone considering a used 2008 Mercury Sable, especially concerning passenger safety.
Side Impact Crash Test Performance of the 2008 Mercury Sable
The safety evaluation is based on tests conducted on a 2006 Ford Five Hundred, which shares the same structural design as the later Mercury Sable models. It’s important to note that while the 2008 Sable received engine upgrades and the option for electronic stability control, these changes did not alter the side impact performance. Side airbags became standard on all Mercury Sable models starting in 2008, a critical safety feature assessed in these tests.
Overall Evaluation and Structural Integrity
The 2008 Mercury Sable achieved an overall evaluation of “Good” in side impact crash testing. This high rating reflects the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a severe side collision. Specifically, the structure and safety cage of the Sable were rated “Acceptable,” indicating a solid framework that maintains integrity during impact.
Driver and Rear Passenger Safety Details
The crash test results provide detailed insights into driver and rear passenger safety across various body regions:
Driver Protection:
- Head/Neck: Rated “Good,” signifying excellent protection for the head and neck area.
- Torso: Rated “Acceptable,” indicating a good level of protection for the torso.
- Pelvis/Leg: Rated “Acceptable,” showing adequate protection for the pelvis and leg regions.
- Driver Head Protection: Rated “Good,” confirming effective head protection for the driver.
Rear Passenger Protection:
- Head/Neck: Rated “Good,” demonstrating excellent head and neck protection for rear occupants.
- Torso: Rated “Good,” indicating a high level of torso protection for rear passengers.
- Pelvis/Leg: Rated “Good,” showing robust protection for the pelvis and leg areas of rear occupants.
- Rear Passenger Head Protection: Rated “Good,” confirming effective head protection for rear passengers.
These ratings collectively highlight the 2008 Mercury Sable’s strong performance in safeguarding both front and rear occupants during side impact collisions.
Key Technical Measurements
Technical measurements from the crash tests further quantify the vehicle’s performance. Occupant compartment intrusion on the driver’s side was measured in two tests (CES0528 and CES0613). The B-pillar intrusion relative to the driver’s seat centerline was -11.5 cm and -10.5 cm, respectively. Negative values indicate that the crush stopped short of the seat centerline, demonstrating good structural resistance.
Driver and passenger injury measures, recorded in Test ID CES0528, provide specific data points:
Driver Injury Measures (Test ID: CES0528):
- Head HIC-15: 273
- Neck Tension: 0.7 kN, Compression: 0.0 kN
- Shoulder Lateral Deflection: 48 mm, Lateral Force: 2.0 kN
- Torso Maximum Deflection: 46 mm, Average Deflection: 39 mm
- Pelvis Iliac Force: 2.2 kN, Acetabulum Force: 3.5 kN, Combined Force: 5.5 kN
- Left Femur L-M Force: 0.7 kN, L-M Moment: 34 Nm, A-P Moment: 26 Nm
Passenger Injury Measures (Test ID: CES0528):
- Head HIC-15: 316
- Neck Tension: 0.5 kN, Compression: 0.6 kN
- Shoulder Lateral Deflection: 13 mm, Lateral Force: 1.2 kN
- Torso Maximum Deflection: 34 mm, Average Deflection: 26 mm
- Pelvis Iliac Force: 0.7 kN, Acetabulum Force: 3.3 kN, Combined Force: 3.7 kN
- Left Femur L-M Force: 0.6 kN, L-M Moment: 81 Nm, A-P Moment: 12 Nm
These measurements are within acceptable safety limits, supporting the “Good” overall rating and demonstrating the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety features in mitigating potential injuries.
Airbag System and Safety Features
The 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with standard side airbags, which played a crucial role in achieving these favorable side impact results. The tests were conducted on a vehicle with optional front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags, representative of the enhanced safety package available for this model year. The inclusion of these airbags significantly contributes to occupant protection by cushioning the head and torso during a side collision, as visually evidenced in the crash test imagery.
Action shots from the crash test clearly illustrate how the side curtain and torso airbags effectively protect the driver’s head from impacting hard structures. Similarly, greasepaint on the rear passenger dummy shows the area where the side airbag provided crucial head protection.
Conclusion
The 2008 Mercury Sable demonstrates robust side impact safety performance, earning a “Good” overall rating. Its strong structural design, coupled with standard side airbags and optional head curtain and torso airbags, provides effective occupant protection in side collision scenarios. These safety test results offer valuable information for consumers considering the 2008 Mercury Sable as a reliable and safe used vehicle option, particularly for families prioritizing passenger safety.
