Overview & Reviews

As the corporate twin to Ford's Fusion, the Mercury Milan shared much of that sedan's architecture, drivetrain specification and safety technology. Thanks to this mechanical heritage, the Milan provided nimble handling and adequate interior space for five adult passengers. The main difference between the two cars was that the Milan was more upscale in appearance and typically came with more standard features.

While the Milan may not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of family sedans, it's still a respectable choice for a used family sedan. In fact, its sporty handling put it a notch above the dynamic norm. The Milan also featured a sensible interior layout, and its price tended to be lower than those of traditional class leaders. As an alternative to other mainstream models, the Mercury Milan -- particularly in its later years -- is worth a look.

Most Recent Mercury Milan
The Mercury Milan debuted for the 2006 model year. Production ended with the demise of the Mercury brand for 2011. Originally, the Milan was motivated by either a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower or a 221-hp 3.0-liter V6. Four-cylinder models were paired with a five-speed manual transmission with an option for a five-speed automatic, while the V6 models came only with a six-speed automatic. For the final two years, the Milan gained a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 175 horsepower or a 240-hp, 3.0-liter V6. A six-speed manual was standard for the four-cylinder, with a six-speed auto being optional. The V6 again had the six-speed auto. Most Milans you'll encounter will be front-wheel drive, though Mercury did offer all-wheel-drive versions of the V6 for every year except '06.

There were two trim levels: base and Premier. The base model rode on 16-inch wheels and included items like air-conditioning, an MP3-compatible CD stereo, a six-way power driver seat, a split-folding rear seat, cruise control, full power accessories and keyless entry. Antilock brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags were also standard for every year starting in 2007. Stability control, however, wasn't available for the Milan until 2009. The Premier's main draws were its 17-inch wheels, leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control. Major optional features included a sunroof, an upgraded audio system, a navigation system and a 12-speaker Sony sound system.

For 2010, there were major changes that significantly altered the perception of the Milan. Although the original cabin was nicely constructed, it was rather plain-looking and its controls were antiquated -- both in appearance and usability. The standard stereo unit in particular wasn't the best fit for the Sync voice-control system that debuted for '08. The 2010 Milan update also included freshened styling, revised suspension and steering tuning and the more powerful engines. If your budget allows for it, we certainly recommend trying to get a 2010 or '11 Milan.

On the road, four-cylinder models provided adequate power while the V6 offered much-improved acceleration, though the V6 was still down on power when pitted against the competition. Stomping the throttle for more power resulted in a rattly and raucous racket with either engine choice. The steering was also pretty numb, though overall the Milan handled pretty well for a family sedan. Build quality was also generally solid. Up front, the seats were well-shaped and supportive, and all but the tallest adults should be content riding in the Milan's spacious backseat.

User Reviews:

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  Very Impressed - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By Very Impressed - March 3 - 5:20 pm

  I really like this car. I traded in a 2006 Mercury Montego, and overall like this car much better. Plenty of leg room in the front, handles very well, nice pickup, and the gas mileage is not bad. The car looks great, better tires and wheels than the Montego, plenty of trunk space. Fun to drive.Overall, I am very happy with this car and would recommend to everyone. Coming from a full size to a mid size makes me like the mid size better. I change cars every 26 months, and this cars a keeper.

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  Who Says America cant build a great car - 2009 Mercury Milan
  By George - February 14 - 7:33 am

  This car is superior to my friends Camaries and Accords (all of which have had to go back to the dealer for some issues) - hands down. I dont understand the comments about power and sub-par engines. This car hums along beautifully and I get better fuel economy then the sticker states!! Half the time I cant even tell the engine is running! To summarize - Dont spend more then you have to on a NAME - buy a great car at a great price!!

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  Mercury got it right - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Kevin - February 6 - 7:10 pm

  Putting this car on the excellent Mazda platform and then designing it like a European car sold me. I looked at the Zephyr and the Fusion and this was easily the best designed. The interior is elegant and the two tone seats are very cool. The sheet metal competes with far more expensive vehicles. The six speed is smooth, and the V-6 has all the pep I need. And it has just the right amount of gizmos; youre not overwhelmed. Great car, especially for the price.

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  A Excellent all around Automobile - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By M Snyder - January 31 - 11:36 pm

  I have owned this car for 9 months and have 9000 miles on it now. It hasnt had one single problem. It handles and rides great. It has all the power and braking ability one ever could ask for.I love this car.

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  Nice car, but not a Subaru - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By Sara - January 16 - 12:36 am

  So far, at 6 months and 12,000 miles, this car is smooth, very comfortable, and has done well in ice and snow (I added X-Ice snows). It doesnt have the crisp responsive handling of my Subaru, but its so comfortable you can forgive it for a lot. What I dont like: after 6 months, I still have to look for climate controls. There are a lot of them, they all feel the same, I have to stretch to reach them. Getting the free trial to Sirius radio reupped was a rude surprise. The radio in the car will only accept Sirius most expensive plans. You get a deal, but I would still pay for all the junk I dont want in order to hear the few stations I like. Its a nice car, but next one is a Subaru.

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  Fine Car - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By Don M - January 7 - 4:06 pm

  Great car. I traded-in a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. This car is substanially less when equally equipped.

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  Frank - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By Frank - December 22 - 7:33 pm

  I traded in a 2000 Lincoln LS for this Milan. The Milan is a great car. It is comfortable, gas mileage is good (27 - 30 mpg) highway. The Sync system is a great value, as is the 202A package, which includes the back-up camera feature and the blind spot light on the side view mirror. These are huge safety features.

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  I love my new 2010 Mercury Milan - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By mj816 - December 20 - 1:53 am

  Overall, this is a great family car. I traded in my SUV for better MPG. It has a sleek interior (I have the two tone leather) and it is very luxurious. I have the sync system and Sirius XM radio. My car comes with ambient lighting which I think my kids enjoy more than I do. This car is the entire package and Im sad that 2011 is the last year for Mercury.

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  Not so happy - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By hockey mom - December 16 - 5:36 am

  I have had my Milan for a almost 2 years now and cant wait to get rid of it. We travel a lot, and the passenger seat is terribly uncomfortable. The seats are not designed very well and the headrest is not alligned properly. The handling in the snow is the worst I have ever dealt with.

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  A Real Head Turner - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Pat - December 16 - 12:56 am

  We LOVE THIS CAR!!! It has a look that is truly unique...a cross between a Mercedes and an Italian sports car. The interior is second to none in comfort & has a unique luxurious look. The 17" extra wide Michelins on 14 spoke wheels look really classy with a very smooth very quite ride. This car drives it self. It handles well in the city and on the highway. It looks like it is moving even when it is parked. The AUDIOPHILE SOUND SYSTEM has superb sound. This car is a real head turner. Before you buy a new car, you must test drive the Milan. I will say that we first drove the I4 and did not like the sound of the 4 cylinder. The V6 is very quiet and worth the extra cost.