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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  2009 Mercury Milan Premier - 2009 Mercury Milan
  By Steve C - November 12 - 10:06 pm

  My wife and I have been looking at different make and models in this size range. We have been toyota owners for the past 30 years and let,s face it the US automakers for a while could not compete for style and reliability with the foriegn makers.Through consumer reports and Edmunds we investigated this model and the Fusion for US models. After test driving we determined the Milan felt more tight and comfortable. Our model has the works as far as options, and everything is easy to reach within the cab.Mercury has hit a home run with this model. Perhaps the near collapse of the domestic market has spurred on this innovation and I beleive FOMOCO has turned the corner on the market.

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  Excellent - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By Derrick Bledsoe - November 10 - 11:13 pm

  Excellent experience, I honestly dont have any complaints, the ride is great, the color is gorgeous. The v6 power keeps you ahead of traffic.

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  Love my Milan - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By Betsy - November 10 - 3:46 am

  I looked everywhere for a cash for clunker deal...tried every car on the market & was very disappointed until I pulled onto the Lincoln/Mercury lot. One look at my Milan & I was hooked. The Sync entertainment system is the best on the market. One complaint: The headrests on the front seats were so bad, I almost couldnt buy the car. Headaches and back pain from the unnatural, extremely awkward head position...picture head jutting forward, with the back curled clam shell-like...not a good look on me. After taking the car to the upholsterers to see if he could stuff the seats, he fixed the problem by bending the head rests up & "Millie Pearl" & I drove home a happy duo!

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  Lexus convert - 2009 Mercury Milan
  By dsvetcov - November 1 - 12:13 pm

  I traded my Lexus es350 for a new milan. The main reason was price. I opted for the Merc as it addresses a more seasoned buyer (ug..age) over the ford Fusion. Too bad LM does not heavily market this vehicle. It is superior in many ways to the foreign competitors as well as GM. Get the premier edition and the with Microsoft sync. It makes driving fun, as well as a very comfortable and price savvy experience.

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  Great car! - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By Mark - October 30 - 5:40 pm

  We were looking for better mpg in our vehicles, but dont like to compromise comfort and options. We found a dealer demo Milan and loved it from the test drive. Great highway mpg 31-35. Love the interior, very roomy and comfortable, and stylish with two-tone leather seats. No problems with this car and it really stands out from the crowd with great exterior styling. 4 cyl. engine has plenty of power for our driving needs. Looks like we will have this car for a long time. Quality and options make this a great value for your money.

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  Wonderful Surprise - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By Alisha - October 27 - 11:13 pm

  I owned a 1998 Ford Taurus SHO and recently graduated nursing school and was looking for a new car. Im very price conscious and had looked at and researched many many cars at many lots. I went into the dealership to test drive a 2007 mazda6. Needless to say I was a little unimpressed the backseat was way too small and it just seemed okay at best. I also test drove two other cars I was almost going to "settle" if I got a cheap price or leave till one of the guys that worked there mentioned the Milan. I immediately feel in love. It was perfect from the aesthetic looks interior and exterior to the feeling of the drive. Very smooth. Plus, with a lifetime powertrain warranty. I knew it was it.

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  Everyone loves my Mercury! - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By clintondee - October 26 - 2:33 am

  I picked up an 07 Milan leftover and Im amazed no-one bought before the model year end. I bought the 5 speed with the 4 cylinder base model and I completely enjoy the car. Im getting 35 mpg on the open road with the 5 speed. I couldnt get that with my last Corolla or Focus. The Milan dwarfs those cars and is amazingly comfortable. Its great to see that American car companies are once again designing nice interiors. This Milan along with the new Malibu are light years ahead of the models that they replace. My Milan has great thick seats and all power options standard. Side curtain air bags add safety to all riders. We have to support American Companies & the Milan makes that easy!

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  great car - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By c.h. - October 3 - 2:36 pm

  the milan is a great car with lots of features of a luxury car and very roomy comfortably fits five a very roomy trunk. powerful for a for cylinder fun to drive great tranny five speeds does great in the mountains downshifts going up great in drive i dont even see why they have a low gear on this car it does awesome in drive eatc climate control is nice you just set it and forget it overall im very happy with this car i would buy another in the blink of an eye

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  Quality is back into American cars! - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By Tony - September 18 - 9:50 pm

  Always a die-hard Japanese car owner until now. Bought the car based on all the good hype its cousins, the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKS are getting. This car is amazing. Came with every option imaginable. Everyone taken for a ride is astonished by all the electronic gadgetry. Owned for three weeks and getting 29mpg combo city/hwy so far. Impressed with the peppy 4 cyl and acceleration. The ride is superb and glides over bumps compared to my previous Japanese cars. Cornering is good, too. Steering has a bit too much play, but acceptable. Hey, Guys...Give American cars a chance again! You will be pleasantly surprised.

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  Continuing Mercury - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By forthesakeof - September 15 - 1:23 am

  The little Sable (Taurus) that I last bought, made in Chicago, was what i was looking for in reliability. I know the story of the Taurus (why stop?), and I see these new Tauruses on the road. Absolutely beautiful. I loved my sable so much, after only owning GM my entire life, I went to a Ford dealership for another used venture. I found this sweet little demon, oh boy. I saw this baby, next to a silvernother. Mine is AWD, smoke/purplish. Beautiful. I am old enough and experienced in Michigan snow enough to know what AWD means, I am curious. Sound system is superb. Extra trunk room, excellent, easy everything. I am anxious to see what this baby has in store for me. Certainly has the spunk.