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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  Bought for work car, but.... - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By drlmg - December 22 - 3:46 pm

  I bought this car to drive back and forth to work....appx. 35000 miles per year. I was not expecting much for the price but I have ended up liking this car more than 2 others that cost $65,000 and the other well...over $65,000. The car runs, drives, and handles great. Great sound system (pioneer with GPS). Very tight steering and handling. Ride..very good, however I do have one issue related to this. Being front wheel drive normally would not be a hit with me but I actually like it in this car. In short I love this car. It is far beyond what I expected. I will go as far as to say it is one of the best cars I have ever owned.....and aside from my school years, the cheapest!

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By garyw - December 14 - 2:30 am

  As a former Honda and Toyota owner, I was really surprised how much better the Milan drove compared to the Accord or the Camry. Its quick, handles very well, and is quite comfortable. AWD is an added bonus.

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  NICE RIDE - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By vince - November 29 - 8:26 pm

  I bought this car a few months ago, and the ride is awsome. Drives like a lincoln. I got the V4, and it gets great gas milage. It has a lot of power for a v-4. About 28 mpg hwy. The stereo has a great sound. Finger touch steering wheel for radio and cruise control. Leather seats are padded for a nice long ride. Its a classey type car for the money. A little hard to see out the back window when backing. I would recommend this car.

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  Milan - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By displayname - November 19 - 6:13 am

  This car is awesome. I love it. Id recommend it to anyone. The styling turns heads and it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is when it’s rolling down the road.

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  my new Mercury "Milan" - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Hans - November 10 - 4:40 am

  Love the Vehicle, Drives well, handles well, good Construction, quiet comfortable Ride. Only Thing strange to me, is the Location if the Brake / Clutch Pedal. Pedals should be further apart. I owned many Std Shift Vehicles, but the Location of the Pedals takes some serious " Having to get used to it". Only gripe about this otherwise great Vehicle. Congrats Mercury...Dealership is great. No Problems with Delivery. If the Reliability is as good as my last four Mercury Vehicles....It should be very good.....Just change the Location of those Pedals to make a TRUE Winner.

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  Finally--an competitive American sedan - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Rick - October 4 - 2:33 pm

  We have had the Milan for 5 months so the new has worn off a little and we are now seeing past the glitter of a new car. I have looked for flaws in the paint, fit or anything else. There are none. The car has no flaws. I have no complaints. The fuel mileage around town is usually in the 24-25 mpg range and the highway mileage is usually 29+.

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  Great car - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By Charley - October 3 - 4:53 am

  Have only owned the car for two months.Put 1000 miles on car and then took off for Flordia and drove it hard and still got 30 miles per gallon. It was a great ride and really like the trunk room. The I4 has plenty of power. Love the two tone leather seats and they are heated.Over all I am quite pleased with the car.

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  Not built to last - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By yven7 - September 20 - 8:40 pm

  The car drove well at first with regular maintenance. After the first 100,000 miles there were problems with several hoses connected to the exhaust system and it became much louder. At 142, 000 miles it needs a new transmission and several boards. I trusted the brand after a mercury villager minivan that I drove for more than 260,000 miles but I wont buy another mercury vehicle.

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  Love this Car - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By Jack - August 18 - 4:10 am

  The car is exceptionally sytled and extremely eye catching inside and out. The I-4 engine is definitely willing to rev and delivers fun to drive performance while delivering very high fuel ecomonmy. I have been averaging 26.5 miles per gallon on mostly city driving with a very heavy foot. The car handling and ride are perhaps the best part. Very tight and very confindent. Feels like a much higher end sportier ride. I would reccomend this car to anyone who is looking for a high quality great looking car that mixes practicality with good driving dynamics.

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  New to Mercury Milan - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Paul - August 11 - 10:23 pm

  We just purchased a 2006 Milan. At this time, we are pleased with the overall mechanical performance of the vehicle. She is roomy, comfy, peppy (4cyl), and artfully beautiful inside and out as well as feeling solid and responsive. She suits our needs and we have been content with Mercury vehicles having owned a 1994 Villager and a 1989 Marquis that was sold to a family member. There will be complaints about the 4cyl not being w/o more HP but then they need to be driving the auto of their choice and budget. We cant wait to do a road trip in our Milan. We will let you know how that succeeds. PL