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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  Excellent Car - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By garyw - February 15 - 9:10 am

  After test driving several cars, I chose the Milan based on the overall feel and value of the car. It is comfortable, quick, and handles very well. Having had mostly Toyota, Honda, Nissan in the past, this car was a pleasant surprise.

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  Love it! - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Kim - February 10 - 3:10 pm

  This car replaced a Plymouth Breeze, which had something major wrong annually. Ive had this for 3 months with many miles on it, and not a single thing has gone wrong. I have some quibbles about some of the interior features (no digital clock; no gear display above steering wheel, only near the shift), but this is overall the nicest car Ive ever owned.

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  Good Value, Transmission is major issue - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By chuckt6 - January 30 - 9:41 am

  This has been a good car. I really like the interior and exterior styling. The interior leather has held up really well, even when my dogs have ridden in the backseat. It hasnt scratched or worn through like some other vehicles. It has been a pretty reliable car, I have 120,000+ miles on it, yes I drive a lot. The transmission failed at about 106K miles(i have the 5 speed automatic). It sounds like this transmission has problems in the Fusion and Mazda 6 as well. New from the dealer the tranny will cost you $6000, crazy for a $23K car. I had mine rebuilt for $2500 and so far so good. The brakes have been bullet proof, I still have my original brake pads and rotors.

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  2007 Milan requires new transmission at 75K miles - 2007 Mercury Milan
  By cpuetzer - January 21 - 5:10 pm

  Started out as a decent vehicle. However, since I purchased the car I have put 75K miles with the bulk of it being highway miles. A low level hum developed and now the dealer and my mechanic confirmed that I now need a new transmission. Ford is only willing to pay 1K of the warranty repair price which leaves me stuck paying (3K). Amazing how Ford is not willing to stand behind their products. Even if I had purchased the extended warranty I still think a tranny should last longer than 75K and would still be unhappy.

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  Pre-Owned Like New! - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Meg - January 11 - 8:23 am

  I havent had this vehicle very long, but even so far, its the best pre- owned car Ive ever had! It handles well, I get descent gas mileage, and its like NEW! Ive always had problems with previous cars, but I can already feel the difference... I would recommend this to anyone that asks about it (whether it be new or pre- owned). I have virtually no complaints. This is the best car Ive owned, and I would buy another one IF I could ever drive this one into the ground.

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  Finally got mine!! - 2009 Mercury Milan
  By rgtstylist - January 3 - 3:06 pm

  I have admired the Milan since the 2006 model hit the streets. And when I decided to sell the 2 cars I had and just have one their was only one I would consider, the Milan Premier. It has everything that a more expensive car has but at a reasonable price. And at the time i had many to chose from. Driving this car is a dream and the looks are fantastic! I still just LOVE to look at it. The ride is so smooth and my fuel economy is better than posted here but I do almost all Highway driving. I did have a minor brake issue from the car sitting on the lot and not driven for an extended period of time but the warranty covered everything. It is my 36th car and my favorite of all!#2a1995camero

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  Isthis really a Mercury - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Ts Mercury - January 2 - 7:50 am

  I really like my new Mercury i get plenty of complements on it to people say they really like it and i like the smooth ride and it handles great and i like the unique taillamps plus there LED which look great and there really bright and i love the all black interior with that white stitching looks great as well and i like the wales mohogany wood trim i just like everything about the car it looks absolutely great and people stop and look at it and look at it going down the road i think Mercury has done a great job