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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  Feels like a Luxury Car - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By New Jersey - January 3 - 12:16 am

  I traded in my 2005 BMW 3 series and the Milan is a much better ride. My biggest reason for test driving the Milan was because of its top reliability from Consumer Reports. I still cannot believe all the pluses that I did not expect. Most people think I paid over $30K. I paid $23K. The Milans less power than my BMW took some getting used to, but I chose the 4 cyl. because I wanted better gas mileage. Go with a 6 cyl. if that matters to you. The drive is smooth and the storage is huge. The test drive was better than the Camry and Accord with alot more features. The Altima was a sportier ride but Consumer Reports said its reliability was only average.

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  Best car Ive owned to date - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By KeithM - December 29 - 8:50 pm

  Was planning on an 07, but the 0% financing was too good to resist. Milan Premier has good acceleration (not best in class, but good)Color is Satellite Silver & 2 Tone Charcoal & Tan interior. Test drove(over night) Lincoln Zephyr. Slightly better Leather/Stereo system and THX Navigation system(very nice)just dont add up to a nearly $10K increase in price. Lincoln was quieter and had a "softer" suspension. The Milan is definately the "sportier" of the 2 cars. I looked at the Ford Fusion. It was nice, but I liked the nicer touches (2 tone leather etc.)that the Milan has. I feel I made a good choice. If the Montego had the 3.5 liter engine (due in 08)Then things might have been different.

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  Excellent alternative to Japanese models - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Oshkosh49 - December 5 - 5:50 pm

  This car is just a fantastic choice. I love this car. Ive had nothing but a very excellent experience owning this car since March. Absolutely zero quality issues. It rides like silk. It handles and looks like a more expensive European sports sedan. The combonation of the 6-speed automatic and the 3.0 liter 221HP V6 provides excellent acceleration. Especially anything over 35 MPH. The interior with the comfortable two-tone leather seating and the wood-grained dash gives it a look of a higher end European model. And for a similarly equipped Camry, Altima, or Accord, youll pay more, lots more in some cases. There is no better midsize car for the money than the V6 Mercury Milan Premier.

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  Great car for the money! - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Steve - November 15 - 4:20 am

  I considered a 2007 Camry XLE but one with the options I wanted was not available anywhere so I looked at the Milan. It doesnt have as many bells and whistles as the Camry (Bluetooth- enabled JBL stereo, dual-zone climate control, power passenger seat, etc.), but I like the interior styling better and have gotten many comments on the cars good looks. It looks like a more expensive car than it is and has a great ride to it while being fun to drive.

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  American Car as good as the imports :) - 2009 Mercury Milan
  By Fearnewine66 - November 5 - 10:23 am

  I have owned over 10 vehicles (Taurus, Camry, Scion, Sonata, etc.) and this one is the best. Was planning on purchasing a Camry but the 2009 Milan was too good of a car and too good a value to pass up. Lots of features for the money, great fuel mileage (31 mpg so far), build quality is excellent, it looks classy and its been dead reliable. I drive 50,000 miles a year and am pleased with the comfort level and fun-to-drive of this car. Ford is making good American cars and my Milan is proof :)

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  Good Car...Could Be Better - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By u26255 - October 24 - 9:26 pm

  I get around 30+ mpg. on highway. I drove 300 miles on a trip and averaged 32 mpg. with air blasting and speed average of 70-75 mph. Thats good for a v6. The sound system is good. I like the mp3 outlet. There is plenty of storage space and great trunk space. The city mpg is terrible. I average 17 mpg. in city driving. The dash and doors rattle terribly and I drive very carefully as to not hit large bumps hard. The dealer cant fix it. The cloth seats are cheap, period! It needs a digital clock in the radio. There is a storage compartment on top of the front dash. I cant wait for that to also rattle. What a stupid place to put a storage compartment.

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  First Mercury and couldnt be happier! - 2008 Mercury Milan
  By Scott - October 15 - 12:46 pm

  I purchased an AWD Premier loaded with navigation. It absorbs the bumps very well, its quiet, has a great stereo, and it handled extremely well in a rainstorm with high winds on my last trip. The 6-speed auto shifts very smoothly. Its a very solid-built car. I especially like the reverse remote sensors when you back up. Ive had 2 Honda Accords in the past 6 years, and this Mercury beats them by far. I would buy another Mercury in a heartbeat.

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  Nice Midsize Sedan - 2010 Mercury Milan
  By JM - September 24 - 6:40 am

  I have been impressed with my purchase of my Milan Premier with the 202a package. It has a dueretic engine that gives the 4 cylinder a boost. The reason I gave it a 9 in performance is due to the noise on a harder accelleration. Build quality I gave a 9 only because fingerprints are more noticeable due to their finish on the dash area. The sound system is top notch and I love the video camera for backing up as well as the blind spot indicator in the sideview mirror. Unless it is extremely windy the ride is quiet. Fun to drive I really could not rate. I have mainly driven in city and have had 27 mpg so far. Im not a lead foot. I am extremely pleased with my purchase.

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  My Milan after 9 months - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By TKOlive - September 20 - 12:43 pm

  Ive had my Milan for 9 months now. I still am in love with it. My husband begs to drive it. I think he loves it more than I do! This is a large car (to me at least) but it still handles well and brakes wonderfully. Two problems Ive had are the lumbar support blew out and had to be replaced, and both visors pop out of joint when you fold them down. Other things Ive noticed are a very wide turn, loses a bit of road control if you accellerate out of a turn too quickly.

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  Looks so Luxury! - 2006 Mercury Milan
  By Jayme - September 18 - 4:20 pm

  I was reviewing many cars in this class (accord, fusion, g6, etc.) and this by far was the best in design, style and performance. Im so impressed at the style of the interior. Its very classic and upscale and reminds me of the old Mercedes appeal. I purchased this car after Id had a lexus for 3 years and I can honestly say the drive and style was no more impressive than my Milan!: )