2007 Mercury Milan Performance Review [ 2008 ]
Mercury Milan Performance Review
Performance - 6.9 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Mercury Milan is praised for having good fuel economy, a solid braking system and impressive handling. Still, sluggish acceleration and a shifty transmission detract from its overall performance. "Handling is a Milan strong point," says Edmunds.
Edmunds continues, "The engines are the only real disappointment, as neither the four-cylinder nor the V6 offers the kind of low-end response and refinement now expected in the family car class." Nevertheless, auto writers at the Detroit News boast that "the car is also wonderfully nimble. We could change lanes with ease, negotiate curvy local roads with confidence and point the Milan into the tightest parking space with no problem."
Acceleration and Power
Both the I-4 Milan and the I-4 Premier trims are powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 160 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. According to MSN, potential drivers should "expect just average highway performance with the 4-cylinder engine." The Car Connection agrees, noting that although "it's not going to blow your socks off for performance... the engine is reasonably refined."
Both the V-6 Milan and V-6 Premier trims are powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 221 horsepower and 205 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. According to Auto Mall USA, trims equipped with the V-6 engine "give the driver the kind of power we all like when it comes to getting across the intersection or getting out of a tight spot, but there's not a lot of reserve after that, and there's not a lot of satisfaction in driving it hard." Edmunds agrees, noting that although output is adequate, "horsepower and acceleration" are still "below class average."
In general, reviewers, like Edmunds, agree that acceleration is "sufficient," albeit weak. While Newsday reports "some raucousness on hard acceleration," Kelley Blue Book asserts that there is "moderate delay on initial acceleration."
Whether equipped with a manual or automatic transmission, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates city/highway fuel economy for I-4 powertrain combinations to be 23 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. While front-wheel-drive (FWD) V-6 trim-levels register a fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway, all-wheel-drive (AWD) models achieve 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Altogether, reviewers generally agree with MSN's assessment that the 2007 Milan maintains "decent fuel economy" compared to others in its class.
While I-4 Milan and Premier trim-levels are outfitted with a five-speed manual transmission, a five-speed automatic transmission is available as an added option. V-6 trim-levels, however, come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. According to Cars.com, "The automatic transmission is well-behaved most of the time, but it doesn't change gears the same way every time. At low speeds, a modest jolt occasionally occurs with the shift." Edmunds agrees, commenting that "the engine and transmission don't yield the yin and yang perfection we'd hoped for." Moreover, Edmunds adds, "Drivers wishing to downshift for engine braking are met with wildly inconsistent response. Drop from 'D' to 'L' on the freeway in an effort to stay off the brakes and sometimes you'll find a gear that will slow you the desired amount -- sometimes you won't."
Handling and Braking
Reviewers are generally pleased with the 2007 Milan's handling capabilities. "On the highway, the Milan is large enough for a stable, supple ride but still small enough to be maneuverable around town," says the Orlando Sentinel. Edmunds adds, "Handling is a Milan strongpoint," and "the car consistently demonstrated willingness to corner and change directions at speed with enthusiasm."
All 2007 Mercury Milans come equipped with power rack-and-pinion steering that reviewers generally agree is great, although a bit heavy. "Most impressive is the steering. Feedback through the wheel is striking as is weight which is unusually heavy for the class," says Edmunds. MSN agrees, declaring, "The power steering is quick but heavy during low-speed maneuvers such as parking. However, it's appreciated for its secure feel at highway speeds." Auto Mall USA adds, "We found the steering to have a fairly hefty feel and effort at the wheel, but it was a bit too disconnected from the road surface for our taste." On this last note, Edmunds, along with some others, disagrees: "It's clear that dynamics and driver interaction were a priority in its design." Nevertheless, many concede that a bit of torque steer does exist. CNET notes, "For most driving situations, the Milan's front-drive behavior is predictable and pleasant enough. Push a little harder, however, and torque steer becomes a real issue."
Auto Mall USA asserts, "The ride, over the universally awful streets of Detroit, was quite good, with lots of compliance to soak up bumps, not too much body roll, and quiet, smooth operation." In fact, most auto writers seem pleased with the Milan's independent front and rear suspension. The Auto Channel says that it's "tuned for a very good balance between comfort and handling."
All trim-levels are outfitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). MSN boasts, "Smooth, linear brake pedal action allows consistently smooth stops." Auto Mall USA gives a similar assessment, reporting that "the brakes... were strong and direct, without a lot of wasted pedal travel before deceleration starts to happen, and low effort-to-stop ration."
While all trim-levels run on a front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration, both the V-6 Milan and Premier are available in an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) form. While most test drivers did not evaluate this available feature, Edmunds asserts that it makes "the Milan a budget-friendly alternative to SUV ownership for buyers who require winter-weather capability."
