#11

in Affordable Midsize Cars

Based on analysis of 29 Milan reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $21,535 - $28,155
Invoice: $19,866 - $25,825
MPG: 22 City / 31 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.6
Performance:7.7
Exterior:8.3
Interior:7.7
Safety:9.9
Reliability:9.0
Pros and Cons
  • Stylish attractive cabin design
  • Class-leading cabin electronics
  • Crisp handling

Prices

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Mercury Milan - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Mercury Milan ranks 11 out of 21 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Mercury Milan, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Mercury Milan is an attractive and well-balanced family car.  Fun to drive for a front-wheel-drive, midpriced, midsize sedan, it offers an upscale cabin and an impressive suite of cabin technologies.  Reviewers aren’t sure, however, if it’s worth more than its Ford Fusion cousin.

The Mercury Milan isn’t strictly all-new for 2010, but if you were to park it next to the 2009 version it replaces, you’d think it had been redesigned from the wheels up.  It features new exterior and interior styling, and a pair of available engines that are both more powerful than those available last year.  It isn’t entirely new, however – it rides on the same platform as the old car -- so Ford calls this a refresh.

Whatever you call it, the automotive press is impressed with the changes.  The Milan has always been a somewhat forgettable car, but the new edition is so well-rounded that it should find its way onto the must-test-drive list of many midsize car shoppers. 

The Milan hovers in the space between more affordable family sedans like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and entry-level luxury cars like the Acura TL and Lexus ES.  Its front-wheel-drive architecture means it isn’t truly sporty, but it handles with a crisp nature many of its competitors lack, making it fun to drive.  Its interior is upscale, with a smart, two-tone design theme that feels more expensive than it is.  It’s also one of only a handful of affordable midsize cars available with all-wheel-drive.

The Milan has one problem, however: the Ford Fusion.  The two cars are virtually identical.  They’re built on the same chassis, feature the same engines and transmissions, and even share many interior parts.  The Milan can almost be considered an upscale trim level Fusion.  The least-expensive Milan, in fact, carries much of the same equipment as the top-of-the-line Fusion SEL.  The two are separated only by the Milan’s more conservative exterior styling and standard two-tone leather interior. 

The two are so close that shoppers interested in a Milan might want to see what sort of deal they can negotiate on a well-equipped Fusion, and vice-versa -- fluctuating monthly incentives might make one temporarily more affordable than the other.   If not, the only tiebreaker between the two might be the styling – with the Fusion appearing a bit bolder, the Milan a bit understated.

The 2010 Milan is offered in base or Premium trim, and each trim level is available with either an I4 or V6 engine.  The Premium model adds an upgraded stereo, blindspot warning system and navigation system, but virtually all of the Premium’s equipment is available A La Carte on base editions.

  • "The market is overflowing with competent family sedans, but the Milan's well-rounded nature helps set it apart. Aside from its Fusion sibling, no competitor offers the excellent Sync multimedia integration system, and few boast available all-wheel drive. Only the Nissan Altima handles markedly better, and the Milan's ride is more compliant" -- Edmunds
  • “Refined powertrain, excellent gas mileage, fun to drive, clever man-machine interface.” -- Car and Driver
  • “Choosing a Milan over a Fusion really is a matter of aesthetic taste: either you like the Fusion's styling or you don't. If you don't, maybe the Mercury is more appealing.” -- JD Power
  • "Underneath its unique styling, the Milan is virtually identical to its Blue Oval sibling." -- Cars.com

Milan Performance - 7.7 (Good)

The 2010 Mercury Milan offers more responsive handling than most affordable midsize sedans, with a firm suspension and speed-sensitive power steering that many reviewers praise.  But the Milan gives up some power when compared to many rivals – particularly when equipped with the available V6.   Read More

Milan Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)

For 2010, Mercury has significantly updated the Milan’s look.  A larger, more prominent waterfall grille highlights the car's face. The grille is done in a satin metal that is more subdued than the chrome look its Fusion sibling wears up front. Some reviewers say the Milan’s appearance is softer, and perhaps more sophisticated, than the Ford. Read More

Milan Interior - 7.7 (Good)

Auto writers are impressed with the passenger cabin of the 2010 Mercury Milan.  Its two-color leather seats (standard on all but the least expensive model) are more supportive than what some similarly-priced rivals have to offer.  Reviewers say the unique SYNC system, which allows drivers to control climate and entertainment functions through voice commands, and provides turn-by-turn directions and travel assistance though any Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, is a highlight.  Nearly everything aspect of the Milan’s interior, however, is available on the Ford Fusion as well. Read More

Milan Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Milan has been designated a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  The Milan earned the highest possible score in each of the Institute’s crash tests, and carries standard electronic stability control.  The Milan also performed well in federal government crash tests. Read More

Milan Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Mercury Milan reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mercury protects Milan buyers with a three-year/36,000-mile warranty on all of its cars.  Roadside assistance is provided for the first five years or 60,000 miles. Read More

Review Last Updated: 11/11/09