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Mercury Milan - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Mercury Milan ranks 11 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 24 published reviews and test drives of the Mercury Milan, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

There is a 2010 Mercury Milan on dealer lots now, but the 2009 Mercury Milan is still a car worth considering for many midsize car shoppers.  It offers engaging handling, solid safety scores and a spacious, upscale cabin. Both of its available engines, however, are a bit underpowered compared to many competitors.

The Milan shares most of its parts with the Ford Fusion.  The two cars are so similar in equipment, style and price, that buyers interested in one might want to check local prices on the other as well.

The Milan, however, does carry a bit of an entry-level luxury reputation that the Fusion doesn't claim -- buyers looking for something with a bit of luxury cachet might find it in the Mercury for very little added expense.  Buyers looking at the car for its upscale feel might want to consider the similarly-priced but larger Hyundai Azera, or the stylish Volkswagen CC.

For 2009, Mercury has made Stability Control available on all Milans, addressing a major complaint we mentioned about this 2008 Milan. However, the Stability Control system remains an added-cost option at a time when most of the Milan's competition offers it as standard equipment. Satellite radio is now standard on all trims, and a "Voga" appearance enhancements package is now offered.

• "The 2009 Mercury Milan's rather unrefined power plants are neither powerful nor efficient relative to the competition, but this is otherwise a well-rounded family sedan, with distinctive styling to boot." - Edmunds
• "This midsize sedan has some substantive advantage over a comparably equipped Ford Fusion. Though both are quite capable midsize sedans, Milan has a longer list of standard equipment and richer-looking interior appointments. The added availability of all-wheel drive further enhances its credibility." -- Consumer Guide
• The Milan and its platform-mate, the Ford Fusion are "thoroughly modern four-doors, with roomy interiors, excellent crashworthiness ratings, and a better-than-average fun-to-drive index." -- Car and Driver
• "The Milan is a case where 'very good'...isn't good enough." -- Washington Post
• "From the benign outside appearance to the boilerplate interior design to the run-of-the-mill engine choices, the Milan is just pleasant rather than pleasing, predictable instead of impressive." -- CNET
• "Though competent and capable in nearly every area, and sensible overall, the Milan doesn't quite stand out from the pack. Except for some Mercury design cues and a bit more refinement, it's not much different from its Ford Fusion cousin." -- Cars.com

Milan Performance - 7.4 (Good)

The 2009 Mercury Milan is built on the chassis Mazda designed for its athletic Mazda6, and the kinship shows -- the Milan offers more exciting handling than many other family haulers. The Milan also has an All-Wheel Drive system that some imported rivals can't claim. However, several reviewers list the Milan's sluggish engines as weaknesses. Read More

Milan Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)

The 2009 Milan's angular, aggressive wedge shape would make it stand apart in a class of look-alike imports -- if it weren't the same body as its cousin, the Ford Fusion. Either way, Kelley Blue Book writes, "the four-door sedan has a clean, modestly-adorned overall appearance, brandishing gentle curves as well as body lines that could be called 'chiseled.'" Read More

Milan Interior - 7.7 (Good)

Where Mercury Models distinguish themselves from their Ford cousins is in passenger comfort and cabin technology.  The 2009 Milan's cockpit resembles that of an entry-level luxury car, but for a lower price. However, with midsize family cars getting increasingly larger, some complain of a lack of space in the Milan. Read More

Milan Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Mercury Milan earns strong scores in government safety tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the car, when equipped with optional electronic stability control, a "Top Safety Pick" for 2009. Read More

Milan Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 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). The 2009 Milan is protected by a limited warranty for three years, 36,000 miles. Read More