2007 Mercury Milan Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2007 Mercury Milan Review:
5.
6.
Mercury Milan Full Review
7.
8.
2007 Mercury Milan Review
Standard side airbags and available all-wheel drive mark 2007 for Mercury's midsize sedan. Milan shares its basic architecture with the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. It offers base and uplevel Premier models, both available with a 160-hp 4-cyl engine or a 221-hp V6. The 4-cyl comes with a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. V6 versions use a 6-speed automatic. All Milans are front-wheel drive; AWD is available on V6 models. ABS is standard. Traction control is standard on V6 versions. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are now standard; they had been optional. A sunroof is optional. Premiers come with leather upholstery, offer a choice of metal or wood interior trim at no extra cost, and are available with heated front seats. Milan's performance and accommodations mirror those of similarly equipped Fusions.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
Milan should follow Fusion in offering a new-design 3.5-liter V6 for 2008. The engine is already standard for the related Lincoln MKZ sedan. No word yet on whether the 3.0-liter V6 will continue. A hybrid power option is also slated for the '08 Milan and Fusion. It's expected to emulate the powertrain of the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUVs. All three sedans reportedly get a cosmetic freshening for 2009, assuming current plans hold.
2007 Mercury Milan Road Test
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Pros
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Cons
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Steering/handling |
Acceleration (4-cyl) |
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Front seat comfort |
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Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5.9 |
No opportunity to test with 4-cyl engine. Good passing and merging power with V6, even with additional weight of AWD. But Milan lacks the around-town response of 6-cyl Honda Accord or Toyota Camry; it too frequently requires heavy-throttle application in routine driving. Smooth, responsive 6-speed automatic makes most of available power, but a manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain.
Fuel Economy
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5.1 |
Test Premier V6 averaged 20.1 mpg. Test AWD Premier averaged 18.1 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel. Note that AWD models have a 16.5-gallon fuel capacity; other Milans hold 17.5 gallons.
Ride Quality
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 6 |
7 |
6.1 |
No opportunity to test base model, which has 16-inch tires. Premier has 17s that are optional on base. Those models feel generally composed, absorbent, but sharp bumps can jolt. Milan has firmer ride than Fusion and MKZ, less float on high-speed bumps. Heavier AWD models most composed on any surface.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 6 |
7 |
6.2 |
Good balance in turns, with modest body lean. Test car suffered some torque steer--unwanted pulling to the side in low-speed acceleration. Close-quarters maneuverability hurt by wide turning circle. AWD traction a boon on slick roads. Good brake-pedal feel, stopping control.
Quietness
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6.2 |
Generally hushed. V6 produces coarse full-throttle growl, better muted in normal cruising. Some wind rush at highway speed. Tire thrum heard over grooves and coarse pavement.
Controls
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
6.7 |
Gauges easy to see, clearly marked. Audio, climate switchgear takes time to decipher. Likewise look-alike steering-wheel audio/cruise controls. Low-mounted climate panel can force long look from road. Generous use of soft-touch surfaces, choice of real metal or wood trim, are upscale cues at this price level.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
6.8 |
Ample leg and head space for 6-footers. High seating position contributes to fine outward visibility. All models include tilt/telescope steering wheel, a driver-comfort plus. Firm, supportive seats a bit roomier than class norm.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
5.1 |
Adult-adequate head room, good toe space. Knee room tight with front seats more than halfway back. Seat firm, nicely contoured.
Cargo Room
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 5 |
5 |
4.8 |
Trunk usefully shaped, but too shallow for larger items, and budget-grade felt-type liner looks and feels cheap. Lid supports are nonintrusive struts. Decent in-cabin storage.
Value within Class
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 8 |
8 |
6.3 |
Milan has no substantive advantage over a comparably equipped Ford Fusion, which is the same car under the skin. Both are quite capable midsize sedans. The added availability of all-wheel drive further enhances their Recommended status. Note that the Mercury has a longer list of standard equipment and richer-looking interior appointments.
Total Score
| Premier V6 |
AWD Premier |
Class Average |
| 60 |
62 |
59.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score |
|
47 |
| Average Score |
|
59 |
| High Score |
|
69 |
2007 Mercury Milan Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/18/2007
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| Base 4-cylinder 4-door sedan |
$18,790 |
$17,396 |
$700 |
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| Base V6 4-door sedan |
$21,820 |
$20,123 |
$700 |
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| AWD Base V6 4-door sedan |
$23,670 |
$21,788 |
$700 |
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| Premier 4-cylinder 4-door sedan |
$20,790 |
$19,196 |
$700 |
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| Premier V6 4-door sedan |
$23,375 |
$21,522 |
$700 |
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| AWD Premier V6 4-door sedan |
$25,225 |
$23,188 |
$700 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs
click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder or 3.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission (4-cylinder), 6-speed automatic transmission (V6), traction control (V6).
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, analog clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 205/60R16 tires, wheel covers (4-cylinder), alloy wheels (V6), AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Premier adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Appearance Pkg.
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Base 4-cylinder
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$695
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$605
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Alcantara interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels. NA w/wood interior trim.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed automatic transmission
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4-cylinder
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$850
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$740
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base, Premier
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$1,895
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$1,649
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4-cylinder requires 5-speed automatic transmission. Base requires optional radio.
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Power sunroof
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Base, Premier
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$795
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$692
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Heated front seats
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Premier
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$295
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$257
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Base
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$115
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$100
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Premium AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Base
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$535
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$465
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Premier
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$420
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$366
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Includes upgraded sound system.
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Satellite radio
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Base, Premier
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$195
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$170
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Wood interior trim
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Premier
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$0
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$0
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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Base, Premier
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$295
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$257
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Alloy wheels
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Base 4-cylinder
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$395
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$344
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2007 Mercury Milan Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification |
Mercury Milan 4-door sedan |
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| Wheelbase, in. |
107.4 |
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| Overall Length, in. |
191.4 |
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| Overall Width, in. |
72.2 |
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| Overall Height, in. |
57.2 |
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| Curb Weight, lbs. |
3117 |
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| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. |
15.8 |
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| Standard Payload, lbs. |
-- |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals. |
17.5 |
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| Seating Capacity |
5 |
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| Front Head Room, in. |
38.7 |
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| Max. Front Leg Room, in. |
42.3 |
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| Rear Head Room, in. |
37.8 |
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| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. |
37.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
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dohc I4 |
dohc V6 |
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| Size, liters/cu. in. |
2.3 /139 |
3.0 /182 |
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| Horsepower @ rpm. |
160 @ 6250 |
221 @ 6250 |
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| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. |
150 @ 4250 |
205 @ 4800 |
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| Availability |
Standard |
Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual |
23/31 |
--/-- |
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| 5-speed automatic |
24/32 |
--/-- |
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| 6-speed automatic |
--/-- |
21/29 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test |
Mercury Milan 4-door sedan |
|
|
| Front Impact, Driver |
4 |
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| Front Impact, Passenger |
4 |
|
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| Rollover Resistance |
4 |
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| Side Impact, Driver |
5 |
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| Side Impact, Rear Passenger |
4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class |
Years/Miles |
Comments |
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| Powertrain |
5/60,000 |
-- |
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| Bumper-to-bumper |
3/36,000 |
-- |
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| Corrosion |
5/unlimited |
-- |
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| Free roadside assistance |
5/60,000 |
-- |
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| Free scheduled maintenance |
None/-- |
-- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2007 Mercury Milan Review:
5.
6.
Mercury Milan Full Review
7.
8.