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2009 Mercury Milan Full Review
Date Published: 9/16/08
2009 Mercury Milan Review
The 2009 Mercury Milan now offers an antiskid system as an optional safety feature. Otherwise, this midsize sedan is largely unchanged. Milan shares its basic design with the Ford Fusion and premium midsize Lincoln MKZ. Milan offers base and uplevel Premier models, both available with a 160-hp 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 221-hp 3.0-liter V6. The 4-cylinder is available with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. V6 versions use a 6-speed automatic. All Milans are front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is available on V6 models. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, new-for-2009 antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Rear obstacle detection and a navigation system are optional. Also available is Ford's Sync voice-activated control for cell phones and MP3 players.
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2009 Mercury Milan Road Test
Pros Cons
Steering/handling Acceleration (4-cyl)
Front seat comfort
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
5 5 5.4

Only V6 Milans have been made available for us to test so far. They have good passing and merging power, even with the additional weight of AWD. Milan lacks the around-town response of a V6 Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, or Toyota Camry; it too frequently requires a heavy throttle application in routine driving. The smooth, responsive 6-speed automatic makes the most of the available power. A manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain.
Fuel Economy

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
5 5 5.7

In Consumer Guide testing, a Premier V6 averaged 20.1 mpg. An AWD Premier averaged 18.1 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
6 7 6

No opportunity to test a base model, which has 16-inch tires. Premiers have 17s that are optional on the base. Those models feel generally composed and absorbent, but sharp bumps can jolt. Milan has a firmer ride than Fusion and MKZ with less float on high speed bumps. Heavier AWD models are the most composed on any surface.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
6 7 5.9

Good balance in turns with modest body lean. Some test cars suffered from torque steer. Close-quarters maneuverability is hurt by a wide turning circle. AWD traction is a boon on slick roads. Stopping control and brake pedal feel are good. Kudos to Mercury for finally offering an antiskid system on Milan, though it should be standard, rather than optional.
Quietness

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
6 6 5.9

Generally hushed. The V6 produces a coarse full-throttle growl but is better muted in normal cruising. Some wind rush is noticeable at highway speed. Tire thrum is heard over grooves and on coarse pavement.
Controls

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
5 5 6.3

The gauges are easy to see and are clearly marked. Audio and climate switchgear take time to decipher. Ditto the look-alike steering-wheel audio and cruise controls. The low-mounted climate panel can force a long look from the road.
Details

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
7 7 5.5

Milans have a more upscale look when compared to Fusion and even the premium-midsize Lincoln MKZ. Generous use of soft-touch surfaces and a choice of real metal or wood trim look particularly high-class, especially for the price.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
7 7 6.6

Ample legroom and headroom for six-footers. The high seating position contributes to fine outward visibility. All models include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Firm, supportive seats are a bit roomier than the class norm.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
5 5 5.1

Adult-adequate headroom with good foot space. Knee clearance is tight with the front seats set far back. The cushion is firm and nicely contoured.
Cargo Room

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
4 4 4.1

The trunk is usefully shaped but is too shallow for larger items. The budget-grade felt-type liner looks and feels cheap. Cabin storage is good.
Value within Class

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
8 8 6.4

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.
Total Score

Premier V6 AWD Premier Class Average
64 66 62.9
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
48
Average Score
62
High Score
74
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2009 Mercury Milan Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/31/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 4-cylinder 4-door sedan $19,885 $18,327 $725
Base V6 4-door sedan $22,560 $20,734 $725
AWD Base V6 4-door sedan $24,410 $22,399 $725
Premier 4-cylinder 4-door sedan $22,975 $21,107 $725
Premier V6 4-door sedan $24,435 $22,421 $725
AWD Premier V6 4-door sedan $26,285 $24,087 $725
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, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, 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:
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission (4-cylinder).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, iPod adapter, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/50R17 tires, fog lights, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Appearance Pkg.
Base 4-cylinder
$895
$779
Base V6
$745
$648
Alcantara interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, unique interior trim, fog lights, rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels. NA AWD. NA w/Auto Pkg., wood interior trim.
Auto Pkg.
Base 4-cylinder
$1,270
$1,105
5-speed automatic transmission, alloy wheels.
Sun and Sync Pkg.
Base
$1,340
$1,166
Power sunroof, wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, iPod adapter, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Moon and Tune Elite Pkg.
Premier
$1,220
$1,062
Power sunroof, upgraded sound system.
VOGA Pkg.
Premier
$995
$866
Unique interior and exterior trim, chrome alloy wheels.
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
Base 4-cylinder
$875
$761
Requires Appearance Pkg.
Safety
Antiskid system
Base, Premier
$495
$431
Rear-obstacle-detection system
Base, Premier
$295
$257
Base 4-cylinder requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Premier
$1,895
$1,649
Heated front seats
Premier
$295
$257
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Base
$195
$170
Premium AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Premier
$425
$370
Includes upgraded sound system.
Sync
Base, Premier
$395
$344
Wireless cell phone link, voice recognition, iPod adapter. Base requires automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Base
$150
$131
Requires Sync.
Wood interior trim
Base, Premier
$0
$0
Remote engine start
Base, Premier
$345
$300
Base 4-cylinder requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
Rubber floormats
Base, Premier
$75
$65
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
Base, Premier
$295
$257
Special paint
Base, Premier
$495
$431
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2009 Mercury Milan Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mercury Milan 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 107.4
Overall Length, in. 191.4
Overall Width, in. 72.2
Overall Height, in. 57.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 3154
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.8
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 17.5
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.3
Rear Head Room, in. 37.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.3 /139 3.0 /182
Horsepower @ rpm. 160 @ 6250 221 @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 150 @ 4250 205 @ 4800
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 20/29 --/--
5-speed automatic 20/28 --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- 18/26
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.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Mercury Milan 4-door sedan
4WD Rollover 5
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 5
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
Powertrain 5/60,000 8-years/100,000-miles on hybrid components.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 5/60,000 --
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
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