TheCarConnection.com's editors researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Mercury Milan to write this definitive review. TheCarConnection.com's resident experts also drove the Mercury Milan to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, to add more impressions and details, and to provide you with the best information.
Likes:
-Sharp handling
-Looks clean and modern
-All-wheel drive is an option
-Cutting-edge SYNC entertainment system
Dislikes:
-No manual V-6 option
-Fuel economy lags behind class leaders
-No stability control at all
There's plenty to like about the 2008 Mercury Milan. It shares its mid-size platform with the Mazda6 and the Ford Fusion, but it's a very different-looking machine. It also gets a distinct interior and a slightly narrower range of transmission choices.
The 2008 Mercury Milan comes with front- or all-wheel drive, four- or six-cylinder engines, and manual or automatic gearboxes. There's choice of either a 160-horsepower, 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 221-hp, 3.0-liter V-6; the inline-four can be mated to a standard five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 comes with a standard six-speed automatic. There's no manual transmission option with the V-6, which cuts into its enthusiast appeal, but the other engines are reasonably sporty. The automatic transmission doesn't allow manual shifting other than "drive" and "L." Fuel economy is 20/29 mpg on four-cylinder Milans with manual transmissions; it's 17/25 mpg with automatic and all-wheel drive. That puts the Milan behind the pack of mid-size sedans, even those with larger interiors.
The Mercury Milan still is one of the better-handling family sedans on the market and one of the better-looking ones from Ford. It's a handsome sedan, with a tasteful waterfall grille in front. And like the Ford Fusion and Mazda6, the 2008 Mercury Milan offers an sizable interior with ample legroom and expansive cargo space. There's adult-sized space in the backseat, and the chairs themselves are comfortable. The trunk is large enough for most needs. The interior isn't quite as rich-looking as that in a Honda Accord or a Chevrolet Malibu, but it's good.
Riding on a four-wheel independent suspension, with four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution, the front-drive Milan is intended to be reasonably sporty without sacrificing the ride. Handling is a prime reason to buy the Mercury Milan; it's a more engaging drive than the Toyota Camry, with crisp steering and good ride quality.
Anti-lock brakes, as well as side and curtain airbags, are standard on every trim level, but stability control isn't available at all. The 2008 Mercury Milan gets a five-star rating for front and driver-side crash protection, along with four stars for passenger side-impact safety.
New features include an optional keyless entry keypad, a reverse-sensing system, ambient lighting, and a voice-activated navigation system with the Ford SYNC entertainment and communications controller. Sirius Satellite Radio is also available.
The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Mercury Milan has good looks and great handling, but there are roomier, more fuel-efficient sedans for families.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Mercury Milan, also consider:
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Altima
Reason why
The Nissan Altima comes with a manual transmission option in four-cylinder versions, great handling, and a little more room than the Ford. Car shoppers want style, and the new Honda Accord has newly sharpened handling and a snappy shape, while the Toyota Camry is the more conservative choice in this class.
Buying Tip:
The 2008 Mercury Milan gets a Hybrid version for the 2009 model year if fuel economy is your top concern. Ford also sells the Fusion sedan, a clone of the Milan. The Mercury is a slower seller, so you may get a better deal on it from your salesperson.
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