4
0
Midsize car; Built in Mexico
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,800 – $21,000*


2006 Mercury Milan


2006 Mercury Milan


2006 Mercury Milan


2006 Mercury Milan

Pros:
  • Front-seat passenger room
  • Ride
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Acceleration (4-cylinder)
  • manual-transmission operation
  • Control layout
  • Maneuverability

Milan and Fusion both earn Recommended ratings, against the Accord and Camry. They match those perennial class leaders for roominess and road manners, if not engine refinement and cabin design. Milan has no real advantage over a comparably-equipped Ford Fusion, which is essentially the same under the skin, though Mercury gave its sedan richer-looking interior appointments. Both are capable midsize sedans that merit consideration.

Overview

Milan replaced the Sable as Mercury’s midsize sedan for 2006. Built on a front-wheel-drive platform like the Sable, the Milan shared its basic architecture with the Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr. All three were based on the Mazda 6 from Ford Motor Company’s Japanese affiliate, but were slightly larger.

Aimed at more youthful buyers, Milan was the most affordable car in Mercury’s lineup. Mercury also said it was the first car in this segment in a decade.

Milan was offered in base and uplevel Premier models, both available with either a 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 221-horsepower V6. The four-cylinder came with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. V6 versions used only a six-speed automatic.

Antilock four-wheel disc brakes were optional for the base Milan, standard for Premiers. Traction control was available on V6 versions. Base models had 16-inch wheels, versus 17-inch for Premiers. Standard equipment included a six-way power driver’s seat, CD player, remote keyless entry, and power heated mirrors.

Front torso and head-protecting curtain side airbags were optional, as was a sunroof. Premiers came with leather upholstery and offered a choice of metal or wood interior trim at no extra cost. Two-tone leather was available, too, as were heated front seats. Milan’s rivals included the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry.

Yearly Updates

2007 Milan
Front torso side airbags, curtain-type airbags and antilock braking became standard on all Milans, rather than optional. Premier sedans could now have all-wheel drive rather than front-wheel drive. A fold-down passenger seat became standard, and V6 models gained traction control.
2008 Milan
The Milan was little-changed for 2008, but newly available features included rear obstacle detection and Ford’s Sync voice-activated control for cell phones and MP3 players.
2009 Milan
An antiskid system was newly available on the Milan for 2009. Otherwise, this midsize sedan was largely unchanged.
2010 Milan
The 2010 Mercury Milan receives more power and freshened styling. A Hybrid version also made its debut. A 175-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine replaced a 160-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder and was standard on front-drive models. A 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 replaced a 221-horsepower 3.0 V6 that could run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Hybrids paired a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor for 191 horsepower total.
2011 Milan
The 2011 Mercury Milan was unchanged for its final model year.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

Two engines were initially available under Milan hoods: a 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 221-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. The four-cylinder came with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic; all V6 Milans used a six-speed automatic. For 2010, the Mercury Milan received more power. A Hybrid version also made its debut. A 175-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine replaced a 160-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder and was standard on front-drive models. A 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 replaced a 221-horsepower 3.0 V6 that could run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Hybrids paired a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor for 191 horsepower total.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.3/139
Engine HP 160
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 150
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		23/31
24/32
dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/153
Engine HP 175
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 172
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic 		22/31
23/34
dohc I4/electric
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.5/153
Engine HP 191
Engine Torque (lb-ft) NA
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
8-speed automatic

 41/36
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/182
Engine HP 221-240
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 205
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 21/29

 20.1

Road Test

In most respects, differences between Milan and its Ford Fusion cousin are minimal. In either model, acceleration varies with the engine. Expect good passing and merging power with the V6, but Milan lacks the around-town response of a six-cylinder Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Too frequently, it requires heavy throttle application in routine driving. The smooth, responsive six-speed automatic makes the most of available power, but a manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain. Even with manual shift, a four-cylinder model performs adequately at best. A test stick shift Ford Fusion took 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. Inordinately heavy clutch action and balky shift linkage make the manual gearbox unpleasant to operate, too.

Fuel economy isn’t bad. A test Premier V6 averaged 20.1 mpg. With manual shift, a four-cylinder Ford Fusion averaged 22.1 to 25 mpg. Test AWD models have averaged 18.0 to 21.7 mpg. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.

Ride comfort also satisfies. These cars feel compliant and controlled over sharp bumps and patchy pavement. The Milan Premier with its 17-inch tires feels generally composed and absorbent, but sharp bumps can jolt. Milan has a firmer ride than the Fusion or Zephyr, with less float on high-speed bumps. Little difference is noticeable between 16- and 17-inch tires.

In steering/handling, too, differences between Milan and Fusion are minor. Both are pleasant and competent, abetted by nicely weighted and responsive steering. Expect good balance in turns, with modest body lean and a solid, well-planted straightline feel. Test front-drive V6 sedans have suffered mild torque steer–unwanted pulling to the side–in low-speed acceleration. Close-quarters maneuverability is hurt by a wide turning circle, and to some testers, by steering effort that is too high. Stopping power is good, with progressive brake-pedal feel.

Both engines produce coarse full-throttle growl, but they’re better muted in normal, gentle cruising. Overall, the V6 is quieter. Little wind rush is evident at highway speeds. Tire thrum is heard over grooves and coarse pavement.

Gauges are easy to see and clearly marked, but audio and climate switchgear takes time to decipher. They rely on too many buttons. The same is true of look-alike steering-wheel audio/cruise controls. The low-mounted climate panel can force a long look away from the road. Although the available navigation system is easy to program, poor incorporation of audio controls complicates what should be simple adjustments. Milan is more obviously upscale than Fusion, with generous use of soft-touch surfaces, and choice of real metal or wood trim.

Milans provide ample leg and headspace for six-footers up front. Firm, supportive seats are a bit roomier than the class norm. High seating positions contribute to fine outward visibility. All models have a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, which is a driver-comfort plus. Adult-adequate rear headroom is accompanied by good toe space and fine support. Knee room is tight with front seats more than halfway back. The backseat is firm and nicely contoured. Rather long doors can be troublesome in tight spots, but they open wide to ease entry/exit.

Although the trunk is usefully cubic-shaped, it’s too shallow for larger items. In addition, the budget-grade felt-type liner looks and feels cheap–especially given Milan’s upscale aspirations. Lid supports are non-intrusive struts. Decent in-cabin storage is a plus.

Ratings

Model Tested: Mercury Milan Premier V6

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 5
50%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 57

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
107.4 191.4 72.2 57.2
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
15.8 17.5 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.7 37.8 42.3 37.0
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2006 Milan w/side airbags 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Blower motor
Description: The blower may occasionally only work on high speed due to a defective motor.(2006)
Cold-starting problems
Description: On some equipped with a MTX-75 transaxle clicking, popping or grinding noises may from the front end may be heard when cold, but may go away after driving requiring replacement of the axle shafts. (2006-07)
Engine noise
Description: Ticking noise from left side of 3.5L, V6 engine may be due to misalignment of one of the camshaft caps. (2006-07)
Seat
Description: A wire in the seat bolster may wear through the foam and seat cover. (2006)
Starter
Description: The 2.3L, 4-cylinder engine may occasionally fail to start accompanied by a flashing anti-theft system light due to radio interference caused by the anti-theft devices installed in some shopping carts. (2006-07)
Steering problems
Description: Power steering fluid may leak from the banjo bolt fittings at the pump and/or rack-and-pinion assembly for which stronger bolts (and sealing washers) are available. (2006)
Steering problems
Description: Power steering fluid may leak at the rack-and-pinion unit at the banjo bolt and an improved bolt is available. (2006-08)
Sunroof/moonroof
Description: The headliner gets wet due to a leak in the moon roof. (2006)
Transmission noise
Description: The transmission may whine when gently accelerating while at highway speed on cars with the 3.5L, V6 engine requiring installation of a damper on the shifter cable. (2006-07)
Vehicle noise
Description: Squeaks or creaking noises from the front end may be due to broken welds on the subframe assembly. (2006)
Vehicle shake
Description: Vibrations in the car caused by problem with the driveshaft for which an improved unit is available (2007)
Headlights
Description: It is possible to leave the headlight switch between two positions whereupon the headlights will stay on until the battery saver function kicks in after 10 minutes. (2006)
None
Description: The idle may remain too high (about 2,000 rpm) and/or may rev up when the clutch pedal is depressed on vehicles with the 2.3L, 4-cylinder engine requiring computer reprogramming. (2006-07)

Recall History

2010 Milan
Description: The recliner gear plate teeth may be out of dimension specification, which could result in limited pawl to gear plate tooth engagement. In the event of a crash, the seatback and head restraint may move rearward, increasing the risk of injury.
2010 Milan
Description: The park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly installed. A vehicle parked without an engaged park pawl and without an applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash.
2010-2011 Milan
Description: Wheel studs may fracture and cause a wheel to separate while vehicle is in motion.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 22, 2014.
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