2009 Mercury Milan Bottom Line

By  Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

The Mercury Milan enters the 2009 model year with some important changes that broaden its aesthetic appeal as well as its safety and efficiency. While mechanically identical to the Ford Fusion, it sports a cleaner exterior and a new-for-2009 Voga Series that takes it one step up from its more mundane cousin.

The 2009 Mercury Milan comes in many flavors and can be equipped to meet just about anyone’s needs. It is available with front- or all-wheel drive, four- or six-cylinder engines, and manual or automatic gearboxes, although they aren’t all interchangeable. If you want all-wheel drive, you’ll have to pony up to the V-6 engine, and if you like to shift your own gears, the only combination available is the four-cylinder front-wheel-drive model.

The 2.3-liter, four-cylinder base engine delivers 160 horsepower, and the 3.0-liter V-6 cranks out 221 hp. The base engine can be matched with a standard five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 comes with a standard six-speed automatic. The automatic transmission doesn't allow manual shifting other than "drive" and "L." Fuel economy is 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway on four-cylinder Milans with manual transmissions, ranging down to 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. That leaves the Milan pulling up the rear on the mpg competition, even compared to some larger sedans. However, the new-for-2009 Hybrid version posts class-leading fuel economy and is covered under a separate review.

Like the Ford Fusion, the 2009 Mercury Milan offers a sizable interior with ample legroom and expansive cargo space. There's adult-sized space in the backseat, and the seats themselves are comfortable. The trunk is large enough for most needs. The interior isn't quite as rich-looking as that of a Honda Accord or a Chevrolet Malibu, but it's good.

The Mercury Milan still is one of the better-handling family sedans on the market.  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 versus its competitors, such as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord; it's a more engaging drive, with crisp steering and good ride quality.

Anti-lock brakes, as well as side and curtain airbags, are standard on every trim level, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control joins the option list for 2009 on all trims. The 2009 Mercury Milan gets a five-star rating for front and driver-side crash protection, along with four stars for passenger side-impact safety.

Mercury continues into 2009 as a good-looking alternative to boring mid-size sedans. The optional Voga Series takes it to the next level; available only on the Premier models, it features unique interior carbon fiber trim, cashmere-colored leather seats and door inserts, as well as unique Voga badging on the interior and exterior. Ambient lighting is now available, and Sirius Satellite Radio is standard on Premier Series trims.