2008 Mercury Milan Review
Price Estimate: $986 - $1,497





+48
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy interior, athletic handling, smooth ride, available all-wheel drive, competitive price.
Cons
- Engines are down on power and refinement, stability control is not available, some mediocre interior plastics.
What’s new
For 2008, a keyless entry keypad is standard on the Mercury Milan, and there are a number of new options. Among these are a reverse parking sensor, the Mercury "Sync" multimedia system (which integrates devices such as cell phones and MP3 players into the vehicle's controls) and upgraded interior ambient lighting. The Sync system and the ambient lighting, however, will be introduced later in the model year.
Edmunds says
Although the 2008 Mercury Milan gives up some speed and refinement to the class leaders, it's worth considering if you desire a roomy and sporty midsize family sedan with styling that doesn't get lost in the crowd.
For sale near Oviedo, FL
27 listings
- $2,450good price$210 below market
- 199,000 miles
- 1 accident, 5 owners, personal use only
- 20 City / 29 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Steeco Motors (92 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Tampa, FL
Automatic transmission. Cold AC. Clean title. Clean body. Clean interior. No known issues. Runs and drives good. 80 vehicles in stock under $4000. 8**...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3MEHM08Z88R606926
Stock: 606926
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-04-2025 - $4,700fair price$438 above market
- 168,802 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 20 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- Dallva Motors (116 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Jacksonville, FL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3MEHM08Z88R652868
Stock: 652868
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-14-2025
Vehicle overview
In our land of plenty, an abundance of similar choices is a way of life. Buying something as mundane as bottled water can be beguiling and the decision may come down to which bottles have the most eye-catching design. In the automotive world, one can face the same quandary -- witness the 2008 Mercury Milan. A twin of the Ford Fusion midsize sedan, the Milan is a bit fancier inside and out. But is the actual content -- the water, you might say -- any different?
Not really. As expected, the Mercury Milan has the same strengths and weaknesses as its blue oval relative. Along with the Ford, it's based on a larger version of the Mazda 6 platform, so the Milan combines the 6's athleticism with more passenger room than its Japanese cousin. It also boasts the availability of all-wheel drive -- a major advantage for those who live in inclement parts of the country where negotiating slippery roads is a way of life.
Unfortunately, those people will have to live without stability control, as this key safety feature is not offered on the Milan. And although decent performers, neither the base four-cylinder nor the optional V6 can challenge the top rivals in terms of all-out acceleration and refinement.
Overall, we think the 2008 Mercury Milan has the looks, comfort and features to merit consideration from midsize family sedan shoppers. All-star sedans like the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry are still better choices -- but they also cost more. When compared to more similarly priced competitors like the Chevy Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Hyundai Sonata and Saturn Aura, the Milan ranks quite well. And that's something Mercury, despite its rebottled content, can be proud of.
Performance & mpg
The 2008 Mercury Milan's base 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine makes 160 horsepower and can meet Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) certification in California. It's paired to a standard five-speed manual transmission, and a five-speed automatic is optional. A 221-hp 3.0-liter V6 is optional on both the base and Premier trims. It comes with one transmission, a six-speed automatic. This transmission operates fine, but its shifter annoyingly limits drivers to just two forward-gear gates ("D" and "L"). Front-wheel drive is standard on all Milans, but V6 buyers can opt for all-wheel drive.
For a roomy midsize sedan, the Milan posts solid fuel economy numbers. A 2008 Milan with the four-cylinder and automatic rates 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the V6 version rates 18/26 mpg. The V6 with AWD earns one mpg less in each category.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags are standard on all Milans. V6 models also have traction control. One glaring omission is stability control, which isn't available on any Milan. A reverse parking sensor is optional.
In National Highway Transportation Safety Administration frontal-impact crash tests, the 2008 Mercury Milan earned four stars (out of five) for driver and front-passenger protection. In side-impact testing, the midsize sedan earned five stars for front-occupant protection and four stars for rear occupants. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset and side-impact tests, the Milan received "Good" ratings -- the highest possible.
Driving
With responsive steering, a composed suspension and a quiet ride, the 2008 Mercury Milan is one of the sportier and more luxurious vehicles in the midsize sedan segment. It demonstrates a willingness to corner and change directions at speed with enthusiasm. Ride quality is firm but acceptable, especially considering the above-average handling. Wind and road noise are well muted at freeway speeds, and the transmissions offer crisp gearchanges up or down.
The only real disappointment is under the hood, as neither engine offers much off-the-line grunt and both get a little noisy at higher rpm. More horsepower and an automatic transmission with manual-shift capability would certainly make the car even more attractive to driving enthusiasts, but thanks to its communicative steering and well-planted demeanor, it's still an enjoyable car to drive by family sedan standards.
Interior
Mercury's designers crafted the Milan's two-tone cabin to appeal to young professionals with an allegiance to Ikea-style furnishings. Satin metallic accents are standard, with faux mahogany wood-grain trim optional. Most controls are simple to use, though some have too many small buttons and the standard "brick" stereo faceplate with its tiny green readouts is seriously outdated. A standard analog clock mounted high in the center stack adds a touch of class.
Within the Milan is plenty of room for all passengers. A pair of adults will be content in the backseat and storage space is adequate. An unexpected measure of utility is provided by the Milan's 15.8-cubic-foot trunk, split-folding rear seat and fold-down front-passenger seat, which all allow bulky items to be transported inside the car.
This year's new feature, "Mercury Sync," allows the integration of personal devices into the Milan's center stack controls and display. With Sync, drivers and passengers can operate their cell phones, PDAs, USB storage devices, iPods or other MP3 players using voice commands. Furthermore, one's cell phone address book is also wirelessly and automatically transferred to the Sync as well.
2008 Mercury Milan models
The 2008 Mercury Milan midsize sedan is offered in two trim levels: base and Premier. The base Milan features 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio jack, cruise control, full power accessories, keyless entry, a six-way power driver seat and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat.
The Milan Premier adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, leather seating, an in-dash CD changer, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and heated side mirrors with approach lamps. Some of the Premier's features are optional on the base Milan.
Option highlights include a voice-activated navigation system, an upgraded audio system, satellite radio, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, heated front seats and wood-grain interior trim. Available later in the model year will be an interior ambient lighting scheme (that allows one to switch among seven colors for the footwells and console-mounted cupholders) and Mercury's Sync multimedia integration system.

2007-'12 Ford Flex Among Vehicles Recalled for Airbag Defect

Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis Recalled for Lighting Problem

2010-'11 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan Recalled for Fire Risk

Feds Probe 2003-'05 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis for Loss of Headlights
Compare 2008 Mercury Milan trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida
$153/mo for Milan Base
Milan Base
vs
$156/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Mercury Milan Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great car
5 out of 5 starsNancy, 11/16/2015
2008 Mercury Milan Premier 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
I have had this car for 5 yrs now. Loved it! Had a few problems but nothing major. I would definitely consider getting another one if I were able to find a newer version but I think they have discontinued this vehicle.
Surprised and Pleased
4.5 out of 5 starsMARC, 03/28/2009
2008 Mercury Milan Premier 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
I had all but written off Big three products. I was coming off my MDX lease and was looking for a more gas mileage friendly vehicle. I was also looking to spend a bit less. The Milan just had the best look, quietest ride, fun toys(SYNC and CD changer) for the money. My prior departure from consumer reports recommendations (with ford) have ended badly. To my surprise CR gave the Milan … a full red circle(highest rating) for reliability and Camry was only given an average rating. The unfortunate rapid depreciation put a quasi luxury vehicle under 2 years of factory warranty into the range of affordability. 28 MPG 60% highway/country roads. Comp Camry had 80k miles, to a Milan with 16K
Avoid Milan & Fusion with 5-speed Automatic Transmission
3.13 out of 5 starscesareoc, 03/24/2014
2008 Mercury Milan Premier 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
This car looks great, drive decently, but it has a major problem: the Mazda built 5 speed automatic transmissions. This transmission seems to have a shorter life span than most modern transmission. Mine started to go at around 80k and completely shut down at 95k. It is a seal system that cannot be serviced, and it is expensive to rebuild. Even the used ones cost twice as much as any … other used transmission. This along should be a good reason to avoid Milan and Fusion models with this part, and perhaps all Milan and Fusion.
Near Luxury at Corolla Prices
3.88 out of 5 starsbenkaf, 05/25/2011
2008 Mercury Milan Premier 4dr Sedan (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
I bought a 2008 Mercury Milan Premier 4 cylinder with Automatic with 23K last year.
I put 27K on it in one year, the most I've ever driven.
I've previously owned Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Saab, Volvo and never thought I'd buy a Ford product.
But I can honestly say that I am pleasantly surprised.
I have had no problems other than a squeaky a/c fan (which went away).
The car is well designed … inside and out and pleasant to drive, if not refined.
It's also economical.
I have been able to get about 27/33 MPG out of my Milan.
2008 Milan Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,095 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $153/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.8 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Milan include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
Related Used 2008 Mercury Milan info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- BMW 4 Series 2021 Review
- Rolls Royce Wraith 2020 Review
- BMW Alpina B7 2021 Review
- GMC Terrain 2021 Review
- Polestar 2 2021 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Automatic Honda Fit
- BMW Electric Car I3
- Lexus NX 300H Awd
- Used Acura ILX 2017
- Used Acura ILX 2018
- Used Acura ILX 2020 For Sale
- Used Acura ILX 2023
- Used Acura Integra 2014
- Used Acura Integra 2015
- Used Acura Integra 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- New Lexus ES
- Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe 2025
- GMC Sierra 3500HD 2024
- New Audi S8
- Ioniq
- New BMW 5 Series
- BMW 2 Series 2025
- New Land Rover Range Rover Velar
- New Aston Martin Vantage
- 2024 LC
Other models
- Used Genesis GV60 in Boulder, CO 2025
- Used Audi S6 in North Brunswick, NJ 2025
- New Dodge Charger for Sale in Queensbury, NY
- Used Pontiac Firebird in Centereach, NY 2002
- New Lexus Ux for Sale in Ocean Springs, MS
- New Infiniti QX55 for Sale in Mason City, IA
- New Toyota Prius-Prime for Sale in Winona, MN
- New Kia Niro-Ev for Sale in Union City, NJ
- Used Hyundai Sonata in Newport, KY 2025
- Used Ford E-Series-Van in Coram, NY 2014