2006 Mercury Milan
MERCURY HAS THEIR “GROOVE ON”
Boomer: The manufacturers of Mercury wanted us to test drive their new 2006 Milan immediately, like yesterday. It’s been called the new hot car along with the Ford Fusion for the ’06 line of Fords.
X: I would say that Ford/Lincoln/Mercury needed a few new vehicles that were mid size in proportion, priced under $30,000 and able to get decent gas mileage.
Boomer: They also needed a hit with the twenty and thirty year olds. Mercury isn’t exactly thought of in the same category as a “zoom-zoom” Mazda.
X: The only Mercury I could think of was grandpa’s Grand Marquis, not exactly “zoom-zoom.” I remember thinking; I hope no one sees me in this kind of a driving Miss Daisy type car. I’ve never thought of putting Mercury and cool in the same sentence, despite your 60’s story about a Cougar or something.
Boomer: Melanie, you’re right, Mercury has struggled for the last few years with new products, but with the new Milan, the $23,500 price tag will attract your generation. Not just the price, but other noticeable features like appearance, comfort, safety, handling, performance and the ride itself.
X: I actually like the name, Milan, like the city in Italy. It is very sexy, very European sounding and sometimes the name makes a big difference in the perception of the product.
Boomer: Sure does, since its pronounced MY LAN like the city in Michigan. The city of Milan had a wonderful resident in 1935 named Henry Ford. I think the Ford Corporation wanted to be respectful to the automotive town, but fortunately someone in branding and marketing has us pronouncing it like the city in Italy
X: Thank goodness! That would be all Mercury needed. Do you know anything about the Ford Fusion, its sister? Maybe that was supposed to be pronounced PHEW SHON.
Boomer: Funny, that’s all I know, except that the Mercury Milan, and its twin the Fusion, is a front wheel drive car offered in both a four cylinder and V6 engine. The four cylinder engine is a 2.3 liter, 160 hp with a choice of five speed manual or automatic transmission. The 221 HP 3.0 liter V6 is matched to a six speed automatic. The car can move!
X: I liked it, but honestly I think they will need to advertise the heck out of it to totally convince a 20 or 30-something it’s a very cool car. Because I’ve had the privilege to test drive it, I can recommend it, but will X’s check it out at their dealers? I don’t even know where a Mercury dealer is.
Boomer: There is one right near the house and I do think they will advertise and do promotions to introduce the very nice, well appointed “middle-class” size car. The performance is good, and the fuel economy is about 20 mpg in town and 28 on the highway. I think Mercury is getting its groove on.
X: Mother, please don’t use phrases like “getting its groove on”, that doesn’t make you sound any younger. Try just reporting the news. Oh, and speaking about that, how is your journalism class?
Boomer: Good, I think I want to be a newspaper reporter when I grow up. I like interviewing and reporting the news or doing feature articles. I think I have a future in it.
X: When you grow up? I bet Time magazine would love a feature article where someone got their groove on. Please keep me posted on your grades.
Boomer: Hey Miss teacher, I’ll show you that I can write, despite the problems I have with this column.
X: At least the Milan has no problems with safety features. The Personal Safety System has dual deployment front airbags and load limiting safely belt retractors and pre-tensioners. Front and full length side curtain airbags are standard in Premier models as are anti-lock brakes and traction control.
Boomer: The Milan drove smooth and quiet on the road. That could be due to the fully independent suspension. It was more firm than the norm for an American style semi luxury sedan.
X: Speaking of firmer, I signed up for yoga yesterday and took a class this afternoon.
Boomer: You feel firmer already?
X: No! The wood floors were so “firm” I nearly killed myself when I slid during a
warriors pose (perfect name, I have injuries everywhere).Yoga is going to take some time to get used to, I’m not very flexible.
Boomer: Well the Milan is. One of the outstanding features is its six-speed automatic transmission, which allows a wider spread of gear ratios for both quicker acceleration and improved fuel economy. You can be at 60mph in just over 7.5 seconds flat. I tried it.
X: Great… The exterior has the mercury waterfall grille in satin chrome. They have designed the car to have a sort of European style with just enough chrome trim. The interior has some faux accessories that were tasteful in addition to the leather seats. The rear seats had plenty of head and leg room. All the Milan auto systems are MP3CD compatible with a 6 CD in dash changer that sounded great.
Boomer: How about the storage spaces? I liked the covered box atop the dash. It was spacious, convenient and there were plenty of cup holders so we didn’t fight over the center console ones as usual.
X: Overall, Mercury did a great job. The Milan, for the money, will be hard to beat I think their biggest challenge will be to get my age group behind the wheel. It will be a stretch.
Boomer: Probably easier than you doing yoga.
X: Nice… now don’t’ forget to show me your grades mother!
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