Designed to compete with the Toyota Camry and other midsize family sedans, the Milan is smaller than the Mercury Sable (the car formerly known as Montego).

Milan seats four comfortably. The cabin is inviting, with nice interior materials and better than average detailing. We liked the contrast stitching in the seats. Also, it's an easy car to use. Fold-down rear seats add an extra measure of space and utility. New for 2007, the front passenger seat folds down, adding more utility and functionality.

Four-cylinder and V6 engines are available. The V6 gets an EPA-rated 28 mpg on the highway and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, a rarity in this class, which gives both better acceleration and better fuel economy than a five-speed automatic.

For 2007, Mercury has added two all-wheel-drive models to the lineup: Milan V6 AWD and Milan Premier V6 AWD. All-wheel drive stabilizes handling, improves traction, and adds confidence in foul weather by sending power from the transmission to all four wheels, instead of just the front or rear wheels.