Henry Curtis Ford

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Driving Impressions

Our Milan Premier was a vigorous performer despite using the 2.5-liter Duratec four-cylinder instead of the more powerful 3.0-liter V6. In times past, the four-cylinder engine might have been chosen only because it was cheaper, obliging buyers to accept weak performance as an unhappy financial trade-off.

In the Milan, however, this smaller, 2.5-liter engine is a win/win. It costs less initially, provides entirely adequate performance, and delivers a stellar EPA-rated 31 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in town. Unless you're Parnelli Jones, there is no downside.

Throttle response from the 2.5-liter engine was immediate, linear and smooth, and its ample 172 foot-pounds of torque ensured good acceleration from any low speed. Engine noise was audible, though not unpleasantly so, during acceleration. At highway cruising speeds, however, engine noise, wind noise and outside racket were negligible. This is a very quiet sedan.

The Milan's handling suggests anything but a bargain-priced midsize sedan. Its electrical variable-assist power steering is crisp and just weighty enough to deliver good feedback. Cornered vigorously, the chassis is well damped, without being in the least harsh or stiff. In fact, driven hard, the Milan is more agile, with less body roll, than either the latest Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. First rate.

All Milan transmissions are six-speeds, whether manual (in the base model) or automatic. Our automatic shifted deftly, almost undetectably. However, when low range was selected manually or the transmission was asked to kick down for acceleration, it proved slow and disappointingly balky in doing so. Overall, we rate the automatic highly and think it is an excellent choice for either engine.

The ABS four-wheel disc brakes did their job unobtrusively and effectively. The pedal was easily modulated to adjust braking force, and when asked, it provided powerful stopping. In addition, the brake system does double duty, serving as the operative force in the car's on-demand electronic stability control and traction control.

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