Vehicle Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size Sedan
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 2008:
        
        
            Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chrysler Sebring
        
     
    
    
        
            Platform Sharing:
        
        
            Shared platform with Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, contributing to a competent chassis and driving dynamics.
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Offered a more upscale and distinct alternative to the Ford Fusion, often featuring bolder styling cues and interior appointments.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Service Repair:
        
        
            Covered
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Service Repair:
        
        
            Covered
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Covered
        
     
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
        
            HVAC System:
        
        
            Heater/Air Conditioner Covered
        
     
    
        
            Engine Control System:
        
        
            Covered
        
     
    
    
        
            Restraint System:
        
        
            Covered
        
     
    
    
        
            Differential Drive:
        
        
            Covered
        
     
    
    
        
            General Maintenance:
        
        
            Covered
        
     
    
    
        
            Periodic Lubrication:
        
        
            Covered
        
     
    
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Step-by-step instructions based on complete disassembly
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Procedures:
        
        
            Troubleshooting and electrical service procedures combined with detailed wiring diagrams
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance Procedures:
        
        
            Covered
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Of Information:
        
        
            Complete official full factory service repair manual with hundreds of photos and illustrations
        
     
    
        
            Audience Suitability:
        
        
            Do-it-yourselfer as well as experienced mechanic
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Option 1 Displacement:
        
        
            2.3L I4
        
     
    
        
            Engine Option 1 Horsepower:
        
        
            Approx. 160 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine Option 1 Torque:
        
        
            Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine Option 2 Displacement:
        
        
            3.0L V6 (Duratec 30)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Option 2 Horsepower:
        
        
            Approx. 221 hp @ 6300 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine Option 2 Torque:
        
        
            Approx. 205 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Code 2 3L I4:
        
        
            GZ (likely)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code 3 0L V6:
        
        
            3.0L V6 (Duratec 30)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Option 1 Type:
        
        
            5-Speed Manual (primarily with 2.3L I4)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Option 2 Type:
        
        
            6-Speed Automatic (likely with both engines, standard on V6)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission Features:
        
        
            May include SelectShift™ capability for manual gear selection.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Driver Rating:
        
        
            Good (for 2006-2007 models, likely similar for 2008)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Passenger Rating:
        
        
            Good (for 2006-2007 models, likely similar for 2008)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
        
        
            Good (for 2006-2007 models, likely similar for 2008)
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available/Standard on higher trims
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Available/Standard on higher trims (AdvanceTrac®)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available side-curtain airbags.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System Options:
        
        
            Available SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CD player, MP3 capability, and premium audio system options (e.g., Audiophile).
        
     
    
        
            Navigation System:
        
        
            Optional DVD-based navigation system available on some trims.
        
     
    
    
    
    
        
            Bluetooth Handsfree:
        
        
            Available via Ford's SYNC system on some models.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on oil type and driving conditions (consult manual for specifics).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Recommended every 30,000 to 45,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or annually.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific intervals, often around 60,000 to 100,000 miles for automatic transmissions under normal use.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Specification 2 3L:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20 (API certified)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Specification 3 0L V6:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20 (API certified)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Orange) or equivalent specification.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
        
        
            MERCON® V or MERCON® LV automatic transmission fluid.
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Issue Powertrain Control Module:
        
        
            Intermittent stalling or rough idle can sometimes be related to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or its sensors.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Evap System:
        
        
            Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system leaks, often due to a faulty vent solenoid or purge valve, can trigger check engine lights.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Suspension Components:
        
        
            Wear in suspension components like ball joints and tie rod ends can lead to steering looseness or noise.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue Door Latches:
        
        
            Some owners have reported issues with door latch mechanisms, leading to difficulty opening or closing doors.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Mercury Brand Context:
        
        
            Mercury was Ford Motor Company's mid-level brand, positioned between Ford and Lincoln, offering distinctive styling and features.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation Launch:
        
        
            The Mercury Milan was introduced for the 2006 model year as part of Ford's strategy to revitalize the Mercury brand.
        
     
    
        
            2008 Updates:
        
        
            Minor updates may have included revised interior trim, new wheel options, and potentially slight feature packaging adjustments compared to earlier models.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (alongside the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ)
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            2006-2009