Acceleration
"No opportunity to test Fusion or Milan with 4-cyl engine. Their V6 furnishes good passing and merging power, but too-frequently requires large throttle inputs for best performance and lacks the around-town response of a V6 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Ford says V6 Fusion does 8.5 sec 0-60 mph, which feels accurate based on our tests, but is still subpar vs. most V6 rivals. Responsive 6-speed automatic doesn't hunt much between gears, but a manual-shift mode would be useful, especially for hilly terrain."

Value
"Fusion and Milan target the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and match those perennial Best Buys for room and road manners if not engine refinement and cabin design. Pricing is a Ford/Mercury strong suit, even after adding head-protecting curtain side airbags, a safety option we highly recommend. Milan has no substantive advantage over a comparably equipped Fusion, though its $1200 or so price premium is justified by richer-looking interior appointments and a longer list of standard features that includes antilock brakes."

Ride
"No opportunity to test a model with 16-inch tires Fusions, Milans with 17s feel compliant, controlled over sharp bumps, patchy pavement. Fusion's suspension tuning allows minor float on high-speed humps and dips. Milan has firmer ride, less float."

Economy
"Test Fusion SEL V6 averaged 21.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. With same engine, test Milan Premier averaged 20.1 mpg. All Fusions and Milans use regular-grade fuel."

Noise
"V6 emits noisy full-throttle growl, recedes into background in gentle cruising. Little wind rush, but tire thrum heard over grooves, coarse pavement."

Comfort - Front
"Ample leg and head room good for 6-footers. Seats supportive, a bit larger than class norm, and relatively high-set to contribute to fine outward visibility. All Fusion, Milan models include tilt/telescope steering wheel, a driver-comfort plus. "

Comfort - Rear
"Adult-adequate head room, good toe space, fine support. But occupants must sit knees-up with front seats set more than halfway back. Longish doors a hassle in tight spots, but open wide to benefit entry/exit."

Controls
"Fusion dashboard distinguished from Milan only in some surface materials, color schemes. On both, gauges easy to see, read. Audio and climate systems rely on too many buttons, take time to sort out. Ditto look-alike audio/cruise buttons on steering wheel. And low-set climate panel can force long look from road. Fusion's interior design decidedly understated, blends soft-touch surfaces, available rich-feeling leather upholstery, but both are offset by some plastics that look, feel cheap. Milan more obviously upscale, with generous use of soft-touch surfaces, choice or real metal or wood trim. "

Cargo Room
"Trunk has usefully cubic shape, but insufficient height for big boxes, and budget-grade felt-type liner looks and feels cheap, especially given Milan's upscale aspirations. Lid supports are nonintrusive struts. Decent interior storage."