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Mercury Milan vs Toyota Camry

135

Comments

  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    It is getting better, especially with all the latest Toyota recalls. Reporters just think that Ford or GM having a recall is more newsworthy than Toyota or Honda.
  • nr9nr9 Member Posts: 55
    toyota camry is uglier and has a inferior chassis and suspension.

    mercury milan is the bestest
  • stlpike07stlpike07 Member Posts: 229
    You should go test drive a V6 SE and I wonder if you'll make that same statement.

    And, you said bestest........are you serious?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    You cannot deny the V6 in the Camry is tops in 0-60 performance. But, there is more to a car than 0-60. Value is where Toyota falls short. Remember the days when you bought a Toyota and actually spent less and got more? The Milan has better styling, hands down. I also believe a Milan premier would best a Camry in the twisties, SE or no SE Camry.. ;)
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    You cannot deny the V6 in the Camry is tops in 0-60 performance.

    I'd list the MazdaSpeed 6 and Honda Accord V6 6-speed as speed competitors. The Nissan Altima V6 is as powerful as the Camry's as well.

    I just realized, you probably meant between these two competitors only. My mistake.
  • stlpike07stlpike07 Member Posts: 229
    Styling is your opinion. I don't like the styling and think it "looks" small.

    Thats my opinion and obviously you will disagree. But that is okay because we are all entitled to our own opinions.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Do you realize there is yet another comparison between the Fusion/Camry/Accord???? This time in California! 400 People and the Fusion won again!@ I sure wish the sedan comparision room would open so the Accord/Camry troops can explain how the Fusion won AGAIN!@ :shades
  • virusvirus Member Posts: 21
    I guess it's just a matter of opinion. The Fusion looks horrible to me. The Milan is much better and the Lincoln looks great. I still prefer the overall styling of the Camry SE.
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    Test of Fusion/Camry/etc was skewed:
    The Ford was AWD vs. front drive for the others.
    The '07 Camry sales already past the half MILLION mark,
    something Ford can only dream about.
    And making marketing moves like changing the Ford 500 name to Taurus is questionable.
    All the folks who went for the 500 in its brief life will get even less if they trade.
    With Damlier-Chrysler looking to sell the Chrysler division will Ford next? It may be the only way it will stop bleeding money and introducing dated products like its Edge [heavy, seats only 5, poor MPG, ESC not standard].
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    The Ford was AWD vs. front drive for the others.

    That's perfectly valid since the others don't offer AWD and the prices of the competing vehicles were similar. For the same money you get AWD and better handling.

    ESC not standard].

    ESC IS standard. If you're going to rant at least get your facts straight.
  • toyotafamilypatoyotafamilypa Member Posts: 3
    I must say i have seen the commerials on tv and the Milan. Toyota is the #1 in sales and 78% of Toyota buyers return to purchase another one. If Ford was building the quality that Toyota has been, they would not be having money issues and poor sales. The trade value and ACV on the Toyota Camry is much better then the Ford line. That should tell you something.Honda does make a good product, but there again you are talking import.We test drove several cars, our options endless and we did not care what we spent, BUT are long as we got what we paid for. We bought and love the 2007 Toyota Camry SE fully loaded. We love it for all the reasons a fussy car owner would expect for a classy car. Toyota is not selling cars at record amounts if they were poor quality. :)
  • toyotafamilypatoyotafamilypa Member Posts: 3
  • toyotafamilypatoyotafamilypa Member Posts: 3
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Test of Fusion/Camry/etc was skewed:
    The Ford was AWD vs. front drive for the others.

    That was kind of the point of the ad...to inform people that Fusion has AWD available.
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    Toyota customers have much better choice for AWD than Ford/Mercury - we know first hand as an '06 Highlander hybrid is our other car. It will be years before Ford is able to build a SEVEN passenger, AWD vehicle that can reach 60 in under 7 seconds and get 26 - 27 MPG.
    No rant here, just facts except for the VSC error. I'm glad Ford is finally adopting VSC - I have already owned 5 vehicles from Toyota/Scion - ALL of them had/have VSC. The Highlander's VDIM is probably the best overall VSC program around and is included on the Camry Hybrid.
    My wife is commuting in our new Camry LE 4 cyl. and has already gotten one tankful at 30 mpg.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    Toyota customers have much better choice for AWD than Ford/Mercury

    Sorry, but that is just a ridiculous comment for a number of reasons.

    This discussion is comparing two sedans.

    There is a wagon version of the Fusion, as well...it is called Edge. So that would be the Highlander competitor.

    Finally, I doubt a Highlander is comparably priced to AWD Milan/Fusion.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    So I guess the Camry/Accord having stability control is ok? Data not skewed, escpecially 2x, 2 different tests, 2 different locations, East coast/West Coast, 600 people/400 people, NOT PAID BY Ford either. I ask again.. Because McDonalds sells more burgers than Wendys does it make it better? Nope.. Fusion sales are up 46 percent by the way.. :shades:
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Get out on the net do some searching yourself. There are plenty of peeved off Toyota owners out there along with Recalls/TSB's ect. I have to really wonder if the media is placating a giant. Yes Toyota has lots of $$$ because they over charge for their vehicles. I know of a person who paid $22,500 for a Camry SE 4cyl! I paid just $23,000 for my Fusion SEL V6 loaded with leather, sunroof, heated seats the works.
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    And I know one who paid only $21,100 for his SE 4 cylinder automatic.

    The reason Toyota has tons of money is because they are producing what the consumer wants, and they have consistently been exceptional in the car business.
    When I was in grad school, Toyota was the benchmark for a well-run manufacturing company, and we studied their methods all the time, just like other companies still do.

    The Fusion is a good car for some, the Camry a good car for others. It really is just a personal preference. :)
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    And I know one who paid only $21,100 for his SE 4 cylinder automatic.

    That is supposed to be a bargain, I guess.

    I paid $16,000 for my 4 cyl Mazda6 automatic (mid level trim) and I know someone who paid about $18,000 for the top trim level 4 cyl automatic Mazda 6. I think Fusion/Milans sell for similar prices, if you factor in the value of discount financing.
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    The topic here is Merc v. Camry – I guess the AWD Fusion will morph into an AWD Mercury Milan.

    Folks shopping AWDs won’t EVEN go test drive a Camry but Subaru has had a sedan for over a decade, and if their pockets are deep enough there are several German units with ‘quattro’or AWD. So your support for a biased media event is like comparing apples and oranges.

    Thus the C & D {they are biased against Toyota – that’s another discussion) “test” was bound to get some Wow for the 4 corner Ford. Must be a decent AWD system – I’ve owned Subarus and SUVs w/AWD/4WD (worked part time for a ski resort for 20 years) and nothing I ever owned or ridden in on ski trips and navigating resort parking lots is better in the snow/slush/ice etc. than my current Highlander. I’ll finish off this off topic paragraph with this - my Hhybrid will get 22 – 23 mpg on the freeway with a Thule Evolution Ski Box bolted to the racks. My buds with 4Runners or Jeeps with similar box systems hardly get 15 – 16 mpg in the same conditions. Feels great to be green to. Everything but nav and $10K less than the Lexus hybrid with a 3rd row seat.

    To conclude:
    While I have seen a few AWD Subaru sedans in the ski area’s employee parking, mostly you see their wagons and lots of Toyota products. One of our former mountain managers had an Audi AWD sedan but I’ll bet the only AWD Milans/Fusions that turn up are cars parents bought for their kids who drop out of school to chase their powder dreams for a season.
  • lovetocamplovetocamp Member Posts: 2
    As a person that took a beating on a Mercury Montego Premier I couldn't care less WHO thinks the Milan handles better. Ford can NOT build a quality car. I loved the Montego when I got it but my love quickly turned to frustration as my Montego seemed to like the dealership more than my garage. The thing that finished me with Ford is when I called customer (dis)service and no one cared. Between me and my partner we have owned over 40 new Fords and I swear I will NEVER own another one. I have a 2007 Camry XLE now and it has been perfect. I am used to keeping a list of things wrong (from owning Fords) but I have yet to start a list on the Camry because I can't find anything wrong. I don't care how much fun it is to drive a car if it falls apart after a few miles.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    True, but not really important. The lost sales are accounted for by discontinuing the Ford Taurus which was only available to fleet customers.

    Personally, I don't want Ford to try to match Toyota in total sales. I just want Ford to be profitable and to make competitive cars that appeal to certain people in a way that a Toyota product do not. The more more market share Toyota gains, the more bland and lowest common denominator it will have to make its cars.

    When a journalist asked a Toyota Exec how he felt about other journalists describing the new Camry as bland and lacking soul, the Exec replied by reminding the journalist that Americans' favorite flavor of ice cream is Vanilla.

    The problem with that kind of thinking is that no one pays extra for Vanilla. They pay extra for Ben&Jerrys' Chubby Hubby, etc.

    One difference between Toyota and Mazda is that Mazda takes great lenghts try to understand why people get passionate about cars. As a result, Mazda profits are up, and sales are up even though Mazda is still a pretty low volume brand in the US.

    Ford needs to make vehicles that people feel passionate about. The Mustang, the Fusion, these are aspireational vehicles.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    I'm glad you are having NO problems with your Camry. Incidently, Fusion and Milan forums here on Edmunds also have NO THINGS GONE WRONG discussion.

    Anyone want to start one?

    Mark.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I have taken these classes too.. Then you know really where Toyota got its manufacturing techniques from.. ;)
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    The topic here is Merc v. Camry ...

    Really...and how does your overpriced hybrid hylander fit into that discussion?
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    Actually if you READ my last post, the Milan was discussed more in it than your last three combined.

    You keep returning to the AWD Fusion v. front wheel drive Accord, Camry which isn't the topic either.

    Your support for FOMOCO is admirable considering they are bleeding money.

    Too bad you can't afford a great vehicle like the Highlander.
    Load up a Merc Milan sedan and you will really see some rapid depreciation. Consumer Reports has the H hybrid as their top pick for the second year. As I recall the Milan is mid pack in comparos. I personally don't like to settle for mediorce products and I consider the overpriced "Ford" Milan in that group.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Current lease program has a residual of 49% on a 36 mo 15,000 per year. That is the same as Camry and Accord.

    The Taurus was about 38% so that gives you an idea about the difference between a good and a bad car.

    As for affording a Highlander, until it makes you a cup of coffee in the morning and kisses you good night, its just a car. I'd rather be able to put my kids through college.

    Mark.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    "Too bad you can't afford a great vehicle like the Highlander"

    Its comments like these that kill me. I could have easily afforded a Camry/Accord but CHOSE to spend my money I saved on a trip to Maui! I won't again fall for the perceived reliability/quality advantage all these media types boast. They are trying to keep sales of their mags up and how best to to this than go with the majority. Take a minute and think about it. Its only a matter of time for consumers to start to realize you don't have to spend the extra $$ on a Honda/Toyota to get a great quality/reliable vehicle.
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    What are doing posting such an in depth, well worded, reasonable statement like this. Two slashes with a wet noodle for you. :)

    I think you absolutely got it.If they keep building cars like this, they will be fine. They also have to remember not to let them sit for 5 years without any improvements.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    "Too bad you can't afford a great vehicle like the Highlander"

    Its comments like these that kill me. I could have easily afforded a Camry/Accord but CHOSE to spend my money I saved on a trip to Maui!

    Yeah, I was done responding the continued bragging/baiting, but I will echo your comments. I can afford pretty much whatever car I want...Mazda6 was the vehicle I liked the best, the bargain price (about 1/2 the price of a hybrid highlender, btw) was a nice bonus. I do also like being able to keep my assets to fund a planned early retirement.

    A $35K, glorified Camry Wagon hybrid that gets 22 – 23 mpg on the freeway (as krypto bragged) is not real impressive, anyway. In addition, I assume it rides like a Buick and has seats designed for the thighless, like other Toyotas.
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    **"A $35K, glorified Camry Wagon hybrid that gets 22 – 23 mpg on the freeway (as krypto bragged) is not real impressive, anyway."

    Your reading skills are very selective. The 22 - 23 mpg is with a Thule Evolution Cargo Box [look it up]. As any roof carrier lowers mpg by 10 - 13%, 23 is excellent for AWD, freeway speeds. loaded down.

    In an earlier post I mentioned 26 -27 highway which is outstanding. We`have gotten a couple of tank fulls at 28 mpg.

    My brother in law's Jeep GC Hemi w/cylinder deactivation maxs out with no rack at 19.5 mpg highway and I outran him in my Hh in an eighth of a mile street drag.

    Sorry to enable the extreme off topic BS but if this guy keeps twisting my posts, and INCORRECTLY posting information about me, I guess the hosts may lock it down.

    The Merc is not a huge seller and is a clone to boot but is half of the topic..

    What about it jeffery - wanna' get back on the Mercury issues?<img src="
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    ...I was wondering if I needed to add Highlander to the category, but it seemed like a real stretch. :blush:

    However, if you can keep it civil, I have no problem leaving it the way it is.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    What about it jeffery - wanna' get back on the Mercury issues?

    Uh...sorry but it was YOU that thought Highbred Hylanders belonged in this discussion. So it is YOU that put the discussion off-topic.

    and now I am done responding to your posts here.
  • jeffyscottjeffyscott Member Posts: 3,855
    I was wondering if I needed to add Highlander to the category, but it seemed like a real stretch.

    Apparently some think that mentioning the Fusion is more off topic than the Hibread Hylender. image:D
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Take a scroll back in this forum.. There is a Camry owner who paid $4,000 more for his Camry over a like optioned Milan.. He left the forum and as far as I can tell never returned.. He had no idea the Milan came with some of the options along with such a very resonable price tag. Remember the days when Toyota/Honda were affordable and a real value, meaning you paid less and got more?
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Toyota is in the business to make a profit. If that means decontenting a car as it nears the end of a production cycle, they will do it as readily as Ford.

    Take a look at the 2007 Corolla. The didn't even a wind seal around the entire door. You might not miss it unless you previously owned a Corolla that had it :(.

    New Toyota Tundra is a great example of cost savings measures. The frame has no hydro forming, is not fully boxed, and doesn't even have welded cross members.

    The F-150 has hydroformed front rails, is fully boxed the length of the truck and has through welded cross members. Each cross member is welded on both sides of the frame rail wall.

    As a result Ford has the strongest stiffest frame of any light duty pickup.

    Mark
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    Mercury Milan 4 cyl. rates lower by Consumer Reports and their readers through the thousands of surveys they return than Mazda 6 4 cyl. It was exactly mid pack and is NOT recommended by CR. The V6 Milan is a little higher and is recommended. But the Mazda 6 V6 is not. What's so interesting is the Merc/Fusion are BOTH based on the Mazda.

    Same surveys put the Highlander Highbred on top of mid sized SUVs for the second year in a row. And I like Kermit, love being green.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    is that like a purebred?

    Mark
  • walterquintwalterquint Member Posts: 89
    The Milan will always have a $3k advantage over the Camry. Chief reason? The Milan is built very cheaply in Mexico........is the Camry worth $3k more? Probably. The Milan likely has some subtle engineering shortcuts--typical of American brands--that cheapen its costs. It's stuff one wouldn't normally notice--slightly larger panel gaps, cupholders or cubbyholes without rubber linings, cheaper plastics on certain buttons, flash molding lines on interior plastics, a few visible screw heads here and there.

    Even with such shortcuts, assembly quality can still be excellent.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    What everone misses is that Toyota is LIVING off of its marketing success.

    Mark
  • savethelandsavetheland Member Posts: 671
    When driving yesterday I made sudden turn on crossroad - it was scary. I thought it will turn over.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Scroll back.. someone paid 5,000 more for a like optioned Camry vs Milan.. OUCH@

    How can you say the Milan is "built cheaply" in Mexico? It it because its assembled in Mexico? Engineering shortcuts? Where? Panel gaps? What?? You really need to get a Premier Milan, park it next to a like optioned Camry. Go in with an open mind (at least try). The quality/fit/finish of the Milan is on par with the Camry.
  • walterquintwalterquint Member Posts: 89
    I meant built "inexpensively", I didn't mean to imply the Milan is "cheap" (as in low quality).

    A major car mag tested the Fusion against all the Asian competitors. It noted the Fusion had larger panel gaps and other (minor) engineering shortcuts. But the mag did not say the build quality was poor; I am not saying that either.

    The era of Camry dominance is clearly over.
  • stlpike07stlpike07 Member Posts: 229
    Will you, and others, stop talking about the "Fusion Test." It was paid for by Ford and they screened participants.

    Toyota or Honda could do the same thing. If someone is very impressionable due to a commercial, versus actuallty test driving cars and doing other research, I don't really care.

    In all honesty, I believe Ford paid for these tests to convince Fusion owners that they made the right decision over purchasing a Camry. The commercial/ad is for their own sake and for the sake of Fusion owners.

    I have talked to a few Fusion owners who hate their cars but are trapped in a lease. Does that mean anything though?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Sounds to me like you're the one trying to justify your 2007 Camry.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    No one is forced to read anything they do not wish to here. If you do not care for the discussion and/or the comments, we have a multitude of topics to choose from where the conversation may be more to your liking. Also, if you don't care for the comments of a particular member, simply scroll by their posts. :shades:
  • stlpike07stlpike07 Member Posts: 229
    Sounds to me like I test drove 8 cars and picked the Camry......

    A test that is not authentic carries no merit. Thats what I'm saying.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Unless you were there and have personal knowledge of some bias on the tester's part you can't say that.

    Isn't it just a tiny bit possible that the normal average everyday car buyer prefers the Fusion as opposed to automotive journalists who have all sorts of hidden personal and professional biases?
  • savethelandsavetheland Member Posts: 671
    I do not know how you can compare Milan with Camry. Even in my old Sable I feel safer than in Camry.

    Milan/Fusion and Camry/Avalon are different kind of vehicles. One is for younger crowd who prefer spirited and sporty ride. And later is for older tired crowd who prefer soft and quiet ride.

    May be better to compare Milan with Accord and Camry with Sonata? I saw spy pictures of new Accord. Nothing exceptional &#150; typical Accord &#150; no revolution. But real life impressions may be different. My prediction though - it will be continuation of boring design approach, my guess - Honda does not want to alienate core constituency since they make purchase decisions based not on design but on reliability mainly.
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