Prius vs. Mercury Milan

Toyota Prius

The Prius has changed how everyone views buying a car. "Silent running" describes this space-age transportation toy. The Toyota Prius is a modern marvel at an estimated 60 mpg city and 51 mpg highway. This car, with its almost $7,000 luxury and navigation package, is also a deal at $29,440.

The super smooth ride from the 1.5 liter, four-cylinder hybrid synergy drive system starts out rather slow, but picks up fast for street and even freeway driving. The easy maneuverability and perfect braking further clarifies Toyota's ability to design and build responsive automobiles.

A rather strange-looking exterior does not match the interior's ergonomics. The control panel is clever and easy to use, complete with push-button start. However, the voice-activated GPS navigation system with rear back up camera, Bluetooth capability and six-disc CD changer with six speakers is as good as other luxury cars, which are twice the price.

Overall, Toyota's Prius is one of the best buys in the American market. And as the best-selling hybrid in the world, this reliable car has an "unbeatable combination of economy, acceleration, and interior room," says Consumer Reports.

Here are more notes on the Toyota Prius from the family and senior perspectives:

Family: Parents do lots of driving so the Prius is perhaps the best car out there on the family's gas budget. With room for five, there's more than enough room for moms, dads and kids. The back seat was more than adequate for the baby's car seat and two teenagers. The hatch back easily pops open to reveal a roomy trunk.

Seniors: My 71-year-old mother, Rev. Joanne Tucker, says she likes the smooth ride. "It's like traveling in a jet at 30,000 feet where the ground disappears into the mists," she writes rather esoterically. Like usual, Rev. Joanne loves the back-up camera. "I believe all cars should have this safety feature installed as standard vehicle operations, especially for seniors who tend to have stiffer necks as drivers."

Mercury Milan

Look at the cars around you. Chevy and Ford are bench pressing these days. With harken-back-to-days-of-old designs, the growling engines inside must match the gangsta-lean or 60s-muscle outside appearance. The Mercury Milan is somewhat of a tame muscle car design, but it delivers a punch at the accelerator with its 3 liter, six-cylinder Duratec automatic engine.

But with an estimated 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, the Milan can't save at the pump like Toyota's Prius (or get you that coveted yellow carpool sticker). The engine makes a hefty growl and can be rather noisy at times, but the grumble matches the engine's speed, responsiveness and handling.

Inside, the contemporary interior seems designed for a younger, more masculine driver. The thick black leather seats are roomy and comfortable and very stylish with saddle stitching on the seats and steering wheel. The black dials have a racing feel and look. Controls built into the steering wheel (audio, temperature, cruise control) make for easy driving too.

At $26,195 (standard price: $22,845), the Mercury Milan is a good vehicle investment for those who prefer race-like driving over saving at the pump.

Here are more notes on the Mercury Milan from the male, female, family and senior perspectives:

Men: My husband, Derick Alexander, loved the Mercury Milan. "It has a nice zip and is very comfortable," he writes. In fact, he later mentioned that the Milan's nimble and responsive maneuverability rivaled some of the luxury cars he's driven lately.

Women: For women who like to drive fast cars, the Mercury Milan is a good pick. However, the very masculine interior may not suit some females who are looking for a softer design.

Family: Want a fast ride and a family sedan? The Mercury Milan might be a good pick for you. The racy exterior, fast engine and stylish interior will make any dad happy, while the kids will enjoy the roomy back seat.

Seniors: "The Mercury Milan is like riding on glass," writes Rev. Joanne Tucker, my 71-year-old mother. She loved its "classy" design, the controls built into the steering wheel and the "easy to work dashboard."

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