Buying Chevy Malibu or Ford Fusion

[DarrenWS6]

I need a more eco friendly daily getter without it being a stupid Prius. I have had a high interest in 2008+ Chevy Malibu since I had that silver LS rental. For awhile I was going after a white LTZ 4cyl as I want the luxury and cruising mileage and love the way they look in white, especially if I did black emblems and black wheels.

Lately I have looked into Ford Fusions, 2010+ models for the most part, but a high end SEL or Sport is out of my willing price range. And the problem is I am set on only these 2 cars.. lol. I know it would be smarter to get something a bit cheaper but as I said I like them both equal and want some input.

The truck is staying also, not giving up the truck.

I found a white LTZ locally for $16,9, dirt cheap for these things. Probably was a previous rental because it has 41k miles, its a 2009. Seems high, I left a message requesting more info. Opinions?

http://www.ferrariochryslerdodgejeep.com/used/Chevrolet/2009-Chevrolet-Malibu-52d6b51b0a0a0002011cf4e59f876733.htm#



Here is a 2010 Fusion SEL I have been looking at, I like the color and the bonus features to the Ford like sync and ambient lighting. 24k miles on a 10 model, wonder if it too was a rental. Left a message for them too.

http://usedcars.kbb.com/detail/cars/ob-N7w5w7u8u7TQsBsE0LZLg7t7e2uzkQaHBjS4M9CbiLQ93w==/?pl=8&csearch=8&v_ref=aHR0cDovL3VzZWRjYXJzLmtiYi5jb20vY2Fycy9jYXJzLWZvci1zYWxlLUZvcmQuRnVzaW9uL2xvY2F0aW9uLTE2OTEyL3NvcnQtcHJpY2UtZGVzYw%3D%3D&v_user=a2JidWNp&kbb_zip=16912


Whats some of you guy's non-brand biased opinions on each car? I have driving experience in the Malibu, its a great car, haven't test drove a Fusion yet but its looks and style appeal highly to me. Gonna try to take both out for a test.

 

[Darkanion]

I haven't kept up with the Fusions.. I see it comes with a V6, where the Malibu comes with a 4-cyl.. Of course the Fusion is a year newer and has 16k less miles on it.. Would the extra power of the V6 (and possibly a little less MPG than the 4), along with it being newer, with less miles, be worth $2k to you?

 

[Shanks12]

I kind of like the look of the Malibu better...


But I don't really have any clue about how ether one drives.. But the Sync system would be nice tho.

I dont know if this will help..

Comparison Test: Accord vs Malibu vs Fusion vs Mazda6 vs Sonata

 

[buRRp]

I would lean towards the Malibu. Don't know much bout the ford though.

 

[OG-TERROR]

To avoid any agreement go with the Chevy Malibu.

 

[07blackz71]

I have an 09 Malibu 2LT with the 4 cylinder 6 speed trans. We bought it new and have about 40,000 miles on it. We love it. My wife drives it 85% of the time and gets around 28-30 MPG. It has lot of room in it IMO since I am 6' tall and have enough head room for me. So it has been a great car with no issues at all. I would highly recommand it.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

That Fusion is pretty sweet, Darren. I drove one last year as a rental, and I liked the ride and the interior.

 

[Zembonez]

We drove the Malibu and Fusion when we were car shopping. The Malibu was not bad. The Fusion felt rather bargain basement compared to it.

Neither one had anything about them that compared with the Accord EX we ended up buying. MUCH better handling, dynamics, and build feel on the Honda.

We bought the Honda.

 

[Mixedbreed]

i owned a 2008 LTZ 6/6sp, before they did the spring edition that added a 4 cyl and the 6 speed. the mailibu was a nice nice but very rough riding. THAT CAR GOT ME FROM STOCKTON TO VEGAS IN 6 HOURS FLAT AND I GOT 28 MPG.. not a bad choice. i think the one with the best real world mpg would get my vote. the interior on the malibu had a few issues with the trim breaking but my 2 year old and none caring wife might have helped them issues along.


to put it in the right context though, i traded it in on the flex and never looked back.

 

[fortplainman]

look into the new cruze that is coming out, the eco car will be getting over 40mpg, should be a great little DD if your looking at new cars.