Ford Fusion Vs. Chevrolet Malibu: Which Car Is Cheaper To Own Long Term?
When it comes to sensible American sedans, two names carried the conversation until just a few years ago: the Ford Fusion and the Chevrolet Malibu. However, the CD4-platform Fusion left production along with the Lincoln MKZ in 2020. As a result, the only real economy midsize sedan from any American marque in 2024 will be the Malibu. So, if you’re torn between the offerings of the Blue Oval and the Bow Tie, which sedan is right for you? Is the Ford Fusion cheaper to buy and own over time than the Chevrolet Malibu?
Is a Ford Fusion worth it?
Although Ford discontinued the Fusion in 2020, the popular midsize sedan has offerings on the CD4 platform all the way back to 2013. As a result, fans can get the versatile, if somewhat lackluster, model for between $7,281 and $19,549, depending on the age, trim, and mileage.
| Year, make, model | Average price |
| 2020 Chevrolet Malibu | $17,849 |
| 2020 Ford Fusion SE | $19,549 |
| 2024 Chevrolet Malibu | $26,195 (Starting) |
| 2013 Ford Fusion SE | $7,281 |
| 2013 Chevrolet Malibu LS | $7,144 |
Still, the closely comparable Chevrolet Malibu can deliver if the Fusion isn’t your style. The latest Chevrolet Malibu starts at around $26,195 for the entry-level LS trim. If a used, out-of-warranty model is more your speed, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) reports that a 2013 LS has a fair value of $7,144, around $137 less than its comparably aged rival.
Moreover, in a side-by-side comparison, the 2020 models are pound-for-pound contenders in the same space. For instance, both models offer up to around 16 cubic feet of storage, 245 to 250 horsepower, and seating for five. However, the Fusion’s now-discontinued hybrid options can push the Ford sedan’s combined fuel economy to around 42 mpg, 10 more than the Chevrolet.
Is a Chevy Malibu expensive to maintain?
The Chevrolet Malibu has an average annual repair cost of around $532, depending on age, mileage, and location. RepairPal states that the Malibu’s most common issues include power steering system faults and an ignition system problem with the pass lock sensor.
Further, the most expensive common repair is a replacement catalytic converter. Specifically, the average replacement cost is just above $1,400. So, dear reader, you might want to keep an eye out for cat thieves.
Are Ford Fusions cheap to maintain?
The Ford Fusion has a $581 annual repair cost. Of course, that figure could change based on location, mileage, trim, and age. As a result, the Fusion is within $49 of the closely comparable Chevrolet Malibu on a yearly basis.
Which is the better used car, the Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion?
The Ford Fusion is more expensive to purchase and own than a comparably aged Chevrolet Malibu. However, the Fusion also offers hybrid fuel economy at some trims, a feature that the Malibu goes without. Still, if you want the cheaper of the two used sedans, the Malibu takes the cake.
Moreover, the Malibu is still in production, meaning later models could still have an intact warranty. General Motors offers the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu with a three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty. Conversely, even the latest Ford Fusions will be outside of their basic warranty coverage.
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