Three of the Best Sedan Options on the Used Market

Finding a used car dealership near Troy with a broad selection of affordable sedans isn’t easy. The sedan body style has declined in popularity since the introduction of the SUV body style, leaving sedan lovers with fewer choices, especially in the used market. Luckily, three models – the Chevy Malibu, the Ford Fusion, and the Mazda3 – remain popular on the used market. In fact, the Malibu and the Mazda3 are still in production.

Why are these three sedans in such high demand? It boils down to reliability, affordability, and style. For buyers looking to maximize value without sacrificing good looks, sedans like the highly-rated Mazda3 tick all the boxes. It’s not easy to find a used vehicle that doesn’t require a few compromises, especially when it involves a shrinking category. Declining demand often leads automakers to forego redesigns and stick with older versions. As these aging designs hit the used car market, buyers are left to choose from a pool of not-quite-right options.

If you’re hunting for a great-looking used sedan with advanced safety features and a few bells and whistles, take a look at the stylish Malibu, the recently discontinued Fusion, and the tech-rich Mazda3. As you compare these best-selling models, you might notice that one has the overall curb appeal you seek, while another might offer more connectivity and infotainment extras. Across each model and trim range are several configurations that give used sedan buyers the freedom of choice they deserve. Here’s a closer look at each of these sought-after sedans.

The Chevy Malibu

Did you know that the Malibu started its life as a Chevy Chevelle trim? In 1964, Chevy launched the Malibu trim, a top-of-the-line Chevelle trim that came in multiple body styles, including a four-door sedan. By its fourth generation, the Chevelle name was officially retired, and the shorter, more efficient redesigned sedan – also available in a station wagon and a coupe – was renamed Malibu.

Since 1997, the Malibu has been manufactured as a front-wheel drive sedan in a configuration that earned Motor Trend magazine’s coveted Car of the Year award. Fast-forward to the Malibu’s eighth generation, and this popular sedan became available globally in more than 100 countries. Known for its class-leading fuel economy and affordable starting price, the Malibu quickly became one of the best-selling sedans in the category.

Now in its ninth generation after a full redesign in 2017, the Chevy Malibu continues drawing sedan lovers for its practical yet stylish curb profile. Buyers love the Malibu’s spacious interior and tech-forward safety features. Car and Driver gave the Malibu a 9/10 rating for the 2017 model, noting that the newest iteration ably competes with the category’s most popular alternatives, like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.

Buyers interested in a used Chevy Malibu might consider focusing their search on the 2017 to 2020 model years. Chevy offered two turbocharged four-cylinder engine options, with the more powerful version achieving 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Newer models offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, along with a nicely sized infotainment touchscreen for easy interaction with app content. The Malibu earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) on its most recent models, making it a safe choice for commuters and families.

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The Dynamic Mazda3

A longtime favorite of the most respective automotive reviewers, the Mazda3 offers elegant, athletic styling, ride handling that rivals the most expensive German imports, and near-luxury interior finishes. The Mazda3 regularly appears on Car and Driver’s 10Best Cars list and earns 10/10 ratings almost every model year for its driving manners and upscale design. The Mazda3 is ideal for buyers looking for the latest tech features.

Features like a head-up display, which first appeared on the 2017 Mazda3, demonstrate Mazda’s laser focus on building vehicles with tons of advanced technology. The Mazda3 is one of the only value-priced sedans that offers high-end premium features in its upper trims. The Grand Touring includes leatherette seating, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, and an intuitive infotainment system that eschews touchscreen interactivity for a manual toggle.

The Mazda3 comes in all-wheel drive versions in certain model years, but front-wheel drive is standard. Fuel economy ratings are competitive for the compact sedan segment. With its crisp ride quality and responsive steering, the Mazda3 is ideal for drivers looking for a more performance-oriented sedan. The comfortable cabin puts controls within easy reach, and newer model years feature a larger 8.8-inch infotainment screen.

For the 2020 model year, Mazda added a slew of standard driver-assist safety systems across the trim range, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic High Beams. Sitting at the top of the 2020 lineup is the Mazda3 Premium, which features a 12-speaker Bose audio system and available SiriusXM satellite radio. Cost-conscious buyers can be assured that even the lower Mazda3 trims have plenty of standard comfort and convenience equipment.

The Ford Fusion

The recently discontinued Ford Fusion represents a great mid-priced sedan option. Last manufactured for the 2020 model year, Ford offered the Fusion in six trims, including a hybrid, with four available powertrains, giving buyers full control over fit and finish, as well as performance. Unlike other value-oriented sedans, Ford outfits the 2020 Fusion with standard FordPass Connect, a connectivity system that converts your smartphone into an intelligent key.

The Fusion tops off at an available 245 hp via a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. All-wheel drive was also optional, making the Fusion a great choice for New York’s harsh winters. Considered a sports sedan, the Fusion delivers a spirited ride that Car and Driver describe as “agile.” As for cabin comforts, the Fusion offers plenty. Upper-level trims feature plush quilted leather seats and upsized 8-inch infotainment touchscreens.

For used sedan buyers, the Fusion offers an expansive range of model years, trims, and configurations. High-end trims like the Titanium can be found at budget-friendly prices, so features like ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, and upgraded premium audio systems are within reach. Even the base model S includes plenty of extras, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and a 60/40 split folding rear seat that makes fitting oversized cargo a breeze.

Like the Malibu, the Fusion earned a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA. Newer model year Fusions include standard Automatic Emergency Braking and a Lane-Keeping System that detects when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and then sends gentle steering nudges to alert the driver to make corrections. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also gives the Fusion a nod for safety, rating it “Superior” in front crash prevention.

The Performance, Safety, and Tech You’re Looking For in an Affordable Pre-owned Vehicle

Now is a great time to search for a nicely equipped sedan at an affordable price. Not only are the Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, and the dynamic Mazda3 great choices – the used sedan market is loaded with highly rated sedans designed to serve just about any lifestyle, from daily commuters looking for comfort and fuel efficiency to first-time buyers and teen drivers for whom safety and affordability are critical.

Whether you have a tight budget or are looking for a sedan with all the bells and whistles, buying used doesn’t mean compromising your wish list. Some of the largest, most respected automakers, like Chevy and Mazda, continue investing in their sedan lineups, which is a sign that this classic four-door body style will never fade away, no matter how many SUVs and crossovers flood the market.