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Other Hybrids: Camry, vs Malibu vs Fusion

Discussion in 'Other Cars' started by sam spade 2, May 13, 2018.

  1. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    My wife LOVES her C; just "updated" it to a '17 a few months ago.
    Now it's time to do the same with my Ford Fusion "road car".

    Will be looking at another Fusion Hybrid as well as the Malibu Hybrid and Camry Hybrid.

    Based only on some written reviews, I'm leaning toward the Camry but I like a "solid" feeling of size in my highway car.

    Any glaring negatives with the Camry or Malibu ?

    I already know about the Fusion and have no major complaints about it.
     
    #1 sam spade 2, May 13, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    fusion is going away, you can get a great deal from what i hear.
    we are on our second camry in 11 years, nice car, but nothing to compare it to. seats could be a little better on 8-10 hour drives.
    malibu doesn't sell that well, not sure why, nice looking car. don't know how the mpg's hold up vs epa.
     
    #2 bisco, May 13, 2018
  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Maybe. With the price of oil/gas going up.......and political "complications" maybe making it go WAY up......I would hope that Ford is a bit flexible in their long term production decisions. But I suspect that right NOW is a good time to get a Fusion Hybrid.

    Were either of your Camry's the hybrid variety ??
     
    #3 sam spade 2, May 13, 2018
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    both, i thought that was what you were inquiring about.
     
    #4 bisco, May 13, 2018
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Haven't heard too much about the Malibu Hybrid (for better or for worse). I would also lean towards the Fusion, if only because you may be getting great deals on them. Plus, it's also a pretty good car and you can equip it the way you want from basic SE or luxo Platinum.

    I haven't driven either on the highway, only on short city test drive loops so I can't comment on that. I suspect the longer wheelbase of the new Camry should address the comfort and stability portion of highway driving. It also seems like the Camry is getting pretty decent mileage. (and fantastic mileage for the LE Hybrid model)
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, May 13, 2018
  6. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Sounds like the Fusion will stick around as long as it doesn't lose Ford money.
    You might be able to find deals on the Malibu. We test drove the ICE, and almost bought it instead of the Camry.
     
    #6 Trollbait, May 13, 2018
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    a ringing endorsement.:p
     
    #7 bisco, May 13, 2018
  8. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I think as a practical matter you can't get any car "equipped the way you want" exactly because they all have standard builds and it is take it or leave it. Maybe if you don't mind waiting 6 months.

    The comparison I found of the 3 indicated that the Camry got the best mileage of the bunch but comfort and a lack of annoying features is higher up on my list. Got to have auto headlights and adaptive cruise and a not overly complicated audio system.
     
    #8 sam spade 2, May 14, 2018
  9. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    It is not a matter of LOSING money but of having a lower margin.
    SUV's and pickups have a MUCH higher margin and are selling better......now.
     
    #9 sam spade 2, May 14, 2018
  10. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    Honestly all 3 are fantastic cars! I would definitely test drive all 3. I have a ford cmax it has the same engine and power split device. It's nice and torquey off the line. Can't go wrong with these 3. The Malibu uses the same tech as the VOLT just without the large battery.
     
    #10 Aaron Vitolins, May 14, 2018
  11. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Which is why the Fiesta and Taurus are getting cancelled in the US, and why we are just getting some type of Focus hatchback. Then there are variables on the spreadsheet beyond just a model's individual margin. How much value does Ford give to the Fusion hybrid and Energi for pulling up their CAFE from all the F150s they sell?

    It isn't enough for a redesign, but enough to keep putting the car on dealer lots with some tweaks. The 2019 Energi is getting a slightly larger battery, bringing its EV range up to the Prime's 25 miles, if you are considering plug in. Then if the Fusion can pay its upkeep, keeping it around just in case gas prices rise or consumer tastes change doesn't hurt.
     
    #11 Trollbait, May 14, 2018
    Aaron Vitolins likes this.
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