All these mid-size sedan models are priced very closely to each other, so that shouldn't be a factor.
These five sedans all have a very different feel and different styling, though.
The Fusion has by far the boldest, most aggressive styling, while the Accord arguably looks the most elegant.
The Sonata is more comfort-oriented, but its interior isn't quite up to the standards of the Malibu or Accord, and it's not as quiet inside.
The Fusion and the Altima are more fun to drive than the Malibu, but neither of them is as roomy and comfortable inside.
Backseat room is another big differentiator; the Malibu and Camry both have very roomy backseats, as does the Accord, but the Altima's is especially tight.
And the Malibu's interior puts Toyota to shame; its attractive interior is well styled and has better-looking and better-feeling materials than much of the class.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
 2008 Chevrolet MalibuBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Ford FusionBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Hyundai SonataBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Toyota CamryBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Honda Accord SedanBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Nissan AltimaBrowse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | |||||
|
After years of being a second-stage alternative, the Malibu is a legitimate contender for best-in-class. |
The 2009 Ford Fusion is a great choice for those who place their priorities on style and handling, but if interior space matters to you, look elsewhere. |
TheCarConnection.com still rates the Honda Accord as the family-sedan champion, but the 2009 Hyundai Sonata lands solidly in the upstart tier that includes the Mazda6, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu. |
The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid melds the automaker's proven, hybrid system into America's bread-and-butter sedan. What's not to like? |
Whether you're looking for a comfy commuter in the $20,000 range or a luxurious, powerful $30,000 family sedan, the newly redesigned 2008 Honda Accord should be on your shortlist. |
The 2008 Nissan Altima is a little sportier, though not less sensible. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $19,900 | $19,035 | $18,700 | $19,145 | $20,360 | $18,620 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas 4-Cyl | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Midsize | Mid-Size Sedan | Large | Mid-Size | Large | Midsize |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan LS w/1LS | 4-Door Sedan I4 S FWD | 4-Door Sedan I4 Manual GLS | 4-Door Sedan I4 Manual (SE) | 4-Door I4 Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan I4 Manual 2.5 |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Automatic w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Ford Fusion | 2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Toyota Camry | 2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Honda Accord Sedan | 2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Nissan Altima | |
