2015 Chevrolet Malibu

Carvana (opens in a new tab) calls the 2015 Malibu the final year of the 2013 to 2015 generation, retaining the styling, body and chassis from the heavily updated 2014 model, with a quiet cabin, clean design and good fuel economy from the standard 2.5-liter engine. Vandergriff Chevrolet (opens in a new tab) says there are not many major changes from the 2014 redesign, which brought an upgraded suspension, better rear-seat room and reshaped styling. U.S. News (opens in a new tab) notes the 2016 redesign was longer and lighter and available as a hybrid.

Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) puts used 2015 Malibus at $7,250 for the LS to $8,450 for the LTZ at a dealership. EPA rates the 2015 Malibu at 24 to 29 mpg combined and $2,150 to $2,600 a year in fuel, with front-wheel drive.

NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for the 2015 Malibu. 16V502000 covers a park lock lever that may let the ignition key be removed without the transmission in Park on several GM models, with dealers replacing the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, 15V666000 covers front seat-mounted side air bags whose inflator may rupture on deployment, and 15V164000 covers a sunroof slide or tilt switch that may not be recessed enough.

Owners have filed 270 complaints with NHTSA: engine with 70, electrical system with 68, air bags with 49, unknown or other with 35 and power train with 31. CarComplaints (opens in a new tab) tracks the year's problems by category, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page.

EPA rates the 2015 Malibu at 24 to 29 mpg combined and $2,150 to $2,600 a year in fuel. The Nissan Altima lists 26 to 31 at $2,000 to $2,400, the Toyota Camry 25 to 40 at $1,550 to $2,500, the Honda Accord 21 to 47 at $1,350 to $2,950, and the Hyundai Sonata 24 to 37 at $1,700 to $2,600, several including hybrids. The Malibu is behind the Altima and Camry at the top.