Blog / Sedans

Midsize Sedan Buyers Guide

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Please view the Heritage Motors Midsize Sedan Buyer's Guide: More Car for Your Money

Content Provided by KBB.com

Roomy, comfortable, efficient, tech-savvy, and sometimes even fun to drive, today's midsize sedans deliver more bang for the buck than perhaps any other category of vehicles. It's no wonder they remain among the top-selling cars in the country.

2018 Chevrolet Malibu

Starting Price: $22,555

Totally rethought for 2016, the Malibu is roomier, more stylish and more tech savvy than ever before.


2018 Ford Fusion

Starting Price: $23,090

The boldly styled Fusion continues to turn heads and win buyers with its good looks.

2018 Ford Fusion


2018 Honda Accord

Starting Price: $24,465

All-new for 2018, this is the most advanced, most refined Accord to date.

2018 Honda Accord


2018 Hyundai Sonata

Starting Price: $22,935

With a low starting price and excellent warranty coverage, the roomy and feature-filled Sonata is a better and better value.

2018 Hyundai Sonata


2018 Kia Optima

Starting Price: $23,495

The Optima mixes a sporty and stylish persona with established value.

2018 Kia Optima


2018 Mazda Mazda6

Starting Price:$23,890

Arguably the most stylish, most fun-to-drive midsize sedan, a more powerful turbocharged engine and updated styling make the Mazda6 even more appealing for 2018.

2018 Mazda Mazda6

2018 Nissan Altima

Starting Price: $24,145

Nissan's popular midsize sedan trails only Camry and Accord in annual sales.

2018 Nissan Altima


2018 Subaru Legacy

Starting Price: $23,055

The Legacy's claim to fame remains its standard all-wheel drive, but its stellar reputation for reliability is equally compelling.

2018 Subaru Legacy


2018 Toyota Camry

Starting Price: $24,530

All-new for 2018, the venerable Camry is as easy to drive and reliable as ever, but with a new sense of style and sportiness.

2018 Toyota Camry


2018 Volkswagen Passat

Starting Price: $23,845

The only European entry in the segment, the roomy, comfortable Passat is also a pleasure to drive.

2018 Volkswagen Passat


Best Buy

On the strength of its stellar reputation for quality and value, the 2018 Honda Accord was named the Kelley Blue Book Midsize Car Best Buy of 2018, as well as the Overall Best Buy of 2018.

Broad Appeal

You'll find six of these midsize sedans on our most recent list of 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000 and six on our collection of 10 Most Comfortable Cars Under $30,000.

What's New

Following a relatively quiet 2017 model year for the segment, 2018 brings with it complete redesigns of both the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. And while not a full redesign, the Hyundai Sonata has been significantly updated for 2018, as has the Mazda6.

Resale Value Recognition

The Subaru Legacy is a perennial resale value standout, and it took home our most recent Best Resale Value Award in the Mid-Size Car category. Following in the second and third spots were the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Source: KBB.com (January 4, 2018)

For more information, please click the links below:

Posted in:

Recommended Posts

How Truck Bed Length Affects Daily Use

Truck Bed Length The right bed length depends on what you carry and how you use your truck every day. When shopping for a truck, many buyers focus on towing capacity, engine options, or trim levels. One feature that deserves just as much attention is bed length. It affects everything from parking and maneuverability to cargo space and everyday convenience. Choosing the right bed size is less about getting the biggest truck and more about finding the best fit for your lifestyle. Short Beds Are Easier Around Town Trucks with shorter beds are often easier to park, fit more comfortably in garages, and are generally more maneuverable in busy parking lots. If your truck will spend most of its time commuting or running errands, a shorter bed may be all you need. Long Beds Offer More Cargo Flexibility A longer bed provides additional room for lumber, landscaping supplies, outdoor equipment, and other oversized items. It can reduce the need to leave the tailgate down when carrying longer loads. For drivers who regularly haul materials, the extra space can be a valuable advantage. Think About Everyday Tasks It is helpful to consider how you will actually use the truck. Will it carry tools for work, bicycles on weekends, or camping gear a few times each year? Your most common activities should guide your decision. Buying more truck than you need is not always the most practical solution. Cab Size and Bed Length Work Together Truck configurations often require balancing passenger space with cargo space. A larger cab may reduce the available bed length, while a smaller cab can allow for a longer bed. Comparing different configurations side by side helps you understand which combination best supports your daily routine. Compare Before You Decide Seeing different truck configurations in person can make the decision much easier. Walking around the vehicle, measuring cargo space, and sitting in the cab often reveal differences that are difficult to appreciate online. You can compare a variety of models by browsing available inventory before scheduling a visit. Choose the Truck That Fits Your Life The best truck is the one that handles your everyday needs comfortably. A bed that is too short may limit what you can carry, while one that is longer than necessary may make daily driving less convenient. If you are comparing truck configurations or have questions about which setup may work best, you can always reach out for assistance. Taking a few extra minutes to think about how you will use your truck today and in the future can help you make a choice you will be happy with for years to come.

How Dealers Match Buyers With Lenders

Working with multiple lending sources can help simplify the financing process. Many buyers assume that vehicle financing comes from a single lender. In reality, dealerships often work with a network of lending institutions. This gives buyers access to multiple financing options without having to contact each lender individually. Understanding how this process works can help remove some of the uncertainty from financing. Every Lender Has Different Guidelines No two lenders evaluate applications in exactly the same way. Each one has its own programs, requirements, and approval guidelines. Having access to several lenders allows financing options to be reviewed based on your individual situation. One Application Can Save Time Instead of completing separate applications with multiple financial institutions, buyers can often complete a single application that is reviewed with participating lenders. This helps make the process more convenient and keeps everything organized. Comparing Available Options Once lender responses are received, financing options can be reviewed together. Factors such as loan length, payment structure, and available programs can all be discussed so you have a clear understanding of your choices. The goal is to help you make an informed decision that fits your needs. Preparation Helps the Process Having basic information ready before applying allows lenders to review your application more efficiently. If you would like to begin before visiting, you can complete the online credit application at your convenience. How a Trade In May Help If you have a vehicle to trade in, its value may become part of the overall financing structure. Bringing title or payoff information helps ensure accurate figures during the review process. You can learn more about this by visiting the trade-in page. Moving Forward With Confidence Financing should feel straightforward, not overwhelming. Understanding how dealerships work with lenders can help you feel more comfortable before your visit. If you have questions about the financing process or what information to bring, you can always reach out for guidance. A little preparation can make the entire experience much smoother.

Why Tire Condition Matters at Trade In

Appraisers Notice Tires When Evaluating a Vehicle. When preparing for a trade in, many drivers focus on mileage, age, and appearance. While those factors matter, tire condition can also play an important role during the evaluation process. Tires are highly visible and provide clues about how a vehicle has been maintained over time. Tread Depth Is Easy to Spot One of the quickest things an appraiser can assess is tire tread. Tires with healthy tread depth generally indicate that the vehicle is ready for continued use. Worn tires may suggest that replacement costs will need to be considered in the overall evaluation. Even Wear Patterns Matter Tires that wear evenly often indicate proper maintenance. Uneven wear can sometimes point to alignment issues, suspension concerns, or inconsistent tire care. These patterns help provide a broader picture of the vehicle's condition. Matching Tires Create Confidence A matching set of tires can help demonstrate consistency in maintenance. While not every vehicle will have identical tires, a well maintained set often creates a stronger impression. This is another factor that contributes to the overall evaluation. Tire Care Reflects Ownership Habits Appraisers look at more than just the tires themselves. Tire condition can help indicate how the vehicle was cared for overall. Regular rotations, proper inflation, and timely replacement all support a positive ownership story. Preparing Before an Appraisal Check tire pressure before your visit Inspect tread depth and wear patterns Clean the tires and wheels Gather maintenance records if available These simple steps can help present your vehicle clearly during the evaluation process. Understanding the Bigger Picture Tires are just one part of a trade in appraisal. Mileage, condition, history, and market demand are also considered. If you would like to learn more about how evaluations work, reviewing the trade-in process can provide additional insight. Planning Your Next Vehicle Maintaining your tires helps support both daily driving and future value. Small maintenance habits often contribute to a stronger overall evaluation. When you are ready to explore replacement options, browsing available inventory can help you compare vehicles and plan your next step. If you have questions about preparing your vehicle for trade, you can always reach out for assistance.