“Even if they aren’t the same price people will generally go with the Accord because the resale value is substantially better, it drives better, and it has a better reputation for quality.”
Agreed except on the “drives better” claim. I’ve driven the new Accord and the new Malibu and it’s every bit as nice to drive as the Accord. I also like the look of the Malibu better.
But you’re right, no matter how nice it drives, the resale value and reputation for better reliability would scare me away from buying one.
The new Malibu is nice, as is the new CTS but given GM's track record I'd need to see at least three years of reliability data before considering either one. Does GM have three more years?