Malibu OR IMPALA or FUSION

Among the above, AWD is only offered on the Fusion.

For AWD and optimum visibility in a sedan, I'd look at the Subaru Legacy. For visibility without AWD, plus better long-term reliability, your best bet would be the Honda Accord. For 2017 the Accord is again available as a hybrid, if you want to go that route.

The Legacy has been very reliable from the 2010 model year on, but 15 years is a long time. The Ford and especially the Chevrolets have been less reliable than the Legacy.

15 years would be pushing it with a hybrid battery. And the system in the Malibu is brand new. The Honda system also has a limited record. The Fusion Hybrid is more proven.

If you are considering the Fusion, also check out the C-MAX. Very good visibility and handling in a tall hatchback. I enjoyed testing it much more than I did the Fusion or the typical small crossover (subject of your other post).

For smother driving and quietest car with AWD, under $30,000, I'd look at the Buick LaCrosse 3.6l AWD for around $20,000. Or pony up for styling and more features with a sub-$30,000 Cadillac XTS as it is similar size as the Impala/LaCrosse. The Buick holds it's value the best and about best in the segment.