New car shopping and overwhelmed with choices

Your budget is very high. There are a lot of good options for that price range. Try looking at a CPO Acura ILX Hybrid. They come with a very good warranty, have very low issues and would save you a ton of money on purchase price and gas mileage. Acura messed up a little in its 2012 models but did very well in later ones. The 2014/15 hybrid should work well. You might also want to look at an Acura TLX if you want a larger engine. It would fit nicely in your budget and is very reliable.

New vehicle choices today are indeed overwhelming. After deciding what type(s) of vehicle will suit my needs, I usually begin with consulting Consumer Reports (CR) and other consumer oriented car testing/reviewing sources. Using them, gives me a baseline and helps to narrow my focus, considerably. I then investigate further, inspect, and finally drive - the vehicles that my research indicates will most probably fit the bill. Most good libraries will have back issues of CR. If not, the magazine is about $25/year and on access on line to CR's extensive archives is about $20/year. Both are money very well spent - for objective advice on a plethora of goods and services, from A to Z.

Did you try the new Malibu? Sharp, but I'm sure there are no discounts.

Fusion? I like mine, have commented extensively on Fusion.

Big deals available on Taurus.

Camry, Accord-solid reliable.

If used, look for a CPO 14,15 Impala limited (the old impala). $18 k loaded.

I work at the GM plant that builds the all new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu, this car is so much more than the last Malibu we built. It has style, much more leg room in the back and the trunk. The technology supersedes any in its segment. It has a new engine coming that has a turbo supercharge and is going to break the mpg segment. They are just getting into the showrooms, but the top end LTZ with the best engine is roughly 39000.00. Great warranty and is a head turner.

The 2016 Impala is much more roomier if you want extreme comfort for your long trips, but it is definetly a full size beauty. I have several friends that have them and just love the ride, the feel and the comfort you get in a car that size. I don't think the style of that would make you look like an older lady.

Last but not least the Buick Lacrosse is a strong luxury car with a decent price for one that is fully loaded. They are coming out with a brand new one in 2017 so towards the end of this model run you could save 1000's by waiting but of course when you see the new stlye on the 2017 you are going to want that one instead.

There are so many nice vehicles to choose from and you should test drive any and all that you may have an interest in.

Good luck and stick by your man. Keep America working and buy American, Union built vehicles. The middle class is depending on you.