Sedans feel like a disappearing segment of the automotive industry at times. Many automakers just aren’t interested in maintaining sedans’ presence on the market if they aren’t hybrids or hiding an electric powertrain, even if they’re widely popular, like the Ford Fusion. Many discontinued sedans are perfectly fine vehicles, offer a lot of great value, and are pretty cool to look at on the road. But they either couldn’t find a market, suffered from low profit margins, or just got overlooked in general due to a number of other issues. However, just because some sedans aren’t market darlings anymore doesn’t mean they aren’t worth driving.
In fact, that’s literally the theme of today’s article, which covers many worthwhile but overlooked used sedans from the previous generation. Specifically, we’re looking at that sensitive period where we saw a lot of transitions taking place with tech, safety, and market focus back in the mid-2010s. For this particular article, 2015 sedans have been singled out because they’re new enough to offer a lot of highly desired features but old enough to be cheap picks from a used lot. I’ll be highlighting why this selection of vehicles is still worth it if you’re looking for used cars for sale that are affordable, reliable, or have a specific theme. But enough procrastinating, let’s jump right in and check out these seven overlooked but worthwhile sedans from 2015.
#1 – Acura TLX
The first-generation Acura TLX is one of those vehicles that came onto the scene, didn’t really leave the mark that was expected, and was quickly revamped in subsequent years. The 2015 model year may have been the first for the new nameplate, but it arrived with some quality features and snazzy style. Designed as an entry-level midsize luxury sedan, the 2015 Acura TLX opts for ample space and smooth-flowing lines.
The handsomely understated Acura TLX didn’t burn up the sales charts and was even labeled as being less than reliable by J.D. Power due to an issue with select model drivetrains, as cataloged by the NHTSA. It’s a real shame because everything else about the sedan hits many of the sweet spots most sedan shoppers look for from a competently made sedan. Newer models obviously sport more dynamic design cues and stand out a bit more from the pack. However, if you listen to the people who own this car, the 2015 Acura TLX is still worth it for those who want a commendable entry-level luxury sedan.
#2 – Ford Fusion Energi
“A hybrid? Dear no!” I can already hear some readers exclaiming. But wait, the 2015 Ford Fusion Energi is actually a good car! This plug-in hybrid attempts to combine the best of both worlds: the functionality, reliability, and audible feedback of an internal combustion engine, with the range and charging capabilities of an electric car. The combination works for the most part, but the market demographic this vehicle was aimed at wasn’t all that thrilled with it.
Of course, due to the hybrid nature of the vehicle, it leaves the cargo volume fairly paltry. While the Fusion Energi is a beefy-looking sedan with a stylish guise and a tech-rich interior, it’s not really great for those who value the large trunk space that most other midsize sedans come equipped with. However, it’s a gorgeous sedan with responsive handling and great fuel economy. If you are looking for used cars for sale that are fuel efficient and great for long-distance travel, the Ford Fusion Energi passes with flying colors.
#3 – Toyota Avalon
Anything from Toyota can’t really be overlooked…can it? With the best-selling Camry and Corolla dominating the sedan market, it’s hard to believe that Toyota could pump out a vehicle in this segment and not have it lead the pack. The Avalon didn’t completely tank on the market in 2015, but it wasn’t a major mover like many other vehicles at the time. It had a lukewarm presence and decent reviews.
What happened? Well, the market isn’t always favorable to every nameplate, even from market leaders. The Avalon doesn’t really have any downsides; it just found itself in an unpopular niche sandwiched between more affordable midsize models and true luxury sedans. Despite the Avalon being affordable, easy to handle, and feature-rich, many people probably opted for a BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes, or Lexus instead. However, if you are shopping for a used premium sedan with incredible reliability, there’s nothing wrong with a 2015 Toyota Avalon.
#4 – Buick Regal
With Buick pulling the plug on the Regal nameplate, a part of automotive history finds itself in the waste bin after decades of being the go-to sedan for those who wanted something affordable, reliable, and…well…regal. Like the Avalon, the Regal was one of those models that always did just enough to be an alternative to the overly expensive luxury sedans from BMW or Lexus, yet not enough to lure people away from the Camrys and Accords of the market. It found itself right there in the mid-tier slot of being the typically overlooked midsize sedan…hence why it makes the list.
The 2015 Buick Regal comes equipped with all of the basic amenities that make sedans worthwhile. Responsive handling, a great safety suite, a comfortable interior, and even a robust infotainment suite that sports 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. It’s basically a modern midsize sedan in everything but model year. Being considered mediocre in its segment at the time really hurt its sales potential, but it spells great news for those looking for a used midsize sedan that’s refined, reliable, and affordable.
#5 – Volvo S60
This poor sedan didn’t stand a chance on the market in 2015 against its peers in the luxury compact segment. But the real kicker is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Volvo S60 when it comes to performance and handling. It’s also one of the more elegant-looking sedans from that year that doesn’t push the economy design cues that the compact segment is known for.
The available super-turbocharged (yes, it has both a supercharger and a turbocharger) S60 T6 Drive-E sports 302 hp and flies from zero to 60 mph in well under six seconds, making it one of the more powerful compacts of the generation. This sporty executive sedan comes with a luxury-oriented interior and is also infused with a lot of great safety tech. If you are looking to own a cool car that’s worth driving, there’s really no way to go wrong with a 2015 Volvo S60 if you can find one.
#6 – Mazda6
Yet another perfectly capable but poorly received sedan. The Mazda6 was a midsize sedan (that’s right, “was,” as it’s been discontinued) that slotted above the Mazda3. Like the many other sedans on the list, this poor boy just couldn’t find a good home among its peers. The competition during 2015 was steep, and so the Mazda6 simply fell by the wayside as far as sales were concerned. A real shame because both critics and owners alike love it.
The 2015 Mazda6 benefited from a full redesign the previous year, offering significant improvements to the design, safety, and tech. This overlooked midsize sedan was even named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2015 and made the Car and Driver 10Best list for the year, which are quite the accolades. A roomy interior, solid handling, and peppy performance make the Mazda6 a worthwhile sedan to own if you’re scouring around to find quality used cars for sale. It hits all the check marks with little to no downsides.
#7 – Chevy SS
There isn’t one car enthusiast out there tasked with buying a family sedan who wouldn’t want a Chevy SS as the family vehicle. Why? Because it’s probably one of the coolest, sportiest family cars you could buy. The Chevy SS made its debut for the 2014 model year but was greatly improved for 2015, offering a manual transmission and magnetic ride control suspension. Paired with the 6.2L V8 engine that it is packing under the hood, this is enough to make the SS a dream pet project for any gearhead out there in need of a four-door sedan.
The 2015 Chevy SS produces 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, making it a prime competitor for Dodge’s four-door Charger. It’s a shame the Chevy SS wasn’t the sales monster it deserved to be. With the last of the V8s being phased out of the market, having that much power under the hood makes the Chevy SS quite the rare treat. Combine that with the fact it had a sporty exterior reminiscent of the Pontiac G8 but with Chevrolet’s design language, and you have a perfectly awesome sports sedan begging for some aftermarket tuning. Sadly the Chevy SS was phased out in 2017. If you’re shopping for used cars for sale that are performance-oriented, the Chevy SS is definitely one you need at the top of your list, period.
