Nissan Altima Hybrid Review
Fuel Economy: 35 / 33 mpg
Base Price (MSRP):$ 26,780
Technology: Hybrid
Body Style: Sedan
Nissan Altima Hybrid Review
The Nissan Altima Hybrid has hit the market and consumer reviews are starting to roll in. Those who have driven the vehicle agree that it brings a lot to the table, but there are some downsides as well. Nissan has set out to maintain the overall positive experience of driving its sedan, while also adding some of the new age positives of hybrid driving. Since car makers started taking on more responsibility in 2007 to make their vehicles safer for the environment.
Retaining the typical Altima positives is one of the things that makes the Altima Hybrid work. Nissan's go-to sedan has long been one of the highest rated cars by consumers and this comes as a result of solid engineering and practical features. Folks have long enjoyed the ease that accompanies the Altima, so Nissan has made sure that the Altima Hybrid comes with that same sort of ease. The car drives just as smooth as its normal counterpart, but comes with some added bonuses.
Pros and Cons
The pros:
- Spacious interior.
- Impressive performance on the road.
- Strong handling and cornering ability.
- A smooth ride.
- Great looks.
- Safe: good scores in crash tests.
These things make up the basis for what Nissan was trying to do with the Altima Hybrid and it appears that they have succeeded. One of the major complaints of many auto consumers over the last few years is that they have not been able to get the positives of a standard car when they choose to drive a hybrid car. Nissan set out to meet that customer need and they are lucky to have a loyal customer base for their already popular Altima that's been a top seller in the auto world for years.
The cons:
With any car review, not everything is going to be positive. Though Nissan did a relatively good job with their Altima Hybrid, there are some things that are causing car buyers to look elsewhere.
- Availability: the 2010 version is only available in 8 states right now (California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont). This means that folks either have to travel or have the vehicle shipped to them if they really want it. The bigger issue seems to be the inability to get out on the car lot and see these cars in person for people who don't live in those 8 states.
- Can be noisy when switching from electric to gas motor.
- Options are pricey.
Nissan Altima Hybrids For Sale
 Nissan Altima Hybrid 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid Sedan 4 Door US $14,995.00 
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 Nissan Altima Altima 08 HYBRID MIDSIZE SEDAN TN TYPE HOMELINK US $5,100.00
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 Nissan Altima 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid HEV P0505 US $15,400.00
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Hybrid Features
Most people who buy hybrid cars do so for a distinct reason. Either they are looking to protect the environment from further harm or perhaps they are worried about saving money with the rising costs of gas. Some folks are worried about all of these things, so it makes the Altima Hybrid a no-brainer type of choice. Nissan did a good job of giving the Altima the features that have made hybrid cars so in demand over the last few years. With its hybrid drive train, the Altima brings high gas mileage and high savings to the table for owners.
The Altima Hybrid's lighter carbon foot print is one of the reasons for the gas savings, but Nissan went a step further in trying to enhance the experience for drivers. The entire vehicle is lightweight and it's been made as efficiently as possible. Though the interior might still look like the Altima that drivers have come to know and love, everything else screams "new era", which caters to a different auto base.
2010: The Looks
Cars are constantly evolving and the Altima Hybrid is no different. For 2010, Nissan unveiled something of a new look, and it's getting solid reviews from drivers so far. The vehicle appears to be somewhat bolder, as there are lines and curves in the hood and the sheet metal is more dynamic despite its light weight.
On the inside, the improvements have continued for this sedan. Individuals now get to enjoy the high quality, high grade fabric, as well as plastics that are much nicer. Overall, it just provides the Altima with a much more luxury feel, which makes sense considering the price of the hybrid car.
The Price
Some auto buyers have noted that this year's version of the Altima Hybrid might not be as good of a value as those in the past, for one simple reason. That reason is the price, since this car is much more expensive than some of the other models.
Most have agreed that the high price comes as a result of the technological advances that will ultimately save people money over the long haul. Still, it can be difficult for folks to rationalize this until they realize the money they will save on fuel over the time that they drive the vehicle. In this way, it can be said that price is pushing some people away from the Altima, but it's not stopping everyone from driving the car.
MSRP Packages
One thing that has been a concern for prospective car buyers is the chasm between the different MSRP packages. Many of the hybrids come with a bare bones package that can help keep the cost down if you are looking for pure efficiency. For those who want a bit more performance out of their vehicle, things get a little bit harder. Since most of the high-end features of the Altima Hybrid are put into distinct packages, people are forced to choose between expensive extras and a basic car setup. This is much more difficult than just adding features individually, and it creates a situation where folks have to be ready to pay a near-luxury price for the Altima if they are going to make the purchase.
Conclusion
Overall, the Altima looks to be a popular choice once again in 2010. There are many things right about the vehicle and consumers seem to be receiving it quite well. With that said, the car is not without negatives, as mentioned in this review. For those who really want to get cleaner and greener, this is one hybrid car that will give them that opportunity, while providing a much smoother ride at the same time. It's an excellent combination to behold, especially if you have been loyal to the other models of Altima in the past.
Hybrid Sedans
- Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
- Ford Fusion Hybrid
- Honda Civic Hybrid
- Honda Insight Hybrid
- Mercury Milan Hybrid
- Nissan Altima Hybrid Review
- Toyota Camry Hybrid Review
Hybrid SUVs
- Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
- Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
- Chrysler Aspen Hybrid
- Dodge Durango Hybrid
- Ford Escape Hybrid
- GMC Yukon 1500 Hybrid
- Mazda Tribute Hybrid
- Mercury Mariner Hybrid