The Elusive Nissan Altima Hybrid
NissanPedia goes on the hunt for an elusive mid-sized, eco-friendly (and very affordable) vehicle gaining popularity in only 8 of the 50 states, Nissan’s Altima Hybrid.
With a 158-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine backed up by a 40-horsepower electric motor, this Altima brings the mid-sized hybrid sedan into a class fitting any Toyota and Honda hybrid on the market. How far are you getting with your Altima? Try 35 miles a gallon city and 33 highway. You can push it up to 40 depending on how hard you brake, accelerate, etc. - which is right up there with Camry’s 33/34 m.p.g. and surpasses The Chevy Malibu Hybrid at 24/32 m.p.g.
2007-2008 Altima Hybrid, availability limited
So why can’t you run out and pick up your Altima today? Well, you could, but only if you live in: California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island & Vermont. Environmental regulations in those green states has risen demand for eco-friendly cars, but you won’t see the Altima on dealer lots in the Midwest or southern states. However, if you don’t mind the $25,795 base price (again, competing well with Toyota, Honda, etc.) the sticker includes a delivery fee.
Altima’s Hybrid 158-horsepower 4-cylinder gas & 40-horsepower electric engine packs a sweet, though rough, power-boost
The jump from electric motor to gas engine and back can be a little harsh. Critics of the Altima Hybrid have complained about how much you can feel the switch, those for the Altima say the smooth transition of a Toyota is too smooth, almost putting you to sleep at the wheel. Regardless of how you feel, it can be said the switch from gas to electric (and vice-versa) is felt, but not so harsh that you’ll propel your vehicle off the road.
Nissan’s Altima test Vehicle circa 2005
Several taxi & limo commissions, along with car rental agencies, have embraced hybrid car technology. The most famous of all (at least most well known in pop culture) may be New York’s Taxi & Limousine Commission - which is implementing the Altima Hybrid as part of their yellow-cab fleet. As interest and the demand for eco-automobiles grows, Nissan lovers can rest assured they’ll spy future Altima Hybrids at dealers nationwide.
We Heart the NYC Taxi Commission and their embracing of the Altima Hybrid
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