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Nissan Altima Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid ranks 11 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 20 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Nissan Altima is one of the better sedans available in the midsize class.  Its hybrid counterpart is every bit as attractive, fairly fun to drive,  and offers good gas mileage, but is available in only a few states.

The Altima hybrid shares some of the sporty character of the conventional Altima, with improved fuel efficiency. That combination easily wins the approval of many reviewers.

The hybrid's biggest problem is that it's hard to find one.  The Altima Hybrid is only available in eight states -- California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont. It is possible to buy one in another state and drive it home.

The base Altima Hybrid's MSRP is not terribly high -- but the interior is so bare that most buyers will want to invest in a lot of options, which quickly push the price up.  CNN reports the Altima "is a fun-to-drive hybrid car that actually saves some serious fuel. Unfortunately, it costs buyers a good bit more than the non-hybrid version, so from a strictly economic standpoint, it's no great bargain."

The Altima Hybrid borrows its drivetrain from the Toyota Camry Hybrid -- and while some say the Altima is more fun to drive, the Camry Hybrid (together with its conventional counterpart) won our Best Midsize Car for the Money Award because of its hiqh quality and low long-term cost of ownership.

For 2009, Nissan has changed almost nothing about the Altima hybrid. Speed-sensitive door locks now engage when the car is in motion, and exterior colors have changed slightly.

• "The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is an excellent choice for drivers who want a little fun between point A and point B. Too bad it's only sold in the eight states that have adopted California's emissions standards." -- Edmunds
• "As one would imagine, the Altima (like many Nissan products) is much more involving than the Camry, but it isn't nearly as refined as a Ford Fusion Hybrid." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Nissan's first hybrid is a bit of a trial balloon. A bad business case? Perhaps. But the Altima Hybrid is a pretty decent car." -- Road and Track
• "Anyone with a case of Green Line Fever should include it on the ‘drive-me' list." -- Motor Trend
• "The small trunk and somewhat coarse driveline operation are its most glaring deficiencies. But the Altima Hybrid offers good mileage for a midsize sedan, a lot of style, and flexible pricing that lets buyers vary the amenities and price point rather than saddle them with the full roster of gizmos and fat price." -- Forbes

Altima-Hybrid Performance - 7.9 (Good)

"Who knew hot-rodding would be one of the major temptations of an mpg-mobile?" asks USA Today. The 2009 Altima Hybrid is no race car, but it shares handling components with the conventional Altima, which is considered one of the top cornering cars in the huge midsize car class. The Altima Hybrid is reasonably quick, but a lot of fun in the corners.    Read More

Altima-Hybrid Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)

With the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid, you don't have to advertise your green credentials, because it shares its looks with the conventional Nissan Altima, a well-liked exterior design. To many, this could be a key selling point. Forbes says the sedan "certainly scores in the style department; it's more daring, a bit more sculpted, than the typical family four-door." Read More

Altima-Hybrid Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Reviewers like the interior of the 2009 Nissan Altima. The Sacramento Bee says, "A nicely laid-out interior is attractive and comfortable. Three big bodies in the back might be a bit cramped, but I found the backseat space to be fairly generous." Read More

Altima-Hybrid Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Altima Hybrid earns a top score of five stars in every government crash test. Continue with our full Safety Review to find out about available safety equipment. Read More

Altima-Hybrid Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Nissan provides a basic new vehicle limited warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Read More