Closer Look: Nissan Altima Hybrid

The Nissan Altima Hybrid has been somewhat of a dark horse. Only available in 8 states, and in close competition with the widely available Toyota Camry Hybrid, the NAH is quickly becoming a “cult car”. Interestingly enough, most owners seem to stumble into this purchase, and then find they’re enjoying a comfortable ride while attaining impressive gas mileage.

Fitted with a moonroof and leather seats, you’re MSRP will come in around $31,000. It’s perfectly legal to ride into town and buy one of these babies, then drive it home. Currently available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, you may have a long way to travel to get the model you want. It’s doable though, and sounds like a purchase you won’t regret.

The Altima hybrid’s biggest complaint is – not surprisingly, as its one of the biggest complaints across the board for hybrid vehicles – is mileage for short drives. The 35 mpg city/33 mpg highway EPA figures fall to the mid-20’s during short stops.

One way to alleviate this problem may be an engine block heater, which is not currently available as a factory option. Quite a few other things are, however, and consumers will find a number of available additions for the taking.

I was very excited to see people 6′ 3″ tall, 250 lbs and larger say this was a comfortable ride for them, as we have a few tall drivers who say finding a comfortable ride among hybrids is a problem.

[Source/Image: Nissan]