2009 Nissan Altima Review

Specifications

The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is safe, comfortable, and attractive. J.D. Power and Associates named it “highest ranked midsized car in initial quality,” and U.S. News and World Report described its performance as “surprisingly peppy” for a hybrid car. The car is “fun to drive,” according to CNN, but it may be difficult to find. It is only for sale in eight states, so if you want one, you will have to purchase it from one of the states that use California emissions standards.

Driving the Altima

The Altima Hybrid can accelerate to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, and is surprisingly responsive. The car has an electronic continuously variable transmission, which allows it to accelerate smoothly. When driving on the freeway, the car’s engine can get a speed boost from its electric motor, allowing it to go from 60 to 80 fairly quickly. It has a four cylinder engine and a net horsepower of 198. Traction control, a stability program called Vehicle Dynamic Control, and antilock brakes all come standard, so you can enjoy the drive without worrying about safety.

Safety Features

Other standard safety features that come standard include dual-stage frontal airbags, side curtain airbags for the front and rear seats, and front seat mounted side airbags. The car includes LATCH seat tethers for car seats. A rearview camera to see what is behind you when you are backing up is available in the optional technology package.

Fuel Economy

The 2009 Altima Hybrid is rated to get 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The car can drive for 600 miles without a fill-up. When sitting in traffic or driving at speeds under 35 mph, the engine will turn off, leaving the electric motor as the sole source of driving power. The car runs smoothly, and it sometimes can be difficult to tell when the engine has turned on. The Altima’s power steering system is all electric, which causes the engine to work less and saves even more gas.

Price and Options

With an MSRP starting at $26,650, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid costs $6000 more than the gasoline-powered Altima 2.5. For that price, it comes with few options. There are a few optional packages that you can buy, which can add to the car a navigation system, leather seats, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Bose audio system with a 6-CD changer, and the ability to play mp3/wma CDs. None of the available packages include a stereo system with iPod support, although an auxiliary audio input jack comes standard. The optional packages could easily bring the price of the car to over $30,000.

Value for your Money

Because the price gap between the base model Altima and the hybrid is so large, to recoup the savings with increased fuel economy, drivers will have to hold on to their Altimas for quite some time before they start to see a savings over purchasing the regular Altima. However, the hybrid Altima does have the advantage over the other models in that the car produces significantly fewer emissions. Buyers who purchase the Altima in order to do their part to save the planet will find the extra cost worthwhile, as would buyers that like to buy a reliable car and keep it for several years.