Hybrid Car Review

Nissan announced the base MSRP for the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid has been set at $25,070. With only eight states selling the hybrid version of the Altima (California, Connecticut, Maine, Mass, NJ, NY, Rhode Island and Vermont), the Altima Hybrid at any price is going to have limited sales.

Nissan upped the price tag of the 2007 Altima Hybrid by $590 to $24,990 back in April. So, the 2008 pricetag has gone up only $80.

Buying the Altima Hybrid still qualifies the new owner for a tax credit of up to $2,350.

A recent review of the three hybrid sedans (Aura, Camry and Altima) by Edmunds placed the Altima Hybrid in second place, despite it being the "personal choice for every editor who participated in the test."

The Altima Hybrid comes with four choices in packages:

• Convenience Package ($1,300)
• Connection Package ($4,400)
• Power Sliding Glass Moonroof ($850)
• Technology Package ($6,400).

Accessories can be added in as well:

• Moonroof Wind Deflector ($100)
• Carpeted Floor Mats (4 Piece) ($110)
• Aluminum Kick Plate ($170).

Read the press release below for more details on the new model year.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 22, 2007) – Nissan today announced a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,070 for the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid, which is on sale now at Nissan retailers in the eight states that have adopted California emissions regulations – California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The Altima Hybrid has been certified by the Internal Revenue Service as meeting the requirements for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, thereby qualifying for a tax credit of $2,350.

Enhancements to the 2008 Altima Hybrid include standard splash guards and Diversity Antenna, along with an available factory-activated XM® Satellite Radio (XM® monthly subscription required, sold separately).

Altima Hybrid is offered in one model and with four available option packages – Convenience Package, Connection Package, Power Sliding Glass Moonroof and Technology Package.

The 2008 Altima Hybrid’s EPA fuel economy is estimated at 35 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway. It is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and emits almost no evaporative emissions. Combined with Altima’s standard 20-gallon fuel tank, Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of over 600 miles between fill-ups.

The Altima Hybrid features a high level of standard equipment, including 16-inch alloy wheels, Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, power windows/door locks, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with auxiliary audio input jack, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

Altima Hybrid also features a standard dual-zone automatic temperature control that includes an Altima Hybrid-specific electrically powered air conditioning system that continues to provide cooling when the gasoline engine is stopped.

Every Altima Hybrid offers an extensive list of standard safety features, including the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags for chest protection, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection and front seat Active Head Restraints.

For 2008, Altima is also available in 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine models in 4-door Sedan and 2-door Coupe body styles.