Nissan’s first hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve, 4-cylinder gasoline engine partnered with a full hybrid system for a satisfying net 198 horsepower. The base price of the 2007 Nissan Altima comes in at a modest $24,990. Equipped with the Connection Package which included Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth hands-free phone system and Bose 9-speaker CD changer, our test model rang in at $30,535. Nissan’s bumper-to-bumper warranty covers 36 months/36,000 miles, and the hybrid electrical components for 96 months or 100,000 miles. EPA fuel ratings show this full hybrid coming in at 42 city/36 highway—and we couldn’t wait to see what real-world numbers Nissan’s new baby churned out.
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Initial Impression: We want this car
Christine: Wow, what a car. It’s everything I like in a set of wheels—precision grey with darkened windows, leather interior—with style right down to the lugnuts. Yet it’s a full hybrid sports car with a conscience. And it seemed like Scott was feeling the same way—the first time I motored up our steep driveway, he said “If you can pull this baby up the driveway in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, I’ll buy it for you.” What d’ya think—was I able to do it?
Scott: It took just one look. The first words to come to my mind were something on the order of “Good God Almighty, what a swoopy, sexy, gorgeous machine.” I’m pretty sure I didn’t say that out loud, but I’m absolutely certain that similar words formed in my mind. I’m a sucker for curves that even give the hint of “fastback,” and that hunkered down backend on this baby got my blood boiling. I was looking forward to puttin’ some licks on that hybrid powertrain and plastering a smile clear across my face. I knew that I wanted to wring every available mile-per-gallon from her, but could I behave enough to get there?
The insider's view: As smooth as Godiva chocolate
When the driver first handed over the key fob, we did a double take. Where was the key? Nissan calls it the Intelligent Key with push button ignition. Here’s the scoop: As long as the key fob is in the car’s cabin (and preferably on the driver), the car will start. Need to leave your car with a valet? This nifty fob slides apart, revealing a mechanical key for the driver to lock the glove box and trunk, leaving the electronic section for the valet—all valuables safeguarded.
The entire interior is roomy and sporty—several friends commented on its surprisingly large size. Contoured reclining leather-appointed heated seats for perfect driver positioning fit both of us to a T. It’s not often that we find a set of wheels that suits both of us so well--but so far, for Christine, this was like a woman with her stash of chocolate. There wasn’t one thing she’d change about the interior of this car. For Scott, it was itchy foot for the fly-by-wire accelerator.
To start the car, place a foot on the brake and depress the start button for one full second. If the battery is low or the temperature of the hybrid system needs to warm up or cool down, the engine will kick on. The first time we did this, start-up was not only quick, but quiet—was the car even running?—and it was even a bit disconcerting. That beautiful quiet of the electric motor was not a stalled engine. This was the Altima’s EV mode—we learned when the green READY light is illuminated, you’re all set to go. It was time to slide the transmission into reverse and glide with a barely a whisper down the driveway.
Fuel-ability: Light and easy pays off
Christine found her eye constantly drawn to the digital EV mode gauge—proof-positive that we were motoring on zero emissions. With city driving and stop and go, it was quite easy to stay in EV mode up to 25-30 mph. Much above that, the engine kicks on. Pulling up to a traffic light? The engine shuts off and the car glides to a quiet stop. With an easy foot, we were able to pull out in EV mode and accelerate up to 30-35 mph on flat roads—but as soon as hills and valleys enter the picture, the system automatically kicks on the engine. Scott drove a country cinder road under 20 mph and went the entire length—about 4 miles on EV mode, with the engine only kicking on once on a little hill.
We found that we were occasionally able to run on EV mode up to 40 mph, but it was most active between the 0-25 mph range—perfect for zippin’ around town. Oh, the beauty of driving in quiet! And who can’t use more peace and quiet in their hectic life?In fact, this car was a real head-turner when we skimmed by: late one night we cruised past a bunch of dudes and they were rubber-neckin’ until we turned the block. The quiet buzz of the electric motor probably sounded like ET’s personal cruiser floating by.
Next page: Motion potion, the Enviro-meter, who should buy it, pros and cons