2009 Nissan Altima Sedan Hybrid

The Nissan Altima Sedan Hybrid is a greener alternative to the standard Altima Sedan. It's Nissan's first gas/electric hybrid and uses technology that was first used by Toyota.

Driving at lower speeds, the car is powered by an electric motor, but when the car speeds up, a four-cylinder 158 horsepower gas engine takes over. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) adds to the car's fuel economy and is available with a slightly different programming than the other Nissan models with CVT.

Powered by a 158 horsepower 2.5 liter four-cylinder and a 40 horsepower electric motor, the Altima Hybrid offers an impressive 35/33 mpg city/highway. When the car come to a stop, the gas engine shuts off and, if the car needs more power, the electric motor can add another 40 horsepower to the gas engine.

The car's exterior has a notched grille, dual exhaust, taillight capsules, and hybrid emblems on the side and trunk. Inside, the back seat folds down for more storage, and there's dual-zone climate control. An electric air-conditioning compressor is used instead of a belt-driven compressor so that the AC stays on when the engine shuts off.

The Altima Hybrid comes with electronic stability system, traction control, electronic power steering, and antilock brakes. Also standard is Nissan's Intelligent Key Feature that permits the engine to start as long as the key fob is inside the car.

A convenience package adds power windows in the front, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and rear spoiler, among other features.

A connection package will get you satellite radio, bluetooth phone connectivity, and a sound system. A navigation system is optional, and it has the added novelty of display how much work is being done between the electric motor and the gas engine.

As of 2008, the Altima hybrid is only available in California, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Jersey.