Revving up anger: Nissan Altima hybrid problems

Love it or hate it

I'm a big fan of hybrid cars, obviously. Still, I think it is very important to address hybrid vehicle problems.

Typically, most hybrid problems are not endemic to hybrids, per say, but shoddy manufacturing. Certainly, the weight of hybrid batteries coupled with low resistance tires has led to increased tire wire and decreased tire life for some hybrid owners. However, most hybrids, especially those built on second generation technology, have performed exceptionally reliably.

Nonetheless, the Nissan Altima hybrid continues to surface as one hybrid that causes more problems than would seem normal. Revving, poor battery charging cycles, etc. continue to pop up.

Today, an unhappy Altima hybrid owner complained about his Altima hybrid lemon. Dead battery, revving, engine replacements and poor dealer servicing - many of the normal Altima hybrid suspects.

Why? Other Altima hybrid owners have been extremely happy with their hybrids, but the significant percentage of Altima hybrid owners with complaints seems to demonstrate that Nissan failed its Altima hybrid Q&A program - if it actually had one.

While it's bad enough that Nissan half-assed their Altima hybrid efforts, the dealer servicing complaints coupled with these problems are completely unacceptable. Perhaps not so ironically, Nissan has been a pooh-pooher of hybrids, but if Nissan cannot make consistently reliable hybrids, why should anyone believe they can make reliable electric vehicles?

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Nissan getting real with luxury hybrids?

Nissan's first proprietary hybrid?

According to reports Nissan will roll out its new hybrid drive by 2010 in an Infiniti vehicle, probably the M. Nissan also plans to roll out its new hybrid drive in a number of luxury and sport vehicles.

Nissan's new hybrid drive is said to be bigger than the drive that Nissan currently leases from Toyota for the Altima hybrid. Additionally, the new drive will come with a lithium-ion battery instead of the NiMH batteries powering both the Altima hybrid and Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

Certainly glad to see Nissan roll out its own hybrid drive, but I hope the new drive isn't only intended for luxury and sporty vehicles.

Diesel v hybrids at an EPA glance

The EPA's top pick for 2009

I've been ill the last several days, so when I saw the EPA's Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles List last week, I just wasn't very surprised or excited. Hybrids still dominate, especially in the city. Since, however, I've read a few articles noting the significance of the first diesel making the list.

A manual VW Jetta TDI is rated 30 mpg in the city, 41 on the highway. The Toyota Prius is 48 and 45, respectively.

Many diesel fans regularly chide the whole hybrid cars segment as a fad, but when it comes to city driving it's clear, hybrids are easily superior.

In order the list goes: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid (and Mercury Mariner hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid), Smart ForTwo, Toyota Camry hybrid, VW Jetta Diesel Manual, VW Jetta Diesel Automatic, Toyota Yaris Manual, and the Toyota Yaris Automatic.

Help? My Altima hybrid is "revving"

Just an annoying bug or a problem?

Whenever new technologies come out, there are always bugs. Sometimes they are serious, sometimes they are just annoying glitches. Back in July I wrote about some problems with the Altima hybrid that some owners were having. Well, a few have continued to report their problems via our Nissan Altima hybrid testimonials.

The problem seems to revolve around extreme "revving" when the battery loses most of its charge, but often at add moments.

Obviously, this could be a battery problem, a software glitch that causes the Altima hybrid to crudely manage the sweet spot of the battery pack. Or, maybe its just overly aggressive drivers in hybrid unfriendly terrain, such as mountains. Any similar experiences?

Is the Nissan Altima hybrid a lemon?

Either works great or terribly?

There are a few hybrid cars that owners often complain about when it comes to fuel economy, such as the Lexus RX400h hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid. These two hybrids, unlike the Prius hybrid, were designed as a balance between fuel economy and performance. This has led to fuel efficiency disappointment with some owners. Of course, other owners love these vehicles.

The hybrid complaints regarding the Nissan Altima hybrid, however, take the hybrid lemon cake. Now, many Altima hybrid owners love their car, but a significant percent of Altima hybrid testimonials indicate that owners are having serious problems, as their hybrids are falling far short of EPA estimates. One of the biggest problems, the EV light only comes on when fully stopped.

Just as bad as these problems, Nissan dealerships, according to these owners, seem completely oblivious to the problems and unable, or unwilling, to help. It's bad enough these hybrid buyers are having problems, but, once again, dealerships are coming up far short.

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EVs: Why Nissan makes me laugh

A good, leased start?

Just a few years ago, Nissan's Carlos Ghosn was the darling of the auto world, having completely turned around struggling Nissan. During that turnaround, however, Ghosn was very bearish on hybrid cars. Nissan's only hybrid, the Altima hybrid, is significantly based on leased Toyota technology.

Yet, over the last few months - as oil prices have skyrocketed - Nissan has been speaking ever more about electric cars. Even today, Nissan announced that it is ready to supply batteries to any automaker interested electric vehicles, yet Nissan isn't offering any new electric vehicles.

Is Nissan an automaker or a battery manufacturer? Why not build a few electric cars before hyping up the media with your EV capabilities?

VW, Nissan update plans for hybrid batteries

More lithium hybrids on the way

Both Volkswagen and Nissan updated their lithium-ion battery plans this weekend. While VW will start rolling NiMH-based hybrid vehicles as early as next year, the automaker hopes to convert to lithium by 2012 using Sanyo Electric to supply both batteries.

Nissan, which already sells the Altima hybrid with NiMH batteries, will begin producing lithium-ion batteries next year with its partner NEC. (Reuters via Yahoo).

Will Nissan offer dual mode hybrids?

Nissan and Chrysler partnership opens more possibilities

The new partnership between Nissan and Chrysler opens an interesting opportunity for Nissan to obtain the necessary technology for full performance hybrid pickup trucks and SUVs. While Nissan already licenses hybrid technology from Toyota for the Nissan Altima hybrid, the dual mode hybrid technology that Chrysler shares with GM and others offers more capability, especially for large vehicles like trucks.

Or, are large pickups and SUVs already DOA?

Prius still the greenest hybrid

Prius is the greenest conventional fueled car

According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the Toyota Prius is the 2nd Greenest mass-produced car in America, just behind the natural gas powered Honda Civic. And for all you Boston Legal fans out there, that rating includes battery consideration so a Hummer really isn't cleaner than the Prius.

Other hybrid vehicles included in the Top 10 were the Honda Civic hybrid at 3, the Nissan Altima hybrid at 6, and the Toyota Camry hybrid at 10.

What's wrong with the Civic hybrid?

Fuel economy interest up to start 2008, but Civic hybrid sales down?

I received an interesting e-mail from blogger, Mike, regarding some data that he put together regarding the sales of fuel efficient vehicles (more). While sales of the EPA's most fuel efficient vehicles were up about 15 percent in January of 2008, Honda Civic hybrid sales were down 2 percent.

All other hybrid vehicles are seeing huge increases in hybrid sales, except the Nissan Altima hybrid, which was flat. What gives I wonder?

Top Safest Fuel Saving Cars

Tahoe and 5 other hybrids lead the pack

So, you want to save money on gas, but you also want to feel safe - it is your family, right? What could be more important?

No problem. CNNMoney has come up with 6 vehicles that save gas by providing great fuel economy while providing best in class safety, and 5 of those vehicles are hybrid vehicles.

The Saturn Aura hybrid, Honda Civic hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Toyota Camry hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the Ford Taurus all provide great fuel economy for their class, while also providing excellent safety.

A good time to buy a hybrid?

The 2008 hybrids are coming

Are you in the market for a new hybrid vehicle? Then now might be a great time to do some hybrid shopping, as dealers prepare to unload 2007 models to make room for 2008 models.

The 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid is already available at some dealerships, and the price of the hybrid Camry is $1000.00 less than last year. Thus, buyers can only assume that dealers are ready to bargain.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid has been totally revamped, although only small changes were made to the hybrid powertrain. Still, many are calling the new Highlander the best ever, which might create some deals on the 2007 Highlander hybrid.

Unfortunately, Toyota's other hybrid, that quirky little Prius, continues to be a hot seller, so deals on this popular hybrid might not be common. Still, the 2008 Prius will offer a cheaper base version.

The 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid is also set to launch, so again, dealers might be prepared to discount the 2007 model to make room for the 2008s.

Overall, this is a good time of the year to buy an automobile, so get out there and check out your favorite hybrid vehicles. You just might find a deal you can't refuse.

Small changes for 2008 Altima hybrid

Starting at $25,695

The 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid will see a small price increase compared to this year's model, but a base Altima hybrid will still be slightly less than a 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid. In addition, the new Altima hybrid will include a few new options such as "splash guards and a Diversity antenna."

"Options on the '08 Altima Hybrid include a $6,400 technology package, an $850 power moonroof and a $1,300 convenience package," according to Edmunds.com.

Surprise, Surprise Prius is most researched and read about hybrid

Prius dominates NADA research

The Toyota Prius is the most researched and most read about hybrid at NADAGuides.com.

Wow. Isn't that a big surprise?

About the only interesting fact is that the Honda Civic hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid are more researched than the Toyota Camry hybrid, but more people read reviews of the Camry hybrid compared to either the Civic or Altima hybrids.

I guess when consumers consider hybrid cars, they research Civic and Altima hybrids for comparison before, ultimately, buying the Prius - in most cases. Not as many consumers, however, are researching the Altima or Civic hybrids as seriously as the Camry hybrid, it appears.

Again, that's not really surprising either. While the Prius is the undisputed king of hybrid sales, the Camry hybrid is also blowing away any competition. 60,000 Camry hybrid sales for its first full calendar year is pretty good for a car that offers barely any tax credit.

BW - Altima and Camry hybrids are 5 star vehicles

"best looking, best priced hybrid sedan"

Both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid were given 5 stars by a recent Business Week article, but the Altima hybrid was, ultimately, favored.

"The Camry and Altima are "full" hybrids that can operate on their electric motors alone at times. I gave both of them our top five-star rating. But when you factor in the Altima's low price and the $2,350 federal tax credit many consumers will earn for buying one, it's a far better bargain than the Camry Hybrid right now."

My Take

Recent road tests of these hybrid vehicles have demonstrated that the Camry hybrid is more fuel efficient than the Altima hybrid. So, the Camry hybrid will save more money over time. Of course, the Altima hybrid is more sporty - in performance and handling. So, give'em both a drive if you are seeking a hybrid sedan, if you can find an Altima hybrid - it's still only available in just a handful of states.

Avis expands hybrid lineup

Altima hybrid is now part of the 'cool car' collection

In addition to the Toyota Prius, Avis will also add the Nissan Altima hybrid to their list of available hybrid vehicles for rent. So, if you've been contemplating a hybrid for your next purchase, rent one from Avis and test drive the technology of the future.

Unfortunately, however, the ability to rent hybrids is limited by state. According to Avis, "The Nissan Altima Hybrid will be available at Avis locations throughout California. The Toyota Prius is available at locations in California, Portland, Ore., Seattle and Washington, D.C. The Toyota Prius hybrid will also be available in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City and Philadelphia by the end of the year. Both the Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Toyota Prius are available with guaranteed reservations."

InsideLine chooses Camry as best hybrid sedan

Camry hybrid was "the obvious winner"

InsideLine recently completed a comparison of hybrid sedans, testing the Toyota Camry hybrid, the Saturn Aura hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid.

"It's the Camry's abundant features, comfortable ride and fuel-sipping efficiency that take it to the top of the podium in this test. Just like the standard Camry, the simple fact is the Camry Hybrid gives you a lot of car for your money."

Once again, Toyota proves it knows hybrid cars.

Still, the Nissan Altima hybrid did catch the attention of the testers at Edmunds. "Finally. A hybrid with decent steering and a responsive chassis. What took so long?" So, if you are willing to give up some fuel economy for sportier handling, then the Altima hybrid is worth a look in this segment.

The Aura hybrid, unfortunately, it just too much of a mild hybrid and achieved far less fuel economy than the other two hybrid sedans, especially in the city, where Camry hybrid was more than twice as fuel efficient as the Aura. However, for purely highway drivers, looking to spend as little as possible on a hybrid sedan, the Aura hybrid might work, especially if you are committed to GM products.

Karl on Cars slams Saturn Aura hybrid

An exercise in marketing?

Back in March I called another journalist's Saturn Aura hybrid versus Toyota Prius comparison, nonsense. Even though it wasn't my comparison, some suggested I should compare the Toyota Camry hybrid to the Aura hybrid.

Why? It's still nonsense, but then again, I have hybrid a bias.

Karl on Cars recently tested the Camry hybrid, the Aura hybrid, and the Nissan Altima hybrid and stated, "the Aura got about 19 mpg, or about half what the Altima and Camry hybrids recorded. It was also slower than the other two cars, and our test car had a nasty high-pitched rattle coming out of the center stack area above 4,000 rpm. The upside would be that it costs less than the Altima or Camry Hybrids and the trunk isn't negatively impacted by its "hybrid" technology (though the Camry Hybrid's trunk is plenty large, too)."

Yet, Karl, whom isn't the biggest fan of hybrid vehicles, didn't stop there.

"The real tragedy here is that this car, like the last Accord Hybrid and the current LS 600h, is yet another example of the technology being used for marketing purposes rather than truly saving gas or cutting our dependence on foreign oil or reducing CO2 emissions or any of those other things that we're supposed to feel good about when buying a hybrid."

Now, my critics claim I'm paid off by Toyota, is Karl?

Shareholders question Ghosn over hybrids

Not a technological visionary?

Despite pulling Nissan out of bankruptcy, Carlos Ghosn has received an increasing amount of criticism from some shareholders because of his resistance to hybrid vehicles according to the AFP.

Nissan is now selling the Altima hybrid, but that vehicle is based upon licensed Toyota hybrid technology, although Nissan is working on a proprietary hybrid powertrain.

Want an Altima hybrid, but its not available where you live?

Just gotta have one?

I've received a few e-mails from some hybrid car buyers that decided to purchase a Nissan Altima hybrid, rather than a Toyota Prius, simply for the Altima's full tax credit compared to the almost expired, significantly reduced, tax credit on Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

I can see the sense in that.

Yet, Nissan is only selling the hybrid version of the Altima in just 8 states; California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Not all potential Altima hybrid buyers live in these states. So, many are driving hundreds of miles to buy one.

So, where will these 'out-of-area' Altima hybrids be serviced?

Nissan is warning Altima hybrid buyers outside of the 8 states where Nissan is selling the hybrid vehicle, that servicing outside of these 8 states will be very limited and might include several days of delay.

Hybrid tax credit, servicing hassles, tax credit????

Nissan Altima hybrid testimonials

Altima hybrid driver?

Do you own a Nissan Altima hybrid? How is it going? What kind of gas mileage are you achieving? Have you had any problems? Is there anything you wish Nissan had done differently with its first hybrid?

Let us know about your Altima hybrid experiences and give us your testimonial today.

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