Hybrid Altima Experience

My neighborhood Avis auto rental had 2 Altima Hybrids in their parking
lot. It seemed like a good opportunity to try one out. Both had 0
options...the radio wouldn't even play MP3's...not exactly a superior
driving experience for something Avis thinks they should get about
$400 a week for (not what I paid thank goodness).

My silver rental had 13,100 miles on the odometer. Over 600 miles of
truly mixed driving (400 of mostly freeways and 200 in town), the gas
mileage was 35 mpg. I have a light foot, freeway speeds were within 5
mph of our 65 limit. I carried 2 passengers for part of the journey.
In town driving, with lots of "EV Mode" (electric power only), would
push the avg. mpg up.

The hybrid was relatively unobtrusive. A small "bump" when the gas
engine would start was noticeable. I think it should have a
tachometer but the CVT worked well and I didn't find myself
anticipating shifts. My other cars (Maxima and Miata) are both
sticks.

I thought the Altima had a bit too much road noise. Not engine, motor
or drive train noise but noise through the suspension. The small
trunk would be a disadvantage on long trips for a pack rat like me.

I was generally unimpressed with the features...maybe with the
technology package (or one of the other packages) it would be nicer.
No daylight running lamps, no steering wheel audio controls, basic
stereo, no automatic door locks, no power seat, no backseat vents
(other than under the seats), no automatic lights or self dimming rear
view mirror. Interior storage space was good. Huge glove box and big
storage area between the two front buckets. The dual control
heating/air conditioning worked OK.

I had to take it back before my 1 week rental ended. The oil
maintenance and other maintenance warnings came on even though the car
had (supposedly according to the sticker in the car) just been
serviced. Avis gave me the other Altima but it had a right front tire
with a huge bulge on the sidewall...I thought dying in a fiery crash
would be less than amusing. So, I ended up with a Jetta...but that's
another story.

Cheers,

M