TEST DRIVE

Test Drive introduces affordable and attainable vehicles to an audience that has become somewhat skeptical of the auto industry as of late. We know that auto enthusiast have not gone anywhere, and that people will continue to buy vehicles but with a bit more scrutiny. This show will give them a candid look at the vehicles they may or may not have previously been interested in test driving.

Episode 1 | Episode 2

Episode 1 - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid

What Edmunds.com says
The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is an excellent choice for drivers who want a little fun between point A and point B. Too bad it's only sold in the eight states that have adopted California's emissions standards.

Pros
Excellent fuel economy, sporty handling, precise steering, top-notch interior materials, high crash test scores.

Cons
Can only be obtained in eight states, options are only offered in expensive packages, so-so backseat comfort.

What's New for 2009
The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid remains unchanged from the previous year, except for standard automatic door locks and four more exterior color choices.

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid Vehicle Overview
Introduction
Hybrids and other green cars, though known for being economical and earth-friendly, have a reputation for also being rather slow, odd-looking and uninspiring behind the wheel. Bucking the trend is the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid. Although it has the outward appearance and driving manners of a conventional sedan, the Altima Hybrid sips fuel while keeping harmful emissions to a minimum.

Borrowing heavily from rival Toyota's parts bin via a licensing agreement, the Nissan Altima Hybrid shares a fair amount of technology and components with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. It has a Nissan engine -- a revised version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the regular Altima and a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT). These improvements result in a more refined powertrain with better acceleration than the Camry Hybrid, while maintaining the same combined fuel economy.

On the subject of fuel economy, the Altima Hybrid excels, managing 35 mpg in the city and 33 in highway driving, according to EPA estimates. By comparison, the all-gas Altima four-cylinder gets only 23/31 mpg. While that's a hefty improvement for city driving, consider for a moment the Hybrid's higher price tag over the conventional Altima. It will take years of ownership to recoup the Hybrid's premium in fuel savings alone. At that rate, the Altima Hybrid would only appeal to those who plan on owning the car for quite a spell, or to the very eco-conscious.

Another drawback for the Altima, and indeed many of Nissan's models, is the structure and pricing for options. Unfortunately, options are not available individually, but bundled with other items into fairly large and expensive packages. Further complicating matters is that some packages are only available as supplements to supporting packages. This puts the Altima at a considerable price disadvantage compared to the Camry Hybrid.

Still, among the few green midsize sedans on the market, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is our favorite, with its swift acceleration, sporty (for a hybrid) handling, miserly fuel consumption, comfort and practicality. Just make sure you live in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont -- these are the only states where it is currently sold.

Driving Impressions
The 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid is a green car that doesn't compromise driving pleasure. While it certainly wouldn't be thought of as a canyon carver or a track-day candidate, this hybrid manages to retain much of the acceleration and road-holding prowess of the conventional four-cylinder Altima. Steering is notably precise, with ample feedback.

A BlackTree Media Production

Produced by Jamaal Finkley
Directed by Michael Melendy
On Camera Crystal Coney
Edit by Michael Melendy
Special Thanks to Joe Neuberger

Episode 2 - 2009 Nissan Rogue SL

In this episode of Test Drive, Crystal stays in the Nissan family and gives you a look at the Nissan Rogue SL, take a look and let us know what you think. This is what Edmunds thinks:

The 2009 Nissan Rogue is pleasant. You look at it — pleasant. You drive it — pleasant. Here's a little crossover SUV that isn't really outstanding in any area, yet seldom disappoints. Instead, the Rogue does most things well enough that it adds up to a very pleasant total. While it lacks the utility and passenger space of some competitors, this handsomely dressed Nissan compensates with its athletic character, relatively frugal fuel consumption and avant-garde style.

In particular, the Rogue fits the bill for young professionals who like the idea of sitting up high, but still want something stylish and fuel-efficient. Ditto parents of one or two small children who aren't ready to drive a stereotypical "mom mobile," yet are attracted to the added space and sense of security an SUV provides.

Other points in the Rogue's favor include its attractively simple interior controls, which are easy to use even though they're connected to some of the latest gadgets and gizmos. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) rewards those who go easy on the throttle with seamless acceleration and good fuel economy, though heavy throttle applications cause the engine to drone like an unhappy cow. The electric-assist steering couldn't be easier to turn in parking lots, yet unlike other electric steering setups, the Rogue's is respectably communicative at higher speeds, lending more driver confidence to control the vehicle.

In sum, the 2009 Nissan Rogue is a bit sportier than the typical compact crossover SUV without exacting any penalties in ride comfort or fuel economy, and its sophisticated style separates it from the conservative cute-ute pack of such perennial all-stars as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. In other words, it's perfectly pleasant.

A BlackTree Media Production

Produced by: Jamaal Finkley
Host: Crystal Coney
Camera and Edit: Yev S.