I have been thinking about buying a new car to replace my current 2003 Nissan Altima. Its not that the car is bad, its the fuel prices and incentives to buy a new hybrid that has got me wondering. The question is when to buy. Currently their is a $2350 tax credit for the Altima Hybrid that makes it look very attractive to narrow the price gap between a tradition internal combustion engine (ICE)... Read more...

In addition the gas savings, if driven correctly will yeild a higher MPG, compared to my current 23 MPG, 35 MPG seems worth while. I test drove the new Nissan Altima Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Toyota Prius hybrid.  In a nut shell, the Prius was the most versital hybrid due to its cargo capacity and build quality. The materials and design feels well designed and rich in quality. However, the Prius felt the weakest of them all (accerlation wise... purely subjective). The Hybrid Camry was the next well built hybrid with comfy room, just no cargo room in the trunk due to the battery pack, like wise with the Altima and Civic. These three has the same capacity for cargo as a compact car or less, as the rear seats don't fold down. The both the Camry and the Civic were ok to drive, not peppy in but doable for a commute. The Nissan Altima, among these hybrids, was much more torquey and powerful. I enjoyed the added power. The Altima was also the more affordable of them all as it had the tax credit and a factory rebate. Overall all the hybrids were fun to drive; however they all were heavy and was not as nimble as their  gas only counterparts.

Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that will Recharge America author: Sherry Boschert asin: 0865715718