Sounds like you want a Ford Escape Hybrid or a Mercury Mariner Hybrid. They seem to have all the atributes you are looking for.

Also the Nissan will only be available in the "california emissions" states.

Well, thanks for your reply. Actually, I've considered both of these but have my reservations. Meaning no disrespect to those who are quite happy with them, I'm spooked by reports of tip-ups in government safety testing of those vehicles. I seem to remember having read about it both in various Consumer Reports publications and possibly also on the NHTSA website too. Although I don't have my research materials in front of me right now, I seem to remember them being less reliable than I'd like. If I were going to switch to a hybrid that only gets 5 mpg more on average than what I currently get, I'd probably be looking at most of the other choices, rather than a Ford or a Mercury. Maybe I'll eat my words later, but that's my attitude now. Plus, I have to admit to a fondness for Toyota and Hondas over Fords and Mercurys, stemming from many years of reading CR's reliability comments for those automakers in general.

Back in 1982 when researching the purchase of the very first car I ever bought for myself, I gradually realized that for me at least, there was no purely guilt free 'all American' vehicle out there. The American cars I was most interested in had lots of imported parts, and the Japanese cars that seemed better alternatives often were the result of American and Japanese business ventures, and in fact were made in this country. I didn't have to agonize over choosing between a kind of 'patriotism' versus good sense (choosing a car based on its reliability, and good reputation). I still believe this to be true. We ended up choosing a Chevy Nova, a sibling car to the Toyota Corolla, and it was a gem. In the years since, every mostly 'American' vehicle we've had has been less reliable, gotten worse mileage, and been less enjoyable to drive than our various Hondas (civics del sol, cr-v, and now accord).

I realize that the Nissan Altima is only going to be available in the 8 states or so that have been mentioned in every news report about the car, but that is more tantalizing than off-putting. I find it interesting that you already drive the very vehicle I'd be currently likely to purchase if I absolutely had to go get a car today.

Anyway, happy and safe driving to you, and thanks for writing,
swvsings

swvsings


See "Cheery Cherry TCH" in Greenhybrid log.