When I started looking for a vehicle, I wasn't looking for a hybrid or even a car, but after dozens of test drives one car clearly came out as the best for us, the Nissan Altima Hybrid.

This car had the comfort we wanted after over 20 years of driving econo-boxes. It easily beat the MPG of the Civic we traded for it and after almost a year of driving, the Altima has met every expectation I could wish for.

The base Altima Hybrid lists for about $25,000 but routinely sells for as little as $22,000 to savvy shoppers. I have not seen a Camry Hybrid for less then $26,000 much less the $19,600 it would have to be sold for to equal what some are paying for an NAH after the tax break. The Camry didn't mach the Altima in horse power or comfort in our tests. The base Altima Hybrid also comes with stability control, traction control, ant-lock breaks, push button start, side air bags, dual climate control and AM/FM CD stereo all as standard. With a 198 HP you almost have the power of a 6 cylinder Altima but you get the MPG of a Sentra, and incidentally the base regular Altima has a very fuel efficient 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine, not a 6.

While I agree that the original poster should keep the Sentra. (sounds like a good candidate for a Smart Car www.smartusa.com) The Altima Hybrid is a great car that should not be so easily dismissed.