Overview & Reviews
At the beginning of Prius-mania, Nissan could see itself venturing up a creek without a paddle. Or rather, into a new fuel economy-conscious market without a hybrid. As a quick fix, Nissan swallowed its pride and essentially purchased the rights to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. This marriage resulted in the Nissan Altima Hybrid, a sedan that combined the high-tech, fuel-saving benefits of Toyota's hybrid technology with the Altima's sporty looks and driving dynamics.
It was an impressive combination, and in many ways the Altima Hybrid was the most desirable hybrid sedan on the market during its time. Unfortunately, Nissan only sold it in handful of states, and annual sales numbers were pretty miniscule. As such, the Altima Hybrid will be pretty hard to find as a used car.
Most Recent Nissan Altima Hybrid
The Nissan Altima Hybrid was introduced at the same time as the regular, redesigned Altima for 2007. Unlike its non-hybrid sibling, however, it was discontinued after 2011.
The Altima's hybrid powertrain is essentially identical to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive in both design and function. It combines a modified version of the Altima's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (which makes 158 horsepower in this application) and an electric motor capable of 40 hp and 199 pound-feet of torque. Both gasoline and electric aspects operate together or one at a time, depending on driving conditions, to optimize fuel economy and power. They combine for 198 hp, with fuel economy estimated at 35 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined -- on par with the contemporary Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Standard equipment was ample, with things like keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power driver seat among its standard features. Options were aplenty including a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, Bluetooth, navigation, a rearview camera and a Bose sound system. Unfortunately, these options were encapsulated in three pricey packages that limited customer choice and made the MSRP rise faster than Bundt cake in a broiler. As such, expect used Nissan Altima Hybrids to come with either a lot of equipment or very little.
The Nissan Altima Hybrid set itself apart from the Toyota and others by being a rare green car that didn't completely suck the life out of driving. While it was no sport sedan, it managed to keep much of the spirited acceleration and road-holding prowess of the gas-powered four-cylinder Altima. At the time, we also gave the car high marks for its precise steering, top-notch interior materials and strong crash safety scores.
During its life, changes were limited to 2010 when Nissan slightly tweaked the exterior styling, upgraded the interior fabric and added an iPod interface to the options list.
User Reviews:
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No complaints after nearly three years - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By tomsan - April 12 - 2:22 pmWe have had our 2009 NAH since June 2009. The on-board computer for mileage runs high, as many have noted. I just completed tallying my mileage after recording miles and gallons at each fill-up. After 24,000 miles, I have averaged 34.74 mpg, through all seasons, right in line with EPA estimates. With gas here at $4.20/gallon, Im feeling fine. Overall, it runs like any gas-powered car. The shift from gas to electric is very mild and not an issue. The rest of the car is quite fine: good comfort, good power, good feeling of safety. Yes, the trunk is a bit small but thats the price for a hybrid. And I LOVE the fact that it goes into electric at the VERY long stoplights where I live.
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An Understated Hybrid - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Understated - April 1 - 6:33 amPurchased 12/16/2009, now has 4800 miles. Love the quiet, fuel savings and that Im not polluting when at traffic lights, slow traffic or drive- throughs. It is fun to watch the MPG go up, when non-hybrids MPGs are going down. At the time, Nissan was the only one which qualified for Federal Tax Rebates. It has all the options except Navigation, including leather. A NUVI is a good substitute, still I would have liked in dash navigation.
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Good vehicle but room for improvement - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By igh - March 16 - 11:53 amI traded in a 2004 Acura TSX for this car. The TSX was almost perfect except for mpg. This one has great styling, better mpg, more bells and whistles like remote start etc. The interior finish, though acceptable, is not good. The edges around flaps, knobs etc have some gaps. Already some severe rattles coming from closed sunroof. The trip computer needs an improved interface. No complains about performance or handling for this size car in its category. Cycling through information display in the console is tedious. Should do better for model with navi. The music system is good but not stellar. The tweeter was a notch above in the TSX. 20 gallon tank means 700 mile range so 1 fillup/month.
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one year old! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By steve suher - March 9 - 12:06 pmActually, I have two NAHs, both purchased March 07. I have loaded one with tech package, roof, etc., now have 34,000 miles, my wifes slightly loaded, she has approx 6000 miles. MPG as expected, for my car up until winter was averaging 34 - 35 mpg (mostly hwy driving) My wifes car, slightly better (more (suburban stop & go). I do keep very accurate gas records so these figures are actual consumption, not per computer (which is always higher by 5 to 7% MPG dropped to around 30 mpg for both vehicles, I suppose winter fuel and cold weather negatively impact mpg. Otherwise, no issues at all, very pleased with both vehicles.
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A different experience - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Interesting drive - December 25 - 2:26 amTraded in my 2007 Sentra SE-R Spec V as the ride was getting a bit too harsh for me along with just OK fuel mileage. Liked the style of the car with the twin exhaust outlets and the spoiler certainly makes it a much more appealing car to look at as opposed the Camry in my view. Interesting ride for sure. Have never owned an automatic before (30 years plus of manual transmissions). Pushing the gas pedal gets results but sounds a little strange to begin with and feels like a rubber band is being wound up! Its nippy and no slouch though. A little jerky at constant highway speeds. Feels like Im driving an amusement arcade what with all the lights and gadgets but very pleased with the purchase.
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I LOVE this car! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By sirene916 - December 16 - 9:56 pmI bought my first Altima in 2005 before the hybrid model came out. I loved that car. It was stylish, roomy, and fun to drive. I had heard then that the Altima hybrid would be out in late 2006 or 2007, so I have been waiting all this time. I went to the dealer for service on my 2005 Altima, and decided to test drive the Altima hybrid. It was an easy decision to make the trade. The hybrid has all the familiar comforts of my old Altima but with the benefits of a hybrid... and the extras that come with the Convenience Package.
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Good Buy - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By NissanMan - November 29 - 5:36 pmGood Hybrid alternative to Toyota and Honda. Good rebates from Nissan and also could deduct the CT sales tax. overall good car
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Best looking hybrid - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Eric - November 25 - 10:23 amAfter recently purchasing my altima hybrid i knew i had made a great investment. Not only does it drive fantastic but i know it is also a good looking car unlike other hybrids. Most powerful hybrid i drove.
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Thoroughly Satisfied - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Scott D. - November 2 - 4:30 pmI have had this car for 9 days. I am thoroughly satisfied to say the least. My first tank of gas lasted 651 miles and I got 37.1 MPG. I would characterize my driving style this 1st week at light to light-moderate. With moderate driving I would expect more like 33-35MPG, excellent for a car this size. Last car was an 08 Sentra. No problems and it had 63,000 miles. I upgraded due to 4K Nissan cash back and 2,350 federal tax cred on the hybrid. Comparing this car to the Sentra is almost pointless. Sentra was high revving with the CVT and a bit small for me. The Altima is far more comfortable and gets up and performs with ease. I expect reliability on par with the Sentra.
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Love this Car!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Danielle - October 17 - 5:10 amIve been so happy with this car! My only comment is that it takes some getting used to when the car switches from electric to gas as it feels a little bit like when spark plugs misfire. I was assured that this was normal, however for most hybrids. Also, if you live in a hilly/mountainous area (I live in California) dont expect to get the gas mileage advertised but thats to be expected. Great buy!
