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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  Altima Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By chase - December 23 - 12:46 am

  Almost never goes into ev mode unless I stop or brake under 40. When I first start out in the morning it wont even go in ev when I stop. Maybe the battery needs to charge up? Go on freeway no ev. Get off near work, I go 20mph through the alley, slightest acceleration it goes to gas. computer says Im getting 31mpg. But it also shows my avg mph at 30 when I drive almost entirely freeway at 80 mph. Drives nice though. Fast and peppy.

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  Great to own - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By lockheed - December 6 - 3:13 pm

  Have 2000 miles and can only say good things. If you drive smart, you will get 40 plus miles per gallon. Like the way the machine can get out of its own way when you need it to move fast. I do wish it would stay in electric mode to a higher speed. Fit and trim is excellent, leather trim is good as is interior. Car should have come with fog lights, but that is a small gripe to an otherwise really good driving experience, wish I had the money to replace my second car with another one.

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  Great Eco-Friendly Ride - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By newhampster - December 2 - 3:18 am

  Purchased a NAH in late 2009, and it just clocked 36,000 miles. It has been a great car. Although the MPG not quite as high as the Honda Civic previous car, the joy factor with this car is much higher. Very comfortable, solid handling, very peppy, and better in snow. Averaging about 35 MPG in NH summer and 31 MPG in winter -- EVT takes quite a while to activate in winter due to battery temperature sensor. Make sure there is a Nissan Hybrid authorized repair technician in your area; normal technicians are not allowed to work on NAHs.

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  Luvit - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Glent - November 28 - 8:13 pm

  So far, so good - after a bit less than a week and all is well! So, after reviewing both the Camry Hybrid and the Altima Hybrid, I thought that for the price, the Altima Hybrid the better deal and several days ago I bought one. Engine has a timing chain and not the belt that has to be replaces so often. My one concern is that the trunk is small and and will just barely fit all of my golf stuff, clubs, handcart, etc. Love the bells and whistles, moonroof and nav unit. I dont use the nav unit frequently and leave it off but love it when it turns on whenever I back up.

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  Great car - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Mike S. - November 25 - 9:00 pm

  I bought the tech package taking advantage of the 2.9% apr Nissan is currently running. Overall, Im very pleased with the car. Its a enjoyable ride. Test drove Camry hybrid and came down to two. Gas mileage has been up to expectations and was surprised with amount of kick it has - no trouble climbing the Angeles mountains. With hybrid, you have to get used to the shudder when it switches between gas and electric. Overall, Im very pleased and look forward to claiming the tax credit as well.

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  I love it!! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Danny - October 25 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car. Its really nice to get about 35 mpg and have room to seat 5 adults. The interior fit and finish is nice (better then the Camry and Accord in my opinion). The car is really easy to drive and responsive. Getting used to the hybrid system does take a few sessions but once you do, you wonder to yourself why all cars arent electric?

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  Super - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Herc95 - September 30 - 3:40 pm

  I traded an Infiniti G35X in on my Altima. I drive approx. 100 miles per day, mostly highway. I used to stop twice a week or more to fill up with Premium unleaded. I now stop less than once per week. I am averaging over 36 miles per gallon, this is with setting the cruise on the highway portion at 73- 74. What a money and time saver. Enjoyable and fun to drive.

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  30 days, 2800 miles, 76 hours - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Flying Cloud - September 1 - 4:40 pm

  Mostly on 101 Fwy, PCH, and LA City driving averaging 34.5 mpg. This car is amazing! Fun, performs well, roomy inside, trunk not too small, comfortable after a 2 hour drive, looks good and doesnt scream HYBRID. Purchased purely for utilitarian purposes, commuting and business travel. It is a very pleasant surprise after a month of heavy use. The CVT and hybrid system take some getting used to, but they lead to "strategic" driving. One is challenged by the kW meter not to stomp on the pedal, to attain and maintain speed carefully and to "drive farther ahead down the road". I purchased without tech package anticipating adding portable gps and iPod media.

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  Looks + Performance + Gas Mileage.. WOW - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By FIshiman - July 22 - 9:06 am

  I saw an Altima and liked the looks but it was when I drove the car that I fell in love. The cherry on the sundae was the gas mileage of the hybrid. I live in the hills and get 34 mpg or more and on the freeway I averaged 39 mpg. Pretty awesome to say the least.

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  Six Months and Still Loving it - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Dave - June 24 - 12:10 pm

  Replaced 1999 Taurus with NAH as primarily a commuter car. 22 miles each way 50-50 split highway/city. During the summer enjoyed 37-39 mpg, but when it got cold - mileage crashed to 30-32 mpg. Have Convenience package - Tech package too much money and what I wanted was the power seat any way. Great seat comfort on long drives; but even though I knew it, the trunk size can be painful. Did not expect car to be conversation piece - many people commenting on a hybrid that is not small or looks like a car. Even Prius owners have admired the car. I love the fact that for a comparable sized car I am using 4 to 6 less gallons a week!