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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  Thumbs up! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Psquared - December 28 - 3:16 pm

  This car gets more compliments than any other car I have ever owned. Handles great, plenty of power precise handling.

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  A+ on mileage: B- on interior design - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By ccdeblaze - November 25 - 9:30 am

  Mileage rocks. We bought it last week and immediately took it on a road trip. Got 300 miles on a little more than half a tank. Handles well, pretty comfy-- (Im spoiled by the old Lexus I had before). Bells and whistles that come with the tech package are pretty cool. I rented a Prius for a few days awhile back and the Altima ride is far (far!) superior. Better kick, more comfort, and better than average looks.

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  Recent owner - Still breaking it in - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Eric - October 19 - 11:43 am

  I am 65", and it was very hard to find a non-SUV hybrid that fits me. This one did. In fact this is the only one that did. The result is that I needed to drive ~120 miles to NJ to get one since they are not available in my home state of Maryland.

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  Good car with some issues - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By mmao - October 12 - 3:59 pm

  Its a good car, with excellent MPG - I can get 37/g except in winter. How ever there are some issues. Internal design looks cheap, the Panic button is annoying (its so easy for the horn to shout out). And just got an issue with the ignition switch: I could not start engine some times, and I was told I need $600.0 to get it fixed by the dealer!

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  A very satisfying choice! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By VinnieColaiuta - August 29 - 3:06 pm

  Ive had my NAH for 3 months, and Im loving it. I drove an Acura TSX before, and the Altima is not as much fun, but it has plenty of pep and compelling driving dynamics. Im pleased with an average of 34-35 MPG, but I am driving like Grandma to get those numbers. Its loaded except for navi: heated leather, Bose stereo, blueto. This car is a lot prettier than a Prius and is more fun to drive than the Camry Hybrid. The interior layout is excellent: controls are easy to read and to reach, and everything feels carefully designed. The modest rumble that you feel/hear when the gasoline engine kicks in does not bother me at all (some folks seem to mind). All in all - great car!

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  1st month review - 09 Altima Hybrid (NAH - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Golf4 - August 20 - 1:43 am

  Bought new 09 NAH. Plan is to keep the car for roughly 8 years so chose the best value considering cost over that time frame (gas, maintenance, tax credit, rebates/incentives, invoice). Toyota Camry-H (TCH) and NAH were top contenders. $2350 tax credit pushed NAH ahead and Nissan was aggressive in rebates - chose NAH (fully loaded). Engine shifts to gas very quickly during acceleration. The car doesnt go to hybrid mode quickly when the engine is cold even on a hot sunny day after work. Adjusting my driving (longer brakes, slow acceleration, maintain cruising longer - I get about 33-38mpg. aggressive driving 24-28, normal driving 28-30mpg in city (25mph-55mph roads), freeway about 35mpg

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  08 Altima Hybrid, 38.4 mpg Mountain Hwy - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Bob - July 6 - 3:36 pm

  This car is my second hybrid and is a real road worthy sedan. Returning from Carson City, NV to Novato, CA over the Sierras we averaged 38.4 mpg and legal highway speeds. This trip was 210 miles over 4 hours on a quarter of a tank of regular gas. I am very pleased with the cabin and trunk capacity and enjoy driving this vehicle.

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  Great Ride - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Angel - July 5 - 5:46 am

  Just bought this car. The buying experience was very good. Love driving this car and getting great gas mileage is even better. Bose sound system is great. Bluetooth phone feature works fine.

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  One week, 23000 miles - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By steve - June 27 - 5:50 am

  First fill up after 400 miles, trip computer 31.5, actual 29. Second fill up trip computer 35, actual 32.5. Perhaps because I always fill to the brim, dealer probably when they gave full tank not quite full. Great pickup nav system a bit complicated, but arent they all? Nav should have built in calculator. Negatives - too much road (wind) noise. Bluetooth does not work real well, people have hard time hearing me on phone, plus voice recognition doesnt work so well. Have with tech package - should come with fog lights standard although lighting at nite pretty good, can manage without them. Trunk small, but will manage. Also purchased 2nd NAH this week for wife (without tech package).

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  i am in love... - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By sandra - June 23 - 7:56 pm

  i feel like i won the lottery...i am constantly looking at every altima that i see to see if it is a hybrid...and when i see that it is not...i just smile...it is nice being one of very few that actually know about this fabulous car...i love it...it is beautiful, sexy, quiet, powerful, roomy, sophisticated, etc...i am a proud owner...i gave her a name...bought her a duster...covered her seats...the drive is superb...i have had several cars in my life...but it is different once you purchase the 2007 nissan altima...it is truly unexplainable...i am glad that i went car shopping when i did...i have no regrets...