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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  So far, so good - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Leslee in Tucson - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Its been a little over 2 years since I purchased Blondie ( named for the "blond" leather interior). No major problems to deal with, so far, so good. I do mixed freeway/city driving. In Tucsons heat, using the A/C which works great here in AZ by the way, I get 31 mpg. In our milder winters, Ive been getting 34 mpg. The mpg are a slight disappointment but still better than 14 yr old Volvo. Still love the look, acceleration and roomy interior. Still not used to door locking system or less tight turning ability (is that torque?) Nervous about future cost to replace cell. Small trunk no problem; no kids and not much travel. So far, so good.

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  Best Performing Hybrid Sedan - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By SonicAgamemnon - December 4 - 3:53 am

  Test drove the Fusion, Camry and Prius hybrids and concluded the Altima was the best overall performing hybrid in the group, with the best balance between fuel economy, driving performance and comfort. Although the Prius stands above the group in fuel economy, it fell quickly behind in other areas during my test drive. The Altima has the best merge/pass performance, lowest cabin noise, and the best cornering and general handling in the group. Fully dressed, all of these vehicles are priced about the same, with similar rebates and financing, and the same warranty coverages. Its nice to simply test drive them all on the same day and decide based mostly on that alone.

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  The Camry Killer? - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By andrew - December 3 - 2:36 pm

  Although we test-drove the Prius and Camry Hybrid, the Altima was the only full hybrid we actually found fun to drive; its responsive and powerful, and feels like a performance car rather than a boat or oversized cart. While the jury is still out on gas economy (it was a cold winter in Toronto, after all), its still pretty good. Couple that with its attractive exterior, and I would have to say that the Altima is the best hybrid out there right now.

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  Worth It - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Bob - November 20 - 8:16 pm

  Found the Altima Hybrid when doing on line research for a new car. Liked the reviews and comments. Drove it and was very impressed. It is as close to a sports car as I could get with my size. Believe it or not at 69" and 280 lbs I am as comfortable in this car as any vehicle I have ever been in. We live in the California foothills and so dont get much of the city driving. However on the windy country roads I am on EV more than I expected.

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  Loved it for 5 days! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Jim Warrick - August 2 - 9:56 pm

  I had been researching different vehicles to buy for some time with particular interest in hybrid technology. I enjoy driving but wanted to save gas, I didnt necessarily care if it cost me more to save gas. I would rather spend the money on the car than give it to OPEC and contribute to the myriad of problems we have in the world today. Test driving the car was great, first few days of ownership, great! Now the service engine light is on, not great. Im told I have to take a day off and possibly leave it overnight. Really not great. So much for Nissan reliability!

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  Peppiest and nices looking of the Hybrid - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Chris - July 1 - 6:03 am

  This is an early review so Ill amend it later if anything changes. Like the previous reviewer, I was looking at the Milan/Fusion hybrids (other models are not practical for New England driving, in my opinion) and was most tempted by the superior gas mileage (and in my state, sales tax is waived for vehicle getting over 40mpg). Not something to off-handedly dismiss. HOWEVER, the pickup and styling of this care just smokes the Fusion/Milan. Although Im doing this mostly for environmental concerns; I still care about aesthetics. My model is fully loaded.

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  Read this Review - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Sam - June 21 - 9:16 am

  Great. Car. Great Value. I got a fully loaded Altima MSRP 34,910 for 31,100. $500 Cash back, 0.9%, and $2350 tax credit. Even though the Ford Fusion gets better gas mileage, you cant compare the value. You just cant. Fords Sync system is cooler, but not worth the money you could be saving. All I can tell you is, NO regrets. None. Best value and fun for your money. Nissan also Offers a 8 year / 150,000 mile warranty bumper to bumper warranty. I got mine for $2,100. That made a huge difference. Think about that warranty...its an excellent deal!

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  Fun to drive! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Bill - June 14 - 1:56 pm

  Replaced my 1997 Audi A4 Quattro and I find driving this to be as fun as the Audi. Have only been averaging 34 MPG which is disappoinging based on the EPA ratings, but is nearly twice what I was getting with the Audi.

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  Greening Up My Life - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By getting greener - May 27 - 9:16 pm

  I decided that it was time to reduce my greenhouse gases and spend also bit less on fuel. At the same time, I didnt want to have to give up my enthusiastic driving habits. To be sure, the Altima has delivered on all three fronts. In mixed driving, I get 33 mpg. I can do a little better on the highway, pushing 36 or so. But between the August heat (air conditioning required) and living in the Worcester foothills, I doubt Id see anything over 33 mpg even if I babied it!

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  Best Hybrid on the Road - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Rondo - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I carefully considered the Honda and Toyota Hybrids. Personally the style of the available brands next to the Altima was no comparison, with the Altime clearly the winner in style, speed, great gas mileage, price, space and features. Altima appearance to me is far superior inside and out. I moved from a Camry due to a total loss accident to the Altima Hybrid for all of the reasons I just mentioned and the superior crash ratings the Altima has. Drive everything else first, then get into an Altima. If you like features, speed, a comparable price and style that turns heads everywhere you go, the Altima Hybrid is the clear winner. The tax credit and being "green" is a winner in any city.