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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  Hybrid Review - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By AFM - May 10 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased the car expecting around 35 mpg. I am at 700 miles and havent gotten better than 26- 29 mpg. I have to drive for a couple of miles before the ev mode engages. I can even be at a stop and it wont kick in. I expected the ev mode to be on more. It seems the gas engine is always on. I drive 4 miles to work all city driving. I am over half way there before the ev mode comes on. I would have never purchased the car if i am going to get 26-29 mpg especially at this pricepoint.

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  Love it - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By DAVID CARLSON - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Nissan and hybrid. The car is a pleasure to drive. Has room for three grand children in the back seat and with the four door model can enter and exit easily. I am glad I did not buy an SUV instead. Getting 37 to 39 mpg ans saving every day.

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  Agree with "Awesome Car" review - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By chasator - March 29 - 9:53 am

  Bought this car after looking at the 09 Accord EX-L. The Altima is more sporty, quiet, and more fun to drive. Not to mention the excellent gas mileage. With the current Nissan rebate of $3250 and tax incentive, the price is hard to beat. You will not be disappointed in this car.

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  Finally green - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Carlsbad - March 5 - 3:40 pm

  Just bought our first hybrid and so far it has been outstanding. After driving a dodge durango for a few years (17 mpg on a good day) its nice to finally have a car that gives a little back. Great handling, quiet ride, smooth acceleration, and great gas mileage. Looked at other vehicles in same class, Altima won us over mostly due to its sporty styling and smooth ride. Highly recommend this car to anyone. One more thing, in your instruction manual it states that there are three instances which your engine will run automatically. They are engine warm-up, batt charging and high or low batt temp.

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  Never mind hybrid - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By one - February 22 - 5:10 am

  I drive this as a company vehicle. Nissan spec 35MPG city has to happen yet. I drive it very gently and it gets around 25MPG when cold. When driving in cold weather, it takes around 10 miles of driving before the vehicle starts going in EV mode. Once the EV mode starts working, MPG get better, around 31MPG. Engine restarts are very noticeable with some hesitation. For those reasons I would never buy this as personal vehicle as the gas sevings are marginal and do not justify the extra sticker price and possible problems associated with extra technology. Go with the 2.5 gas instead.

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  HORRIBLE NISSAN - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By disappointed - February 7 - 9:30 pm

  I just bought the car less than a week ago. I was too stupid, didnt realize the problem when I was test driving it. Whenever you try to slow down or hit the brake, it actually sounded like an ambulance or police car siren 800 feet away from you. The dealership was in a quite busy neighborhood, so I really thought there were police cars or ambulance around or down that street, not until, I bought the car, and drove home and drove in my nice neighbor realizing that sound is from stepping on the brake. I brought it back to the dealer, they cant do anything about it, and I am stuck with this brand new car with horrible sound. Dont ever buy a Nissan car.

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  Goodby Gas Station - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Jack - February 3 - 6:56 am

  I only visit the gas station once every two weeks now, which is half as often as I did with my 2004 Acura TSX. I opted for the fully loaded tech package so I have all the goodies..navigation, Bose, rear back- up camera, etc. I think I enjoy the performance well enough for a hybrid.