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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  why does my car creak? - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By lynn - July 15 - 8:53 pm

  I bought this car brand new - got a great price and almost 0 percent financing. I love the way it looks - dark blue is the classiest color. Everyone loves driving and being a passenger in my car. I frequently carpool four large teenagers and no one ever complains bout room in the back seat. The problem is in the sounds. After the first few months i noticed a creaking noise. I feel as though it is coming from the glove compartment, the passenger often tells me it is coming from the drivers side. I have had the car in 5 or 6 times and the dealer tells me it is coming from the cup holder (weve tried removing it), they have tightened the bolts on the dashboard. It is an unsolved mystery

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  We LOVE this car! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Deb - June 20 - 8:36 pm

  My family trades cars about every 2 years. This Altima is a KEEPER. Who would have thought you could get great mileage in a roomy car that doesnt look like a cheese wedge? We are averaging between 35 and 36 mpg. It would probably be higher except that I do stop and go driving. We feel so safe with the front & side airbags. Acceleration is quick and braking dependable. Beautiful lines, quality fit and finish.

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  2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Dan - June 19 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased a Toyota Highlander for my wife a few years back and felt the only new car for me was Toyota. I was so close to buying the Camry Hybrid but after reading reviews here, I tested the Altima. Sold! I’m a big guy at 6’4” 230 lbs and the comfort in the Altima is far superior to the Camry. Gas mileage is great at 38. And I think it looks much better than the Camry.

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  Nissan Hybrid - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By greenauto - April 20 - 10:53 pm

  Beautiful car that is fun to drive. Lots of interior room and high quality finish outside and inside. Love the keyless function. Never have to take keys out of pocket. The trunk is, however, 1/3 smaller than the non- hybrid model. Great acceleration with the combined almost 200 hp. Also a very quiet and smooth ride with the CVT transmission. Fuel economy a little less than I had hoped for, 31 mpg combined driving in sunny San Diego.

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  Just what was expected - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Gregg - February 9 - 11:23 am

  Ive found the fit and finish to be good and the mpg to be a consistent 38 overall. Wanted a practical car that offered some style. Am pleased with the car after 5 months on ownership.

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  Very happy owner - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By db5007 - January 19 - 1:36 am

  I was hesitant to write a review since I feel like Ive stumbled onto a great secret.. however, good work deserves to be recognized. This car drives and feels like a luxury sedan. I purchased the technology package which increased the msrp but I still feel its well worth the price. I am surprised I havent seen more reviews or people talking about this car online. I always wanted a Hybrid, but wasnt a big fan of the Prius or Civics design. For me, the Altima had the whole package.

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  Satisfied with 40 mpg - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Larry - January 3 - 11:50 am

  Bought the car new in 2007 and have maintained all oil changes with 0-20w full synth. oil and drive mostly highway miles. Continuous driving on trips of 8 plus hours. Was amazed that the car was producing 40 miles to the gallon on the highway. These trips are on the west coast over mountains and super curved roads. So far the window sticker was right about the MPG except in the reverse. Better on the highway.

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  16000 Miles So Far So Good - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Ed Foss - November 27 - 6:30 pm

  I commute 104 miles everyday, with lots of stop and go traffic. The Altima Hybrid has been a terrific commuter car, averaging 33 mpg for 16000 miles. The car is near luxury and near high performance. Not bad for a green hybrid! Some minor upgrades would make the car closer to a true luxury sedan, but the car wont ever be a high performance sedan. However, its still fun to drive, with very good steering and handling, with acceptable power.

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  Best car EVER! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Artemis - July 20 - 11:16 pm

  There are 5 cars in our driveway, yet the Altima Hybrid is the family favorite. The styling is classy yet sporty and the ride is luxurious. The quiet hybrid engine took getting used to, especially compared to our attention-getting souped up BMW Roadster. The car steers on a dime, the Bose sound system is amazing, and the seats are uber comfortable.

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  Love my Altima Hybrid - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By db59 - July 18 - 10:00 am

  The Altima Hybrid is a true Jekyll & Hyde. It saves me gas and its sporty and fun to drive. It has enough room for my family, I can stretch out in it and it looks great. When the spirit moves me and I just have to get away fast I hit the pedal to the metal and the electric motor feels like a supercharger as it pushes the 2.5 over 100mph!