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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  Best I Ever Owned - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Chris M - July 3 - 7:36 am

  Im not one to post reviews about things i buy or have, but once i bought this car i knew I had to let people know that one. Its a great Hybrid and well built too. Very good on gas. I have the fully loaded one so its very comfortable And last but least ITS A NISSAN. So it will last a life time five stars all the way!

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  I have two NAHs - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By steve - May 26 - 6:43 am

  My second report. Have one with tech package, now have 3200 miles, still averaging about 32.5 mpg (although computer says higher) Have a second vehicle bought at same time (5 weeks ago) with 700 miles first fill up got 28 mpg (trip computer said 31.5). I suppose dealer never filled it quite full like I do. Second vehicle with convenience package but not tech. Love the backup, nav system, very quiet with roof open, but, still, a poor bluetooth system too much road noise or background noise people cannot hear me clearly. Also, love that I can keep key in pocket never take it out. Same for my wife leaving it in purse. Less chance of misplacing. Oh well, out of room just about!

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  Incredible Hybrid that is a Great Car - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By happyinct - May 14 - 9:26 am

  Its possible to get 40 mpg from a 3500 lb car with great acceleration, braking and most decent handling. This is a very comfortable car. The Tech package is great as is the rear view camera. Nissan took Toyota technology and improved upon it. The engine starts feel no different than a shift in a typical car. Very happy!

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  Love My New Altima Hybrid - 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By davepw - May 4 - 1:15 pm

  This car is exactly what I was looking for -- great mileage, exceptional styling, sporty/fun to drive, reliable, excellent value.

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  Cool looking hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Ken - May 2 - 10:33 am

  I was looking for a midsize hybrid, so I choose the Altima over the Toyota Camry, due to the sporty body style. But the ride is just awesome. If you are looking for a mid size sedan with good gas milage, handling and acceleration, this is it. Not to mention, I got 600 miles on the first tank of fue l(75% hwy). But keep in mind, the gas tank holds 17 gallons. My previous car was a Corolla, so I was not used to buying 17 gallons at every fill up. In closing, if you want a cool looking car and do your little part in saving the planet and be less dependant on foreign oil, consider buying the Nissan Altima Hybrid.

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  Altima Hybrid - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By joha - March 2 - 3:26 am

  The Altima Hybrid is a very good car. In my first 600 miles of mixed freeway and local driving, I got 34.1 mpg. This is less than I hoped, but much better than non-hybrid cars of similar size and performance. There are a few problems. The gas engine is rough and the ecu has the engine running too much in local driving. The placement of the big battery creates a small trunk that is tall but short front to back. Long items cannot be carried. I have the base model with strange and limited instruments. The speedometer goes to 160 mph, so only the first half is usable, with hard to read gradations. There is no tachometer and no temp guage.

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  The ultimate hybrid driving machine - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By sd1 - February 7 - 10:56 pm

  I used to own the 1997 Nissan Altima -- it had a strong engine and acceleration but wasnt as refined. Boy, has the Altima come of age. It now has effortless acceleration and very good ride/handling with modest vibrations and cabin noise. It can now hold its own against the Mercedes C series, and win with a bigger interior and better mpg. Have it only for a week and so far its the best new car purchase I ever made.

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  No Surprises - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Jack - December 15 - 7:36 pm

  I have only had this car about a month so I cant say it is broken in by any means and the temperature has been below freezing most of the time. This car meets all my expectations and then some. I was concerned about reading about the "shudder" transition from electric to gas but I found that only noticable at a full stop and not a problem. While driving it is smooth and responsive. I cant wait for warmer weather. On my first tank I hit about 34 mpg which is about the current EPA. I expect in warmer weather that it will improve. Got the tech package and I am glad I did. Seats are a big improvement over the standard cloth. Even now this baby gets me about 15 more per gallon than my previous

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  Excellent vehicle for the price - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By plaroc03 - November 1 - 3:50 am

  Having searched for a car that would not only look sporty, but also be practical and economical, I chose the Altima Hybrid with the Convenience Package. Despite the thought that the 150 hp engine may not provide enough pickup, this vehicle has more than enough power with the combined electric motor. The car is extremely quiet, handles very well, and has plenty of room in the interior. The stereo is surprisingly strong, and the AUX input is convenient. The intelligent key feature is amazing. Overall, if you are looking for a sedan that combines a great look, roomy interior, and gas economy, you will not find a better deal than the new Altima Hybrid.

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  Almost perfect - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By roperj - October 27 - 11:30 pm

  I picked up my 2007 Altima Hybrid exactly 1 week ago. I had to wait almost 2 months for one to be located up here in the northeast. Finally one was located with full options including moonroof and nav package with leather. Extremely happy so far. Still on first tank of gas after driving 355 miles of both mixed, some city and rural driving (30% city and 70% rural) and averaging 38 mpg. I have been able to drive distances of over 2.5 miles in EV mode only as long as the speed is kept at or below 40 mph. Interior is nice but could be set up a bit more sophisticated. Had a couple of workmanship issues.