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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  Awesome car - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Clifee - March 18 - 10:03 am

  I thought I was going to buy a 2010 Prius. I was just waiting for the right one to become available when I happened upon the Altima Hybrid. What a stroke of luck! It is so much more car for less money, as it turned out. The Altima I got is fully loaded, and is a GREAT car. It drives beautifully, with power when you need it, and little road noise, lots of comfort and great handling. I marvel at the technology that has gone into this car. Truly remarkable. I highly recommend this car to anyone considering a hybrid. At least give it a test drive! The mileage is pretty good (35 mpg so far), and the tax incentives are great $2350 federal, and $1500 state (OR). Nissan is making great deals now.

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  NEW OWNER - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By TIM - March 7 - 4:03 am

  bought the car last month. happy so far gas mpg is in 34-37 range per tank. transmission shifts are a bit jumpy from elect. to gas. hwy speeds the car tends to surge slightly. would buy the car again.

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  Sadly wont recommend. - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Michael - February 26 - 5:06 am

  First the good - test drove plenty of cars even in class above the Altima and kept coming back to this car. I went back and forth between the performance of the V6 and sensibility of the hybrid. Finally chose the hybrid and, while it is certainly no V6, this car has plenty of spunk and still fun to drive. Live in San Diego and drive 50/50 city/highway. The on board message center says I am getting 38 mpg but based on mileage and gallons I am putting in it is more like 32. The bad - I have had the car 2 months, 2900 miles. It has been in the shop over 20 days as of now and still is there.

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  Looks and feels much more expensive - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Gib - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a hybrid and the Altima had the best combination of good looks and performance. With the incentives they were offering and the tax deduction they still qualify for it was too good to pass up. It has very nice exterior styling and the interior looks more expensive then it is, especially in the charcoal leather. The fuel economy is very good as long as you dont try to test the strong acceleration at every chance. It really drives and handles very well. Usually the transition to/from the ICE is smooth but sometimes there is some vibration. I do wish it would stay in EV mode more easily. You really need a light touch to keep it there.

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  Altima Hybrid better than Camry Hybrid - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By vsimeonov - January 25 - 5:06 am

  The 2010 Altima Hybrid drives like a real car (198 hp tend to do that) without the hybrid sluggishness or hesitation. I also test drove a 2010 Camry Hybrid and was disappointed. Its sluggish acceleration, noticeable interaction between the gasoline and electric motor and cheap interior doomed a purchase I was sold on by my research. Toyota has been slipping for about 5 years now but this was a surprise. Then I decided to try the 2010 Altima Hybrid, loved it and bought it. The two cars have identical hybrid technology, except the electric motor and batteries are Nissans. The Altimas 2.5L engine is also superior to the aging 2.4L of the Camry. I gave the Altima a chance and it simply won out.

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  Excellent so far - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By HyAltimus - January 21 - 9:43 pm

  The gas mileage is excellent. So far, I am getting 42+ miles per gallon (75% hwy, 25% local). I had my son drive the car. He could not achieve the high gas mileage, but he has really enjoyed the performance of Altima Hybrid. The vehicle dynamics, in my opinion, is more European than Japanese. My son and I agree that its behavior is closer to my Audi than my Honda Accord. The Altimas new chassis, which has an European origin, definitely gives this planted and secure feeling. Finally, not having a unique shape of Prius is a plus.

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  2010 Hybrid Altima for 13K below MSRP - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Aman - December 24 - 10:40 am

  Bought fully equipped 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid (MSRP $34,940) for 13K below sticker price including Nissan rebate, dealer rebate and tax credit. Great price for the set of features with 198 hp hybrid vehicle. Ride is smooth and the gas/EV transition is seamless. Decent leg (44.1/35.8) and head (44.1/35.8) room. Lucky to be in one of the 8 states where Nissan Altima hybrid is currently available.

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  Awesome! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Awesome! - December 16 - 2:26 am

  I love looking out the window just to get a glimpse of the parked Altima hybrid. It is a fine work of art! Rides smooth and handles very well. Decent stereo and A/C works well. Intelligent key is a very nice feature, but I still go to take the key out of the ignition when I stop sometimes! We did the convenience package in the metallic jade... sweet looking car. Gas mileage is about 34 mpg, not quite what we were hoping for, but still pretty good.

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  Something not mentioned - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By driver - November 12 - 2:33 am

  The fuel economy is tied to the battery efficiency, and the battery efficiency is highly ambient temperature dependent. I found that below 35F I get 35 mpg as rated, worse if very cold. However above 70F I can do mid-40 mpg on the same commuting trip. My best record is ~49 mgp. That said, economically it becomes a gray area to get this hybrid if you live in a cold region and drives mostly highway, a plain Altima may come out more economical. Another thing is this car uses synthetic oil! It was such a sticker shock with my first oil change. Factor this extra cost in for a thorough car purchase evaluation.

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  being Green is fun - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Barbara - November 10 - 10:10 am

  I have had None of the problems listed in other reviews. Car stays in electric mode even over 35/mph at times. No brake noises. Fits even the tall people in my family. do not have high tech package but the regular stuff is fine. Comfortable seats, ride etc. More gas is used if needed heat or air conditioner otherwise It sips and I can go more than 2 weeks before needing gas.