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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  Great combination of features - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Rich Newton - October 30 - 11:53 am

  The main selling point for me was the fuel economy and emissions. The NAH is rated one of the five top-rated cars for fuel efficiency and emissions at the EPA web site. After driving the car for a month, I believe I made the right decision. It doesnt feel as "floaty" as some of the more luxury cars that I test drove, but has much more power and better handling than the other hybrids I drove. While it doesnt get as good mileage as the Prius or Honda Civic Hybrid, its much more enjoyable and comfortable to drive.

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  Better Than Expected Mileage! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Mark Gould - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  I bought the Altima Hybrid with the Technology Package. In my first 1,000 miles I averaged 39.7 miles per gallon. Since then, I have improved the mileage up to 40.9 miles per gallon. If you use the energy flow information correctly on the big screen you can really boost your mileage. I still drive 60 - 70 mph, but on declines I back off the accelerator and let the electric motor take over even at 65 mph. When I get tired of driving for the mileage, I kick in the 198 combined hp. It has 8 more hp than my 1996 Maxima did. However, if you only want the power, choose the 270 hp Altima instead. I am enjoying going for 750 miles between fill ups. I am looking forward to my $2,350 tax credit.

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  Great Car - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Troy - September 11 - 11:33 pm

  Just purchased this weekend and first tank Im getting 32 MPG. The transition from EV to Gas is rather seamless. Dont get fooled on performance, while a hybrid it still has plenty of power. With Nissans 4k rebate it was too good to pass up.

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  My "Tuna Can" - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By LiaDesiree - March 4 - 7:33 pm

  Well, folks, traded in my Mercedes S Class to go green. Havent regretted it, yet. This car is stylish, has great pickup, and tons of features that my Merz didnt have (XM radio, backup camera). Bought car and immediately drove it to So. California. Found I was doing 85-90 mph and didnt know it. Still got 32 MPG without battery assistance. Looked at Camry also, but Altima won, hands down, for style, comfort and options. Nissan warranties their battery for 150K miles. Got all the bells and whistles on this baby: tech package, etc.

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  Was worth it - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Eric F - February 28 - 7:00 am

  I drove 9 hrs to purchase the car as it is not available in my state sadly. I look forward to driving it daily, simply said. I am getting 37mpg it seems either in city or hwy. The trunk is small but I can live with that. I was filling up weekly now I fill up 1.5 times a month. That has made the cost and the 9 hr trip to PA more than worth it.

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  Great car at a great price - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Alan - February 15 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased this car to replace my 2004 Toyota Prius. Now granted I gave up a few things, like space in the back (40 cubic feet in the Prius versus 10 in the Altima)and about 16 MPG on average (50 MPG with the Prius versus 34 in the Altima), but I gained a much more agile and quicker car, not to mention some added luxury. I purchased the 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid fully loaded and for 30k, youd be hard pressed to find a better deal elsewhere. The automotive press says that the car is noisy, but no more so than any other hybrid, though the regen brakes do make some noise more than the Prius does.

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  Exceeds my expectations - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By happy camper - February 10 - 1:10 am

  This car is a blast to drive. The MPG on the first tank was 36.5 for over 300 miles, both city and highway driving (Nissan promised 34 mpg combined). The design of the inside and outside of the car is wonderful. My only complaint is that we did not buy this car earlier. We purchased this car with every toy possible.

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  The most practical & powerfull hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Victor - January 30 - 8:26 am

  I agree, it becomes a game to try and keep the vehicle in electric mode to maximize gas mileage. The worst mileage so far is 32 when my son drove it, nuff said, and the best is my driving at 39.6 MPG. Being a survivor of the gas crisis and the long lines for gas in the seventies, the great range is something I was really looking for. Additionally this car will move out quite smartly when you step on it. They have improved on the Toyota system and the CVT is very smooth.

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  A great model for a keeper - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By stan - January 20 - 1:43 pm

  As a previous driver of an 06,07,08 altima I thought it would be time to try the hybrid. I am glad I did! The car is peppier than I thought it would be, the ride quality is somewhat firmer than the other 2.5 sedans. The gas mileage indicates 37.1 mpg overall on the computer average which I have reset initially on fill up @purchase. The transition back and forth from gas/battery is very smooth, a quality I was waiting to experience after reading some reviews. I feel the car will hold its value and the price on memorial day was great. My first Nissan was an 86 maxima then a 2000 max before going to the altima in 06. Who knows I may keep this one awhile!

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  Michaels Review - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Michael - January 16 - 6:30 am

  Nice looking car. Mileage in the city is averaging 32 mpg according to the on board mileage calculator. I thought it would be a lot better. Everything is great, the only negative thing is that the gas engine is noisy when it first starts up when the car has not been driven for a while. As the engine warms up it gets a little quieter.