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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  Saving $150/month and loving it - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By familyman3kids - December 24 - 8:30 am

  When I leased my pathfinder 3 years ago gas was at $2 per gallon and I never paid attention to my fuel economy. With gas over $3 I realized I was only getting 14 MPG and something had to change. We have a family of 3 little ones and are constantly taking 5-10 mile trips that involve a lot of starting and stopping. When the light changes we are usually in a rush and dont have time to drive this car conservatively - we hit the gas. We have put 985 miles on the car and are still on our second tank of gas, I have a bit less than 1/4 tank. On my first tank we averaged 28 MPG and I think we are at 30 right now. This translates to over $150/month savings on gas alone.

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  Worth the money - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By lloyd123 - November 14 - 1:53 pm

  Great car for the money. I purchased the base model - only option was the floor mats - and the only thing I miss from the Passat I traded in is the heated seats. Drives smoothly, accelerates well, stops are controlled and handles OK considreing the extra weight. I like the idea of having the tested Toyota hybrid system in the stylish Altima - best of both worlds.

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  fuel economy? - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By azdriver - November 9 - 1:16 am

  (this review is for a fully loaded 2008 hybrid) I guess I got the lemon. I get maybe 31 in the winter time, running on cruise control between traffic lights minimize fuel consumption. Now, at 105F outside, Im lucky to get 27 - on mostly mixed freeway/city. Something must be bad - likely the battery pack. Blew an A/C hose o-ring at about 1 year, the single sided bolted joint at the top rear of the engine compartment must have worked itself loose.

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  Understated Performance - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By ed - November 4 - 5:43 am

  While not a BMW performer, the Altima Hybrid is an understated performer, outclassing the competition by far. I test drove every hybrid to include Lexus and dollar for dollar this car is totally a winner. Fusion has comparable interior space and looks, but the auto doesnt match the pick-up of Altima. Forget Prius and Insight, they are not in this class, ride or pick-up. The Altima rides very smoothly and has the feel of a much larger auto with the economy that tells you why you got into the vehicle in the first place. Just test it and see. There could be a little more room in the trunk, but two or three golf bags can fit easily. A family might want to consider suitcase size.

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  2 years later and still happy - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Dave - October 27 - 9:20 pm

  After having the car for 21 months I am still pleased with my choice. I have a mixed highway/city street commute and am much less stressed knowing that I am in EV Mode when in heavy traffic. People are still amazed that a hybrid does not have to be a Prius - even Prius drivers. The car does well on long trips as well. My only problem after 2 years is the Aux Input on the stereo has stopped working. Love the power seats, stereo, and large buttons. Plenty of storage reachable by the driver! My long legged teens say the back seat is comfortable too on long drives. The swing from summer MPG to winter MPG is dramatic (I turn the heat off a lot - it has more impact than the AC in summer).

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  First Year Delightful - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Alex in Maine - October 18 - 4:26 pm

  To start I have to say that this is a handsome car. I have gotten a lot of feedback on the way the car looks. I also get asked about mileage (32-33 MPG on average, with about 36 MPG city and 30 MPG highway). The navigation system does not have a complete set of data and I have gotten stranded once or twice in an "incomplete mapping area". I like the color backup camera, and the Bose sound system rocks. The cruise control hesitates at times, but you get used to it . Powerful performance, feels like a good 6 cylinder at all times. Phone Bluetooth is great too and easy to set-up. In general it is a techno-guys dream car.

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  Good, but Not Great - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By The Professor - October 14 - 6:36 pm

  We chose the Altima after looking at both the Prius and Camry hybrids. Glad we made the choice. Car rides smoothly and is quiet. Mileage is great for a car of this size if youre easy on the pedal. Consistently get 33 - 36 mpg all around. Extremely disappointed with the Technology Package. Definitely not worth it. The Nav system often suggests longer and less direct routes. Our little $150 Garmin does a much better job. The built-in Blue Tooth is virtually useless for dialing out calls. My little $30 ear piece does a better job. Sound system is great. The fiber-glass bumpers are cheaply made and easily damaged. I backed into a curb at less than 3 mph and cracked the rear bumper.

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  Nissan has Solid Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By CH - October 10 - 4:13 pm

  Just purchased the car for my commute to work and while I havent driven it enough to be an authority user, Im pleased overall with the car and its performance: ride is smooth. Got the tech package which may not be worth the $ since the nav system isnt as intuitive as others in the aftermarket. Also, while the rear camera is cool, I dont use it much since parking habits die hard. My biggest complaint revolves around the vibrations when system goes from EV to gas mode and back - its very noticeable. Potential buyers: test drive! The brakes also seem to kick-back at times and Im not sure whether this is b/c the car is new, if its the VDC kicking on or something else.

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  Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Bridge - September 24 - 8:30 pm

  I just think the car is beautiful, elegant and stylish and on top of that affordable! I dont need to spend money on a Benz or BMW when I can get a car just a nice for much less!

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  Great Car - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Andy - September 12 - 9:46 pm

  Ive had this car since 07 and put 42K on it. Theres never been a single problem. This is one of the best cars I have ever had. I tested the other hybrids and this one has more room and comfort. The ride is silky smooth with an excellent blend between ride and handling. Long trips are not fatiguing. Acceleration due to the electric motor boosting output to almost 200 hp is excellent.