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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So Far So Good - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Jeff in Sacramento - October 3 - 5:56 pmThis is a totally solid and surprisingly sporty hybrid. Mileage is as advertised; I get 32-33 mpg with no change at all of my rather speedy driving habits. We are very pleased with the purchase, esp. considering the tax credit. The smaller trunk is not as bad as we expected - a stroller fits easily, as does my golf bag (esp. if I remove my driver first).
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Like it better than Camry Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Engineer - September 15 - 5:23 pmHave owned a Prius 4 years, wife wanted larger more comfortable hybrid. Drove Camry and Altima. Very close overall, but Altima seemed a little more "user friendly". Liked Altima styling, engine power, displays, controls better. Camry had more cup holders and pockets. Altima seemed to have a more usable trunk, even tho Camry spec listed larger. Love backup camera, sun/moon roof, keyless entry/startup, bluetooth hands free calling. Quiet on highway, excellent handling, acceleration. Got 35 mpg first tank (575 miles), mostly freeway driving. Get the Tech Pkg!
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New Owner - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Ralph - August 13 - 4:36 pmVery good driving experience so far;1800 miles, with one 600 mile road trip. Car has convenience package with electric driver seat, cloth interior (preferred over leather). Smooth, quiet ride, with easy and responsive handling. Size of car is comfortable for family of four on a short to medium trip, so far. MPG so far; low 29, high 34 mpg.
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Just what was expected - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Gregg - February 9 - 11:23 amIve 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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I have two NAHs - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By steve - May 26 - 6:43 amMy 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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Altima Hybrid - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By joha - March 2 - 3:26 amThe 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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Nissan Altima hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By Bruce D - October 4 - 7:40 amIve only had my car for 3 weeks, but so far so good. One of the big benefits is the roominess. Im 65 tall, and I have lots of leg room. The car has surprising power for a hybrid.
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Nice, but... - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By mattyj - September 19 - 9:56 pmI traded a 2006 Honda Civic LX 4dr for the Altima Hybrid. The Civic got great MPG and drove well but the seat was just too uncomfortable. I wanted a 4 door with some comfort and about 35 MPG, When you look around there are not that many comfortable cars that get 35+. I hope that changes in the future. But for now the Altima Hybrid fits the bill. The car drives great, it is hard to keep out of the gas, the CVT and engine make this car feel like a V6, but if you drive it like that the mileage suffers. If you drive a little more reserved the car rewards with great mileage. The drivers seat is comfortable so far with 11,000 miles on it.
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Not Bad . . but Pricey - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By tjf - April 23 - 4:46 am18 Month Update - Pros: - Nice sporty & aggressive profile - OK gas mileage on open road (mid 30s)- Clean looks inside - Very roomy front & back. - Cons: (TTT)Terribly tiny trunk - when cold lousy gas mileage(in mid- No folding back seat - high 20s)not acceptable for the price. - Tech package nice but Nav just OK - not intuitive -backup cam great when back windshield fogged up. - Sometimes start button doesnt start the system/engine ? ? ? even when clearly depressing the brake pedal requirement) - Black trim beneath front bumper got torn off by an average parking cement block. - Cant seem to upload my cell phonebook - No success programming garage door opener on mirror. - No ala carte.
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Great car - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
By leroy patterson - November 28 - 3:00 amWe like our car a lot. Like others say small trunk space. Was surprised at how much room in rear seat. Plenty of power. We get 29-33 mpg others say they get more, we drive 75 mph, and my wife has heavy foot.
