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:

• 

  Passenger seat - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Aktija - September 3 - 11:30 pm

  Passenger seat with the premium package has only two manual positions. Forward and reclining back. The seat cannot be elevated. It is very low, slightly sloping forward which makes longer rides uncomfortable. It is also inconvenient for shorter people.

• 

  26K Miles, Not 1 Problem - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By lionnation - June 1 - 8:15 pm

  Purchased a silver/black 2009 NAH loaded w/every option Dec 09; sticker was just under $35K. After dealer, manufacturer, and tax breaks, paid about $26.5K! The car is solid, comfortable, supportive for a 62", 200-lb frame driver. I still cant believe the great acceleration. And the gas mileage is getting better. Just got back from a trip which is optimal for maximizing gas mileage, averaging 55 MPH, got 44.5 MPG on 108 mile trip! The NAV is good, but not great. The BOSE sound system is very good. I had an 06 Civic Hybrid, which I liked but it was too hard on my back (old lumbar injury), so upgraded to this heavier hybrid, and sometimes I feel like its a Cadillac in terms of ride quality.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  2008 Altima Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Don - July 15 - 5:26 pm

  I purchased my NAH in June of 2008 and the first thing I wanted to test was to see how it did in the mountains in New Mexico. We took it to Santa Fe and to Cloudcroft and it never hesitated up those mountain slopes getting 33 mpg on average with regular fuel. We went through a huge thunderstorm where many cars pulled over, we drove right through at 55 mph with no problem, great windshield wipers and traction. The Continental tires could be upgraded to a better gripping tire, but most people probably dont do much driving in the mountains. Over all the Nissan Hybrid is a versatile vehicle that will get you around in style wherever you go, hard to find one though.

• 

  one year old! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By steve suher - March 9 - 12:06 pm

  Actually, I have two NAHs, both purchased March 07. I have loaded one with tech package, roof, etc., now have 34,000 miles, my wifes slightly loaded, she has approx 6000 miles. MPG as expected, for my car up until winter was averaging 34 - 35 mpg (mostly hwy driving) My wifes car, slightly better (more (suburban stop & go). I do keep very accurate gas records so these figures are actual consumption, not per computer (which is always higher by 5 to 7% MPG dropped to around 30 mpg for both vehicles, I suppose winter fuel and cold weather negatively impact mpg. Otherwise, no issues at all, very pleased with both vehicles.

• 

  Good Buy - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By NissanMan - November 29 - 5:36 pm

  Good Hybrid alternative to Toyota and Honda. Good rebates from Nissan and also could deduct the CT sales tax. overall good car