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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  own 2 NAH - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By steve - August 30 - 2:10 pm

  This is my second report.... One NAH 7 weeks old, 1300 miles got 35.8 actual mpg on second fill up (trip computer had 38.3, but they are always higher than actual) More stop and go & suburban miles. Other NAH 6 weeks old, over 5000 miles, mostly highway driving getting between 33 and 35 mpg.

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  Former Skeptic - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By NEW HBD FAN - May 25 - 5:13 pm

  Traded in my Audi A4 for the Altima Hybrid. Its as comfortable, as quiet, as loaded with features, as beautiful... and I get 42 mpg on my 75 mile commute instead of 29 mpg on the Audi. I just set the cruise control to 65, ease up on the pedal around town, and the car does its magic. Add the regular gas instead of premium, and the $2500 tax credit, and Im saving a lot of money. OK, I give up something on zip and handling, but I definitely gain something just knowing Im not spending all that money on gas and supporting the dictators who run most of the oil producing countries... plus having a hybrid has a certain cache that makes up for the loss of the luxury car nameplate.

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  Like it lots, despite a few problems - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By researchqueen - May 6 - 4:03 pm

  Have had my Altima Hybrid for 10 months and really enjoy driving it. Its got great pick-up, feels like it was made to suit me physically, and looks great. The fuel economy is sub-par -- averaging 30mpg mostly in city driving, which means Im paying a lot for a hybrid that isnt performing as expected. I initially had to have the 12v battery replaced, then the headliner. Now theres an issue with the engine control module and the NAV system (which I dont find particularly intuitive). Despite all this, really enjoy driving it and despite the smaller cargo capacity, it can hold pretty much whatever I need it to and seats three kids well in the back. Still a great combo of practicality and fun

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  Altima Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By chase - December 23 - 12:46 am

  Almost never goes into ev mode unless I stop or brake under 40. When I first start out in the morning it wont even go in ev when I stop. Maybe the battery needs to charge up? Go on freeway no ev. Get off near work, I go 20mph through the alley, slightest acceleration it goes to gas. computer says Im getting 31mpg. But it also shows my avg mph at 30 when I drive almost entirely freeway at 80 mph. Drives nice though. Fast and peppy.

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  Think twice -- hybrid? - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Mary Brennan - March 26 - 11:23 pm

  I like the car overall but am extremely disappointed with the gas mileage - 26 mpg in the city. When I took it in for the six month oil change, the service tech told me if the mileage didnt improve by the next change he would look into it. Today, a different service tech tells me that those numbers (29 to 41 mpg) are only estimates. Given that Im averaging more than 10% less than the low side of the estimate, I consider my car a gas "lemon."

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  Use This Car For What Its Intended - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Michael Tonelli - March 12 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this car because the $4.50/gal gas prices were worrying me. I assumed they would only go higher. The tax credit was a huge incentive. I chose this car because it was the "sportiest" choice of the hybrid vehicles on the market. While it can set you back in the seat, it has some quirks too. The mpg are disappointing, but not terrible. The best I can do is low 30s. The regenerative braking system feels "grabby" when rolling to a slow stop. There is something wrong with the drivers seat. It pops when your weight shifts in turns. Dealership worked on it and its better, but not completely gone. But mostly, use it for long distance commuting. I dont drive far enough to justify the price

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  Disappointing reliability and response - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Disappointed - January 10 - 11:53 pm

  After driving the car for only 30 miles, it died on me, it would not start at all. Had it towed to nearest dealer. It took them 3 days to find out that the only thing wrong with it is its regular 12V battery that would not hold the charge. It took many calls to Nissan and the dealership and 3 weeks to get the car back. Apparently there is a national back-order on this item and finally they took the battery from another car to replace mine while they are waiting for the factory battery. But I am very apprehensive that I am going to get stuck somewhere. I should have gone with a more reputable manufacturer.

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  A+ on mileage: B- on interior design - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By ccdeblaze - November 25 - 9:30 am

  Mileage rocks. We bought it last week and immediately took it on a road trip. Got 300 miles on a little more than half a tank. Handles well, pretty comfy-- (Im spoiled by the old Lexus I had before). Bells and whistles that come with the tech package are pretty cool. I rented a Prius for a few days awhile back and the Altima ride is far (far!) superior. Better kick, more comfort, and better than average looks.

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  Recent owner - Still breaking it in - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Eric - October 19 - 11:43 am

  I am 65", and it was very hard to find a non-SUV hybrid that fits me. This one did. In fact this is the only one that did. The result is that I needed to drive ~120 miles to NJ to get one since they are not available in my home state of Maryland.

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  Good car with some issues - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By mmao - October 12 - 3:59 pm

  Its a good car, with excellent MPG - I can get 37/g except in winter. How ever there are some issues. Internal design looks cheap, the Panic button is annoying (its so easy for the horn to shout out). And just got an issue with the ignition switch: I could not start engine some times, and I was told I need $600.0 to get it fixed by the dealer!