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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  Nissan Hybrid - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By greenauto - April 20 - 10:53 pm

  Beautiful car that is fun to drive. Lots of interior room and high quality finish outside and inside. Love the keyless function. Never have to take keys out of pocket. The trunk is, however, 1/3 smaller than the non- hybrid model. Great acceleration with the combined almost 200 hp. Also a very quiet and smooth ride with the CVT transmission. Fuel economy a little less than I had hoped for, 31 mpg combined driving in sunny San Diego.

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  Very happy owner - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By db5007 - January 19 - 1:36 am

  I was hesitant to write a review since I feel like Ive stumbled onto a great secret.. however, good work deserves to be recognized. This car drives and feels like a luxury sedan. I purchased the technology package which increased the msrp but I still feel its well worth the price. I am surprised I havent seen more reviews or people talking about this car online. I always wanted a Hybrid, but wasnt a big fan of the Prius or Civics design. For me, the Altima had the whole package.

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  Satisfied with 40 mpg - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Larry - January 3 - 11:50 am

  Bought the car new in 2007 and have maintained all oil changes with 0-20w full synth. oil and drive mostly highway miles. Continuous driving on trips of 8 plus hours. Was amazed that the car was producing 40 miles to the gallon on the highway. These trips are on the west coast over mountains and super curved roads. So far the window sticker was right about the MPG except in the reverse. Better on the highway.

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  16000 Miles So Far So Good - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Ed Foss - November 27 - 6:30 pm

  I commute 104 miles everyday, with lots of stop and go traffic. The Altima Hybrid has been a terrific commuter car, averaging 33 mpg for 16000 miles. The car is near luxury and near high performance. Not bad for a green hybrid! Some minor upgrades would make the car closer to a true luxury sedan, but the car wont ever be a high performance sedan. However, its still fun to drive, with very good steering and handling, with acceptable power.

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  Best car EVER! - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Artemis - July 20 - 11:16 pm

  There are 5 cars in our driveway, yet the Altima Hybrid is the family favorite. The styling is classy yet sporty and the ride is luxurious. The quiet hybrid engine took getting used to, especially compared to our attention-getting souped up BMW Roadster. The car steers on a dime, the Bose sound system is amazing, and the seats are uber comfortable.

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  Love my Altima Hybrid - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By db59 - July 18 - 10:00 am

  The Altima Hybrid is a true Jekyll & Hyde. It saves me gas and its sporty and fun to drive. It has enough room for my family, I can stretch out in it and it looks great. When the spirit moves me and I just have to get away fast I hit the pedal to the metal and the electric motor feels like a supercharger as it pushes the 2.5 over 100mph!

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  Best I Ever Owned - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Chris M - July 3 - 7:36 am

  Im not one to post reviews about things i buy or have, but once i bought this car i knew I had to let people know that one. Its a great Hybrid and well built too. Very good on gas. I have the fully loaded one so its very comfortable And last but least ITS A NISSAN. So it will last a life time five stars all the way!

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  Incredible Hybrid that is a Great Car - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By happyinct - May 14 - 9:26 am

  Its possible to get 40 mpg from a 3500 lb car with great acceleration, braking and most decent handling. This is a very comfortable car. The Tech package is great as is the rear view camera. Nissan took Toyota technology and improved upon it. The engine starts feel no different than a shift in a typical car. Very happy!

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  Love My New Altima Hybrid - 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By davepw - May 4 - 1:15 pm

  This car is exactly what I was looking for -- great mileage, exceptional styling, sporty/fun to drive, reliable, excellent value.

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  Cool looking hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Ken - May 2 - 10:33 am

  I was looking for a midsize hybrid, so I choose the Altima over the Toyota Camry, due to the sporty body style. But the ride is just awesome. If you are looking for a mid size sedan with good gas milage, handling and acceleration, this is it. Not to mention, I got 600 miles on the first tank of fue l(75% hwy). But keep in mind, the gas tank holds 17 gallons. My previous car was a Corolla, so I was not used to buying 17 gallons at every fill up. In closing, if you want a cool looking car and do your little part in saving the planet and be less dependant on foreign oil, consider buying the Nissan Altima Hybrid.