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:

• 

  Great Ride - Great Car - Great Price - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Desh9583 - March 1 - 4:36 am

  I bought the Altima Hyb because I tend to do alot of miles. The ride is exceptional and the car doesnt feel like youre driving a tree hugging eco- friendly little car, unless you do then thats cool. The Altima Hyb has great pick up and has very smooth transition from the electric motor to the gas powered engine. 198 HP, sleek styling and awesome interior features such as Bose 6 disc, heated leather seats, navigation and reverse cam make this car a great choice. I chose this over the Acura TSX and have not been dissappointed. I am currently averaging about 33.8 MPG which isnt great but much better than what I used to get. Nissans are a great choice and they hold up their values really well.

• 

  Perfect blend of MPG, ride, room, looks - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By PalosVerdes - February 11 - 11:06 am

  Perfect. More room, power, fun to drive, and literally bang for the buck than the other Hybrids (Camry, Civic, Prius). With its five star crash ratings, my wife and I feel just as safe as in our Mercedes which we now leave parked in the garage. I have let Civic and Prius owners drive my Altima and they were surprised by the power and handling.

• 

  Yearling - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By KP - February 10 - 4:20 am

  Commute about 55miles/day. Had a Toyota Highlander which I loved. Gas creeping up so I looked at the Hybrids. The rebate influenced my decision to buy the Altima. Was worried about how I would enjoy driving it as I loved the Highlander, but the Altima has not disappointed. My commute is a combination of highway and town driving I am averaging 37mpg (the computer) actual is about 2mpg less. This took a year to achieve. Winter dropped to 30 mpg. Zippy, comfortable, the Bose system is disappointing, and its nice to drive a car not an SUV - Winter posed a bit of a problem, will buy snow tires for next year. I live in a very hilly area in CT. Slip control GREAT! The dog loves it too!

• 

  Maximum compromise - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Dan - February 9 - 10:43 am

  The Altima Hybrid was more my wife’s insistence than my desire. Was I surprised, the style is really nice, the room is surprising, I can now easily put in the two car seats in the back seat for my grand children. The pickup was very impressive; the hybrid 2.5 has approximately 50 more horse power than the standard 2.5.I spend considerable time driving in Boston and Worcester, so city driving for me is considerable, I average about 34 mpg city, and Of course I’m always playing to keep in the EV mode… I own a rather large pickup truck for hauling my boat. I truly feel this vehicle sort of balances out my gas situation. I have owned this vehicle for 8 months and it keeps impressing me.

• 

  Happy for now - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Rick - February 3 - 8:03 pm

  I just recently purchased the Nissan Hybrid and got a great deal. I got the Precision Grey which I was happy about. The car drives really smooth and defenitly has the power of a small block v-6. The one thing that is going to take getting used to is the engine going on and off. Even though I have only had it for a couple days, the fuel efficiency seem to be doing well. It says Im getting about 38 mpg average right now which Im happy about and this is a range 65% hwy & 35% city driving. The only thing that is giving me problems is the tire pressuring monitoring system which wont go off. Other than that I am very pleased with the vehicle.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By fms - January 24 - 3:40 pm

  Ive had the car for 3 months and have over 4,000 miles on it. I am tall (66") and I have plenty of head and legroom and an adult can fit comfortably behind me. Gas mileage is less than the EPA rating by quite a bit, but its still very good. Average mileage has been 32 mpg. On a level freeway at 65-70 mph, I get around 36-38 mpg (approx. equal to EPA). With hills the highway mileage drops to about 30 mpg. On city streets, with lots of stop and go, the mileage is in the low 30s (much less than EPA). The best mileage is achieved in slow moving or stop and go commute traffic, where I have gotten above 50 mpg. I dont regularly commute with the car, but anyone who does should have a hybrid.

• 

  The Camry Killer? - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By andrew - December 3 - 2:36 pm

  Although we test-drove the Prius and Camry Hybrid, the Altima was the only full hybrid we actually found fun to drive; its responsive and powerful, and feels like a performance car rather than a boat or oversized cart. While the jury is still out on gas economy (it was a cold winter in Toronto, after all), its still pretty good. Couple that with its attractive exterior, and I would have to say that the Altima is the best hybrid out there right now.

• 

  Worth It - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Bob - November 20 - 8:16 pm

  Found the Altima Hybrid when doing on line research for a new car. Liked the reviews and comments. Drove it and was very impressed. It is as close to a sports car as I could get with my size. Believe it or not at 69" and 280 lbs I am as comfortable in this car as any vehicle I have ever been in. We live in the California foothills and so dont get much of the city driving. However on the windy country roads I am on EV more than I expected.

• 

  Peppiest and nices looking of the Hybrid - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Chris - July 1 - 6:03 am

  This is an early review so Ill amend it later if anything changes. Like the previous reviewer, I was looking at the Milan/Fusion hybrids (other models are not practical for New England driving, in my opinion) and was most tempted by the superior gas mileage (and in my state, sales tax is waived for vehicle getting over 40mpg). Not something to off-handedly dismiss. HOWEVER, the pickup and styling of this care just smokes the Fusion/Milan. Although Im doing this mostly for environmental concerns; I still care about aesthetics. My model is fully loaded.

• 

  Read this Review - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Sam - June 21 - 9:16 am

  Great. Car. Great Value. I got a fully loaded Altima MSRP 34,910 for 31,100. $500 Cash back, 0.9%, and $2350 tax credit. Even though the Ford Fusion gets better gas mileage, you cant compare the value. You just cant. Fords Sync system is cooler, but not worth the money you could be saving. All I can tell you is, NO regrets. None. Best value and fun for your money. Nissan also Offers a 8 year / 150,000 mile warranty bumper to bumper warranty. I got mine for $2,100. That made a huge difference. Think about that warranty...its an excellent deal!