When the folks at Nissan decided to add a gasoline-electric hybrid to their line-up, they did the sensible thing and shopped around for the best hybrid components they could find. The result is the very likeable 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid.
Nissan engineers started with their sporty Altima midsize sedan and then secured the rights to use Toyota’s highly-refined full-hybrid technology which can propel the car up to 20 miles-per-hour on the electric motor alone. When your right foot calls up more power, Nissan’s own 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine kicks in to produce acceleration that feels a little stronger than the comparable Camry Hybrid. The Altima Hybrid also delivers very good fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 35 City and 33 Highway.
Behind the wheel, the Altima Hybrid is surprisingly enjoyable to drive, something not many hybrids can claim. Handling and ride quality are above average by hybrid terms, as is braking performance with little of the surging feeling common to hybrids that use regenerative braking to help recharge their batteries.
Throw in handsome styling, a roomy and comfortable interior, and a long list of standard safety features and the Altima Hybrid is one car that adds up to more than the sum of its parts.
Strengths:
Handsome, sporty styling
Strong acceleration
Roomy interior
Smooth ride even over choppy surfaces
Weaknesses:
Less trunk space than the non-hybrid Altima
Steep price premium over base model would buy a lot of gas
Bottom Line:
The Altima Hybrid has enough significant advantages that we recommend you drive it before you buy any hybrid.
16-in. steel with full wheelcovers|16-in. alloy|17-in. alloy
Options
Continuously-variable automatic transmission|Xenon headlights (3.5SE only)|Front fog lights|Power sunroof|Rear spoiler|Rearview camera|Dual-zone automatic climate control|Leather upholstery|Heated front seats|Power-adjustable driver's seat|Universal garage door opener|Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity|GPS navigation system with real-time traffic information|Premium Bose audio system with 9 speakers|Six-disc CD changer|XM® satellite radio
Safety features
/*Antilock Brakes:*/|Available on some|/*Electronic Stability Control:*/|Available on some|/*Traction Control:*/|Available on some|/*Multi-Stage front airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Impact Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Curtain Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Active Front Head Restraints:*/|Standard|/*Tire Pressure Monitor:*/|Standard|
Standard features
/*2.5:*/|16-inch steel wheels with wheelcovers|2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine|Six-speed manual transmission|Halogen headlights|Variable intermittent windshield wipers|Power-adjustable outside mirrors|Cloth upholstery|60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks|Keyless entry|Cruise control|Power windows|Power door locks|Tilt/telescope-adjustable steering column|Overhead sunglass holder|Vanity mirrors|Audio system pre-wiring|/*2.5S adds:*/|Air conditioning with filter|Seatback pockets|Trip computer|Digital clock|AM/FM/CD stereo with 6 speakers|Auxiliary audio input jack|/*3.5SE adds:*/|17-inch alloy wheels|3.5-liter V-6 engine|Sport-tuned suspension|Halogen headlights with auto-on/off|Power-adjustable, heated outside mirrors with built-in turn signals|Power-adjustable driver's seat|Leather-wrapped steering wheel|Illuminated vanity mirrors|Steering wheel-mounted audio controls|/*3.5SL adds:*/|16-inch alloy wheels|Continuously-variable automatic transmission|Xenon headlights|Front fog lights|Power sunroof|Dual-zone automatic climate control with filter|Rear-seat air conditioning vents|Leather upholstery|Leather-wrapped shift knob|Heated front seats|Universal garage door opener|Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass display|Bluetooth hands-free cell phone connectivity|Premium Bose audio system with 9 speakers|Six-disc CD changer|XM® satellite radio|/*Hybrid adds:*/|16-inch alloy wheels|Gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain|Electronic stability control|Halogen headlights with auto-on/off|Power-adjustable outside mirrors|Splash guards|Cloth upholstery|Manually-adjustable driver's seat|Vanity mirrors|AM/FM/CD stereo with 6 speakers|XM® satellite radio
