2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs
• Photo Gallery

Nissan Altima Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid ranks 20 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 17 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Altima Hybrid, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Fun on the road and easy at the gas pump, the Altima Hybrid provides a sleek sedan design and a spacious interior in an eco-friendly automobile. But its limited availability and bare-bones interior are not in line with other cars in its class.

Just introduced last year, the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid takes many automotive reviewers by surprise with its sleek styling and peppy performance. Even though it borrows hybrid components from Toyota's Synergy Drive system, auto critics say buyers should expect a Nissan hybrid with more personality than any of the hybrid sedans Toyota offers. Unfortunately for many buyers, the Altima Hybrid is only available in eight states. CNET explains that "if you live outside of California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island or Vermont you are in for a long drive home from the dealers," while USA Today says it "requires some commitment to purchase."

Another potential snag for buyers is the 2008 Altima Hybrid's price. Unlike other sedans that offer a hybrid version as an eco-friendly and fully-equipped trim of their conventional model, the Altima Hybrid comes with very few standard features, and adding options quickly inflates the price. Forbes says "the hybrid is only modestly equipped at its base price. Three option packages range in price from $1,300 to more than $7,000 ... choose all three options packages, and the Nissan can reach $34,000, in the ballpark with the Infiniti G37 luxury sedan." CNN reports the Altima "is a fun-to-drive hybrid car that actually saves some serious fuel. Unfortunately, it costs buyers a good bit more than the non-hybrid version, so from a strictly economic standpoint, it's no great bargain."

If you're in the market for a hybrid car, the highly ranked Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid both offer green technology wrapped in a conventional sedan shape. If you're interested in an affordable midsize sedan, consider the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry. Also consider the Nissan Altima.

• "Nissan's first hybrid is a bit of a trial balloon. A bad business case? Perhaps. But the Altima Hybrid is a pretty decent car." -- Road and Track
• "Anyone with a case of Green Line Fever should include it on the "drive-me" list." -- Motor Trend
• "The small trunk and somewhat coarse driveline operation are its most glaring deficiencies. But the Altima Hybrid offers good mileage for a midsize sedan, a lot of style, and flexible pricing that lets buyers vary the amenities and price point rather than saddle them with the full roster of gizmos and fat price." -- Forbes
• "Alas, poor Altima: a little late to the U.S. hybrid party, a little ordinary as you finally arrive. So here, finally, is Nissan's first hybrid, and, not to be unkind, its So-What Index isn't high." -- Car and Driver
• "If you commit to it, you'll get a smooth-cruising, attractive sedan with ample interior room for five." -- Sacramento Bee

Altima-Hybrid Performance - 7.0 (Good)

Reviewers seem surprised by the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid's spunky performance. USA Today says the "Altima -- hybrid or not -- is sportier than Camry. It feels more agile in corners, has a firmer ride, is quicker to scoot when you nail the throttle." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about the Altima's continuously variable transmission and regenerative braking. continue

Altima-Hybrid Exterior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Nissan Altima's hybrid model doesn't have the space-age design that's become associated with eco-friendly vehicles, but reviewers are attracted to the car's sporty looks. Forbes says the sedan "certainly scores in the style department; it's more daring, a bit more sculpted, than the typical family four-door." Check out the Nissan Altima Hybrid Photo Gallery for images of the hybrid model, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn what distinctions there are between the Altima Hybrid and its gas-engine sibling. continue

Altima-Hybrid Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

According to the majority, the high-scoring interior of the 2008 Altima Hybrid is a pleasant place to be. The Sacramento Bee says "A nicely laid-out interior is attractive and comfortable. Three big bodies in the back might be a bit cramped, but I found the backseat space to be fairly generous." Check out the Nissan Altima Hybrid Photo Gallery for images of the Altima Hybrid's trunk and instrument panel, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn more about the car's optional Digital Bose Stereo or 6.5-inch touch navigation system. continue

Altima-Hybrid Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)

The 2008 Altima Hybrid does very well in federal government crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to find out what additional safety features are available with Nissan's Technology Package. continue

Altima-Hybrid Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Nissan provides a basic new vehicle limited warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles with the Altima Hybrid. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn what extra coverage is provided for the Altima Hybrid's green technology. continue