2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
by Jim Prueter -08/2008

Altima joins the hybrid craze

By adding a hybrid to Nissan’s product offering, Altima joins the hybrid craze first started by Toyota, albeit some six years later. Rival Honda briefly flirted with an Accord Hybrid, but has since discontinued it after sales fell far below expectations.

Introduced for 2007, the Altima Hybrid uses technology borrowed from Toyota and remains essentially unchanged.

As with all hybrid models, the gasoline engine shuts off when the car comes to a stop, unless the engine is needed to recharge the battery pack that provides power to the electric motor. The gasoline restarts immediately when needed without driver intervention.

With hybrids, the battery pack is recharged when the brakes are applied, essentially converting an electric motor into a generator to recharge the battery pack. Applying the brakes causes a faint but audible whine. It’s quieter on the Altima than on some others.

While the entire hybrid system works seamlessly, the big issue with the Altima that we didn’t notice with the Toyota Camry Hybrid is drivetrain smoothness. The gasoline engine shudders and shakes when it switches on to support the electric motor’s power.

Nissan claims it’s more noticeable than in the Camry because the Altima is sportier with a firmer ride that affords better handling. Therefore, the engine shudder transfers throughout the entire chassis.

We also experienced noticeable jerkiness at highway cruising speeds, but couldn’t discern if it was the engine or transmission or perhaps a combination of both.

At speeds up to about 25 mph, the electric motor alone powers the Altima. At higher speeds, a 158-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine takes over the work. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) used in the Altima renders strong acceleration.

We averaged just over 32 mpg during our weeklong testing and drove it as we would a gasoline-only powered sedan. With previous hybrids we’ve tested, there is the temptation to drive in a manner that would extract every drop of efficiency out of a gallon of gasoline — almost like a game to see how high we can get the mileage. I’m sure we could have reached somewhere in the 35 mpg neighborhood with similar driving, but 32 mpg for a family sedan is quite respectable.

Unlike in some hybrid models we’ve driven, the air conditioner continues to operate and blow cold even when the engine shuts off and the vehicle is operating in electric mode because the Altima uses an eclectic air conditioning compressor.

We’ve always preferred the Altima to the Camry and Accord, particularly in the ride and handling department. The hybrid version is no exception and is mainly pleasing to drive. The interior is an appealing blend of high quality materials and exceptional build quality with attention to fit and finish.

Our tester was finished with leather seats that are part of the optional Connection package ($4400) that also includes Bose audio system with satellite radio, HomeLink universal transceiver, Bluetooth connectivity, power sunroof, and rearview mirrors with integrated turn signals and compass.

Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control; power steering, brakes, mirrors, windows, locks, driver’s seat; cruise control; tilt steering and a bar graph on the dashboard that gives a real-time readout when the drive train is operating between gas and electric to achieve the best mileage.

Safety gear includes antilock brakes, electronic stability and traction control and six airbags (front, side and side curtain for both front and rear seats).

Trunk space is compromised because the hybrid batteries are housed back there leaving less than desirable space for groceries or luggage.

For 2008, the exterior of the Altima is relatively unchanged after a mild facelift for 2007 that updated the front and rear with larger multi-element tail lamps and headlamps. Hybrid emblems on the side doors and trunk lid announce your move to green motoring status.

If you can get used to shuddering between gas and electric modes and jerky hesitations at highway speeds, then you’ll find the Altima Hybrid generally a pleasing vehicle to own and drive.