Though the Nissan Altima was first released in 1993, the Hybrid edition didn't make it to market until the 2007 model year. Nevertheless, even in such a short period of time, the Nissan Altima Hybrid has gained immense popularity. Also, when the EPA awarded the Altima Hybrid with the number three ranking in its Top Ten Fuel Efficient Vehicles of 2008, the model's sales skyrocketed.

Nissan required a partnership with Toyota to create its Altima Hybrid in 2007. Though Nissan had developed the Altima Hybrid's technology without the assistance of any other established hybrid manufacturer, Nissan quickly realized that some of the Hybrid's components were eerily similar to those in Toyota's hybrid models. So, a deal was made and Nissan was able to release their hybrid to the public.

Nissan plans to continually manufacture 40,000 units of the model per year unless a large spike in sales requires them to produce more. However, the first model year of the Altima Hybrid only made the vehicle available to buyers in Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and California. With the model's test run in those states proving to be lucrative, Nissan made the Altima Hybrid available in all fifty states for the 2008 model year. However, production is still at a muted rate until more buyers become interested or require a hybrid model.

The Altima Hybrid is equipped with a 2.5L QR25DE two-mode engine. This engine has both electric and gasoline power, so when the model is at lower speeds it can run primarily on electricity. But, when higher speeds are reached, the engine will switch over to either sole gas power or a combination of electric and gasoline, whichever the vehicle demands to maintain top performance. With 35 city MPG and 33 highway MPG, the Nissan Altima Hybrid is hard to beat.

Environmental friendliness is one of the Nissan Altima Hybrid's best features, and the critical acclaim that it has received demonstrates just how "green" it really is. Kelley Blue Book named the Altima Hybrid as one of its Top Ten Green Cars of 2008, and MotorTrend magazine ranked the Altima at number one amongst mid-size hybrid models. With the NHTSA's highest frontal and side crash test ratings, the Nissan Altima Hybrid is both safe and fuel-efficient. Nevertheless, some critics are claiming that the Altima Hybrid might need a makeover in the upcoming model years to compete with the influx of other innovative hybrids.