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2008 Nissan Altima Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
2008 Nissan Altima Review
The 2008 Nissan Altima gets standard ABS across all time levels. Nissan's midsize cars come in sedan and coupe form. Compared to the coupes, sedans ride on a longer wheelbase and are slightly longer overall. Four-cylinder and V6 engines are shared between body styles.

2.5 models have a 175-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. 3.5 models use a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the 3.5 SL. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on the 3.5 SL and optional on all but the base 2.5. Altima Hybrids are sedans and are sold only in California and certain northeastern states. They pair the 4-cylinder engine and CVT with a battery-powered electric motor for 198 hp. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions, and does not require plug-in charging. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system (V6 and Hybrid models only), front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. ABS was optional on 4-cylinder models for 2007, but it's now standard. A navigation system is available and includes a rearview camera. Also available are leather upholstery and a wireless cell phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.

News
The first gasoline/electric Altima is promised for early in calendar 2007. It will be sold only in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, all of which have stricter emissions than the other 42 states. The hybrid powertrain reportedly combines technology licensed from Toyota with a modified 2.5-liter Nissan 4-cyl engine and CVT automatic transmission. Full details and pricing won't be released until just before sales begin, but keep checking back with us for late news.
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2008 Nissan Altima Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Engine noise
CVT-transmission performance Control layout (w/navigation system)
Ride Rear-seat comfort
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
6 8 7 8 5.6

Conventional 4-cylinder models with CVT automatic are sprightly from a stop and show good highway passing response. V6 versions are stronger in all situations. Our test 3.5 SE with CVT ran from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. The CVT is well matched to either engine, and its manual shift gate allows for quick, useful gear changes. Altimas with the manual transmission feel quicker still, but the shifter has long throws, which somewhat blunts any sporty feel. No Hybrid models have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
6 5 5 5 5.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a 3.5 SE sedan with CVT averaged 23.8 mpg in mostly highway driving, 19.1 with more city work, including gas-eating performance runs. Also in mostly highway driving, manual-transmission 3.5 SE models averaged 22.8-24.8 mpg. No opportunity to measure with a 2.5 model. Altima 2.5s use regular-grade gas. Nissan recommends premium for 3.5s. Note that Altima has a 20-gal fuel tank, among the largest in the midsize-car class.
Ride Quality

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
7 6 6 4 6

Sedan versions are poised and comfortable. The 2.5 models are best composed overall. Sport suspension in the 3.5 SE sedans induces unwanted thump and body jiggle over sharp bumps. 3.5 SE coupes have even firmer suspension tuning and are very stiff over even small bumps. No opportunity yet to test a 3.5 SL, which doesn't have a sport suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
6 7 7 6 6

Sedans have nicely damped body motions and direct, if a bit light, steering. The steering in one 3.5 SE coupe we tested was light and devoid of road feel. It also suffered from more body lean than we would have expected from a coupe with sporting intentions. The brakes offer generally good stopping control, though one test model suffered touchy pedal action. We wish Nissan would make an antiskid system standard on all models.
Quietness

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
6 6 6 5 6

Neither engine sounds especially refined, but they're not overly intrusive either. Tire, road, and wind noise are well controlled in sedans, less so in coupes.
Controls

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
7 7 6 7 6.3

Large and legible gauges. Audio and climate controls are simple to operate in models without the available navigation system. The navigation system isn't easy to program, and it absorbs and complicates audio functions.
Details

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
6 6 6 5 5.5

Altima's interior ambiance isn't quite as rich as its use of soft-touch, textured materials would lead you to believe. The use of budget-grade plastics in the center console area is also a disappointment. It's still pleasant inside, though. One test coupe suffered from a number of dashboard rattles.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.7

Good overall headroom and legroom, though six-footers may want more seat travel. Seats have very good thigh and lumbar support, though some testers complain that the seats lack a supportive contour. The steering wheel tilts and is telescopic to aid in driver positioning. Visibility in sedans is very good to all directions. Thick rear roof pillars create large blind spots in the coupe.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
5 5 5 3 5.1

In sedans, the rear bench is reasonably comfortable for those under six feet. Tall riders will find headroom limited and leg space lacking unless front seats are well forward. Coupes are cramped for both headroom and legroom. The front seats tilt and slide forward, but the release is located on the inside of the passenger seat, rather than on the outside where it's more accessible.
Cargo Room

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
5 5 5 2 4

The sedan's trunk is generously sized and shaped. Lid hinges intrude deeply into the cargo area. Low liftover eases the loading of bulky items, though the split rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat. Coupes have non-intrusive strut-style hinges, but the trunk is small, narrow, and shallow. Interior storage is only average.
Value within Class

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
8 6 7 5 6.2

Altima is a sporty alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, with sedans giving up little in terms of everyday usability. The coupes attempt to be even sportier, but they ride stiffly and have little trunk space. Both body styles have subpar rear-seat room and comfort, and any Altima trails our class benchmarks for overall refinement. Still, the sedans have strong enough appeal to earn our Recommended nod.
Total Score

2.5 S sedan, CVT 3.5 SE sedan, manual 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT 3.5 SE coupe, manual Class Average
69 68 67 57 63
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
48
Average Score
63
High Score
74
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2008 Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2.5 4-door sedan, manual $18,620 $18,243 $660
2.5 S 4-door sedan, manual $20,470 $19,196 $660
2.5 S 4-door sedan, CVT $20,970 $19,663 $660
2.5 S 2-door coupe, manual $20,950 $19,644 $660
2.5 S 2-door coupe, CVT $21,450 $20,112 $660
3.5 SE 4-door sedan, manual $24,470 $22,681 $660
3.5 SE 4-door sedan, CVT $24,970 $23,142 $660
3.5 SE 2-door coupe, manual $25,350 $23,495 $660
3.5 SE 2-door coupe, CVT $25,850 $23,956 $660
3.5 SL 4-door sedan, CVT $28,670 $26,565 $660
Hybrid 4-door sedan, CVT $25,480 $23,881 $660
Price note: Hybrid available only in Calif., Conn., N.J., R.I., Mass., Maine, N.Y., Vt.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2.5
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
2.5 S adds to 2.5:
Powertrain
6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (CVT).
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator.
3.5 SE adds to 2.5 S:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power sunroof (coupe), illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights (coupe), sport suspension, 215/55VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
3.5 SL adds to 3.5 SE:
Powertrain
Continuously variable automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (CVT).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: sport suspension.
Xenon headlights, fog lights, 215/60R16 tires.
Hybrid adds to 2.5 S:
Powertrain
2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), traction control.
Safety
Brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, cruise control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
2.5 SL Pkg.
2.5 S CVT sedan
$3,850
$3,501
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power sunroof, universal garage door opener, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic up/down front windows, upgraded interior trim, additional interior lights, cargo net, automatic headlights, alloy wheels.
Convenience Pkg.
2.5 S sedan
$1,050
$911
2.5 S coupe, Hybrid
$1,300
$1,127
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic up/down front windows, remote control windows, cargo net (2.5 S), automatic headlights, rear spoiler (Hybrid), alloy wheels (2.5 S coupe).
Convenience Plus Pkg.
2.5 S sedan
$2,150
$1,866
Convenience Pkg. plus power sunroof, alloy wheels.
Connection Pkg.
Hybrid
$4,400
$3,817
Convenience Pkg. plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, mirror-mounted turn signals, console light, rear air conditioning vents.
Premium Pkg.
3.5 SE sedan
$4,200
$3,643
3.5 SE coupe
$3,200
$2,776
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear vents, power sunroof (sedan), Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, upgraded interior trim, console light, xenon headlights, fog lights (sedan), rear spoiler (sedan). Sedan requires antiskid system.
Technology Pkg.
Hybrid
$6,400
$5,551
Connection Pkg. plus navigation system, satellite traffic information, rearview camera, hybrid energy flow display.
Sport Pkg.
3.5 SE sedan
$1,300
$1,127
Power sunroof, fog lights, rear spoiler.
Safety
Antiskid system
3.5 SE sedan, 3.5 SL
$900
$780
3.5 SE coupe
$600
$520
Sedan includes full-size spare tire. Sedan requires Technology Pkg. or Premium Pkg.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
2.5 S coupe, Hybrid
$850
$738
Hybrid requires Convenience Pkg., Connection Pkg., or Technology Pkg.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
2.5 S CVT sedan, 3.5 SE sedan
$280
$222
Includes compass. 2.5 S requires Convenience Plus Pkg. 3.5 SE requires Sport Pkg.
Floormats
2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL
$175
$134
Hybrid
$110
$85
Includes cargo mat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
2.5 S, 3.5 SE sedan
$310
$251
Coupe requires Premium Pkg. or Technology Pkg. Sedan requires Technology Pkg. NA 2.5 S sedan manual.
Mud guards
2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL
$135
$107
NA coupe.
Rear spoiler
2.5 S sedan CVT
$370
$295
Requires Technology Pkg. NA coupe.
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2008 Nissan Altima Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Nissan Altima 4-door sedan Nissan Altima 2-door coupe
Wheelbase, in. 109.3 105.3
Overall Length, in. 189.8 182.5
Overall Width, in. 70.7 70.7
Overall Height, in. 57.9 55.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 3055 3052
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 17.9 7.4
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 20.0 20.0
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.6 39.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.2 42.5
Rear Head Room, in. 36.8 35.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.5 34.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc V6 dohc I4/electric
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.5 /152 3.5 /214 2.5 /152
Horsepower @ rpm. 175 @ 5600 270 @ 6000 198 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 180 @ 3900 258 @ 4400 @
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
6-speed manual 23/32 19/27 --/--
CVT automatic 23/31 19/26 35/33
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Nissan Altima 4-door sedan Nissan Altima 2-door coupe
Front Impact, Driver 5 4
Front Impact, Passenger 5 4
Rollover Resistance 4 5
Side Impact, Driver 5 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2008 Nissan Altima
Trim Level:  3.5 SE
Arrival Date:  12/20/2007
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  6-speed manual
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $24,080
Price as Tested:  $26,315
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3588
Mileage at End of Test:  4903
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  53 gals.
 

Major Options:  Splash Guards, Floor Mat Set with Hooks, Sport Package (Power Sliding Moonroof with Tilt Feature, Fog Lights, Rear Spoiler)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  24.81 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Damon Bell This lightly optioned Altima 3.5 SE feels a little incongruous to me. It has an eager, gutsy V6 and sport-sedan stiff suspension nestled into a relatively vanilla family sedan wrapper.

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