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2008 Nissan Altima User Reviews

2008 Nissan Altima Review Ratings

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Average Ratings from 46 reviews

  • Performance:4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars 4.5 / 5
  • Appearance:4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars 4.6 / 5
  • Build Quality:4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars 4.5 / 5
  • Overall:4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars 4.7 / 5

Review Highlights Click to filter reviews below

PROS
"fuel economy" 19 reviews
"power" 16 reviews
"ride" 14 reviews
"space" 7 reviews
"handling" 7 reviews
CONS
"power" 6 reviews
"fuel economy" 5 reviews
"heavy car" 2 reviews
"interior" 2 reviews
"build quality" 2 reviews

User Reviews

Displaying 1 - 10 of 46 reviews 12345 Next
John writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Gas mileage, room and trunk space, easy to drive.

Cons

The 2.5 Liter 4-cyl isn't performance oriented...Go for the 3.5 Liter 6-cyl if you want performance.

55

Good Family Vehicle. — Performance is mediocre. It is an Altima after all. Quality is top notch. The interior is comfortable. The Exterior is good looking. Great gas mileage when on road trips. Easy on maintenance, except tires. New tires can be a bit pricey. The fun factor is like a 3 out of 5.

Primary Use: Family transportation

3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Jonathan writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 Review
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Performance:
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Overall:

Pros

CVT box's performance, relatively well built, size, push button starter

Cons

Gimmicky electronics with uncertain reliability, so so fuel economy, the 2.5 makes you wish you were driving the 3.5L V6

575

A Good Large Car From A Japanese Company — This version of the Nissan Altima is quite big. It is definitely clear that Nissan put a lot of effort into making this car and it shows once you drive one. At first the specs of the 2.5 4-cylinder engine seems really pathetic with only 175 hp and ho hum torque. Its really the CVT gearbox that makes this engine really move quickly. If the CVT box is as efficient as they say it is and can make a weak engine move a big car fast...I like it. If it can make a 4-cylinder seem amazing...I honestly couldn't imagine what a V6 feels like. Handling on the Altima I thought was good, not quite a Mazda 6 but better than say a terrible Sebring. The interior is rather conventional looking initially since it doesn't exactly look all too different from any other car. There are a few neat touches like the push start button which I actually like. It also has a diagnostic system you can play with, probably a good idea not to do this while driving though considering how small the screen text is. Since this car is built in the USA it does not have the same issues as Nissan cars made in Mexico. Glitches are another issue though, the gimmick systems have that potential for problems. I've already mentioned the size of this car, I also think it looks quite good among the boring looking cars in this segment. I like this styling a lot more than the uninteresting Camry and unappealing look of the Accord sedan. Fuel economy is rather average and I don't know about electrical reliability since I don't drive these cars as often. Bottom line, I'd put this car in front of the Camry and Accord just because its a good car while not being boring like those two.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Kamal writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Price, Performance, Fuel Economey, Looks, Interior, Ride Quality

Cons

Chrome, Nissan's Pricing Teir , Stock Tires

55

08 Altima 2.5s — So..the 2008 Nissan Altima, what can be said about this car? First of all the Altima is viewed as a car for the slightly older demographic and is often compared to the Accord and Camry. With the redesign in 2007 Nissan sought to make the car sportier and much more ascetically pleasing to draw in a younger audience, despite dropping the SE-R variant the Altima has gone on to overtake even the Maxima in sales and popularity. The car's new design is more aggressive than older models but still manages to attract the older demographic, lots of chrome on the green house grill and rear make it known that this is an *upscale* Family sedan while subtle lines and a racy front end draw in younger customers. Power in the 2.5 S comes in at 175 Bhp, 180flbs. A higher torque to HP ratio gives the Altima 4 banger good acceleration but nothing that will make V6 Altima owners watch their rear view mirrors. The interior is amazing for a car in its price range, with soft malleable plastics, tons of cubby holes and rattle reducing design. The cloth seats are also pleasant to the touch and hug passengers and driver. Ride quality is also a plus with almost zero road noise and smooth operation thanks to the CVT, the Altima's suspension won't jar your teeth but it wont be winning any track days either. Body roll is never a real issue at moderate speed and the suspension holds up well under more daring maneuvers. For it's price the Altima is tough to beat however poor stock tires, a horrible pricing breakdown may keep those looking for a true sports orientated sedan away.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Ryan3171 writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Sporty handling for class
+ V-6 performance
+ Responsive CVT
+ High-quality interior materials
+ Comfortable rear seat

Cons

CVT bogs engine at lower speeds
- Fussy tilt/telescope steering wheel adjustment (sedan)
- Cheapo faux wood trim with tan interior (sedan)
- Inconvenient release straps for folding rear seats (sedan)

425

Excellence Disguised — I've been driving the 3.5 SL for a 3 monthw now and highly enjoy driving it around town. Getting used to the luxery ride in the SL is taking some time. The 2008 Altima is nimble and quick to respond both with acceleration, manuvering, and braking. My only complaint other than the fact this car doesn't stand out as much as it should on the road - look at the overall design closely and you have A sexy car here - but my one complaint is with highway driving. The smallest movement on the steering wheel and the car is all over the lane. It was windy the other day and I felt it was difficult to handle. Driving around town, I haven't noticed this. But on a long trip awhile back, it was kind of un-nerving driving at 80 mph, which is easy to do in this car. Favorite feature has to be push start ignition. When I drive my personal car I'm always looking for a button to turn it on/off. Who needs a key anymore? I should state that I would choose this vehicle over a slightly more expensive, and less fuel efficient, Infiniti G35. Very similar vehicle, though the Altima at least has 6 speeds. Its overall a sweet ride...just slightly invisible

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dxl writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL Review
Back Seats:
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Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
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Maintenance Cost:
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Pros

Nearly everything. This is just a great well made fun car. Great on gas, no mechanical issues, fun to drive.

Cons

Trunk has limited space with the design and indentations that take up room. Also i have had challenges with a blind spot on right side (5'4") even when i have the front seat lifted to maximum height (nice feature on driver seat for shorter people by the way).

dxl
35

I Love This Car. One Of The Besti I Have Ever Owned So Far — My 2008 Altima was my first experience with Nissan and it has been a great one. So good in fact that I feel comfortable with my teenage son in this car as I am in need of an SUV. The car is quiet, has great acceleration and braking, comfortable and i average 23-25 mpg in mid size city driving, 26-28 highway. If the newer models have this amazing foundation and even newer technology....it is a real winner.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Robert writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Lots of features at a low price

Cons

Doors are too big, seat belts are hard to reach, windshields slope, making them hard to clean.  TPMS is very winter sensitive.  I've had to reset it twice in the past 1-1/2 months

105

It's The Biggest And Nicest Car I've Ever Driven — This is one car that really tears up the highway. It just blow by all the other cars. It handles and breaks great, Have had it for 5 months, with no repairs yet. I like the color-coded trim (in my case, all brown) The gadgets on the dash are easy to find and operate. It is an easy and fun car to drive.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Robert writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Review
Appearance:
Back Seats:
Cargo Capacity:
Family Car:
Fuel Economy:
Front Seats:
Handling:
Maintenance Cost:
Performance:
Price:
Power:
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Reliability:
Looks/Style:
Overall:

Pros

A fun car to drive with many luxury amenities at a very low pricce

Cons

Nothing!

105

Nicest Car I've Ever Driven! — Build Quality: I've had it for over a year, and the only issue was with a tire sensor whose battery went out. Performance: I've taken this car everywhere, including the Mass Pike in Boston, and have not felt afraid to do so. Appearance: Let's just say that I still love to look out my living room window to gawk at it! Cost of Ownership: Very low maintenance. Gas mileage gets skewed because I do a lot of city driving. Fun Factor: See review for performance.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Joseph writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Really quick, build well.

Cons

You want the best gas mileage

45

Great Car, Great Price, Too Bad They No Longer Produce The 4 Door In A 6 Speed. — Great car! great price, great value. 6 speed with a 270 HP 6 cyl! What could be better. Glad to have it, sleek design, great room. Can hold a lot of cargo, love the moon roof and the rear spoiler. Why doesn't anyone make a decent sport wagon in a manual transmission anymore????

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Callee writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

Engine size, CVT, keyless entry, push start, body style, sound system

Cons

Gas mileage, brakes

35

Gotta Love The Altima — The minute I saw the Nissan Altima I fell in love with it. I was originally going to purchase a Honda Accord but went to test drive the Altima first and couldn't leave without one. It has amazing features and the engine is powerful. It also has a sporty look that after 2 years of owning it, I'm still in love with. The maintenance costs are fairly cheap since I got the 3 year maintenance package and the gas mileage is ok. I usually get around 22mpg. I would definitely buy another Altima.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

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Muhammad writes:
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

looks

Cons

build quality

35

Good — all time favourtie TAxi.. didnt try 3.5 SE but i love CVT transmission and its noise specifically.. interior is simple and easy to understand good space but suspension is not sport... back view problem hard to see car behind u

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

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Similar Cars Compared to a 2008 Nissan Altima

2008 Nissan Altima 2008 Nissan Maxima 2008 Honda Accord
2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL picture, exterior
2008 Nissan Maxima SE picture, exterior
2008 Honda Accord, Front Left Quarter View, manufacturer, exterior
Cost $12,771 Average Instant Market Value $15,594 Average Instant Market Value $15,685 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 32 25 31
Horsepower 175 255 177
Crash Test Rating 5 5 5
Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) 14.0
Front Leg Room (inches) 44.1 43.9 42.5

Reviews From Other Years

2013 Nissan Altima Reviews

Small And Nice For A Family By Aldhahmd90

I liked the shape of the car and how Nissan changed the way Altima looks like, but still there are alot of good cars and sporty cars such as maxima because its more sport than the 2013 Nissan Altima.... Read More

I've Only Got A Little Over 1,600 Miles On It, But It Is The Most Comfortable Car I've Owned. By ragtop69

Just about everything. It has great looks reminiscent of German sedans. The heavy chrome grille and the chrome bar between the tail lights are great accents on a black car. The front seats are obsc... Read More

Read all 2013 Nissan Altima reviews

2012 Nissan Altima Reviews

You Don't Now What Your Missing By Jim

lots of power its like driving a nascar, still breaking it in bought in new so got to be gentle , the interior and exterior are amazing nice clean lines outside and lots of head room for us tall peop... Read More

Very Nice. Very Reliable, Very Comefortable, Smooth And Quiet. By brianjahn

It has nice looks, comefortable seating, nice ride, decent handling, fair price. The CVT transmission works very nice. There is no downshifting on hills. (well, actually there is but you can't tell ... Read More

Read all 4 2012 Nissan Altima reviews

2011 Nissan Altima Reviews

Sleek Beautiful Superior Nissan Design And Luxury By Heather

Great for a family of 4 or single driver! Handling is smooth and acceleration is powerful enough you would never know it is a 4 cyl. Great variable transmission provides unique driving experience. ... Read More

2011 Nissan Altima By blsjeep95

This is an all around great car. Impressive styling, handling, mpg, and comfort. The keyless entry and keyless starting button are very innovative. Full power on everything and it includes a 6 speaker... Read More

Read all 4 2011 Nissan Altima reviews

2010 Nissan Altima Reviews

Great All Around Value. By Gmarch83

This car has been a great car for me. I drive a lot of highway miles in all weather conditions and this car has handled it all. I have been very happy with its fuel mileage as well as it's comfort w... Read More

Best Deal By Sameer

Awesome car from my perspective. I would love to recommend to any one on this planet. It can be used as a family car as well as a sports car for a bachelor. Fuel efficiency of this car is also good,... Read More

Read all 9 2010 Nissan Altima reviews

2009 Nissan Altima Reviews

Sporty Sedan By DW19

ive really enjoyed this car, its a sporty sedan, interior is comfortable and pleasant to ride in, although this is a 4 cylinder it has a lot of power ive never noticed not having enough power and i ow... Read More

Like By Steven

liked this car put too many miles on it. great gas mileage. Handles very well in snow and icey weather. The cost of owner ship wasnt bad and up keep on the car wasn't over priced in any way. Like Read More

Read all 19 2009 Nissan Altima reviews
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