2008 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews Page 4

Best Value for the Money

Written by: Mike C on 03/31/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

Review

This isn't the most fun thing in the world to drive, but it has decent enough power and the front/rear stabilizer bars make it good for cornering except that the seat bolsters are too wide and don't offer much support. The creature comforts are great, the styling is classy, the interior is simple yet refined, and plenty of storage space.

Favorite Features

Keyless ignition, large easy-to-read gauges, center console layout/storage, larger-than-life glovebox (enough to fit a 15 in. laptop and several magazines), one touch auto-down AND auto-up driver/passenger front windows, driver/passenger rear overhead lights.

Suggested Improvements

Key fob: too easy for the buttons to get pressed accidentally - I have come outside and found my trunk open, doors unlocked, and/or front windows down SEVERAL TIMES - buttons should be more recessed/no protrusion. Instrument accuracy - MPG always overestimates by ~2mpg; gas gauge fussy/fluctuates.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Balanced Car!

Written by: DanTheMan89 on 03/13/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 2dr Coupe (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

Review

What a great car! This is the second car I've owned, my first was a gas guzzler. Stepping down from a Trans Am WS6 5.7 liter engine to a 2.5, I didn't expect the Altima to have much power at all. Man, was I wrong this car is a joy to drive. It's very spirited with the CVT, but also can get great gas mileage. I've been averaging 30mpg, 40 on long trips. Handling is superb also, I live down a long back road with many curves and It's exhilarating navigating the turns. I love the exterior of the car, It's just gorgeous and stands out from the crowd. I get compliments all the time! If your looking for a all around balanced sporty ride, look no further this is the car.

Favorite Features

Push Button Start, Powerful 4 cylinder engine, overall beautiful exterior looks, spacious trunk for a coupe.

Suggested Improvements

I love everything about this car, only thing is I wish it came with Alloy Wheels, no biggie though.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Dissappointing. I Must have had a lemon!

Written by: Dissappointed on 03/12/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

Review

I purchased the 2.5SL Sedan and was so excited. I previously owned a 1996 Maxima and loved it. The Altima had too many problems to list. The main issues were the CVT transmission, ride stability and the drivers seat. I had to practically floor the car to get it going from a stop or slow speed. I really thought there was something wrong with the CVT, but the dealership told me it was fine 3 times. The driver's seat shifted around when turning (very annoying) and the dealer said there was nothing wrong. On the highway, if there was a slight breeze, the car was dangerously all over the road, again...the dealer said there was nothing wrong. I traded it in on an Acura and I am very happy.

Favorite Features

Keyless start and entry. Body style. Bose Stereo. Gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

CVT Transmission. Interior quality. Poor materials. Loud "diesel like" engine sounds. High engine reving to go anywhere. Terrible Dealership support!!!!

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Joy To Drive and Own 4Cyl Drives Like V6

Written by: Jason on 03/08/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I have now owned this vehicle for approximately 1 year and my experience has been fully satisfactory. I cannot think of a better sedan that offers this much power, style, great handling - all at a reasonable price! ENGINE: This vehicle handles like a V6 sedan, but uses gas like a 4CYL. It still surprises me that this 4CYL CVT engine can produce 175HP with powerful torque, and gets about 27MPG combined city highway driving - translates to about 530 miles to 20GAL tank (600MI all highway). HANDLING: When taking tight curves on the road, I have no fear to take them even faster, as the steering is responsive and accurate. >>> Extremely happy with my first purchase of any car! Highly recommended.

Favorite Features

ENGINE: Liquid smooth acceleration. Most powerful 4CYL in its class - supportive torque. HANDLING: The car goes where I want it to go and takes curves easily. INTERIOR: Plenty of space for 5 adults - Spacious trunk. AUDIO: Basic speakers have strong bass and clear sound. STYLE: Best I've seen!

Suggested Improvements

INTERIOR: Some materials could be improved, but overall quality is fine. TECHNOLOGY: Should include bluetooth built-in rather than extra expensive package. RELIABILITY: Airbag sensor recall which was fixed by dealer. OVERALL: These are very minor complaints to the overall vehicle.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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If it weren't for the dang tires....

Written by: Big T on 03/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

Review

I would love to say that everything about my car is rosy and great. However, Nissan for some inexplicable reason decided to install Continental tires on these cars (at least the ones sold here in Indianapolis), and the dang thing will chatter the teeth out of your head at 75mph plus. Other than that it's a superb car and I cannot wait until I have the cash to replace those tires with Michelins. In all honesty I love this car. It has great power for a 4banger and is very smooth (if you don't have a lead foot like me). The only other issue I've had is that it tends to sound a bit like a diesel when you start it cold. I'm told that this is perfectly normal...if not a bit annoying at times.

Favorite Features

It's got to be the CVT transmission. It does take some getting used to at first..not hearing it clunk into gear..but after you get used to the high rev sound you realize how very very smooth it is.

Suggested Improvements

Quit using Continental tires!

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Still Very Happy

Written by: Becca on 03/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 2dr Coupe (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I wanted a 6-speed 2.5 with Premium, and I special ordered it before they even arrived at the dealership. I was hesitant about Intelligent Key and the push-button start, but I really like both of them - especially the iKey for the safety factor. When gas was over $4.00 a gallon, I loved the 35 MPG I was getting on the highway! This is the nicest car I've ever owned, so I have very little criticism. I *did* have the whistling mirror issue, which the dealership quickly resolved. Also, my passenger seat shakes at high speed if nobody is sitting in it, and that can be somewhat distracting. No fix for that, I'm told.

Favorite Features

Intelligent Key, in-dash satellite radio, 20 gallon fuel tank, Bluetooth

Suggested Improvements

The trunk's capacity doesn't need to be bigger, but it would be nice if the opening was somehow bigger.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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For Better or Worst

Written by: AltimaMan08 on 02/28/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I was extremely impressed from the altima the first time I drove it. I compared it to the accord which was Nice but it was pricy and only had a 5spd, and to the Camry which had the crapyest cluch feel of amy car ive ever driven, was difficult to hold to floor. I love the keyless everything, very convenient for me bc im a delivery driver and am in and out of my car hundreds of times a day, gas mileage varies widely, when lead- footing it around town I have gotten as low as 20 mpg (burn out at every stoplight driving) to an extreme 40 mpg highway (55-65 mph), my best is 700 miles to one tank of gas. Which holds 20 gal. The best in it's class

Favorite Features

Keyless entry/truck/ignition, steering wheel controls, sunroof is awesome, Powerful, accelerates just as fast or better than my 00 silverado x-cab 4x4 5.3L v8 (although truck has 4spd auto), breaks will give u whiplash if u throw them on and push down the clutch!

Suggested Improvements

6-spd trany shifts horribly, almost must force into 1st through a gate, must go to 2nd before 1st, even completely stopped. Stock tires cheap but I haven t found a good replacement yet. Is like driving am ice skate in the snow, no not recommend driving in snow!

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bad engines

Written by: GENE on 02/27/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

Review

I have a knocking / rattle when I step on the gas when the car is cold. I have had my car in and out of Nissan service about 10 times at this point. I finally got them to admit that the noise exists. They have changed the heat shield but the noise still occurs. Nissan is telling me that this is normal and there is no piston skirts on 2.5 engines

Favorite Features

smart key

Suggested Improvements

heated mirrows

5 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Nice Car with Problems

Written by: Disillusioned on 02/19/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 2dr Coupe (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

Review

Traded in a WRX because wanted a better highway cruiser. Nice car inside and out, but had a couple of issues. Windows roll down by themselves, once overnight during freezing rain. Nissan mechanics could not fix that problem. The other issue was the CVT. On wet pavement with a fast takeoff the transmission would stay at around 4000 RPM unless you backed off completely from the gas and waited a few seconds. Really liked the looks, couldn't live with the two problems. Traded Altima in on a VW.

Favorite Features

Base stereo was excellent. Very sporty appearance and quality interior.

Suggested Improvements

Remove the auto roll down feature of the windows and lose the CVT.

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Great Buy

Written by: gilmore girl on 02/17/2009

Vehicle

2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

A little over a year ago I bought yet another Altima. Going through college I had a '96 Altima. Wow, how they've changed. The new Altimas are really sporty, fun to drive and reliable. I have black leather seats and they weren't the most comfortable when I first purchased the car but after a year they are great. The four cylinder has plenty of power and this is coming from a person who drove a 4 Runner with a V8 engine for 3 years. All in all a great buy for the price!

Favorite Features

Push button start, great fun engine.

Suggested Improvements

All should have 6 disc cd changers like 4Runners.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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