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Used 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
277 reviews

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Pros
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5 out of 5 stars

sporty little economy car

Chris, 12/11/2015
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful

I bought this car over 7 years ago, and it has taken us on several trips without any issues. Other than a new battery from time to time and oil changes often, this car has been great to us. Just recently, on a trip to Florida, I noticed the transmission was slipping a bit and the cruise control would not work because the sensor de-activated it, and the engine light came on. I pulled into a autozone store and they checked it quickly and advised that the transmission needed to be repaired or replaced. I drove the car a little slower on the last leg of the trip home without any problems. When I got home, I researched the site about complaints on certain cars, and discovered that the Altima had some issues. To my surprise the transmission had a 120Kmile warranty and my car had a little over 105K miles on it. I took it to Carriage Nissan in Gainesville Ga. and Alex, the service person gave me Great news. The transmission needed to be replaced and it was covered, 100%. He ordered a new transmission and the following day it arrived and I dropped my car off and was given a brand new Altima while mine was being fixed. two days later , my car was ready and just like they said, no charge and the loaner car was free. I cannot say enough of how well they treated me and Nissan's warranties are legit. I'm looking forward to a couple more years out of the car, and they definitely made that possible. This is the best 17 thousand dollars I ever spent.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

CVT Transmission

Leslie, 07/05/2018
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful

Bought this car cash money from dealer, heard a whining noise when accelerating took it back to dealer they said that is the way Nissan's shift. Drove it home as it was my son's Graduation/College present. Less than 4,000 miles later. CVT transmission needs replaced. Since we as the 4th owners are outside of the 120,000 mile warranty, we have to replace it ourselves. For someone that lives pay check to pay check with a kid in college. I can't just cough up $4,000. My uncle suggested that I reach out to Nissan Corp, well after them telling me they could not help me until it was CERTIFIED Diagnosed by a dealership they could not discuss the issue with me. I spend $100.00 to get the Certified Dealer to diagnose the problem and Nissan Corp says we are sorry you are outside of the 120,000 mile "EXTENDED" warranty. I am sorry but if you, "Nissan Corp" realize that their have been complaints on the CVT transmission to give an extended warranty, then why not do the RIGHT thing and fix my sons car. We told my son he could not have a sports car for graduation and he saw this car and fell in love with it. It has all the bells and whistles a kid wants and looks good also. Shame on you NISSAN for crushing my kids dream car. I guess now we will try to sell it! If I guess we could use it as a Crash Derby Car!

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Great performance but terrible comfort

Chris, 05/17/2016
updated 11/25/2019
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

My 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5s has a great engine and transmission compared to the Hondas, Hyundais and even Chevrolets that I have owned. Nissan really has it down when it comes to their drive trains but I have never had front seats on any vehicle that I have ever owned, including my 1956 Chevrolet pickup, that were as uncomfortable as my Altima seats are. After less than one hour of driving my rear end is more sore than it would be if I was riding my mountain bike. The seats look good but they are so stiff and lack any kind of suspension what-so-ever. I haven't tried fixing it yet but I think that I am going to try changing the foam cushioning in the seat bottom and see how it affects my bottom. The window controls on the driver's side are also poorly positioned. They are so far back on the door that I can't reach them without contorting my left arm to a crazy vertical position. I've found it easier to reach across my body with my right arm to hit the switches. The controls were ergonomically positioned for someone with very short arms. Besides the uncomfortable front seats and the placement of the window controls I really like the car. I get about 28 mpg around town and 37 mpg on the highway, it has great brakes and handles good for a midsize sedan. I would recommend the purchase of an Altima except for the granite front seats and the position of the window controls.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3.38 out of 5 stars

Nissan Altima...SMH

soa, 06/21/2011
2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
26 of 32 people found this review helpful

My 2008 Nissan Altima has been out of commission for a month! At first I thought I needed new spark plugs, but found out that one of the cylinders needed to be replaced. Mind you if only has 67k miles on it. Took it to the dealership and they could figure out what was wrong with the engine and wanted to replace it. I've been back and forth with them for a month now and I'm tired as heck! I found out that other consumers have been having the same engine issues and there is a class action suit building in California. Honestly, I think the consumers need to all get together and sue the pants off of them for not correcting this problem. Lest we forget Toyota ? I'm not trying to be a causalty!!!!

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1 out of 5 stars

stay away

Mart, 02/14/2016
2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful

-Both head gaskets needed to be replaced at 62K -Metallic sound upon acceleration at 88K -New Basal vibration/sound when accelerating and decelerating Though Nissan would be trouble free...Cannot believe the low quality of this vehicle. Never Nissan again...

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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