Used 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Best Value for the Money
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.
Unlike some American cars
Doesnt rust!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- 2.5 S CoupeMSRP: $5,49078 mi away
- 2.5 S CoupeMSRP: $4,95093 mi away
- 2.5 S SedanMSRP: $6,999100 mi away
I like my new Altima
Have only owned a week, and came from owning a '97 Jeep Wrangler for the past 10 years, so my auto experience is rather limited. Needless to say, I love my new Altima. Very roomy - am 6' and have plenty of leg/head room. The back seats have comfortable space as well. The clutch is shorter than my old Wrangler's and the response is worlds better. The 270 HP is nice on the highway. Steering feels good at high speeds. The fuel economy is OK, but wasn't expecting much with the engine size. I like the layout of the internal controls, very intuitive.
Nice look but poor build quality
My wife loves the look of the car and that's why we bought it. But the build quality of the car is not good: the car is light, the steel sheet feel cheap and thin. Our doors have already collected a lot of dents and dings. I am a little worried how long this car can actually last. Engine and CVT so far so good. The automatic windows can be inconvenient. You have to start your engine to be able to operate your windows.
Reconsider before buying 6-spd manual
I have owned this car for 10 months and it drove superb when I first purchased it, but the Edmunds.com editor was correct when he says that the 6-speed manual transmission should be avoided. In the winter, the gears began to grind, crunch, pop. I tried a dealer recommended synthetic oil and it helps slightly but even in the summer there is considerable gear grinding. Master clutch cylinder had silent recall; clutch pedal made reverberating "socket-wrench" sound until this was replaced. Nissan consumer affairs lacks technical knowledge and unhelpful and would not offer any suggestions to correct gear-grinding, it seems to be a common problem so please avoid 6-spd and go with the CVT
Poor shock absorbers
We live in a condo complex that has 5 speed bumps. The car scrapes bottom when carrying 4 passengers or if the trunk is full of personal items. Also have had problems with tire wear and more noticeable after having rotated the tires.
still rollin after florida texas and more
got my Nissan 4 years a go very simple but reliable car low maintenance not packed with much technology but enough to comfort my 16 yrs. future new car just something to recommend after 150.k miles is the cvt flush service to maintain the car working good is about 110$ +/- very happy with the car way way better than new cars and even new Nissan's
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The Altimate Altima
It's not good for hauling around dogs.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best in class in my opinion.
Bought it after 3 months of deliberations, initially zeroed in on 3 possibilities: Altima, Camry and Accord. Didn't like Accord styling all that much, and Camry's handling was subpar even for that sedan class. I noticed more and more L32 Altimas in my area, so I figured all these owners couldn't be so wrong. Great car, I was afraid I might get one with poor mileage performance, but right now I average 28 mpg city, confirmed by ScanGauge II. I love CVT, 4-cyl engine has sufficient power to have fun on the road, I used to have 1998 BMW 740iL and Altima seems almost as roomy inside.
Couldn't Be Happier
2.5 SL CVT, with the connection package. I have never written a review for anything before but after all the helpful advise I read here before I purchased, I had to return the favor. I cannot be happier with this car. Have owned 1 yr, right at 17K miles, still just as excited about it as when I drove it off the lot. Looked at Camry and Accord, never even thought about this and then decided to check it out and something just stuck with me. Excellent performance for a 4 cylinder. Never been starved for power. Avg 27-29 mpg per tank with mixed hgwy and city, and I don't hold back on the peddle. Smoothest transmission I ever felt. Love all the extras too. Great car for the money.
Best Mid Size 4 cyl Car out there!!
This is my third Nissan (95 Altima and 06 350Z). I have owned three Accords (86, 93 & 03). The 2008 Altima is by far the most practical, good looking and balanced car I have ever bought! We looked at the Camry, Accord and the Altima. I went back and forth about three time between Accord & Altima. Altima was selected due to the outside styling, performance, gas mileage, Intelligent Key, simple Interior & Timing chain = less maint cost.
Nice little car
I bought this car because I was getting killed at the pump by my Nissan Titan. I love being able to drive by the gas stations instead of stopping to fill up. the car looks great, runs great, and am getting over 28 mpg. I plan to have this car in my stable till it craps out, which by the quality of it; I may crap out first. Its one peppy 4 banger!!
Very good buy
I really like this car. I would rather have had the 3.5L V6, but given the fact that it takes premium fuel, gas prices, blah blah blah you get the picture. Very good A to B car in style, and somewhat fun to drive. Creature comforts with the convenience package are very nice. Car is very sophisticated looking for the price. It's my first new car, and I will keep it for at least 5 years provided that no idiot(s) run into it and break it.
From SUV to Car - LOVING IT!
I traded in my SUV for a small car after gas started to rapidly rise...wasn't convinced I'd love the new car, but did it anyway to save money. Best thing I have done in a long time! My Altima is much more spacious than it looks and gets awesome gas mileage. I average 34 MPG on my daily commute. I have recommended to many of my friends and family who are complaining of the gas prices.
Love This Car!
This car is fun to drive. After switching out the Continental tires for Bridgestone tires, it handles better, and the ride is out of this world! Specs are awesome! Suggested for any young professional who has to travel 20+ min to work, great ride.
Dream Car
I had previously sold this vehicle and fell in love with the features and reliability. I finally was able to purchase one, drives like a dream with the get up and go of a 2006 Maxima (I know). This vehicle is so smooth to drive and handles good at excessive speeds, even around turns. Definitely worth every penny, and a total head turner, Altima has out-done itself yet again. The only thing I have found that is hard to get used to is the CVT, it sounds weird accelerating.
Best on the road for the price
We've only had this car for about a week and we have over 500 miles on it already. We got the sl pkg which bumped the car up a bit in price but worth it. I drove the 3.5 and it wasn't worth the extra money in my opinion. The 2.5 is plenty fast for what we do and most others. I did a lot of research and feel this is the best out there at this price point.
Nice cockpit
The car feels light for its size, and quite agile. Only one concern: the engine started to run rough already (some kind of knocking or ticking noise along with rpms).
Poor gas mileage, no suspension at all!
I'm leasing an 08 Altima 2.5s, which I'm ok with, as long as it takes me to work and back, not for fun. But I do not like a lot of things about it: GAS mileage is not going over 23.5 mpg probably like 60-40 hwy-city driving. I am not an aggressive driver, I accelerate slowly, computer shows that I'm getting 30-40 mpg but it's wrong all the time. It rides like there is no suspension at all, very stiff ride, noisy engine. I don't know if that's only my Altima, no good MPG, stiff suspension.
Best decision ever!!
I love the new '08 Altima, I shopped around between an accord, camry, malibu, and even a 3 series and still loved the altima more! This car won't let you down. When you need the power to pass in a short passing zone, all it takes is a little bit more pressure on the gas pedal and your gone. The CVT is way more favorable than I expected, although the engine is a bit more noticeable. Comfy cloth seats with microfiber trim, but everything does stick to the microfiber.
Nissan Altima
I bought this car back in December of 07 and I have nothing but good things to say about it. I have always been a fan of Nissans, but this car is "the truth". Due to gas prices I opted for the 2.5s but it still packs plenty of power. The power steering is extremely smooth and the ride is quiet. My friends with Accords and Camrys immediately fall in love after driving the Altima.
Poor fuel mileage
The window sticker says 23-33 mpg, the mpg gauge on the dash says 32 mpg highway and 23 mpg city, but in actuality it only gets 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. These tests were done under very controlled fill up and driving conditions (I was an engineering technician with GM Research Labs). Our 4cyl Camry did much better than this. We bought the Altima because it was a little smaller than the Camry and thought it would get better mileage. Consumer reports gives the 4cyl Altima 18 mpg city. Feel like we were scammed.
So far so good
Like most who have driven this car I found that the 2.5 with CVT is a good combination of power and efficiency. I own several large vehicles so fuel cost is a concern with my daily driver. With only 50 miles on it my car is already posting an average of 27 mpg vs the 14 my truck gets. Nissan has done a good job with isolating the driver from engine and transmission noise common on 4 cylinder engines. when driven normally you can barely hear the engine.
Great car
Great build quality and fun to drive. the V6 flies so be careful of speeding tickets!
Poor Brakes
I purchased my 2008 Altima in March 08 and I have already had to have my rear brakes replaced and rotors filed down. Mind you I have only 10k miles on my car. I really like my car a lot however I don't know if I am too thrilled that I am having brake problems already.
Where's the downside?
I have had this Altima 2.5SL for a week. I love the car. Brand new it averages 29 mpg. It is reasonably luxurious, comfortable, quiet, and smooth. I'm still waiting to find something I don't like. What an awesome car!
I love this car
I was looking for a vehicle to change from a 2005 Hyundai Tucson that had better gas mileage. I was looking at the Toyota Camry but I was hooked on the Altima the second I saw it. Good gas mileage, control, and acceleration that beats my 2007 Tacoma. Good car overall.
Surprised and Love the Altima
I drove the new Accord, Camry, and Altima. Bottom line, the Altima drove the best and had the best mileage. I now have 9000 on my 6 speed manual, 2.5S with convenience pkg plus and it has be a blast. Steering is awesome, its comfortable, roomy, I get 35-38 mpg, no lie!!! With all this, it was much cheaper than either the Accord or Camry. The 6 spd manual is hard to find, but worth the search for sure.
Would buy again
Have put 5,000 miles on my Altima, no problems to date. Love the keyless ignition, comfortable, excellent performance for a 4 cylinder, mileage on highway has been in the 30 to 32 mpg range and looks great inside and out. Only complaint small trunk opening.
Loving The Altima
My wife and I finally traded in our beloved 2000 Maxima for this 2008 Altima 3.5 SE, with the sport package, (sliding moonroof, fog lamps, and rear spoiler). We are loving this car. The ride is smooth as silk, And the 3.5 V6 has plenty of pep. There was no drop down there from the Maxima. The CVT is terrific. It blows away others in its category for both looks and performance. We considered a Ford Fusion. But when we drove the Altima, we knew this was the car for us. Knowing that it is a Nissan and will last forever is extremely comforting. Heck, our Maxima had 160K miles on it and was still going strong. Do consider this car, or the 2009, if you are in the market.
So In Love
I've had my car a little over a month and I must say it is one of the best. I test drove and reviewed at least over 10 cars from chrysler, honda, to toyota. I previously owned a "06" G6, which was horrible. Hands down the '08' altima met my standards. The body and the interior style is wonderful. The CVT takes some time to get use to but I rarely notice. There is a little noise with accelerating, but goes away so quick you don't notice. Bottom line was sooo worth every penny!
Hmm
Well I have had the car for about 2 months now. There are a lot of things I like and some I don't. I traded in a fullsize truck for this car, so getting used to the smallness off the interior, and the low ground clearance has been tough. Also the lack of comfort and the road noise. I live in Alaska so some of the roads aren't smooth. I do however like the gas mileage. I am getting a little more than 550 mi. On a tank. That's mixed. The interior fabric is cheap ultra suede. Cannot be cleaned! I don't like the cheap plastic interior. For the price it should be much nicer. Am not totally happy with the car and find myself wishing for something else.
Kinks that need to be worked out
Good car, quick yet fuel efficient. So far not too fond with the workmanship, little things like the driver side mirror missing interior insulation/causing a whistling noise when driving at 50+mph. Driver side seat (power) loose. Spoke to service department and was told that it's a Nissan issue they have yet to figure out. Volume control on steering wheel activates the vehicles horn, must be very careful when using that feature. Unaligned hood fairly noticeable. Rear bench seat needs proper fastening (middle section is loose). Several issues with the braking system. Most recent that needs attention, squeak from rear brakes, in process of having fuel regulator replaced.
Great Ride
I've always been a person that always bought American vehicles, so this is my first Nissan. My family needed another vehicle because we have a child and needed better gas milage than my 06 Dodge Ram. This car is great!!! Handles great, ample space throughout, SL & Technology Package gave us everything we needed. This car gets about 19 mpg in the city and about 28 on the highway so we are saving soo much money on gas. I think Nissan has a winner with the Altima, I'd definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for more bang for the buck.
Awesome Ride
I just bought my Altima 2 weeks ago and I have to say that this is an awesome ride - literally. I really like the smoothness of the transmission - you can't even feel the shift. Interior is nice and comfortable. Exterior is sleek and looks expensive. Trunk area is very open and provide lots of room. Keyless entry and ignition - AWESOME! I would recommend this car to anybody in a second.
Rough Ride
Bought our Altima 2.5SL in may. I am satisfied with the mileage we are getting 21 city 35 hwy with avg. hwy speed of about 63 mph. This is a great car so far but they need to improve the ride. It is very rough if the road is not smooth. I would also suggest that you get the connection package which I wish I had done. I also like the lifetime power train warranty.
Nice vehicle
Felt silly about answering reliability question as car only has 4500 miles but like this car over all. Just came back after driving 600 miles this weekend and did not feel tired from the driving. Seems that no matter how I drive, that I am getting 30-31 mpg with it.
Quite good
Have had the car for 6 months now. A good family workhorse, with a style.
Good if you don't get snow!
This is the worst car I have ever driven in the snow. I live in Vermont and I would trade for my Stratus any day. It is not front heavy and is bad in snow. The rear window defogger is insufficient in cold weather, the car creeks when it has ice on it. The rear lights get foggy, I already had one replaced. The car is fun to drive, as long as there is no snow. The CVT is amazing on the highway. Excellent for driving in the city. The dual exhaust looks great. Great brakes, four wheel disc. And the intelligence key is fantastic...except I never know where my keys are to unlock the house because I never need to take them out for my car!
Overall great experience.
I've had about 10 weeks and 3,623 miles in my fully loaded 3.5SE. Overall, let me just say that I love my Altima. After A LOT of research (spreadsheets comparing mpg, leg room, head room, insurance costs, etc), I know I made the right decision. The 3.5 receives outstanding marks by Wards Best Engines. Performance is exceptional, and the CVT took getting used to, but now I have trouble going back to a normal auto. The Altima is comfortable, and has great front leg room, and rear leg room exceeds my 03 Accord, the BMW 5-series, and MB E-Class. I have averaged 21.8mpg city, and 29.4mpg hwy on a 1,152 mile trip (I don't drive slow). This means more room, mpg, and power than the E350 or 528i.
Very Nice Car
I bought a car in January of '08. I love it and everything about it! I had to have the service department do a couple of things to it, like brakes and power seat was shifting every time I take a turn, Nissan issued a service kit for that, ever since it's been a pleasure. I would recommend this car to anybody who tries to decide between Toyota, Honda, etc. Go with Nissan and you will not regret it! My next car is new Maxima!
Love it - Hate It
Since I bought this car in April and the sun was shining in upstate NY that day, how it would handle in the snow and ice was the last thing on my mind. Well, I found out. Not good going up or down hills and since I live in a valley, the only way to get to work is UP. I've had some scary times with it already. I'm in search of a really good gripping tires for the front. I fell in love with the car style (love the rear), the leather, the moon roof, etc. The keyless thing was supposed to be a selling point, but I wouldn't buy another one, I've walked away forgetting to shut the car off! I find I'm losing my keys more often too, since you don't have to have them close by.
Happy driver
I'm very happy with this car. I've been a "truck" person forever but I wanted to find something more comfortable and decent on fuel. I purchased a basic model with leather seats. Sporty ride with lots of comfort. The 4 cyl is amazing.
Sweet
I bought this car for my wife, who fell in love with it as soon as she saw it. Love the leather interior and looks. It also fits in our garage. my wife takes very good care of it (she doesn't want anyone else to drive it).
My two cents
I think the Altima is a good quality product and you get a lot of car for the money; however, I have some issues with it. Most importantly, the exterior of the car crinkles very easily (per auto body mechanic). I had a plastic empty shopping car 3 inches away from the car. It rolled into my car and made a ding. I hope I never get into an accident! I also had a problem with my TPMS light malfunctioning. Also, there is a terrible blind spot when you back up from parking spaces. My sister-in-law has the same problem with her Altima. It's either the back of the car is too high or it's the fact there isn't a good visual field from inside the car. not enough window. Very dangerous.
Having Problems!!!
I purchased new 11/2007, after 2 months, started hearing a roaring noise in the front tires, took it to the dealership, told it was a problem with the tire, no offer to replace. Noise increasingly became louder and louder. I took back, at that point they found 2 bad wheel bearings, they replaced bearings. I've had several problems with the car and Nissan isn't very cooperative. This is the last Nissan I'll ever buy - back to Toyota again!
Very happy
You won't go wrong with this car! I drove all other major competitors and this one beat them (in price and creature comforts) hands down. I was skeptical of the CVT at first, but I absolutely love it now. I am a big guy and fit in this car very comfortably. Go Nissan!!
GREAT CAR
The car is very comfortable and roomy. I have owned the car for a year now. Handling, brakes, acceleration are excellent. Parking takes a bit of prep because it is longer than the VW I used to drive. I would give this car a 9/10 rating.
Love This Car
This is my second Altima. I had an 1998 and it was a great car. I love my new 2008 Altima. Beautiful styling and handles great. Very good gas mileage and comfortable since I commute 120 miles round-trip. Highly recommend. I finally got the color of car that I wanted (Sonoma Sunset - Ruby Red), heated leather seats, and sunroof!
Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5S
This is the first Nissan I own. A great car. Handles excellent and is very good on gas, 4 cylinder model. The fit and finish is also excellent. The driver seat is good but could use some better support. Plenty of back seat room for the kids. Very fast acceleration. Could hardly believe that its a 4 cyl. Braking is very good as well.