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2008 Nissan Altima Features Review

July 5, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A long list of available luxury and technology features
Edmunds

Most popular options are grouped together in expensive packages
Cars.com

A navigation system is available and includes a rearview camera
ConsumerGuide

The 2008 Nissan Altima offers a wide range of features, but some reviews read by TheCarConnection.com take exception with the way options are offered on the Nissan Altima.

Before addressing the options, it's worth looking at what comes standard on the 2008 Nissan Altima. Edmunds begins by saying that "the base 2.5 comes with 16-inch wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry/starting, [and] cruise control," and the other trims add on the features from there. Kelley Blue Book notes that the Nissan Altima "2.5 S, which accounts for the majority of all Altima sales, adds air conditioning" along with "an audio system with CD player." On the 3.5 SE Altima, Nissan incorporates a steering wheel with built-in radio controls, while Kelley Blue Book writes that the top-end "3.5 SL has leather, a Bose audio system, automatic up/down passenger's front window and standard CVT automatic."

The options list on the 2008 Nissan Altima is extensive, but Cars.com finds that "most popular options are grouped together in expensive packages." They say that while this method is "fine if you want everything in the package, you may not be as happy when you learn that it will cost $2,150 to add a moonroof to the 2.5 S trim level." Edmunds deems this business practice "a little shady," comparing it to "going to a salad bar and being offered a choice of either dry lettuce or a 4-gallon bucket of Ranch." Despite the atypical pricing practices, the Nissan Altima presents some very cool features in its options packages. Kelley Blue Book says some of the most noteworthy items include "a dual-zone climate control system, power moonroof, voice-activated navigation system," and "premium Bose audio system." Cars.com also adds that the Altima Nissan "is one of the few family-oriented midsize sedans that can have an optional rearview camera." Of course, it is bundled as part of an option package that they say includes XM Satellite Radio.

Conclusion

If you're willing to pay for it, the 2008 Nissan Altima can be equipped as well as any other car in its class.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:A long list of available luxury and technology featuresEdmundsMost popular options are grouped together in expensive packagesCars.comA navigation system is available and includes a rearview cameraConsumerGuide The 2008 Nissan Altima offers a wide range of features, but some reviews read by TheCarConnection.com take exception with the way options are offered on the Nissan Altima. Before addressing the options, it's worth looking at what comes standard on the 2008 Nissan Altima. Edmunds begins by saying that "the base 2.5 comes with 16-inch wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry/starting, [and] cruise control," and the other trims add on the features from there. Kelley Blue Book notes that the Nissan Altima "2.5 S, which accounts for the majority of all Altima sales, adds air conditioning" along with "an audio system with CD player." On the 3.5 SE Altima, Nissan incorporates a steering wheel with built-in radio controls, while Kelley Blue Book writes that the top-end "3.5 SL has leather, a Bose audio system, automatic up/down passenger's front window and standard CVT automatic." The options list on the 2008 Nissan Altima is extensive, but Cars.com finds that "most popular options are grouped together in expensive packages." They say that while this method is "fine if you want everything in the package, you may not be as happy when you learn that it will cost $2,150 to add a moonroof to the 2.5 S trim level." Edmunds deems this business practice "a little shady," comparing it to "going to a salad bar and being offered a choice of either dry lettuce or a 4-gallon bucket of Ranch." Despite the atypical pricing practices, the Nissan Altima presents some very cool features in its options packages. Kelley Blue Book says some of the most noteworthy items include "a dual-zone climate control system, power moonroof, voice-activated navigation system," and "premium Bose audio system." Cars.com also adds that the Altima Nissan "is one of the few family-oriented midsize sedans that can have an optional rearview camera." Of course, it is bundled as part of an option package that they say includes XM Satellite Radio. ConclusionIf you're willing to pay for it, the 2008 Nissan Altima can be equipped as well as any other car in its class. 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "Flared fenders and sculpted headlights resemble Nissan's 350Z sports car" Mother Proof: "Sporty yet mature-looking lines" Car and Driver: "The annoying, seemingly misaligned tunnels are gone" Nissan's mid-size sedan, the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe has been introduced the same year that an all-new Honda Accord Coupe bows. Compared to the Altima Coupe, the Accord Coupe has a more elegant interior design that feels markedly more upscale. The Accord also rides a bit better than the Altima, though it doesn't feel as sporty. However, even in base-model form, the Accord Coupe comes with standard electronic stability control. Another rival is the Toyota Solara, but next to the Altima Coupe, the Solara really shows its age; the Solara's available V-6 can't match the Altima's V-6 in performance either.

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See the Nissan Altima in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By MohJ #1, Posted: 9/22/2008

    Thank You

    A very helpful review indeed. I'm getting my Nissan Altima 2.5S today or tomorrow, and I'm excited about it :D

  2. By pELg #2, Posted: 1/21/2009

    3.5S OR 2.5S

    I am a graduating high school student looking into purchasing a used nissan altima aroudn 02-04. My budget is around 7-9 grand...i know the 3.5 is more sportier and more powerful than the 2.5 but if you think about it that 3.5 would take up more gas given that the enigne is more powerful. My question is, is it really worth paying more money rather than a 2.5 is it more pracitcal for a kid whos going off to college looking to commute aroudn 10-15 miles a day? If so please specify

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