2008 Nissan Altima - Performance Review

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Shopping for a 2008 Nissan Altima? MSRP: $18,620 - $28,670

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Reviews from across the Web applauded the performance, fuel economy, and handling of the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid.

The 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid combines a sophisticated electric hybrid system with the automaker's proven 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, here tuned down to 162 horsepower for improved efficiency, but the hybrid powertrain altogether makes 198 hp. That power reaches the road through a continuously variable transmission, via the front wheels.

Acceleration is reasonably brisk: “Zero-to-60 mph is about 9 seconds,” the Los Angeles Times says, roughly on par with the four-cylinder Altima. Of course, fuel economy is a major concern when reviewing a hybrid model, and the 2008 Nissan Altima earns high marks. When compared to the 2008 Altima base model, Car and Driver notes that "city mileage goes up by 12 mpg to 35, and highway mileage improves slightly to 33." As for the competition, Kelley Blue Book shows the Toyota Camry Hybrid just loses out to the Altima; Nissan’s hybrid tops the Camry Hybrid’s "33 mpg city" and "34 Hwy," but the Toyota Prius cleans up with "48 mpg city" and "45 mpg Hwy." In the Altima Hybrid, “a 20-gallon fuel tank bumps projected range to 700 miles,” Motor Trend says.

Automobile approves of the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid powertrain’s feel. “After some initial harshness at low speeds, the engine and the electric motors work in harmony with the slick, silent, planetary-type CVT, culminating in a surge of impressive passing power,” they say. The powertrain also gets a set of gauges devoted to measuring fuel economy: “a gauge to the right of the steering wheel shows the level of juice left in the battery, while in place of a tachometer, a power meter shows what kind of electric charge is being used,” CNet says.

Edmunds boasts that the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid is an enjoyable drive with "brisk acceleration, responsive handling and midsize sedan practicality." The Los Angeles Times says “crisper ride and handling and more vivid steering” are trademarks of Nissan sedans, even the hybrid Altima. Nissan’s handling isn’t perfect, though. Motor Trend says, “The artificial feel of its electric power steering and regenerative brakes takes some getting used to.” The New York Times agrees with the latter: “The Altima Hybrid is a bit of a wallower in hard cornering; it steers on the vague side. Its antilock brakes also seem a bit spongy.”

TheCarConnection.com reminds buyers of the 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid to remember that there are handling differences from the regular Nissan sedan. The 2008 Altima Hybrid has adequate punch for city driving and reasonably quick passing power, but it also rides a little harder than the standard Altima. Nissan’s hybrid is also less agile, due to all the extra weight it handles versus gasoline versions.