2008 Nissan Altima - Quality Review

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

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Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com quibbled about the comfort of the backseat, but ultimately found the comfort and quality of the 2008 Nissan Altima to be superior to similarly priced competitors.

Reviewers were pleased with how similar the hybrid model felt and performed in comparison to the traditional 2008 Altima--Nissan obviously did its homework. “The Altima Hybrid fit me like a pair of Tony Lama Black Label boots, which is to say something akin to house slippers. It was just a good, comfy fit,” the New York Times says.

Edmunds docks a few points for passenger comfort, stating that "the Altima's backseat is not necessarily the most comfortable in the midsize family sedan class." Because of this, the Toyota Camry Hybrid may be a better option for drivers expecting to transport passengers on a regular basis. Edmunds also notes that the hybrid model "trunk measures 9 cubic feet in capacity, which is about 6 cubic feet less than the regular Altima."

For most reviewers, Nissan’s Altima Hybrid wins the day inside versus the Camry Hybrid. “For the base-level model the cabin is cleanly designed with good-looking materials and appointments, but from a tech perspective it is stripped down, with the only noteworthy features being a smart key and a single-disc CD player,” CNet reports. Edmunds notes that with the Altima, Nissan has "soft-touch materials that are better than those found in the Camry Hybrid." Kelley Blue Book claims the "new Altima's instrument package is easier to read." The New York Times says, “The fake wood accents, however, are among the best in the industry. The cabin is, over all, a roomy and pleasant place to travel. The seats are comfortable, although materials (including leather) are a cut below, rather than above.”