2008 Nissan Altima

(*est. $18,330 to $28,380)

Pros

Agile and responsive
Great fuel economy
Adequate trunk space
Good safety features

Cons

Expensive options
Engine and wind noise
Starter/kill switch complaints
Rear-seat headroom

Our Analysis

There's no shortage of review coverage for the 2008 Nissan Altima, which saw a significant restyle in 2007. We found the best reviews at Car and Driver magazine, Motor Trend magazine and Edmunds.com, which pit the Altima sedan in road tests against a number of its strongest challengers.

According to reviews, the 2008 Nissan Altima is a sporty and agile family sedan, with responsive steering and good body control. Relative fuel economy is excellent, and crash-test ratings are very good overall. Some reviews say the Altima even challenges the class-leading Honda Accord (*est. $20,360 to $28,060). But while the Altima's sticker appears reasonable, some features can only be obtained as part of expensive options packages. In road tests, some evaluators note a slightly choppy ride, as well as a fair amount of engine noise at higher speeds. Others mention wind noise at highway speeds and a drab interior. Headroom in the rear seat can be tight for taller passengers. The push-button starter/kill switch draws complaints. Most reviewers agree that if you're in the market for a family car that drives like a sports sedan but isn't priced like one, the Altima is worth considering along with the Accord and Toyota Camry (*est. $18,720 to $28,270).

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2008 Nissan Altima

Our Sources

1. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

This head-to-head comparison pits three 2008 family sedans against the 2007 Toyota Camry. The Camry emerges as the overall winner, although the Altima performed very well on the track. Judges say the Altima's lack of refinement relegates it to a fourth-place finish.

Review: Comparison: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Nissan Altima vs. 2007 Toyota Camry, Ron Kiino

2. Edmunds.com

Another competitive review evaluates the top-level trims of four sedans, including the Nissan Altima. Interestingly, the lineup here is almost exactly the opposite of Motor Trend's comparison, with the Accord placing first, followed by the Altima, Malibu and Camry.

Review: Comparison Test: 2007--2008 V6 Family Sedans, Jason Kavanagh, Dec. 9, 2007

3. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This comparative evaluation of what author John Phillips calls "salt of the earth sedans" pits the Nissan Altima against six other notable family cars. The Altima finishes second, winning points as the sportiest performer of the bunch.

Review: 2008 Honda Accord vs. Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Dodge Avenger John Phillips, Mar. 2008

4. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

In this comparison, Aaron Robinson notes that the Nissan Altima misses the top slot by inches, compromised by details such as wind noise, a few cheap-looking materials, and minor annoyances caused by the push-button starter.

Review: 2007 Honda Accord vs. Nissan Altima, Kia Optima, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry, Chrysler Sebring, Aaron Robinson, Feb. 2007

5. ConsumerGuide.com

At ConsumerGuide.com, the 2008 Nissan Altima's overall score is well above the average for the midsize sedan segment, leading editors to award the Altima their "Recommended" label.

Review: 2008 Nissan Altima, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 24, 2008

6. About.com

About.com's guide to cars, Aaron Gold, relies on his experience as an automotive journalist to select the best new and redesigned cars for each model year. Gold says the Nissan Altima is his favorite midsized sedan. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Best New Cars of 2008, Aaron Gold

7. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors judge the 2008 Nissan Altima on safety, interior design and driving experience. They're highly complimentary of the Altima, branding this model one of their "top picks for a sporting family sedan."

Review: 2008 Nissan Altima Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

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