The 2008 Nissan Altima sedan is one of the most recognizable Nissan models on the market, particularly among North American buyers. Last year, 186,000 Altimas were sold in the United States, making it the sixth most popular sedan in the country. All of this success did not happen overnight: the Altima has been a member of Nissan’s lineup since 1993.
Nissan has witnessed a 73 percent rise in sales in Canada so far in 2007. The all-new 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe is expected to contribute to this rise, according to the Japanese carmaker. This Altima, which competes directly with the Honda Accord Coupé and Toyota Solara, takes just the bonnet from the sedan; the rest of the exterior is all new.
As a result, you’ll realize that the coupe isn’t merely a two-door sedan.
Nissan has endeavored to accentuate the Altima Coupé’s sporty nature by providing it individual style that is nevertheless faithful to the company’s reputation. “Mission achieved,” I believe we may say. From every viewpoint, the car is stunning, especially from the back, where its broad hips give it a powerful, athletic posture.
Nissan’s all-new “D” platform sits beneath the revolutionary fusion of steel and glass. It’s shorter than the sedan and features new components and suspension settings, all aimed at providing sporty and lively performance.
Nissan’s new mid-size coupe is available with two engines, both of which have been revised for 2008. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter, 16-valve, dual-overhead camshaft four-cylinder. At 5,600 rpm, it produces 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm. This efficiency is higher than the Solara and Accord’s four-cylinder engines.
The optional V6 engine is included since it is more powerful than the two Japanese rivals. It has a 3.5-liter engine and produces 270 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. What sets Nissan apart is that these two engines are available with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). With a cautious hope, I was keen to learn more about this well-known CVT, of which Nissan promises a high degree of complexity.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Base four-cylinder and V6 engines provide plenty of power.
- Interior design with a comfy cockpit
- The appearance is sleek and athletic.
- Exceptional fuel economy
- Due to a lack of head and leg room, the backseat is tight.
- Packaging alternatives are complicated and costly.
Specifications & Features
Nissan Altima 2.5 SL has good consumption
After the advent of the Nissan Altima, the sector of big sedans priced below $17811 grew more intriguing. After all, how many big ones are still under that price?
Those who are considering purchasing a big, comfortable sedan with a high degree of protection and on-board technology may now relax and enjoy a little “competition,” as they say in the retail trade, in order to seal the best deals.
In the case of the Nissan Altima, the Japanese-American is good and may be the consumer’s choice in this category, since there was only one alternative under $17,000. However, it will not be due to a lack of alternatives, or rather, the fact that there are only two possibilities, that the buyer will choose the Japanese brand sedan.
Even more money might be injected by the consumer to overcome the “17k” threshold.
However, now that I know more about this “Japanese man,” I believe the notion should be saved for another time.
The Nissan Altima is only available in the SL variant with a 2.5 engine and CVT transmission, and it is imported not from Mexico, but from the United States, where it is built in Smyrna, Tennessee, and also in Canton, Mississippi.
The cost is BRL 99,800. A little higher than the Mexican competitor, but still below the previous level. So, let’s get to know this enormous guy, who, despite his stature, drinks little and is unafraid of potholes.
On the outside…
The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL features a great outward style, featuring the imposing grille with chrome exterior trim and interior fillets in gloss black, designed to appeal to customers who prefer the older age group.
The arrow-shaped headlights were inspired by Nissan’s more opulent Maxima and look great on the “smaller” sibling.
There are no LEDs or xenon, only orange lanterns on the sides, which are required in the United States.
Two extra lamps with orange lenses and white reflectors, but no LEDs, are mounted on the bumper. The optical system is closed off by round fog lights, while the front shield has a traditional design with a center spoiler and lower grille. The height makes it easier to go into low-floor garages, but it has little effect on aerodynamics at high speeds.
Two creases link the A-pillars to the hood, while another, similarly noticeable line begins in the grille and is pushed down the side by the front fenders, ending on the taillights.
The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL has a prominent waistline with chrome trim surrounding the windows, which have black inner columns.
The door handles are chromed and equipped with sensors, allowing them to lock and open without the need of the key, which was repurposed as a keychain.
The mirrors include steering repeaters and ground lights, but no electronic folding, which is something that should be standard in a car costing over R$ 100,000.
The 17 rim alloy wheels offer a lovely design that combines beauty and aerodynamics, as well as contributing to high fuel economy. The 215/55 R17 tires appear to be enormous, which is another another positive characteristic of the vehicle.
The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL includes LED lights in the shape of an arrow at the back, which match the front optical assembly (save for the direction indication and reverse).
The reverse camera is hidden behind a chrome bar on the plate. It has three functions: it reveals the back space during movements (detecting objects and people), identifies the lanes of the warning for changing direction without using turn signals, and detects the approach of other cars on the sides.
There are two chrome ports on the exhaust. A normal size sunroof is located at the top of the “Japanese.” There are no visible antennas.
2008NNissan Altima Inside
On the outside, the Nissan Altima 2.5 SL is clean, aerodynamic, and beautiful, with a pleasant and roomy interior for the most discerning. More than that, it’s basically a Teana VIP (China’s version of an Altima) with a 12.5 centimeter longer wheelbase.
However, this is a Chinese phenomenon, as Brazilians still prefer to drive their own vehicles. However, there is plenty of room for those who need to be passengers, so a busy executive, for example, will not be disappointed.
The oddest thing about these days, for those who are ahead, is a foot-operated mechanical parking brake. There’s no center lever, so you’ll have to rely on that ancient pedal under the dash. It might be electronic, like the competitors. To compensate, the vehicle includes several technical features that assist the driver in forgetting about this aspect.
The panel has a modern appearance, with a rubberized material finish on the top (save for the hard plastic base of the Bose speakers), which also extends to the bottom of the windows in the front and rear doors.
The central air diffusers have a silver finish with black coatings (which might be glossy), glossy black in the multimedia system and dual zone air conditioning, and lastly a lovely shade of gray, suggestive of carbon fiber, on the broadcast console.
It’s the same situation with the chrome door knobs.
Two cup holders, one storage compartment, two front seat heating buttons, leather-finished transmission lever, another storage compartment with lid, 12V power supply, and USB connection are all included on the console. Finally, there’s a middle armrest with a two-level storage box and another 12V source.
The multimedia system has a 7-inch touch-sensitive screen and includes CD/MP3/Aux functions (on the panel itself), as well as bluetooth, browser with track speed indication, radio, telephone, SD Card, map choices, and camera mode, among other things.
The dual zone air conditioner shown below has a simple operation and is efficient. The start button is located to the side, outside the center body.
The glove compartment on the other side features a silver accent over the lid and plenty of room inside, as well as a raised document holder and a command to open the trunk (there is another one in the set of buttons next to the steering wheel).
The side diffusers, like the central ones, have no chrome or silver finish while in vertical position. Three speakers on the front set, one of which is embossed with the Bose logo. The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL has a total of nine speakers.
The multifunctional steering wheel, which also surrounds the center body, features controls with a metallic finish for phone, media, cruise control, and the on-board computer. Some keys have two purposes.
Leather covers the bezel as well as the middle. Steering wheel, automated headlights, and windshield wiper/washer
Another missing component that was even mentioned by the NA at launch is a rain sensor. Nissan claims that it does not even exist in the United States.
A pair of keys is hidden behind the left-hand steering wheel, confusing the driver a little. ESP is turned off, the steering wheel is heated, the headlights are electrically adjusted, and the alarm is turned off. The odometer is reset and the instrument panel illumination is adjusted just above it.
With a speedometer and fuel level on one side and a tachometer with water temperature on the other, the cluster boasts white illumination and graphics for optimum visibility. A center display shows the gear indication and the odometer.
Above, a computerized screen visualizes the vehicle’s numerous systems, one of which is highlighted in 3D, allowing the driver to select the body color.
Tire pressure sensor, lane change warning, consumption/autonomy gauge, screen and vehicle settings, navigation, and media are just a few of the features available.
The driver’s seat includes an electronic backrest, height, and lumbar adjustment, and the seats are covered in black leather. It has “Zero Gravity” technology, developed in collaboration with NASA, that adapts to the driver’s weight and form.
You won’t notice any differences from other chairs straight away, but after a few hours behind the wheel, you won’t be fatigued because of the driving posture. It’s soft and comfy, and it makes traveling a breeze. Only the front passenger seat can be adjusted mechanically.
The split back seat includes an Isofix center armrest and three-point seat belts for passengers, however the central headrest is fixed.
The doors feature a better rubber surface, metallic appliqués, chromed handles, leather on the armrests, and textured hard plastic on the rest of the set, as well as a speaker and cup holder, as indicated above.
On the sides of the front doors are vehicle presence alert lights. The window and mirror controls are in fine working order.
Two central air diffusers and a 12V supply are also located in the back. Sunshades with mirrors and illumination, a command to open the sunroof with a moveable mechanical blind, LED reading lights, a glasses holder, an electrochromic rearview mirror, rear reading lights with common bulbs, and hand straps are among the features on the roof.
The front seat belts, as well as the steering column, may be adjusted in height and depth.
The trunk has a capacity of 436 liters and can accommodate a large amount of luggage. Under the lid, there is also a vital instruction for interior opening in case of kidnapping. There are also levers for folding the back seat, and the interior is carpeted with a net on the sides for transporting goods. Light alloy is used for the spare tire.
Along streets and highways…
The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL is designed for seamless travel and a day-to-day life that prioritizes comfort. The model is roomy, with seating for persons of all heights in the front and rear, and your commands are always within reach. There is also greater space for those that follow to relax or work.
The American sedan has a 4.86 m length, 1.83 m width, 1.47 m height, and 2.77 m wheelbase and is powered by a 2.5 16V engine that produces 182 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 24.7 kgfm at 4,000 rpm. Torque is nearly exclusively generated at lower rpm, ensuring smooth operation throughout the journey, which is aided by the CVT Xtronic transmission.
The 2.5 with CVT functions smoothly and without unexpected rotational oscillations for leisurely driving. The tachometer hand rises with speed and remains at low rpm while cruising. The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL, for example, crosses the road at merely 1,700 rpm when traveling at 110 km/h owing to overdrive. It’s almost like driving a diesel car.
In this huge vehicle, which is luckily only powered by gasoline, both the smooth running and the low rpm when cruising contribute to good fuel economy.
We’d barely get 14.7 km/liter on the highway (110 km/h with A/C on) and 9.8 km/liter in the city (also with A/C on) if it were flex.
Inmetro reached 10.1 km/liter in the latter. Running with a rotation between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm is an excellent method to conserve money. It is feasible to keep this rotation going without other drivers becoming “aggressive.”
The 182 hp 2.5 engine does not growl loudly since it is hardly needed, boosting comfort on board. The CVT gearbox is a joy to use. It not only ensures optimum impeller rotation for a given speed, but it also ensures smooth operation and cost savings.
The transmission in the Nissan Altima 2.5 SL contains “D” and “Ds” gears, with the latter having a slightly shorter belt variation. In both situations, there’s also Sport mode, which accelerates spinning and extracts more power from the propeller.
There are no manual shifts in either the lever or the steering wheel. After all, the model’s goal isn’t to be a sports vehicle, even if the engine can’t say no to “fire” when it’s needed.
Another distinguishing aspect of the sedan is the suspension’s comfort. The set was custom-made for the Brazilian floor, absorbing irregularities like as asphalt, bricks, cobblestones, and even dirt roads.
With this much weight, the Nissan luxury needs ESP (stability control), which, when combined with TCS (traction control), ensures calm in more sinuous bends and abrupt changes of direction, but the idea only goes so far.
The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL is great on the “freeways,” with light and accurate steering, brakes that match the proposition, and successful resumes.
It also acts well in the city, with security features that assist the driver in parking as well as alerting them to their traffic lane and the approach of other cars, as displayed on the front doors. It is so simple to drive that even individuals who dislike huge automobiles are won over.
It’s for you…
The Nissan Altima 2.5 SL has a hefty sticker price. It may be less than R$90,000, but he is not Mexican like his closest competitor and hails from the United States. Nissan is entitled to a quota for not paying a 30 percent rise in the IPI, but it is unable to avoid the 35 percent import tax. It should include the elements stated in the article that are lacking. Who knows what will happen afterwards…
Aside from these little issues, it’s a really well-rounded vehicle. It includes features such as dual zone air conditioning, blind spot/vehicle approach/lane change alerts, rear camera, leather trim, tire pressure alert, electric sunroof, multimedia with GPS navigation, driver’s seat with electric adjustments, multiple airbags, ESP, TCS, uphill start, keyless entry/start, and electrochromic rearview mirror, among others.
Nissan also offers an open maintenance package with closed pricing adjustments and a total cost of R$3,474 for the first 60,000 kilometers. Depending on the mileage, visits to the dealership cost BRL 399 or BRL 759.
The warranty is for three years, plus two years of Nissan Way servicing. Finally, the Nissan Altima 2.5 SL is a car that spends even less money on a daily basis than flex compacts and provides excursions that are comfortable, convenient, safe, fast, and economical. Is it worthwhile? Yes, for individuals who have these objectives in mind.
Nissan Altima: Generations, Models, Versions, Equipment
Nissan Altima (1992 to 1997)
Nissan has already used this moniker in variations of other cars in its portfolio before launching the Altima as a series model.
The Leopard Altima, for example, was the top-of-the-line automobile type in Japan in 1986, as well as the Nissan Laurel Altima, which was offered in Central America and the Caribbean until mid-1992.
On June 11, 1992, the first generation Nissan Altima went off the assembly line in Smyrna, Tennessee.
He arrived to take the place of the Nissan Stanza, to the point that the initial vehicles were dubbed “Stanza Altima,” as Nissan was concerned about public acceptability and pronunciation of the new car’s name.
The Altima, on the other hand, fell out of favor with the public as early as the first generation. The impact was immediate, and the vehicle irritated Japanese competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
According to Nissan, the new Altima was placed between the Sentra and the Maxima, where it still is today (at least abroad).
The model came with a 150 horsepower DOHC engine and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
In manual mode, this package could accelerate the Altima to 100 km/h in little over 8 seconds.
It also included a rod suspension with stabilizer bars on both ends, which Nissan said provided the vehicle a more crisp and sporty driving experience.
The XE was the original Altima’s entry-level model, which sold poorly because it lacked power windows.Electric windows, a music system, a digital clock on the dashboard, and a rear seat armrest were among the features available on the intermediate Altima GXE.
The Altima SE was equipped with a sportier suspension, side skirts, sport seats, fog lights, and four-wheel disc brakes.
Finally, the top-of-the-line Altima GLE offered features like as a digital head-up display, front seats with adjustable lumbar support, automatic air conditioning, presence key, six-speaker sound system, and leather seats. It is 4.58 meters long, 1.7 meters wide, and 1.42 meters tall, with a 2.62 meter wheelbase.
Nissan Altima (1998 to 2001)
Altima’s original generation only lasted a few years on the market. For around five years, I worked at dealerships. The second generation of Nissan’s mid/large sedan, which debuted in 1998, followed quickly.
The new model retained a lot of the prior model’s aesthetic design. Nissan’s design center in California was responsible for the new lines. With the right to more prominent creases in some portions of the bodywork, the forms became more flowing and harmonious.
The dashboard of the second-generation Nissan Altima (also known as the “L30”) was mostly unchanged from the previous model, with the exception of a few additional features and a different layout of buttons. It also got new cup holders, a redesigned glove box, and a rear seat that folds.
It also grew in size. It is currently 4.72 meters long, 1.75 meters wide, and 1.42 meters tall. The wheelbase remained at 2.62 meters. Internal cubic capacity, however, remained unchanged at 3.1 m3, despite increased passenger space due to a reorganization of interior components, according to Nissan.
It kept the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 150-horsepower gasoline engine and manual or automatic transmission. XE stood for entry, GXE for intermediate and best-selling, SE for sport, and GLE for high-end and more luxury.
The Nissan Altima SE, with its body-color grille, special alloy wheels, spoilers, and fog lights, stood out the most. In the year 2000, Nissan improved the car’s performance by increasing the engine’s horsepower to 160 hp.
The automobile became more nimble as a result of the additional horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds (compared to the 8.4 s of the 150 hp model).
Nissan Altima Nissan (2002 to 2006)
While the second generation was essentially a continuation of the original Altima, the Nissan third generation was a completely new vehicle.
From there, the Nissan Altima established itself as a true consumer want in the United States. To give you an idea, to satisfy demand in 2004, Nissan had to expand manufacturing of the Altima and began producing it at a factory in Canton, Mississippi.
“The philosophy behind the third generation Altima was simple: stop duplicating the Accord and Camry, as we were doing at the time, and develop new territory,” said Al Castignetti, Nissan’s vice president of sales and marketing at the time.
He continued, “With this car, Nissan established its own personality in the midsize sedan class, which continues to fuel its appeal today.” It’s no surprise that the Nissan was named “Car of the Year in North America” in 2002, making it the first Asian to do so.
Aside from that, the automotive press regarded the third-generation Altima as being on par with, if not better than, the segment leaders who had been on the market for a long time. The new Altima generation launched in 2002, with the right to a new platform called FF-L.
It was also the first model in the series to include a 3.5 V6 engine with 240 horsepower, in addition to the well-known 2.5 liter four-cylinder in-line engine with 180 horsepower.
The new Nissan Altima was larger than the previous model, measuring 4.88 meters in length, 1.79 meters in width, and 1.47 meters in height, with a 2.80 meter wheelbase.
The internal cubic capacity has increased significantly, and now stands at 3.36 cubic meters. The car’s appearance changed as well, adopting more contemporary lines that were appropriate for the time.
The sharper headlamps, the grille that followed the creases of the hood, and the taillights that bordered the trunk lid were the highlights. It gained a multilink rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes in all models, among other changes.
2008 Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima (2006 to 2012)
Nissan unveiled the fourth generation of the Altima to local buyers in April 2006, namely at the New York Auto Show.
Following the progression of the previous generation, the new model had significant improvements and was built on the new Nissan D platform, which is also utilized by the Murano, Pathfinder, Maxima, and Quest, as well as the Renault Laguna and Latitude.
The fourth-generation Altima was the first Renault-Nissan vehicle to use the new platform. The automobile was, however, somewhat smaller as a result of the new platform, with around 3 cm shorter in the wheelbase, for example.
Nissan, on the other hand, promised that the new Altima will have the same amount of internal room as the previous model.
It debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 180 horsepower or a 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower, mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a new CVT (continuously variable) automatic transmission in lieu of the previous gearbox. automatic in the traditional sense
ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD), Nissan Intelligent Key presence key, engine start by button, reverse camera, and Bluetooth connectivity were all included to the fourth-generation Nissan Altima.
The unique was available in four different versions: Base, S, Special Edition, and SR, with the SR being the most comprehensive, featuring amenities like voice recognition, premium Bose sound with nine speakers and subwoofer, and 18-inch wheels, among others.
Aside from that, the vehicle now comes in an Altima Coupe form, which debuted at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. In addition to having a more aggressive appearance, the Japanese brand’s coupe was shorter, lower, and had a shorter wheelbase than the sedan.
The Altima Hybrid, which launched in 2007, was another first-of-its-kind model. It was Nissan’s first hybrid vehicle to be mass-produced.
It had a 160 horsepower 2.5 liter gasoline engine and a 40 horsepower wax electric engine, totaling 200 horsepower. The model had a city fuel consumption of 15 km/l and a highway fuel consumption of 14 km/l.
Nissan Altima Nissan (2013 to 2017)
The redesigned Altima, which is now in its fifth generation, exuded charm at the New York Auto Show. This is the exact generation of the vehicle that was sold in Brazil.
The new model was only revealed in sedan form, with the coupe and hybrid versions still unannounced.The sedan was built on the same basis as the preceding model, but with somewhat bigger proportions and a 55-kilogram weight reduction.
The Nissan Altima remained the lightest car in its class after these revisions, owing to the extensive usage of high-strength steel and aluminum in places like the hood, roof, and pillars.
In terms of aesthetics, the Altima embraced Nissan’s visual identity at the time, with the large front grille with chrome frame and angular headlights in the front, as well as the taillights invading part of the sides.
The interior was improved and new solutions were used. The NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats are one of them, according to Nissan, providing a less stressful driving experience for the driver.
It was revealed with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 185 horsepower and a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 280 horsepower, both mated to a CVT automatic transmission.
S, SV, and SL variants of the vehicle were available.
It was given the SR sports version in 2016, which came with a leather steering wheel, seats with the variant’s insignia, blue inside elements, spoilers, and 18-rim rims. The restyled version, which debuted in 2016, was one of the most significant alterations to the range.
With more sharply cut headlights, wider taillights, a redesigned “V-Motion” front grille, and more unobtrusive bumpers, the 2018 Nissan Altima took on a new style.
Inside, the steering wheel and center console have been overhauled as well. The car also has better sound insulation, thanks to new materials and a differentiating windscreen.
The Altima began to receive additional features in the following years, including LED headlights, a multimedia center with a seven-inch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a Back View rear camera system, among others.
2008 Nissan Altima
Sixth generation Nissan Altima (2018 to date)
The Nissan Altima’s sixth and current version came with significant mechanical upgrades. The new Nissan debuted at the 2018 New York Motor Show with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and 190 horsepower, or an extraordinary 2.0 liter four-cylinder with variable compression turbo, making it the world’s first car with such technology.
The new VC-Turbo engine first appeared in the Infiniti QX50 (Nissan’s “luxury” brand car), though it was developed within the Altima’s vault. The compression ratio can range from 8:1 to 14:1 in it.
At 5,600 rpm, the engine generates 272 horsepower and 38.8 kgfm at 4,400 rotations. It is 35 percent more efficient than a V6 with similar power and torque, according to the manufacturer. The Altima embraced significantly more aggressive lines in terms of design.
The massive grille with a “V”-shaped chrome accent on the front joins the new LED headlights. The hood, doors, and rear have prominent creases as well.
Light alloy wheels up to 19 inches, LED taillights invading the trunk and side lids, and a subtle airfoil positioned on top of the baggage compartment lid are also among the new features.
Inside, the most contemporary panel stands out, showcasing the multimedia center’s “floating” screen in the center console. This touchscreen display has a size of seven or eight inches and includes capabilities such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian identification, cross traffic warning, object detection in reverse movements with automatic braking, and lane departure alert are among the features available.
It, like the Rogue and Leaf siblings, includes Nissan’s ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving technology. This function allows for speed and distance management in respect to other vehicles, as well as keeping the vehicle in its lane.
The latest generation Altima is available in SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels. The ProPilot Assist system is only available in the top-of-the-line configuration.
Keyword: 2008 Nissan Altima Review and First Impressions