2008 Nissan Altima Sedan Review

The 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan continues to exquisitely combine the sport performance, high quality engineering, practicality and comfort of an upscale 5-passenger sedan that has helped its predecessors rise above and become one of the most popular midsize sedans in America. This year, the Altima Sedan is joined by a Coupe version that shares the same powertrains with the Sedan, although the Sedan has a longer wheel base and increased length. Also new this year is the addition of anti-lock brakes to the standard equipment list for all Altima's.

The front wheel drive Altima Sedan is available as the 2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL. The entry level 2.5 comes with 16 inch wheels, keyless entry/start, full power accessories, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a split/folding rear seat. The 2.5 S adds a CD player with MP3 input jack, air-conditioning, intermittent wipers and a trip computer. The sportier 3.5 SE features 17-inch alloy wheels, an enhanced suspension system, automatic headlights, power folding side view mirrors with turn signals, a power driver seat, wood tone accents and a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The luxurious 3.5 SL is fully loaded with 16-inch alloy wheels; xenon HID headlights, heated leather seats, a moon roof, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, an auto dimming rearview mirror, and a Bose audio system with CD changer and satellite radio.

The Altima Sedan lineup features a 2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder engine to power the 2.5 and 2.5 S, while the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL are equipped with a 3.5 liter V6. The 2.5 is available with a 6 speed manual transmission only and the 3.5 SL comes only with a continuously variable transmission. The 2.5 S and the 3.5 SE can be configured with either the manual or continuously variable transmission. Both engines are quick, and when equipped with the continuously variable transmission the peppy 175 horsepower 2.5 liter engine goes from 0 to 60 in under 7.5 seconds, while the 270 horsepower 3.5 liter does it in 6.2. EPA estimates are surprisingly good considering the power output, with 4 cylinder models rated at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway and the V6 coming in at 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway-regardless of transmission choice.

The 5 Star Safety Rated 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan's dynamic handling and intuitively designed cabin offer a good amount of driving excitement and a smooth, comfortable ride-making it one of the better options for a mid size family car with sporting potential.