The Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan that has been on the market since its debut for 1993. Starting in 2008, the Altima nameplate is also applied to a sporty coupe that is slightly smaller than its sedan counterpart, and to a hybrid version of the sedan. This review will focus on the gasoline-powered Altima sedan models. Last redesigned for 2007, the Altima is designed to expressive and athletic, according to Nissan, and is aimed at discerning enthusiast buyers.

Here is what changed on the 2008 Nissan Altima:
• Standard ABS on all models
• Splash guards are standard
• Diversity antenna added as standard equipment
• XM satellite radio is newly available

The 2008 Nissan Altima sedan is sold as the 2.5, the 2.5 S, the 3.5 SE, and the 3.5 SL. The numeric portion of the trim level refers to the engine, which is either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V-6. The base Altima 2.5 comes one way with no available options, except those offered by the dealership, and is sold in low volumes. Therefore, most people choose the 2.5 S, which adds dual vanity mirrors, a digital clock, seatback pockets, carpeted trunk lid trim, a CD player, and an auxiliary input jack. An option package creates the 2.5 SL, which includes features such as leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats with power lumbar support for the driver, a Homelink universal transmitter, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and upgraded interior décor.

Stepping up to the Altima 3.5 SE, buyers receive a more powerful V-6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, quicker steering, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, folding heated outside mirrors, one-touch operation for the front passenger’s window, sun visor extenders, an 8-way power driver’s seat, a cargo net for the trunk, illuminated steering wheel controls, and a traction control system over the standard 2.5 S model equipment. Altima 3.5 SL includes the V-6 engine, a continuously variable transmission with a manual shift mode, 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8-way power driver’s seat, fog lights, folding heated outside mirrors, one-touch operation for the front passenger’s window, sun visor extenders, a power sunroof, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a Bose audio system with three free months of XM satellite radio, and a trunk cargo net to the 2.5 SL equipment list.

Options for the Altima are bundled in packages. The base car has no available options from the factory. The Altima 2.5 S is offered with a Convenience Package (automatic headlights, one-touch operation for the front passenger’s window, sun visor extenders, 8-way power driver’s seat, upgraded interior trim, and a cargo net for the trunk) and a Convenience Plus Package (Convenience Package plus 16-inch alloy wheels and a power sunroof). A Connection Package includes all of these items as well as Bluetooth wireless connectivity, XM satellite radio, and the Bose audio system. A Technology Package adds a navigation system, a reversing camera and XM NavTraffic to the Altima 2.5 S.

For the Altima 3.5 SE, Nissan offers the Technology Package plus a Sport Package (spoiler, fog lights and power sunroof), a stability control system and, when the CVT transmission is selected, a Premium Package (leather upholstery, Bluetooth wireless, XM radio, Bose audio, Xenon headlights, Homelink remote, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and upgraded interior trim). The 3.5 SL can be equipped with the Technology Package and the stability control system.

The 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 175 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 180 lb.-ft. of torque at 3900 rpm on regular unleaded fuel. Horsepower and torque ratings for the four-cylinder engine are slightly lower in states with emissions standards more stringent than federal guidelines. The Altima 3.5 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine making 270 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm on premium unleaded fuel. The engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission, depending on trim level and equipment.

Standard safety features on the 2008 Nissan Altima include six airbags: dual front, dual side and side curtains for front and rear passengers. Antilock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard on all models. Traction control is standard on the 3.5 SE and SL; it is not offered on the 2.5 models. Stability control is optional on the 3.5 SE and SL, requiring the Sport Package on the SE.

J.D. Power and Associates says the Nissan Altima competes against mid-size cars like the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat, and others.

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