DecodedCars2008 Nissan Altima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe 2.5s, 2dr Coupe 3.5se, 4dr Sedan FWD 2.5s, 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5 S/3.5 Se
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 35 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 182.7–189.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,056–3,448 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 61% better than the average 2008 midsize car (21.1 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints551 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 126 for similar models — most often about the visibility/wiper.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,056 lb (2dr Coupe 2.5s).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (35 city / 33 highway), 61% better than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 551 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2008
- New body dimensions: 7.1 in shorter, wheelbase −3.9 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Altima →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2008 Altima configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe 2.5s | 182.7 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.5 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,056 lb | |
| 2dr Coupe 3.5se | 182.7 in | 70.9 in | 55.5 in | 105.5 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,186 lb | |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 2.5s | 189.8 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,150 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD 3.5 S/3.5 Se | 189.8 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,307 lb | 61/39 |
| Hybrid 4dr Sedan FWD | 189.8 in | 70.9 in | 57.9 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,448 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima Hybrid Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 / 33 / 34 | +61% | $1,950 | 261 |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +23% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +23% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +23% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +23% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Altima Coupe | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 404 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Nissan Altima under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Nissan Altima (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2008 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Sep 10, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V401000 · 7,948 vehicles
- Problem
- NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2008 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 104 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Air Bags — 76 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 70 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 97,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Altima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Altima | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 41 |
| 2023 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 70 |
| 2020 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 161 |
| 2019 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 234 |
| 2018 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 226 |
| 2017 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 393 |
| 2016 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 555 |
| 2015 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 952 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →