New Car Review : Nissan Altima - Hybrid Increase May Be Coming

Automotive News

Nissan has announced that its 2008 Altima 2.5 sedan will start at $18,855, including a $625 destination charge, reflecting a fairly modest $280 price increase. The top-of-the-line 2008 Altima 3.5 SL starts at $28,905, including shipping. Nissan is also considering adding features to the 2008 Altima Hybrid, which may result in a price increase of about $100, according to Nissan spokesman Darryll Harrison. "We are looking at adding some features that aren't standard," he said. "It may be just a slight increase [in price]." Altima Hybrid pricing is expected to be announced later this summer. The 2007 Altima Hybrid starts at $25,615, including shipping.

The 2008 Altima coupe's pricing was announced in the spring. It starts at $21,115, including shipping.

For 2008, Nissan adds standard antilock brakes to the Altima sedan and optional XM Satellite Radio. Options for 2008 include a $6,200 technology package for the 3.5 SE model and a $900 package that bundles vehicle dynamic control (stability control) and a full-size spare. A rear spoiler adds another $370 to the bottom line.

Engine choices for the 2008 Altima sedan are unchanged and include the 3.5-liter V6 and the 2.5-liter inline-4 mated to a six-speed manual transmission or continuously variable transmission.