Quite possibly the biggest reason I chose the 2008 Nissan Altima over the Honda Accord was the 6 speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in the Altima. I test drove the Altima first, and after experiencing the smoothest shifting car I’ve ever driven, the Accord felt like a 15 year old car with transmission issues. Imagine driving a car that you never feel or hear shift gears, that’s basically what you get with the CVT; smooth acceleration with no “shift shock”. Both cars were similar 4 cylinders with almost exactly the same horsepower, and both had more then adequate punch for small engines. The Altima stays in the power band though, it is strange and awesome at the same time. When I get on the highway I can basically go from 20 to 70 mph at a steady 3500 or 4000 (insert rpm here) depending on just how much gas I am giving it. Now not only does that sound cool, but it makes the car more efficient by staying in the optimum power range no matter how fast you’re going. This is possible because instead of having a set number of “gears” and “ratios”, the CVT virtually has an infinite number of gears and ratios. So you end up with better acceleration, better fuel efficiency, and no “shift shock”. On top of all that, kind of a side bonus, you can move the shifter over to manual mode at anytime, allowing you to shift through the 6 “gears” however you see fit. Not as useful as it is fun. In an apples to apples comparison, a conventional transmission just doesn’t compare. Learn more about the CVT.
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Cheers! Sandra. R.
Thank you! Much appreciated.
Replaced CVT, transaxle assy, radiator assy, and fluids at 36,750 miles. Whined (winding noise) noticed for 100 mi. before taking to dealer. Car was in shop for 3 days. Covered under power-train warranty. At same time, received CVT warranty extension from Nissan for up to 10 yrs / 120,000 mi. I’m satisfied; they took care of me without me having to “whine”.
Hi Walt. Sorry to hear about your CVT, but glad to hear Nissan took such good care of you. I also received the CVT warranty extension recently, and was pleasantly surprised! The letter was a nice touch, it exuded confidence. Thanks for stopping by, have a good day!
I only have 24,000 miles on my 2008 Altima 2.5S and already having problems with the CVT. I am, however, having to whine, kick and scream to get my CVT fixed. I also had a problem with the front brakes and had to have them replaced earlier this week. Seems to me that the Altima may be developing into a “throwaway” car…I hate to say.
I’ve had my altima for two years now and at 54,000 miles I’ve had them fix my transmission. Makes me very uneasy to have this issue. I picked it up from the dealer today, the young man claimed I got a new transmission however I don’t think that was the case. They said they’ve extended the warranty however they charged me for a cable they said Nissan would not cover which was totally corroded according to two mechanics. They also charged me for the alignment. When asked for a copy of the detailed report by the mechanic I was given a song and dance that it would be in the car. NOT. I’m going to sell this car because I’ve lost faith in Nissan. So sad…
Had a 2008 Altima that was making a “vacuum” noise after having it for two years. The car had 64,000 miles and the CVT overheated according to the dealership and needed to be replaced. Of course the transmission was on backorder and I was halfway through relocating my family at the time. The story ends when I felt forced to purchase a new 2010 Altima instead of staying in a hotel waiting for the part for up to a month. Hopefully this one doesn’t have the same problem.
My 2008 Nissan Altima has 42,000 miles on it and I just got it out of the shop because the transmission went out. Same whining and then it lost power. I am thinking of getting rid of it. My niece has the same car and the same problem. Nissan should be recalling these cars.
I admit, it worries me a bit the transmission problems I hear reported on these cars.
I have recently purchased the 2008 Nissan Altima. My check engine light has came on and my transmission was whinning. The dealership initially said my transmission needed replaced and changed to my car needing some computerized upgrade. This worked for a few weeks until I was in the middle of a vacation. My transmission started whinning again and I lost power. Who klnows what kind of mess I am into now. I never had a Nissan before and I am sure I will never have another. I am used to being taken care of after large purchases.
Well if it is the transmission, it should be under warranty up to 100,000 miles. I received a letter a while back saying all CVT transmissions were extended up to 100,000, regardless of original owner. Just an FYI.