2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid Safety Review
Based on analysis of 17 Altima-Hybrid reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Altima Hybrid does very well in federal government crash tests.
In government crash tests, the 2008 Altima Hybrid earned five out of five stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal offset crashes, and five out of five stars for front seat and backseat occupant protection in side crashes. Nissan Altima's hybrid model was not tested separately by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but the conventional model received the highest possible rating, "Good," in frontal offset tests. Side impact tests have not been done since 2006.
Accident Avoidance
To avoid collisions, the Altima Hybrid has a Traction Control System and a Vehicle Dynamic Control System standard on its models. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard. A rearview camera is included in Nissan's optional Technology package, and it’s a device several writers appreciate. Autosite calls the camera "fabulous," later explaining it "made pulling out of shopping center parking slots a breeze. You don't really need the camera, however, because the A- and B- pillars are thin and there's a wide expanse of glass in back."
Crash Protection
If an accident does happen, the 2008 Altima Hybrid features dual-stage supplemental front air bags, drive and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for outboard passengers.
