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- Sporty, sophisticated styling
- Powerful base and V-6 engines
- Respectable fuel economy
- Continuously variable transmission
- Small opening to tiny trunk
- Firm ride quality
- Awkward access to small rear seat
- Road noise on coarse surfaces
After the Nissan Altima sedan was completely redesigned for 2007, a couple version was introduced for 2008. Reviewers are enthusiastic about the sporty styling of the Altima coupe; in fact, many say it looks similar to the sophisticated design of the more expensive Infiniti G37 coupe (*est. $34,900 to $36,200). The Altima's two engine choices are a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 available with a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Almost all test-drivers who sampled the CVT are impressed with its smoothness and response, but both engines provide good performance.
Several reviewers who recommend the four-cylinder over the V-6 as a way to lower the price note that the electronic stability control (ESC) is optional on the V-6 only. Fuel mileage is decent with either engine: 23-32 mpg for the four-cylinder and 19-27 mpg for the V-6. The Altima's handling gets mixed reviews; while it is reported to corner adequately and competently for most driving situations, critics say it can't match competitors on curvy roads and at higher speeds. Compared to some rivals, reviewers say the Altima coupe suffers a bit on overall refinement, though most seem to like it better than the aging Toyota Solara (*est. $20,180 to $27,155). Comparatively speaking, tests reveal that the Nissan Altima can't beat the Honda Accord coupe (*est. $21,860 to $30,510).
Well-written comparison tests involving the Nissan Altima coupe are available from Motor Trend, Edmunds.com and Automobile.com. Edmunds.com also names the Altima as one of its top picks for coupes, and provides a solid road-test review. CNet.com calls the Nissan Altima coupe one of its "best affordable tech cars," and offers an informative general road-test evaluation. Cars.com, About.com and TheCarConnection.com each provide insightful reviews, complete with pros and cons and detailed driving impressions. ConsumerGuide.com evaluates four different sedan and coupe models and recommends the Nissan Altima.
Our Sources
1. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
The Nissan Altima coupe is pitted against two similarly priced front-wheel-drive, manual-transmission, sporty V-6 coupes in a well-executed comparison test. The Altima comes in second, narrowly losing to the new-for-2008 Honda Accord.
Review: Comparison: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse vs. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe, Edward Loh, Apr. 2008
2. Edmunds.com
This comprehensive comparison test of the Nissan Altima and Honda Accord coupes includes track testing and driving on public roads. The Accord beats the higher-priced (as tested) Altima in many aspects.
Review: Comparison Test: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe vs. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe, Chris Walton, Nov. 11, 2007
Though this reviewer comments, "The Altima has become Nissan's affordable version of the sexy (Infiniti) G37 Coupe," in the end the Honda Accord coupe is chosen as superior and ""the better to drive day in and day out."
Review: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe V-6 EX-L Navi vs. 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE Comparison Test, Justin Couture
4. CNET
CNet.com calls the Nissan Altima coupe "the sportiest-looking model to come out of Nissan's factory since the iconic 350Z" and names it one of five "best affordable tech cars" based largely on the car's' in-cabin technology.
Review: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe, Kevin Massy, Sep. 14, 2007
5. Edmunds.com
This review evaluates the Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE with V-6 and its continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Altima is rated highly among front-drive, midsize coupes.
Review: The Passionate Front Driver, Erin Riches, May 20, 2007
6. Cars.com
In this review the Altima coupe is praised for its performance and style, but its pricey options are noted as a negative. "When optioned out, the price of the V-6 Altima coupe gets dangerously close to 350Z and Mustang GT territory, and then choices get a bit fuzzy."
Review: 2008 Nissan Altima, David Thomas, Jul. 19, 2007
7. About.com
After driving both the four-cylinder and V-6 versions of the Altima coupe, About.com's car guide Aaron Gold says he prefers the 2.5-liter four-cylinder. He notes, though, that it should have more aggressive tires and is disappointed that ESC is only available on the V-6 model. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe Test Drive, Aaron Gold
ConsumerGuide.com gives the Nissan Altima a "recommended" rating rather than its top "Best Buy" endorsement. Editors like the Nissan's performance and fuel economy, but say the Altima trails "class benchmarks for "overall refinement."
Review: 2008 Nissan Altima Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sept. 24, 2008
TheCarConnection.com says the Altima coupe "provides most of the practicality of the Altima sedan, with a lot more style." On the downside, the Altima's small trunk opening and road noise on coarse surfaces are noted.
Review: 2008 Nissan Altima Bottom Line, Bengt Halvorson
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