2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
Based on analysis of 22 Altima-Coupe reviews and test drives.
Nissan Altima Coupe - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe ranks 16 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 22 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Altima Coupe, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Altima Coupe is sexy and stylish, with a responsive continuously variable transmission in the high-end trim. But while its front seats are comfortable, the back seats are cramped and the trunk is small.
According to our analysis, the brand-new 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe is a sexy-looking car at a bargain price, but its performance isn't as sporty as its appearance conveys. Nonetheless, most auto writers say Nissan compensates for this by giving the Altima Coupe sedan-like responsiveness thanks to a smooth continuously variable transmission. Available in two well-liked trims, the four-cylinder 2.5 S and the six-cylinder 3.5 SE, the Altima Coupe is often compared to the more upscale Infiniti G35, but its closest competitor is the newly redesigned Honda Accord Coupe. Also consider the Accord Coupe if you're in the market for a midsize two-door but not sold on the Altima's amenities. Toyota Camry also makes a coupe model, the Toyota Camry Solara. If you like the style and driving dynamics of the Altima Coupe but need more space, consider the Nissan Altima Sedan.
- "A solid performer with sufficient look and cook to become a formidable player in what's turning into an increasingly crowded field." -- Motor Trend
- "Nissan has a potential winner here, notwithstanding the general pessimism about the market prospects for two-door cars." -- New York Times
- "Ultimately, the Altima coupe trades sporting duds for style, so if you want a good-looking, value-priced coupe that has plenty of standard equipment and performance, this Nissan has a lot going for it." -- Car and Driver
- "While not an all-out, high-performance sports machine, the Altima coupe is a sweet piece of work that gives you most of what you want for a price that might surprise you." -- USA Today
- "The 2008 Altima Coupe is not a great car nor is it a standout in the segment. So it's not likely to light some internal, unquenchable fire in a buyer to drive the wheels off of it. But it is a well-built, good-looking, nicely packaged and competitively featured and priced two-door coupe." -- New Car Test Drive
- "You probably won't be disappointed if you rush out and buy an Altima Coupe, but I would test-drive the new Honda (HMC) Accord Coupe first." -- BusinessWeek
Altima-Coupe Performance - 7.8 (Good)
The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe's two engine options receive fairly good reviews, but the car's performance score suffers because Nissan doesn't provide sports-car-like performance to match the coupe's stylish good looks. According to Car and Driver, the Coupe "handles tidily, but the ride is slightly stiff-legged." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn how test drivers rate the Altima Coupe's continuously variable transmission, or read how the car's independent suspension helps the Altima hug the road. continue
Altima-Coupe Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe's earns one of its highest scores for its alluring shape. Many compare it to the more expensive Infiniti G35. "Isn't that the most beautiful coupe you ever saw since, well ... the G35?" asks The Family Car. "Yep, thought you might say that." Check out the Nissan Altima Coupe Photo Gallery to get a better grasp of how much the Altima and G35 resemble each other, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read how passersby responded to the coupe's appearance on test drives. continue
Altima-Coupe Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe's interior is pleasantly upscale. "Nissan once had some pretty marginal looking interiors," says the Chicago Sun-Times, "but the coupe shows the automaker can come up with pretty good ones." But as is customary with coupes -- your comfort will be compromised by car's size. Check out the Nissan Altima Coupe Photo Gallery to view just how large 7.4 cubic feet of trunk space really is, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn what standard and optional features are available with the 2008 Altima Coupe. continue
Altima-Coupe Safety - 8.9 (Very Good)
The Altima Coupe does well in government crash tests. A wide array of safety equipment comes standard with the vehicle, though advanced equipment like traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control are only available for the 3.5 SE. Continue with our full Safety Review if you want to learn what other safety features are offered with the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe. continue
Altima-Coupe Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe's has a three-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn more about Nissan's warranty. continue