Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe

I spent some quality time recently with Nissan’s first attempt at a two-door Altima. It’s an intriguing proposition that has a lot going for it, including one of the few CVTs I’ve ever actually enjoyed driving. There are still questions on the practicality of a coupe this size that still leaves little legroom, and even less headroom in the rear seats. Check out the full review at the link and keep reading for a video recap.

2008 Nissan Altima Expert Review

Comments

I think it's time for people to admit, you don't ALWAYS travel with 3 full sized adults. Considering how many single occupant Escalades I see in a given day maybe it's time for people to return to enjoying coupes again.

When I had a coupe I never worried about trunk space since I usually threw my groceries and incedentals on the floor behind the driver seat. (open and close one door, instead of walking around to the trunk)

But on the subject of "Headroom" why must the Sunroof be bundled into every option package? At 6'2" I need every inch I can get in such a swoopy car. But if I forgo a sunroof (a poor substitute for a true convertable anyway) I must also give up the fog lamps, the leather and the nav-system.

Doesn't Nissan (and other manufacturers) make enough damn sunroofs in a year to make it a stand alone option?

NO kidding, Infosaur! I'm also 6'2" and hate sunroofs for stealing so much headroom. Good thing I can't afford a luxury car or all Acuras and many others would be off my list. They come with a sunroof standard, no way to delete them. Such a pricey item with so many compromises should always be a free-standing option.

Hey guys. If you look at the video when I'm sitting in the driver's seat (I'm also 5'10) notice how far down the roof angles to the left of my head above the window. The slope is severe so there's even less visibility. Visibility overall wasn't great. Headroom itself was OK even with the sunroof but I think if you're super tall you're not going to love it. The Mustang is one example of a car anyone can fit in.

I also mentioned the trunk just because it was so significantly smaller than the others. But I agree single people in coupes might not care as much. Unless you have a date who packs a lot for a road trip.

M3: I'm 6'4" and drive an Acura TSX. Actually a sunroof was on my must-have list, and if I couldn't get comfortable in the car I crossed it off the list. That was the exception rather than the rule! The problem is probably far worse in a coupe than a sedan. I doubt I'd feel comfortable in the Altima coupe, but I found the TSX, Saab 9-3, Volvo S40, VW GLI and Subaru Legacy to all have good visibility despite my height and the presence of a sunroof.

Of course Hondas are known for their upright driving position and expansive greenhouse, and even the modern high beltline trend (for occupant safety) doesn't diminish the good visibility I found in the TSX. Ironically the TL is lower to the ground and has worse overall visibility.

I'd like to see the new Volvo C30. The small rear window looks like a killer to me. Maybe that's why they offer backup sensors as an option. :-)

To my eyes, the Altima coupe looks a heck of a lot like a less expensive version of the Infinity G35 coupe. Any idea how they compare Dave?

Being a Nissan fan myself, I've personally "looked" at this vehicle in a dealership. Performance aside (too bad it isn't RWD, but understandable) - just the look - I like it very much...except that I wish it used the same grille as the sedan instead of the honeycomb grille, but that's really nit-picking.

As for the sunroof VS no sunroof - that's a tough one. I'm pretty sure that there will be more than 50% of the consumer who wants a sunroof, and they want it cheap = pkg option! So unfortunately, for a mass produced vehicle, it gives Nissan very little room to sway (either make it an invdividual option = expensive = many people will complain, or make it a pkg option = cheapER = not as many people will complain...only tall people). As to comparison to Mustang...now that's kind of over the edges. Mustang uses OLD styling = boxy = more room on length, width and height! The drag will be significantly higher than an aerodynamically shaped vehicle like the Altima Coupe. And remember, if you are buying a "sleek" looking coupe, the last thing you want to complain is the headroom + rear visibility. Just drive faster and be the 1st car on the road! :)

1 thing that I do have a difficult time to understand is how much more expensive the pkgs have become. I mean, previous, options of $2000-$3000 = FULLY loaded vehicle. That held true probably 'til 2005. Now if you want a fully loaded vehicle > around $7000 or even $10K more! You know, with that price, you can actually get a 2nd car (either a really cheap new one like the Aveo - with all GM rebates and such, it's doable, or a used car!)

With the options, you get pretty close to G37 territory. I'm not sure someone would choose a loaded Altima coupe over a G37, even if it didn't have the same options.

Although they look quite similar, you have to remember the G35/G37 are based on the 350Z/Skyline FM platform, NOT the Altima platform.

Also, remember, a fully loaded Altima Coupe will still be $10k less than a comparible Infiniti.

I saw my first one the other day, and it looks really small (the new Altimas in general don't seem much bigger than a current-gen Civic) - but I like it!

Yeah, I know that a $30K G37 won't have the same options as a loaded $30K Altima, but the G37 will be much more entertaining to drive and will still be very well equipped....and it will retain more of its value.

I just bought one fully loaded,and I'm 6'2 and I love it! Of course it kinda looks like a 350/g35 thats the point there hot cars, and of course its a cheaper g35 thats the point im 21 i dont have 50k to spend on a fully loaded g35 and the insurance is soo much cheaper b/c its an altima not a g35 but the car is slick- navi,bluetooth, rear back up camera, its a great overall COUPE! stop saying its a lil small its called a COUPE for a reason its supposed to be

Great Car!!

I just purchased the Altima Coupe today and I LOVE IT. I'm only 5'7" though and it is perfect for head space. I'm also single w/ no kids so this is truely a great car for me. :)

I just recently brought the 2008 nissan altima coupe 2.5s convience package for about 24,000 including tax. The premium package was a little hefty for my budget, which is another $5,000. And then theres the technology package. Which can add up to a 32,000 car. It has great handling, sleek design. I really don't think the car space is too small, im pretty short myself so it doesn't bother me.
I can see that the nissan coupe look alot like infiniti's g35/g37, but in my opinion, the nissan altima coupe is not a poor man's g35.