Driving Impressions

The Nissan Altima Coupe drives like a well-tuned front-wheel-drive car. There's a major front-end weight bias, ranging from 60/40 front/rear in the four-cylinder manual to 63/37 front/rear in the V6 CVT, but the relatively short wheelbase and uniquely tuned suspensions for each of the trim levels do a decent job of compensating. Buyers shouldn't expect sports car handling, though, as quick, left-right-left transitions set the relatively light back end to wallowing as it tries to keep up. Steering is respectably responsive, not especially crisp, but with competent turn-in and feedback through the steering wheel. When pushed, understeer (where the car wants to go straight instead of turning) is the dominant characteristic, as expected. Power steering assist levels seem to differ between the S and SE, with the SE's steering feeling significantly lighter and the S the more comfortable on both straight-as-an-arrow interstates and squiggly two-lanes. Of the two transmissions, the six-speed manual is the clear choice for fun driving. Six speeds seem to be overkill, as everyday driving requires but three or four, and the car isn't meant for race track duty. But the manual is more relaxed and manageable, and, quite frankly, a better manual transmission in terms of sharp, precise gear selection and tight shift patterns than even the six-speed manual in the vaunted BMW 3 Series. The CVT, on the other hand, seems lazy and ill at ease, leaving the engines wandering about their power curves and often sounding as if they're straining even if they aren't. Which, in truth, most of the time they aren't, as the electronics managing the CVT attempt to keep the engines at their optimum efficiency levels vis-a-vis power output, fuel economy and emissions. It's just that they sound so uncomfortable, like over-worked, under-powered engines, that it's difficult to believe otherwise. Yes, the V6 is the preferred choice of drivers for whom the most important measure of a car's desirability is being the first across the intersection from a stop light or attracting the attention of cars with flashing red lights. Given the reality check of today's gas prices, though, and the quite competent performance of the Altima's four cylinder, which in basic power ratings easily tops the class, there's little reason to pay more either now to the dealer or later at the gas pump. Like the rest of the hardware, the brakes are competent, if not notably impressive either in pedal feel or stopping performance. Brake and accelerator pedal juxtaposition accommodates heel-and-toe downshifts, but it's a stretch, or a twist of the ankle, actually. Powertrain sounds aren't significantly intrusive, save of course for the roaming whine and groans of the engine as it wanders seemingly aimlessly through the CVT's infinite ratios. There's little wind noise, but the tires will keep the occupants well informed of pavement quality. As for how it fares versus the Accord Coupe and Solara, the former is better balanced, with a good blend of handling and ride, while the latter tends to emphasize ride over handling, making it the more comfortable vehicle over long distances.

Final Word

The 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe is a nice two-door coupe. Elements of its styling hint at what Nissan hopes it will do to brighten up the Altima brand. But it lacks the spark, in looks and performance, that's essential to give a coupe the personality to be an image leader. NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Minneapolis, Minnesota.