ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: The mild 2010 refresh does a lot for this car from a visual standpoint. With a new front fascia and hood, it almost looks like a miniature Infiniti G37 coupe if you look at it from a front three-quarter view, which isn't a bad thing at all. And to make the range-topping model sound a bit sportier, the trim level has been changed from the 3.5 SE to the 3.5 SR.
My main complaint about the Altima is that it's always felt too loose. The steering is way too light with little feedback. The shift action of the six-speed manual gearbox also feels just a bit too light and notchy. Other than those complaints, I like the rest of the car. The only other competitor I can really think of in this class would be the Honda Accord coupe, after Toyota put the kibosh on the Solara. Thankfully, both entries are strong overall.
Getting back to this Altima coupe, other new touches for 2010 include the revised interior with better materials, and the center console redo looks sleeker. The backup camera is a neat to have come up on the center radio screen. I also like the new red leather interior option that looks awesome with the car's dark slate paint job.
For the drive, it's quick off the line with 270 hp going to the front wheels. I didn't have too much trouble getting the power to the ground with careful modulation of the throttle, and torque steering wasn't a big issue, either. There is a good amount of grip in turns with some roll, but not enough to turn me off on the car, and the brakes are strong and responsive. When just rolling around town, most bumps and potholes will be felt, but it's nowhere near teeth-shattering and is easy to deal with on a daily basis. It's just the price you pay for a sportier ride.
Between this and the Accord coupe, I would have a tough time deciding. I haven't been in an Accord coupe in a long time, but I know I like the steering, transmission and smoother engine better. However, this Altima coupe has grown on me, too. I'll have to reserve judgment until I drive an Accord coupe again. Both are good coupes, though.
SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: This is really a nice coupe that offers a hint of sport and luxury.
The interior is very sharp, and our tester outfitted in a maroon color was one of the nicest shades I've seen in awhile. Contrasted with the black solid parts, it's very aesthetically pleasing.
As much as I liked how the cabin looked, it was loud at speed on the expressway with noticeable amounts of wind and road noise. Plus the passenger seat vibrated for no apparent reason.
The Altima coupe drove in a fairly sporty manner. This is not the 370Z, but it's actually in the same neighborhood pricewise. All things being equal, I'd Z up without thinking twice. But the Altima coupe is a nice ride, especially with this smooth-shifting manual. The clutch has an easy take-up and rowing the gears is a breeze. The downshifts return a satisfying response, and acceleration is no problem. The 270-hp output is clearly evident, and the V6 is a well-chosen powerplant for this car. The steering offered a nice feel and conveys the right vibe for a personal coupe.
I really liked the sheetmetal on this car. It hangs well on the two-door iteration, and the headlights look luxurious--really nicely done with attention to detail. I liked the lines and the curves; it's sharper than most in this segment. It seems as if Nissan is really trying to make this car stand for something and give it a premium feel. Overall, this is a nice product in a sometimes forgotten part of the market.
2010 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SR
Base Price: $30,320
As-Tested Price: $30,495
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; FWD, six-speed manual
Output: 270 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,294 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/21.5 mpg
Options: Floor and trunk mat set ($175)
My main complaint about the Altima is that it's always felt too loose. The steering is way too light with little feedback. The shift action of the six-speed manual gearbox also feels just a bit too light and notchy. Other than those complaints, I like the rest of the car. The only other competitor I can really think of in this class would be the Honda Accord coupe, after Toyota put the kibosh on the Solara. Thankfully, both entries are strong overall.
Getting back to this Altima coupe, other new touches for 2010 include the revised interior with better materials, and the center console redo looks sleeker. The backup camera is a neat to have come up on the center radio screen. I also like the new red leather interior option that looks awesome with the car's dark slate paint job.
For the drive, it's quick off the line with 270 hp going to the front wheels. I didn't have too much trouble getting the power to the ground with careful modulation of the throttle, and torque steering wasn't a big issue, either. There is a good amount of grip in turns with some roll, but not enough to turn me off on the car, and the brakes are strong and responsive. When just rolling around town, most bumps and potholes will be felt, but it's nowhere near teeth-shattering and is easy to deal with on a daily basis. It's just the price you pay for a sportier ride.
Between this and the Accord coupe, I would have a tough time deciding. I haven't been in an Accord coupe in a long time, but I know I like the steering, transmission and smoother engine better. However, this Altima coupe has grown on me, too. I'll have to reserve judgment until I drive an Accord coupe again. Both are good coupes, though.
SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: This is really a nice coupe that offers a hint of sport and luxury.
The interior is very sharp, and our tester outfitted in a maroon color was one of the nicest shades I've seen in awhile. Contrasted with the black solid parts, it's very aesthetically pleasing.
As much as I liked how the cabin looked, it was loud at speed on the expressway with noticeable amounts of wind and road noise. Plus the passenger seat vibrated for no apparent reason.
The Altima coupe drove in a fairly sporty manner. This is not the 370Z, but it's actually in the same neighborhood pricewise. All things being equal, I'd Z up without thinking twice. But the Altima coupe is a nice ride, especially with this smooth-shifting manual. The clutch has an easy take-up and rowing the gears is a breeze. The downshifts return a satisfying response, and acceleration is no problem. The 270-hp output is clearly evident, and the V6 is a well-chosen powerplant for this car. The steering offered a nice feel and conveys the right vibe for a personal coupe.
I really liked the sheetmetal on this car. It hangs well on the two-door iteration, and the headlights look luxurious--really nicely done with attention to detail. I liked the lines and the curves; it's sharper than most in this segment. It seems as if Nissan is really trying to make this car stand for something and give it a premium feel. Overall, this is a nice product in a sometimes forgotten part of the market.
2010 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SR
Base Price: $30,320
As-Tested Price: $30,495
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; FWD, six-speed manual
Output: 270 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,294 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/21.5 mpg
Options: Floor and trunk mat set ($175)
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