SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER: There's a lot to like in this 350Z wannabe, from the sporty exterior styling to the excellent interior layout and materials, from the highly competent handling for a front-driver to the strong and smooth powertrain.
The roofline borrows liberally from the 350Z, which gives the car a racy edge and distinguishes it from similarly styled coupes such as the Pontiac G6. Inside, all the key pieces are well placed and accessible, with the six-speed shifter and all the pedals properly placed for maximum ease of use. Nissan did a great job of responding to criticism of its bad Altima interiors, and clearly that effort pays off in the good materials and fits in the Altima Coupe.
Though this car doesn't upgrade yet to the 3.7-liter V6 in the 370Z and Infiniti's G37 offerings, the 3.5-liter mill is well equipped to hustle this little car down the road, and it is at its best with the six-speed stick to keep it revving. The steering is light but precise and the suspension keeps the car on track as well as any front-drive competitor. Acura may do a better job than this with its front-drivers, but the difference isn't much.
This car makes huge sense for someone lusting for the more expensive 370Z but without the paycheck to support it. This car also works for Z lovers living in climates where front drive is a plus or those who have a few friends that they might want to bring along in the back seat.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: Interesting comparison above, but my vote for the poor man's Z car is for the coupe from South Korea, the Hyundai Genesis coupe. It is rear-wheel drive and packs a couple of potent engine options and comes in at a very attractive price.
Now, let's get to this Altima coupe. I did find it surprising that Nissan would do a coupe version of its high-volume sedan. I suppose the opportunity to jump into the market when Toyota was abandoning it by killing the Camry Solara seemed like a chance to pick up some scraps left behind. With the Altima's tight platform and strong 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed manual transmission wrapped in sleeker two-door wrapper, it does offer a sportier argument.
The result is a car that pulls very strong in a straight line and that is pretty fun to get on with a nice manual gearbox to row through. For a front-wheel-drive car wearing all-season tires, it is impressive how well it sticks around a turn, but when you push it harder, the body roll and front-wheel-drive tendencies to understeer show their ugly head.
As with all Altimas, steering is overboosted, but the brakes are strong and feature nice pedal feel. For everyday matters, it rides comfortably with a backseat that is good enough for average-size adults and a trunk that will easily accommodate a weekly trip to the grocery store.
The only direct competitor I can think of is the Accord coupe, which I would give the edge to if I was in the market for a sporty front-wheel-drive coupe. This Altima possess a tighter drive character, but the Honda's superior manual transmission and interior finish wins me over.
2009 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE
In Fleet: Jan. 23-Feb. 6
Base Price: $27,085
As-Tested Price: $33,060
Drivetrain: 3.5-liter V6; FWD, six-speed manual
Output: 270 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 258 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,241 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/20.6 mpg
Options: Premium package including leather trim, heated driver and passenger seat, premium sound, radio data system, speed-sensitive volume, Bluetooth, HID headlights, dual-zone temperature control, HomeLink universal transceiver, premium finishes, auto-dimming mirror with compass ($3,200); technology package including navigation with touch screen, voice activation, XM traffic ($2,000); vehicle dynamic control ($600); floor mats ($175)