2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE Road Test Editor's Review | Page 3

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I Say

80%

By Daniel Lafrance
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Summary Rating:

Complete Rating

Styling (87%)
Accessories (80%)
Space and Access (76%)
Comfort (80%)

Performance (80%)
Driving Dynamics (80%)
Safety (80%)
General Appreciation (80%)

Styling
Exterior (90%)
Interior (80%)
Exterior fit and finish (90%)
Interior Fit and Finish (90%)
Accessories
Convenience and equipment (80%)
Instrumentation and controls (80%)
General ergonomics (80%)
Heating / ventilation / air conditioning (80%)
Sound system (80%)
Space and Access
Front space and access (70%)
Rear space and access (70%)
Cargo space and access (80%)
Storage capacity (80%)
Access to mechanical components (80%)
Comfort
Seats (80%)
Driving position (80%)
Suspension and ride (80%)
Noise level (80%)

Performance
Acceleration (80%)
Engine output (80%)
Transmission (80%)
Fuel consumption (80%)
Driving Dynamics
Steering (80%)
Handling (80%)
Braking (80%)
Manoeuvrability (80%)
Safety
Traction and stability control (80%)
Mirrors (80%)
Visibility (80%)
General safety (80%)
General Appreciation
General Appreciation (80%)

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Competition
The 2007 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE carries a base sticker price of $31,398 and is fully loaded. You can add the Xtronic CVT transmission ($1,200), Premium Package ($4,100), Navigation Package ($3,000) and a 3-coat paint ($285), which will increase the price to $39,983. Come to think of it, we're not that far from the 350Z...

Racy styling and spicy performances usually create a successful car.

As mentioned earlier, the competition is getting thinner and thinner. For instance, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo will soon bow out. Consequently, we're left with:

- BMW 328i, $43,600;
- Chrysler Crossfire, $39,995;
- Ford Mustang GT, $33,799;
- Honda Accord EX-V6, $34,200;
- Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-P, $34,298;
- Pontiac G6 GTP, $32,960;
- Toyota Solara SLE V6, $36,975.

At just over $31,000, the Altima Coupe 3.5 SE is very competitive. That said, its price skyrockets when you add a couple of options. In case you're wondering, the base 2.5 S model starts at $27,798 and proves to be surprisingly well equipped.

The last word
Maybe time will affect the attractiveness of the Altima, but you have to admit that this new coupe makes quite an impression. Powerful and solid, enticing and provocative, it forces people to take notice.

Nissan's goal with the Altima coupe is clear: attracting buyers with style, performance and an affordable price. I think they hit the bull's eye.