The Nissan Altima Coupe burst onto the scene 15 years after the first Altima mid-size sedan hit the streets, fora brief five-year, two-generation lifespan that burned bright and fizzled abruptly. One of its primary competitors was the Honda Civic Coupe, which lived a much longer life, whole other competitors included the Ford Focus Coupe, the Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe, the Toyota Solara Coupe, the Kia Forte Koup, the Honda Accord Coupe, and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Introduced as a sporty alternative to the sedan, this all-wheel drive (AWD) coupe had unique exterior styling and sportier suspension. With a standard six-speed manual transmission—a continuously variable transmission (CVT) was an option—it was an interesting blend of midsize interior roominess and fun handling. While the CVT received favorable initial ratings, it was beset with problems (and lawsuits) after the 2013 redesign.
This vehicle that is more than 10 years old still commands relatively used car high prices, courtesy of the sporty coupe styling and the limited number of vehicles that were originally produced.
The Nissan Altima Coupe was a low-volume vehicle, and ultimately sales weren’t strong enough to justify its existence, and the poor execution of the CVT in the 2013 model helped to ring the death knell.
With the rise in SUV sales and the popularity of Nissan’s other models, such as the Rogue, the current Altima doesn’t seem long for this world, as automotive industry reports say Nissan will kill off the sedan once the current generation ends in 2025.
Nissan Altima Coupe: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Nissan Altima Coupe Pros and Cons
- Nissan Altima Coupe Generations
- Nissan Altima Coupe Second Generation (2013)
- Nissan Altima Coupe First Generation (2008–2012)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nissan Altima Coupe years are the best?
Though neither Carcomplaints.com nor Consumer Reports separate the Altima Coupe from the Sedan, we can make some predictions based on how the Altima performed overall. Predictive reliability for the 2008 to 2009 modes is fairly low, as is that of the 2013 model year. While predictive reliability is never super high for the Altima, it’s average from 2010 to 2012, and those years also have the fewest complaints. The 2011 model year has the fewest complaints and recalls of all and the highest owner satisfaction ratings.
What are the worst Nissan Altima Coupe years?
Hands-down, the year with the most complaints is 2013, and a lot of those center around the CVT, with mass reports of stuttering, vibration, and rough running—there’s even a lawsuit involving CVTs in Altimas from this model year, and CarComplaints.com gives this year a special badge: Avoid Like the Plague.
Is a used Nissan Altima Coupe a good deal?
The average MSRP of a used Nissan Altima Coupe ranges from about $6,000 to $9,000. Considering that the original price was between $21,000 to $30,000, we think this is a fairly good deal, especially since the coupe version is generally priced higher than the sedan. We saw several of the preferred 2011 models in the $8,000 range, with a note that you’ll pay more if you opt for the 3.5 trim with the V6 over any of the 2.5 trims with the four-cylinder engine.
Nissan Altima Coupe Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Comfortable front seats
- Quality interior materials
Cons:
- Tight rear headroom
- Lower mpg ratings than sedan
- Problematic CVT
Nissan Altima Coupe Generations
Nissan Altima Coupe Second Generation (2013)
For this single-year generation, the FWD Nissan Altima Coupe was redesigned alongside the new Altima sedan. The exterior and interior were completely new, and there was a more upscale feel throughout the vehicle. Steering and suspension were upgraded, and fuel economy got a small boost.
The 2013 model carried over the 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, but it dropped the peppy 3.5-liter V6. The CVT was now the only transmission for this vehicle, and there was just one trim level for the coupe: Nissan Altima 2.5 S. Sedan Altima models retained the V6, along with other trims.
Even though the Altima Coupe lost a lot in 2013, it gained some things, too, most notably specs. Standard features included 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, keyless entry, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights, a six-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The only options were fog lights, a rear spoiler, and external ground lights. However, that single trim meant it lacked the kinds of higher-end features you’d expect from a well-specced coupe of the time, such as a seven-inch infotainment screen, heated seats, blind spot monitoring, or a moonroof.
The average price of a 2013 Nissan Altima Coupe is about $8,000. The listings we saw were a mixed bag that ranged from $1,500 to $17,000, so it appears there might be some good deals on this model, but it’s worth taking a long look at those accident reports.
Nissan Altima Coupe First Generation (2008–2012)
The Nissan Altima Sedan, built on the same platform as the Maxima and Murano, entered its fourth generation in 2007, while the two-door version of the Altima was launched in 2008. It had a shorter wheelbase than the sedan as well as a shorter overall length and a lower height. While the Altima Coupe body style borrows its overall design from the sedan, it has a distinctive grille, headlights, taillights, side panels, and rear end. In fact, only the hood is the same on both the sedan and the coupe.
The same engine options were available with both the sedan and the coupe, though: the 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and the 175-hp 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder. A six-speed manual transmission was standard and the CVT is available as an option.
For its inaugural year, there were two Altima trims: the base 2.5 S and the upmarket 3.5 SE. The coupe came standard with an AM/FM radio with MP3 input, steering wheel audio controls, and cruise control. Standard safety features included six airbags, child-seat anchors, four-wheel antilock brakes, tire pressure monitoring, and front-passenger whiplash protection. Available features included Nissan’s Intelligent key, push-button start, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, navigation, rear back-up camera, and satellite radio. For 2009, push-button start became standard and dual-zone climate control became an option.
In 2010, the Nissan Altima Coupe received a small facelift, which included a refreshed grille and projector beam headlights. The 3.5 SE trim was also renamed Altima SR. Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control is also now standard equipment, and a new Bose premium audio system became available. The last two model years of this generation were largely unchanged.
Listings we saw for this generation ranged from $3,000 to $13,000. The lower end is primarily for the 2.5 S trims, but we also saw both trims listed at the high end of the scale. It’s worth mentioning that the coupe typically commands a higher price than the sedan, so if you see a really good deal, be sure to verify it has two doors instead of four.
